SUV Hire
Allentown

After collecting your SUV from the hire car area at Lehigh Valley International Airport, the simplest way to get to downtown Allentown is to follow the airport exit signs for Route 22 West. The airport’s internal roads are well signed and designed to guide you directly onto this main road. Stay on Route 22 West for a few miles and take the exit for Airport Road South. That road will lead you straight into the heart of the city, becoming a primary north–south artery with easy access to the downtown district.

An SUV is particularly useful for all of those destinations, as each presents different conditions. For a trip to Lehigh Gorge State Park, the extra cargo space is perfect for bikes or hiking kit, and the higher ground clearance can be reassuring on unpaved access roads. Heading to Blue Mountain Resort, especially in winter, an SUV provides ample room for skis, snowboards and bulky winter clothing. For general day trips into the Poconos, the vehicle’s comfortable ride, elevated driving position and generous space for passengers and purchases make the longer journey more enjoyable.

Planning your SUV’s cargo space is key to a comfortable trip. Start by favouring soft-sided luggage like duffel bags, which are more flexible and easier to arrange than hard suitcases. Pack bulky items such as winter coats and sports equipment first, placing them at the bottom or along the sides. If your group size allows, consider folding down one of the rear seats to create a larger, flat loading area. Utilising vertical space by carefully stacking items can also maximise capacity—just be sure not to block the driver’s rear view.

After leaving the hire car lot at ABE, instead of pulling over on a busy road, head to a nearby shopping centre. The Airport Center shopping plaza, just a minute or two from the airport exit, offers large, low-traffic car parks. This provides a safe and spacious environment to take a few minutes to adjust mirrors and seats without pressure. You can comfortably pair your phone with the vehicle’s infotainment system, set your sat-nav, and organise any bags or snacks for the journey ahead.

Parking a midsize SUV in downtown Allentown, particularly near the Hamilton District and the PPL Centre, is generally manageable. Most modern multi-storey car parks in the area are designed to accommodate these vehicles, though you should be mindful in tighter corners. When navigating these structures, take turns slowly and make use of any rear-view cameras or parking sensors your hire vehicle may have. For surface lots, the main challenge is the width of the bays, so centring your vehicle is important to allow room for yourself and adjacent cars.

The most straightforward and least stressful route for a first-time visitor is to take Route 22 East. This main highway offers a direct connection between the two towns with clear signage and good lighting for night driving. Exit at Route 378 South, which will take you into the heart of historic Bethlehem. When returning after dark, simply reverse the route by taking Route 378 North to Route 22 West, which will guide you back towards Allentown with minimal turns on unfamiliar local roads.

During periods of possible ice or fog, it’s sensible to add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your usual travel time to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). An SUV can provide a more confident driving experience in such conditions, but slower speeds are essential for safety. This extra buffer accounts for reduced visibility from fog, which can be common in the valley, and the need for cautious acceleration and braking on potentially icy patches. Always check local weather and traffic reports before you depart to make any last-minute adjustments.

Visitors driving in Allentown for the first time often find the merges on Route 22 and the I-78 challenging, as they can be short and require assertive but safe manoeuvring during busy periods. Downtown, the grid of one-way streets can be confusing if you miss a turn, requiring you to loop around a block to get back on track. Additionally, some junctions, particularly those with multiple turning lanes or slightly unusual angles, can catch unfamiliar drivers by surprise. Using a sat-nav with lane guidance can be extremely helpful in navigating these specific areas.

When visiting Dorney Park, expect significant traffic on the I-78 and local roads leading to the park, especially on weekend mornings. The park has very large car parks, and an SUV will fit in any standard space without issue. Attendants will direct you to a spot, which often means you’ll be parking in a large field and could have a considerable walk to the main entrance. It’s a good idea to drop a pin on your phone where you parked, as finding your vehicle among thousands of others at the end of the day can be challenging.

The most convenient route from Allentown to the Crayola Experience is to take Route 22 East directly to Easton. The drive is straightforward and typically takes about 20–25 minutes without heavy traffic. Once you arrive in downtown Easton, parking can be tight on busy days. The best options are the municipal car parks on South Third Street and Pine Street. These car parks are a short walk from the main entrance and are a much less stressful option than searching for limited on-street parking, especially with a larger vehicle like an SUV.

