Hertz Car Hire
Harrisburg

Even with a late-night arrival at Harrisburg International (MDT), the process is quite manageable as it is a compact and easy-to-navigate airport. After deplaning, follow the clear overhead signage for Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation. The rental car desks are conveniently located together in the terminal on the baggage claim level. The walk is short and entirely indoors, so you can go straight to the desk to complete your paperwork before heading out to the adjacent car park to find your vehicle.

Rental car services at MDT are centralised for traveller convenience. The rental desks are situated on the first level of the terminal, directly opposite the baggage claim carousels. Once you have your keys and contract, you'll be directed to the multi-storey car park connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. Simply follow the prominent signs for rental cars, which will guide you to the correct level where the vehicles are parked and ready for collection.

A practical meeting point is the passenger pickup area on the roadway just outside the baggage claim doors. This allows the rest of your group to wait with the luggage while one person retrieves the car and returns to the kerb. For a more comfortable wait, the main lobby area near the check-in desks offers seating away from the main foot traffic. This spot provides a relaxed environment to gather before setting off.

For a first-time visitor, the most direct route is usually the least confusing, even with potential traffic. From the airport, take PA-283 West to I-283 North, then follow the signs for I-83 South towards downtown Harrisburg. This route uses major highways with clear signage. While you may encounter congestion during rush hour, especially near the I-83 bridge, it avoids the complex turns of local back roads. Using a real-time traffic app can help you anticipate any slowdowns along this primary corridor.

While the actual drive from MDT to Hershey is only about 15 minutes in ideal conditions, a summer weekend requires more generous planning. Traffic heading into the Hersheypark resort area can become very heavy, especially from mid-morning onward. It is sensible to budget at least 45 to 60 minutes for the entire trip from collecting your car to finding a parking space at the theme park. This buffer accounts for potential delays on Hersheypark Drive and navigating the large car parks.

The most straightforward route that avoids major motorway spaghetti junctions is to take PA-283 East directly from the airport area. This road leads you almost all the way to Hershey. As you approach the town, you will see numerous well-placed signs directing you to Hershey’s Chocolate World and other attractions. This path is generally a low-stress drive through suburban and rural landscapes, making it ideal for visitors unfamiliar with the region.

For visitors new to the area, sticking to the main highways is the most reliable approach. The easiest route involves taking PA-283 West from the airport to I-283 North, then merging onto I-83 South to cross the Susquehanna River. From there, take the PA-581 West exit, also known as the Harrisburg Expressway, which leads directly towards Mechanicsburg. Although it involves a few motorway changes, they are all well-signed and more predictable than navigating local roads.

The most direct driving route is to take PA-283 West to I-283 North, then follow I-83 South and take the Second Street exit into downtown Harrisburg. This exit places you just a few blocks from the Capitol Complex. For parking, several public car parks are conveniently located within a short walk, such as the South Street Car Park or the Walnut Street Car Park. While metered on-street parking is available, finding an open space can be challenging during business hours, making a car park the simpler option.

Access to City Island is almost exclusively via the Market Street Bridge, so be sure to follow signs for it as you drive through downtown. Pay close attention to the lane markings on the bridge, as the traffic pattern can feel unusual to first-time visitors. Once you are on the island, you will find extensive surface parking. These lots are very convenient but can fill up quickly for a Senators baseball game or a weekend festival, so arriving early is highly recommended.

Navigating downtown Harrisburg requires attention to its grid of one-way streets, which is a primary feature of the layout. It's important to watch for street signs carefully, as your sat-nav might occasionally lag in dense areas. Be aware of turn restrictions at certain junctions, particularly during peak commuting hours. Additionally, be prepared for narrow lanes and a high volume of pedestrians, especially around the Capitol and the restaurants on Second Street.

The Farm Show Complex is conveniently located right off the Cameron Street exit from the I-81. The key to a low-stress arrival, especially for a major event, is to allow plenty of extra time as traffic can back up on the exit ramp and surrounding roads. Once you exit, follow the official event signs and directions from parking attendants. They will guide you to the appropriate lot, which may be a short walk from the entrance, so be prepared for that.

The drive from the airport follows PA-283 East, the main route to Hershey. For a major event at the Giant Center, the biggest challenge is the traffic on the local roads leading into the entertainment complex. To avoid stress, plan to leave the airport significantly earlier than you think you need to, adding at least 45 minutes to your expected travel time. This buffer will account for the inevitable slowdowns on Hersheypark Drive and the time it takes to get into the car parks.

The most sensible and direct route is to take US-15 South from the Harrisburg area, which leads you directly to Gettysburg in about an hour. It's a relatively straightforward drive without complex interchanges. On arrival, the best place to start is the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. It features a very large, free car park, making it the most convenient place to leave your car while you explore the museum or begin an auto tour of the battlefield.

