Car Hire
at Allentown Airport

Finding your way from baggage claim to the car hire area at Allentown Airport is very straightforward. The car hire desks are conveniently located directly opposite the baggage carousels within the main terminal building. Once you collect your luggage, you will see the well-lit signs for the major hire companies just a few steps away. Because ABE is a compact and easy-to-navigate airport, you won't have to worry about long walks or confusing corridors to find your desk.

At Allentown Airport the hire cars are parked in a dedicated surface lot immediately adjacent to the terminal building. After completing your paperwork at the desk, you will exit the terminal and walk a very short distance to your vehicle. There is no need for a shuttle, which makes the process quick and convenient. The walk is flat and brief, so it's easy to manage even if you are rolling a cabin bag and carrying a couple of small items.

To ensure a smooth pickup after a late-night arrival at ABE, it's highly recommended to include your flight number in your car hire reservation. This allows the hire staff to track your flight and be prepared for any delays. It's also good practice to confirm the outlet's operating hours before your trip. When you arrive the terminal will be much quieter, which often means you can complete the hire process at the desk more quickly and be on your way.

As you approach Allentown Airport on Airport Road, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." Rather than entering the main loops for passenger drop-off and pick-up, you will be directed to a separate, dedicated entrance for the return lot. Pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signage as you get closer to the terminal. The signs clearly distinguish the hire return route from the general departures and arrivals traffic, guiding you to the correct location.

The most convenient method is to drive first to the upper-level "Departures" kerb. There you can safely unload passengers and all luggage with a skycap or right at the airline entrance. Once your family and bags are settled, you can then drive around the airport loop alone and follow the signs to the "Rental Car Return" lot. This strategy avoids the hassle of managing children and luggage during the vehicle return process.

For a Monday morning departure, it's wise to plan for extra time when returning your hire car at ABE. This is a peak time for both business travellers and local commuter traffic on the roads around the airport. Plan to arrive at the hire lot at least 30 minutes before you'd typically want to be inside the terminal for check-in. This buffer accounts for potential traffic delays, the vehicle check-in process, and the short walk back to the departures hall.

Yes, finding a petrol station to refuel your hire car before returning it to ABE is very easy. Several options are located along Airport Road, the main thoroughfare leading directly to the terminal. You'll also find stations on nearby major cross-streets such as Catasauqua Road and Schoenersville Road. These are all within a five-minute drive of the car hire return entrance, making a last-minute fuel stop convenient and stress-free.

The most direct and simple route from Allentown Airport to the downtown area is to take Airport Road south. That road eventually becomes Union Boulevard, which leads straight into the heart of the city. The route is largely a straight shot and helps you avoid the more complex interchanges on Route 22. Following Union Boulevard will place you close to the PPL Center and other downtown landmarks with minimal turns.

For a first-time visitor, driving in downtown Allentown is manageable and comparable to many other mid-sized cities. The downtown core follows a grid system, but you will encounter a number of one-way streets, so pay close attention to the signage. Around the PPL Center and ArtsWalk be mindful of pedestrian traffic and designated turn lanes. Using a sat-nav will make navigation much easier, as the layout is generally logical and not overly complex.

The most common route from ABE to Bethlehem is taking Airport Road to Route 22 East, which is very direct. However, during peak traffic Route 22 can become quite congested. For a potentially less stressful alternative, consider using local roads such as Schoenersville Road. While this route has more traffic lights, it can sometimes move more steadily than the highway and serves as a good backup if your sat-nav shows significant delays on Route 22.

Under normal conditions, the drive from Allentown Airport to Easton typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The most direct route is via Route 22 East. The main spots that routinely experience slowdowns are the interchanges and merge points along Route 22, especially during morning and evening rush hours. As you approach Easton, the exit ramps and the area around the bridge into the city can also become congested.

The drive from ABE to Dorney Park is quite short, but timing is key to avoid traffic. The main entrance road, Hamilton Boulevard, gets extremely busy on summer weekends, particularly between 10am and noon. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan to arrive either about 30 minutes before the park opens or wait until after 2pm. Leaving the park can also be slow, so departing slightly before closing time can save you a long wait in the car park.

On an event night at the PPL Center, the most practical plan is to allow plenty of extra travel time from the airport. Use a navigation app with live traffic updates to guide you. Instead of trying to park right next to the arena, identify a public car park a few blocks away and set that as your destination. This strategy helps you avoid road closures and heavy congestion immediately surrounding the venue, allowing for a much smoother arrival.