To avoid the worst traffic for a day trip to Philadelphia, plan to drive down after the morning rush hour—ideally leaving Allentown between 09:00 and 09:30. For your return, the key is to leave Philadelphia either before 15:30 to get ahead of the evening commute or wait until after 18:30 when it begins to clear. The I-476 corridor (the Northeast Extension) is the primary route, and it gets particularly congested around the interchanges with I-76 and I-276 during peak times. An SUV provides a comfortable ride for this journey.

A practical plan for a day trip to New York is to drive your SUV to a transport hub in New Jersey. Secaucus Junction station is a popular and highly recommended option. It has a large, secure parking garage and offers frequent NJ Transit trains directly into Penn Station in Manhattan, taking only about 10–15 minutes. Another excellent choice is the Port Imperial ferry terminal in Weehawken, which also has ample parking and provides a scenic ferry crossing of the Hudson River to Midtown or Downtown Manhattan.

A day trip from Allentown to Hershey is very doable, with the drive typically taking around 90 minutes via I-78 West and I-81 South. An SUV is great for this trip, offering comfort for the drive and space for any souvenirs. To make the most of your day, plan to arrive at Hersheypark or Chocolate World right when they open to get ahead of the biggest crowds. The parking facilities are vast and well organised, with trams running frequently to transport you from the lots to the main entrance, minimising a long walk at the start of your day.

The simplest and most scenic route to Jim Thorpe is to take Route 22 West to the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension (I-476) North. Exit at the Mahoning Valley interchange and follow Route 209 directly into town. While the main highways are easy to navigate in an SUV, be prepared for narrow streets and very limited on-street parking once you arrive in Jim Thorpe’s historic district. Your best bet is to park in the large county-operated lot next to the train station at the town’s entrance and enjoy the easily walkable centre from there.

The best strategy for Musikfest is to avoid driving directly into the festival grounds. Instead, use the designated satellite parking lots located on the outskirts of Bethlehem. From these lots, frequent and affordable shuttle buses run continuously to the main festival areas. This approach saves you the immense frustration of navigating road closures and searching for scarce parking in crowded neighbourhoods. Driving your SUV to one of these remote lots is easy, and you’ll generally find plenty of space without the stress of tight city streets.

For a visit to Lehigh University, the most convenient place for visitors to park is the Alumni Memorial Parking Garage on campus. It’s centrally located and provides easy walking access to the admissions office and key areas for tours. When visiting Lafayette College in Easton, the best option is the Markle Hall visitor parking lot, situated directly behind the main admissions building. Both locations are accustomed to visitor traffic and have spaces that can comfortably accommodate a standard or midsize SUV.

A great low-hassle fall foliage trip is to drive north from Allentown toward the Lehigh Gap Nature Centre for a scenic hike with stunning views. From there, continue to the charming town of Jim Thorpe to explore the shops and have lunch. The next day, take a leisurely drive along the country roads in Lehigh County to see some of the historic covered bridges. This itinerary balances beautiful drives with opportunities to get out of the SUV and experience the autumn scenery, ensuring you’re not just watching it from behind the wheel.

When driving an SUV in Allentown during winter weather, pay special attention to the area’s many hills, as they can become slick even after being ploughed. Residential side streets are often treated last, so exercise caution when navigating to an address off the main roads. Also be aware of shaded areas, such as under bridges or in heavily wooded sections, as these spots can harbour black ice long after other surfaces have thawed. Always allow for extra stopping distance and reduce your speed in these conditions.

For a straightforward drive to the Delaware Water Gap that avoids narrow backroads, the best route is to take Route 22 East from Allentown. Continue as it merges with I-78 East, then take the exit for Route 33 North. Follow Route 33 all the way to I-80 East. This route keeps you on major, well-maintained highways for nearly the entire journey. Once on I-80, you can take one of the designated exits for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which are clearly signed for visitor centres and popular trailheads.

When downtown streets are closed for an event, the best approach is to park on the periphery and walk in. Look for municipal car parks that are located a few blocks away from the main event area, such as those near the courthouse or on the outer edges of the Hamilton District. These are typically accessible even when central roads are blocked. Following the official diversion signs will guide you around the closure, but planning to park farther out from the start will save you the most time and frustration.