The most direct and least complicated route is to take PA-283 East from the airport. This road is the main artery connecting Harrisburg and Lancaster, bypassing the more complex Pennsylvania Turnpike interchanges. To explore the heart of Amish Country, you can take well-marked exits for towns like Mount Joy, or continue on to Lancaster and then head east on routes like PA-340. Sticking to PA-283 is the simplest way to begin your journey into the region.

Downtown Lancaster features a historic street grid with many one-way and narrow streets, which can be tricky to navigate for the first time. The most effective strategy is to choose a public car park near your destination ahead of time and set your sat-nav to guide you directly there. Garages like the Prince Street Car Park offer central access to many shops and restaurants. Once you're parked, the city's core is very walkable, allowing you to explore without the stress of driving.

A great strategy is to combine driving with public transport. Drive east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) but exit in the Philadelphia suburbs rather than driving all the way into Central City. You can park your car for the day at a SEPTA regional rail station, such as one on the Paoli/Thorndale line. From there, take a relaxing train ride directly into the heart of the city, completely avoiding the challenges of navigating and parking in downtown Philadelphia.

The most practical plan is to drive south towards DC and park at a Metro station on the outskirts of the city. A popular and convenient choice is the Shady Grove station at the end of the Red Line, located just off the I-270 in Maryland. This station has a large parking garage designed for commuters. By leaving your car there, you can easily take the Metro to all the major sights, avoiding the notoriously difficult traffic and expensive parking in downtown DC.

The best approach is to avoid driving into Manhattan entirely. Drive east on I-78 into New Jersey and head to a major transit hub with long-stay parking, such as Secaucus Junction or Metropark. These stations offer secure parking and frequent NJ Transit train service directly into New York Penn Station. This plan saves you from the immense stress and high cost of navigating Manhattan's streets and finding a place to park your car.

The drive itself is a straight shot south on I-83, which conveniently leads directly into downtown Baltimore. The primary slowdowns occur during weekday rush hours on the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and on the final stretch of I-83 as it enters the city. To have a more pleasant experience, try to schedule your arrival for mid-day, after the morning commute, and plan your departure before or after the evening rush hour begins.

The motorway interchanges where I-81, I-83, and US-322 converge near the Susquehanna River are notoriously complex, with multiple lanes splitting off in quick succession. Sat-nav instructions can sometimes be slightly delayed in these zones, prompting confusing last-second manoeuvres. To avoid this, it helps to review the interchange on a map before you drive and pay more attention to the large overhead highway signs, as they often provide clearer, more timely guidance than a GPS alone.

Before heading to a ski resort, it's wise to do a quick vehicle check in the rental lot. Take a moment to confirm you know how to operate the demister, windscreen wipers and headlights effectively. It's also a good idea to visually inspect the tyres to ensure they have good tread for potentially slick mountain roads. Finally, make sure the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is full, as you'll likely use it to clear away road salt and grime.

Winter driving in the Harrisburg area requires extra caution. Bridges and overpasses, particularly those crossing the Susquehanna River, can freeze over before other road surfaces, creating slick spots. Be mindful of shaded areas on winding, rural roads, as they can hold ice long after the sun has risen. Always allow for increased following distance and be gentle on the brakes and accelerator, especially in the early morning when unseen black ice is most common.

If you arrive during a snowstorm, prioritise safety over speed. After collecting your rental car, consider a quick stop at a grocery or convenience store near the airport to grab some water and snacks. When you get on the road, stick to the major highways like I-283 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as they are the first to be ploughed and treated. Drive slowly, leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead, and avoid secondary roads until conditions improve.

Just a few minutes from the airport, the nearby town of Middletown offers several convenient options. Along Route 230, the main road to and from the airport, you'll find major grocery stores and pharmacies with large, easy-to-access car parks. These stops are ideal for stocking up on snacks, drinks and any other necessities before you head to your hotel or final destination, without having to navigate complex side streets.

After being on a plane, a great first stop is somewhere kids can stretch their legs. City Island, located in the Susquehanna River right in Harrisburg, has playgrounds and plenty of open green space for a quick run-around. For a simpler option, many of the fast-casual restaurants in the suburbs between the airport and Hershey are family-friendly and provide a low-key environment for a meal or snack before you officially start your holiday activities.

When visiting a military installation like the Carlisle Barracks, be prepared for a security check at the entrance gate. The driver will need to present a valid driving licence, and you may be asked for the vehicle's hire agreement and proof of insurance. Always use the specific gate address provided by your host for your sat-nav, as general base addresses can be misleading. It's also wise to allow extra time in your schedule for potential delays at the gate, especially during peak hours.