When driving from ABE to Musikfest, expect significant road closures and diversions throughout historic and south Bethlehem. Your standard sat-nav may not be reliable for navigating near the festival grounds. The best strategy is to aim your sat-nav at one of the designated off-site Musikfest car parks, which are well signed with official event signage as you approach the city. From these car parks, you can take convenient festival shuttles directly to the main venues.

For visitors exploring Bethlehem's Historic District, the most convenient places to park are the two large public car parks: one on North Street and another on Walnut Street. Getting there by car is straightforward, as signs on major routes like Route 378 will direct you toward "Historic Bethlehem" and then to these car parks. While some metered street parking exists, the car parks offer a more reliable and stress-free option for longer visits.

The drive from Allentown Airport to Jim Thorpe is a scenic trip of about 45 to 60 minutes, mostly on the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476). The main challenge on arrival, especially at weekends, is parking. The primary county-operated lot next to the train station fills up very quickly. To secure a spot, it's highly advisable to plan your arrival for earlier in the morning, ideally before 10:30am.

In winter, the main highways from ABE into the Poconos, such as the PA Turnpike, are generally well maintained and cleared of snow. The challenge often lies on the smaller local roads leading to specific cabins, rental homes, or resorts. These roads can be hilly and winding, and may not be ploughed as frequently, sometimes becoming icy. Having a vehicle with all-wheel drive provides significant peace of mind and better handling in these conditions.

To have a smooth start to your ski day at Blue Mountain Resort, a realistic plan is to depart the Allentown area early enough to arrive at the resort 30 to 45 minutes before the lifts are due to open. This is especially important at weekends and on bank holidays. Arriving early allows you to get a better parking spot closer to the lodges and get through the ticket and hire equipment queues before the biggest crowds show up at opening time.

If you're on a tight schedule, be aware that Route 22 is notorious for heavy congestion during rush hour, typically from 7–9am and 4–6pm. It serves as the primary east–west artery for local traffic and often experiences significant slowdowns and backups. The I-78 is generally used for through-traffic but can also get congested near major exits. Allow at least 20–30 minutes of extra travel time if you must use these highways during peak periods.

The best approach is to group colleges geographically to minimise driving time. For instance, visit Muhlenberg and Cedar Crest in Allentown, then Lehigh and Moravian in Bethlehem, followed by Lafayette in Easton. For each campus, locate the designated visitor car park or lot online beforehand. Park there once and explore the whole campus on foot rather than trying to drive between different buildings.

Lehigh University's campus is built into a large hill, and navigating its roads can be tricky for first-time visitors. The most reliable plan is to head directly to one of the university's designated visitor car parks, as on-campus parking is limited. The surrounding South Bethlehem neighbourhoods consist of narrow streets with mainly residential permit parking. Using the official visitor lots is the easiest way to avoid a ticket and enjoy your campus tour.

When visiting Lafayette College the most straightforward approach is to use the main visitor car park, the Markle Hall parking deck. The campus sits on College Hill and the surrounding residential streets have limited parking and can be steep and narrow. Heading directly to the designated visitor parking area will save you the trouble of searching for a spot and navigating unfamiliar side streets, which can be confusing.

Getting back to ABE from hotels on Airport Road is typically very quick and easy at any time of day. If you are staying on Hamilton Boulevard the drive is also short, but be aware of morning commuter traffic. Between 7:30 and 9:00am traffic can build heading into Allentown. It's a good idea to allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for your drive to the airport during this period.

The drive from ABE to the Crayola Experience is a simple 20-minute trip east on Route 22. Once you arrive in downtown Easton, follow the clear signage for the attraction. The most convenient parking for families is the city car park located directly behind the building. This car park provides easy, buggy-friendly access with an elevator that takes you to a covered walkway leading right to the entrance, making it very manageable with young children.

A realistic plan for a Hershey day trip from ABE involves smart timing. The drive itself is about 90 minutes, primarily on the I-78 and I-81. To avoid the largest crowds, aim to arrive at Hersheypark either when it opens in the morning or later in the afternoon, after 2pm. Leaving the Allentown area before 7am can also help you avoid local rush hour traffic and ensure a smoother start to your journey west.

The drive from ABE to Philadelphia is generally smooth, taking about 60 to 90 minutes via the PA Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476). Once you arrive in the city, driving can be challenging due to congestion and one-way streets. A popular strategy is to park for the day in a large public car park, such as those in Old City or near the Museum District. From there you can explore the main attractions on foot or by public transport.