To access local amenities from the airport corridor, use Airport Road as your primary artery. This main road runs parallel to the highway (Route 22) and is lined with numerous shopping centres, restaurants and hotels. By staying on Airport Road, you can easily navigate north or south to find what you need without the risk of accidentally merging onto the highway. For destinations slightly farther afield, use your sat-nav but select the option to avoid motorways to ensure you are routed along local surface streets like Schoenersville Road or Catasauqua Road.

When a large event at the Allentown Fairgrounds concludes, expect significant traffic congestion on the surrounding streets, particularly Liberty Street and 17th Street. Police often direct traffic to help the exit flow, which may mean you are routed in a direction you don’t intend to go initially. The parking is typically in large, open grass or gravel lots on the fairgrounds property. Remember where you parked, as the lots can be dimly lit at night, and follow the directions of the parking attendants to exit in an orderly fashion.

Visiting several covered bridges in a day is very practical with an SUV, as some are located on rural or gravel roads where the vehicle’s handling is a plus. To minimise backtracking, plan a loop route. For example, start with the bridges in the western part of Lehigh County, like Geiger’s and Wehr’s Dam, then work your way east toward Bogert’s Bridge near Allentown. Using a map app to plot all your desired stops beforehand will allow you to create the most efficient, scenic loop through the countryside.

For travellers with limited mobility, the Allentown Art Museum and the America On Wheels Museum are excellent choices. Both have designated drop-off zones right near their main entrances, allowing passengers to get out while the driver parks the SUV. The Lehigh Valley Mall is another great option, with numerous entrances that lead directly from the car park into the single-storey shopping centre. These locations minimise the walking distance from the vehicle to the attraction, making for a more comfortable and accessible experience.

To handle this trip smoothly, keep your luggage secured and out of sight in the SUV’s cargo area, ideally under a cover if one is provided. After picking up your vehicle at ABE, drive directly to Bethlehem for your visit. Park in a well-lit, central car park while you explore. This avoids leaving the vehicle on a quiet street. Afterwards, the drive to your Allentown hotel is short, and you will only have to unload your bags once upon final arrival, making the entire process efficient and secure.

For most standard and even full-size SUVs, clearance is not a significant issue on main roads or in modern car parks in the Allentown area. The majority of infrastructure is built to accommodate commercial traffic. However, if you are driving an oversized model with a rooftop cargo carrier, it’s wise to pay close attention to posted height limit signs at the entrances to older car parks or under low-clearance bridges on rural backroads. When in doubt, choosing a surface lot over a car park is the safest option.

The most direct route to Newark Airport is I-78 East. To reduce stress, avoid travelling during weekday morning or evening rush hours, as the stretch of I-78 in New Jersey becomes extremely congested. Plan to leave Allentown to arrive at the airport at least three to four hours before your flight, which builds in a significant buffer for unexpected traffic. An SUV provides a comfortable and commanding view of the road for the long-distance drive, which can help make the journey feel less taxing.

Driving on I-78 and Route 22 during commuter hours can be challenging due to heavy traffic volume, particularly with lorries. The elevated ride height of an SUV is beneficial for visibility in these conditions. Key bottlenecks typically form on Route 22 around the Fullerton Avenue and Airport Road exits, as well as at the merge where Route 22, I-78 and Route 309 converge. On I-78, traffic often slows near the Hellertown exit and the border with New Jersey. Patience and allowing extra travel time are essential during these peak periods.

When parking in a tight lot, take your time and utilise your vehicle’s features. If your SUV has a reverse camera and parking sensors, rely on them to gauge distances accurately. It’s often easier to reverse into a space than to pull in forwards, as it gives you a clear path to drive out later. Don’t hesitate to pull out and re-centre your approach if you’re not aligned correctly on the first try. If possible, choose a corner spot or a space at the end of a row to minimise the risk of dings from adjacent car doors.

A compact or midsize SUV offers the best balance for a trip to the Lehigh Valley. These categories provide significantly more cargo space than a saloon, easily accommodating luggage for a small group and any shopping finds from the local outlets or downtown boutiques. At the same time, their footprint is not dramatically larger than a standard car, making them relatively easy to manoeuvre and park in Allentown’s car parks, historic Bethlehem’s streets and standard shopping centre lots. This choice prevents the parking challenges that can come with a full-size model.