To ensure a stress-free car-seat installation, find a less busy spot in the rental car garage. After you've collected your vehicle, consider driving to an open area on a higher level or in a far corner of the garage. This gives you ample space and time to install the seat properly without the pressure of other hirers waiting or trying to get by. Taking a few extra minutes in a quiet spot ensures your child is safe and secure for the journey ahead.

Most downtown hotels are well-equipped for this process. They typically have a designated short-term passenger loading zone right by the main entrance. The best strategy is to pull in there first, unload your luggage and family, and begin the check-in process. Once you're settled, you can then move your car to the hotel's designated car park, whether it's self-park or valet, without the added hassle of managing your bags.

For convenient access to the Riverwalk, also known as Riverfront Park, parking on City Island is an excellent choice. A pedestrian bridge connects the island directly to the park. Alternatively, you can find metered on-street parking along Front Street, which runs parallel to the river. On pleasant weekends both options are very popular and can fill up by late morning, so arriving early is the best way to secure a good spot.

The museum is prominently located atop a hill in Reservoir Park, offering panoramic views of the city. The drive up to the museum is well signed and straightforward, though you should be prepared for the final winding ascent. Once you arrive, you'll find parking very convenient, as the museum has its own large, dedicated car park located right at the main entrance. This makes for an easy and stress-free arrival.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) near Harrisburg is a toll road, and most hire cars come equipped with an E-ZPass transponder for automated payment. Service plazas are conveniently located directly on the turnpike, allowing you to refuel or get food without exiting the toll system. When leaving a plaza, use the full length of the acceleration lane to get up to speed before merging carefully and smoothly back into the flow of motorway traffic.

When travelling west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), towns like Breezewood and Somerset are major traveller hubs with services located immediately off the junctions. You'll find a wide variety of petrol stations and restaurants at these interchanges, requiring minimal detour time. If you are taking the non-toll US-22/322 route, towns such as Lewistown and Huntingdon offer convenient and accessible services right along the highway.

For a beautiful and easy-to-navigate autumn drive, consider taking US-322 West from Harrisburg towards State College, which passes through scenic valleys and mountains. Another great option is to drive north from the city along the Susquehanna River on US-11/15, offering lovely river views and colourful foliage. For a more pastoral scene, the roads through Lancaster County, easily accessed via PA-283 East, provide a stunning backdrop of autumn colours against rolling farmland.

In the Harrisburg area, it's courteous to use your indicator and allow others to merge, especially on the busy motorway interchanges. Pay close attention to posted speed limits, as they can change frequently on major roads like I-83, US-322, and Cameron Street, which are also common areas for speed enforcement. In downtown Harrisburg and Hershey, always be vigilant for pedestrians in crosswalks, as these areas have heavy foot traffic.

The most efficient plan is to first drive to the upper-level departures curb at the main terminal. Here, you can drop off your passengers and all the luggage, allowing them to proceed to the check-in desk. While they are doing that, the driver can follow the signs to the rental car return area located in the car park. After completing the quick return process, it's just a short, covered walk back to the terminal to rejoin your group for security.

A frequent mistake is following the general signs for airport parking and missing the specific, separate entrance for "Rental Car Return." To avoid this, slow down as you approach the terminal and car park complex and look for the dedicated signage. For your sat-nav, it's often more accurate to input "Harrisburg Airport Rental Car Return" as your destination rather than just the main airport address. This can help provide more precise turn-by-turn directions to the correct entrance lane.

You can find several petrol stations conveniently located on Route 230 in the nearby town of Middletown, just a minute or two from the main airport access road. These stations are situated on the primary thoroughfare, making for a very simple and quick stop. This allows you to easily refuel your hire vehicle before your return without having to navigate any confusing airport traffic patterns or side streets.

If you experience an issue right after leaving the rental lot, avoid stopping on the narrow shoulders of the immediate airport access roads. The safest course of action is to continue driving for a minute or two until you reach a main road like Route 230. There, you can easily pull into the large car park of a petrol station or retail store. This provides a safe, well-lit space to inspect the vehicle away from the fast-moving airport traffic.

To minimise traffic frustration during a major Hershey event, plan your driving around the event's peak hours. Try to visit attractions farther away from Hershey in the morning, and head towards the Hershey area in the early afternoon when initial crowds may have subsided. When leaving, either depart before the event ends or wait until well after the mass exodus has cleared. Using a real-time traffic app to explore alternate local roads can also help you bypass the worst of the congestion on Hersheypark Drive.

When planning a hike to popular spots like Hawk Rock or in Michaux State Forest, an early start is crucial, especially at weekends. Trailhead car parks are often small and can fill up quickly. Be prepared for some access roads to be gravel or less maintained than main highways, so drive with care. It's also a good idea to download trail maps to your phone beforehand, as mobile signal can be unreliable in more remote, mountainous areas.