A smart plan when driving from ABE toward New York City is to avoid taking your car into Manhattan. Instead, drive to a major transit hub in New Jersey, such as Secaucus Junction or a PATH station car park in Jersey City or Hoboken. You can park your hire car there for a daily fee and then take a quick and convenient train or ferry into the city. This approach saves you the stress and high cost of city driving and parking.

When driving east from the Allentown area you should be prepared for tolls. The primary route into New Jersey, the I-78, has a toll at the bridge crossing the Delaware River. If your travels take you further onto major highways like the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway, these are also tolled. It's helpful to be aware of this and to understand your hire car's policy regarding electronic toll payment systems.

A common navigation mistake when driving to the Delaware Water Gap is setting the sat-nav to the generic park name rather than a specific destination. The park is vast, so you must input the exact name of the visitor centre or trailhead you wish to visit, like Kittatinny Point or Mount Minsi. Mobile signal can be unreliable in the park, so downloading offline maps before you leave the Allentown area is a highly recommended precaution.

While mobile signal is generally reliable in the immediate Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton areas, it can become spotty as you drive into more rural and hilly terrain. This is particularly true on the routes north toward the Poconos or west into more agricultural regions. To prevent getting lost, it's wise to download your route maps for offline use on your phone before you leave the airport.

Planning a quick stop after leaving ABE is very easy. The main roads leading away from the airport, such as Airport Road, MacArthur Road and Catasauqua Road, are lined with a wide variety of fast-food restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores. You can easily pull over for snacks, drinks or a toilet break within the first five to ten minutes of your drive. This allows you to get everyone settled before heading onto the major highways.

A great meet-up spot for a group at Allentown Airport is in the main arrivals lobby, right by the baggage carousels. This area is centrally located and provides space for everyone to gather with their luggage. Once the whole group is together, one or two people can walk the few steps over to the car hire desks to handle the paperwork while the others wait comfortably with the bags.

To avoid GPS confusion when returning your car, the key is to trust the airport's physical road signs over your navigation app's final turn-by-turn directions. As you get close to the terminal on Airport Road, ignore any prompts to enter the passenger drop-off or pick-up loops. Instead, stay in the main lanes and look for the large, clearly marked signs that explicitly say "Rental Car Return," which will guide you to the correct, separate entrance.

When choosing an SUV for a trip to the Poconos, prioritise both cargo capacity and the drivetrain. Make sure the vehicle has enough space for all your luggage and any gear like skis or hiking equipment. For travel during autumn, winter or spring, selecting a model with all-wheel drive (AWD) is a very sensible choice. AWD provides enhanced traction and stability on wet or potentially snowy mountain roads, offering extra confidence for your journey.

Driving on the rural roads outside Allentown after dark requires increased awareness. Many of these roads are not well lit, can be narrow, and often have sharp bends. The most significant hazard to watch for is wildlife, particularly deer, which are very active at dusk and throughout the night. It's essential to drive at a reduced speed, use your headlights' high beam when no other cars are present, and remain vigilant to ensure a safe trip back to your hotel.

During periods of heavy rain, roads in low-lying areas or those that run parallel to streams and rivers are the most susceptible to flooding. In the Lehigh Valley, this can include sections of parkways and smaller local roads near the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. It is always safest to avoid driving through any standing water, as its depth is often difficult to judge. Sticking to major highways and well-travelled main roads is the most prudent choice in these conditions.

To plan an efficient winery or brewery tour, consult the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail map online to see where the locations are clustered. A good strategy is to drive to the establishment furthest from your starting point first, then make your way back, visiting other spots along the return route. This approach creates a natural loop and prevents you from wasting time by criss-crossing the same areas multiple times.

During major events like the Great Allentown Fair or a sold-out concert at the PPL Center, traffic congestion is most intense in specific areas. For downtown events, the streets immediately surrounding the arena, such as Hamilton and 7th Street, become very slow. For the fair, the roads bordering the fairgrounds, such as Liberty Street and 17th Street, see the heaviest traffic. It's always best to check event schedules and plan alternate routes if you are not attending.

The least stressful strategy for an early-morning return is to prepare the night before by packing your bags and refuelling the car. In the morning, drive directly to the hire return lot at ABE, which is typically very quiet at that hour. The return process is usually swift, and from there it is a very short and easy walk from the lot back into the terminal building. This efficient process ensures you can get to your airline's check-in counter without any rush.