A very convenient stop is the Airport Center shopping plaza, located just minutes from the ABE hire car lots on Airport Road. This complex features a large grocery store, several fast-casual restaurants and a coffee shop, making it a perfect one-stop location to stock up on snacks, drinks and any forgotten essentials. The expansive car park makes it easy to manoeuvre your SUV and organise your purchases before beginning the main leg of your drive to the Poconos. It allows you to get settled without navigating far from the airport.

Visiting both Allentown attractions and The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville in one day is ambitious but possible if you plan carefully. The best order is to explore Allentown in the morning, perhaps visiting a museum or the downtown area. Then drive to the outlets in the early afternoon to avoid the worst of the Pocono-bound traffic. An SUV is ideal for this trip, as you’ll have plenty of space for your shopping bags on the return journey. Be prepared for a long day and prioritise your must-see spots in Allentown to keep your schedule manageable.

An SUV is the perfect vehicle for a sports tournament weekend. Designate the cargo area as your ‘gear zone’ to keep coolers, equipment bags and folding chairs separate from the passenger cabin. The extra space allows you to travel between different fields or venues without having to constantly repack the vehicle. Use the time between games to restock a cooler with drinks and snacks, ensuring your athletes stay hydrated and energised throughout the day. The ability to easily transport bulky equipment makes quick venue changes much less stressful.

A common mistake is not anticipating the one-way street grid surrounding the PPL Centre. A missed turn at night can be disorienting, forcing a driver to circle several blocks to get back on course. Another issue is that sat-navs sometimes direct drivers down Linden or Hamilton streets, which can have lanes closed or heavy pedestrian traffic during events. It’s best to review the final few turns of your route on a map before you start driving, and approach the area slowly to read street signs carefully.

For an easy road trip loop, focus on attractions with ample, dedicated parking. On the way to Lancaster, consider stopping at the Crystal Cave in Kutztown, which has a large, convenient lot. In the Lancaster area, attractions like the Strasburg Rail Road or the many farm-based experiences in the countryside offer spacious, hassle-free parking suitable for any size SUV. This allows you to enjoy the sights of Pennsylvania Dutch Country without the stress of navigating and parking in the tight streets of downtown Lancaster.

A day trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park is an excellent choice. The park is designed for driving, with a well-signed one-way loop road called the Encampment Tour that connects all the major sites. Each key location, such as Washington’s Headquarters and the National Memorial Arch, has its own dedicated car park, making it very easy to park your SUV, explore an area on foot, and then drive to the next stop. Plan to spend at least half a day to see the main points of interest without feeling rushed.

The most effective way to secure your luggage is to always use the cargo cover to keep your belongings out of sight. If your hire SUV doesn’t have one, pack your bags in the rearmost section and, if possible, place a dark-coloured blanket over them. Always park in well-lit, populated areas, such as pay car parks or busy shopping centre lots, rather than on a deserted side street. By making your vehicle an uninteresting target, you significantly reduce the risk of a break-in while you are away.

For a late-night drive to the Poconos, your primary route will be the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike (I-476). This is a well-maintained motorway, but be aware that lighting can be sparse between junctions. Use your full beams when no other cars are present for better visibility. Be especially vigilant for deer, which are very active at night in this region. The turnpike has service plazas with fuel, toilets and food, so plan a brief stop at one to stretch and refresh before tackling the final, more rural part of your journey.

To ensure a smooth winery or brewery tour, plan your route geographically to avoid backtracking across the valley. Most establishments in the Lehigh Valley have ample gravel or paved car parks that can easily accommodate an SUV. It’s a good idea to check the opening hours of each location in advance, as some smaller wineries have limited weekend schedules. Calling ahead if you have a larger group is also a courtesy that can help the staff prepare. A designated driver is essential for a safe and enjoyable day for everyone in your group.

When driving from Pennsylvania into New Jersey, the most notable difference is the traffic density, which increases significantly, especially on major motorways like I-78. Drivers in New Jersey tend to be more assertive, and the pace of traffic is generally faster. Be prepared for the absence of self-service petrol stations, as it is state law for an attendant to pump your fuel. Also be aware of ‘jughandles’, which are common in New Jersey for making left turns from multi-lane roads, requiring you to exit to the right to loop around.