Car Hire
Allentown

To exit Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) efficiently, follow the signs for Airport Road (PA-987). As you leave the terminal area, stay in the through-traffic lanes to avoid accidentally re-entering the arrivals or departures loops. Airport Road provides a direct link to main routes like Route 22, the primary artery for reaching Allentown and other parts of the Lehigh Valley. Paying attention to the overhead signs for the first mile after leaving the hire car area will ensure you're on the correct route.

For the most straightforward approach to downtown Allentown, take Route 22 to the 7th Street / PA-145 South exit. This brings you into the city centre on a major two-way street, reducing the need to navigate the complicated one-way grid straightaway. Follow 7th Street south towards the heart of downtown and make your final turns once you are closer to your hotel. Using your sat-nav from this main artery is generally easier than navigating from other motorway exits.

Drivers unfamiliar with Allentown often find the Hamilton Street corridor challenging because of its mix of one-way streets, heavy pedestrian crossings and sometimes obscured entrances to parking garages. Intersections with 6th, 7th and 8th streets can be especially busy, requiring careful lane choices. It's sensible to have your exact destination entered in your navigation and to drive slowly and deliberately. Be ready for other vehicles making sudden turns into garages or hotel drop-off zones.

The process from baggage claim to driving away in your hire car can vary depending on passenger volume. After collecting your luggage, you'll proceed to the hire car counters or take a short shuttle to the collection lot. During peak weekday morning arrival times, allow extra time for potential queues at the service desk and for completing the vehicle inspection. Planning for this whole process helps ensure a smooth and unhurried start to your visit.

The most direct and least stressful route to Dorney Park is mostly motorway driving. From the airport, take Route 22 West for a few miles until you reach the exit for I-78 West towards Harrisburg. That interchange is generally well signposted and straightforward. Continue on I-78 for a short distance and take the exit for Hamilton Boulevard, which leads directly to the park entrance. This route skips most local traffic and complex junctions.

For major events at the PPL Center, expect changes to traffic patterns and possible closures on the streets immediately around the venue. Hamilton Street and 7th Street are most commonly affected, with lanes sometimes restricted to facilitate pedestrian flow and event traffic. To avoid delays, check the PPL Center’s website for specific traffic advisories before you go. A good approach is to park in a recommended car park a few blocks away and enjoy a short walk to the arena.

While most downtown Allentown car parks are accommodating, some older structures may feature tighter turns and lower clearance heights than newer ones. If you’re driving a larger SUV or van, it’s good practice to note the posted clearance signs at the entrance to any car park. Newer facilities, such as the one linked to the PPL Center, are generally designed with more generous dimensions. When unsure, choosing a more modern car park offers extra peace of mind.

The most reliable parking strategy for visiting Bethlehem during a major event is to head straight to one of the city’s public car parks. The North Street Garage and the Walnut Street Garage are both centrally located and provide easy access to the historic downtown. Using a car park removes the frustration of searching for limited on-street spaces, which are often restricted or metered. This approach lets you park once and explore the festivities on foot.

To tour the three main Lehigh Valley cities efficiently, plan a sequential loop. A logical route is to start in Allentown, then take Route 22 East to Bethlehem. From Bethlehem, continue on Route 22 East to reach Easton. For the return, take I-78 West from Easton back towards Allentown to complete the circuit. This east-then-west path prevents unnecessary backtracking and makes for a smooth, full-day excursion.

Navigating the interchanges on Route 22 successfully depends on early preparation. Before you approach your exit, make sure you know the exit number and the name of the road you need, such as Airport Road or 15th Street. Watch the overhead signs, which often appear a mile or two before the actual exit, and move into the correct lane well in advance. Relying on your sat-nav for lane guidance and avoiding last-second manoeuvres are key to a stress-free drive.

If your navigation system takes you off the main highway near the airport, be mindful of a few key junctions. The junction of Airport Road and Schoenersville Road can be complex, with multiple turning lanes and heavy traffic flow. Similarly, the junction of Airport Road and Union Boulevard is a busy hub that can be challenging for newcomers. In these situations, stay calm, follow your sat-nav instructions carefully, and prioritise safety over making a sudden turn.

The Lehigh Valley is known for sudden changes in winter weather, where a mild forecast can quickly turn to hazardous driving conditions. During snow squalls or freezing rain, bridges, overpasses and less-travelled roads can become icy very quickly, often called 'black ice'. It’s crucial to reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance and avoid abrupt braking or turning. Always treat wet-looking roads with caution in cold temperatures, as they may be dangerously slick.

For convenient shopping right after leaving the airport, head north on Airport Road away from Allentown. Within a few miles you’ll find several large shopping centres in Hanover Township and Bethlehem. These centres house major supermarkets, pharmacies and big-box retailers. Access is straightforward from the main road, and the large car parks make for a much easier stop than navigating the tighter streets of downtown.

When visiting Lehigh University, the most convenient option is to use one of the campus’s designated visitor car parks. The Zoellner Arts Center Parking Garage is a popular and centrally located choice for visitors. Using a visitor garage is far more efficient than trying to find on-street parking in the surrounding South Bethlehem neighbourhoods. Street spaces are often scarce and may be reserved for residents with permits, so a garage saves time and prevents potential fines.

A successful day trip to the Crayola Experience involves strategic timing. Plan to arrive in Easton when the attraction opens to enjoy a few hours before the biggest crowds. To avoid the worst of the Lehigh Valley’s evening rush hour, aim to leave Easton by 2:30pm or 3:00pm at the latest. This should give you enough time to drive back to Allentown on Route 22 West before traffic volume peaks.

The primary arteries for commuters, and therefore the most congested during rush hour, are I-78 and Route 22. Both roads experience significant delays, particularly eastbound in the morning and westbound in the evening. Key feeder roads like Route 309, Cedar Crest Boulevard and Route 100 also see heavy traffic as drivers access these main highways. Planning travel outside peak commuter times can save considerable time and frustration.

During the Great Allentown Fair, the streets immediately surrounding the fairgrounds, such as 17th Street and Liberty Street, become extremely congested. Local police often redirect traffic to manage the flow. The best strategy is to follow the official event signage, which will guide you to designated fair parking lots. Approaching from the west using streets further from the main entrance can sometimes help you avoid the longest queues.

The best place to wait for arriving passengers at Lehigh Valley International Airport is the cell phone lot. This designated waiting area allows you to park free of charge until your party has collected their luggage and is standing at the arrivals kerb. Once they call you, it’s just a short two-minute drive to the terminal for a quick and easy pickup. Using the cell phone lot helps keep terminal traffic flowing and is much more convenient than repeatedly circling the airport.

To easily access the Allentown Art Museum and nearby attractions, aim for a public car park in the Arts District. The Community Deck, located on 6th Street, is a convenient option that places you within a very short walk of the museum, the Arts Park and Miller Symphony Hall. By parking in a central car park you can leave your car for the duration of your visit and explore the area on foot without the hassle of hunting for multiple on-street spaces.

When planning a trip to the Lehigh Gorge, it’s wise to prepare for more rural conditions. Before you leave the Allentown area, fill up the tank, as service stations become less frequent the further north you travel. It’s also a good idea to download maps for offline use, because mobile signal can be unreliable or completely unavailable in parts of the gorge and surrounding state parks. This preparation ensures you can navigate confidently and without interruption.

For a stress-free experience at a Coca-Cola Park game, plan to arrive about 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled start time. This provides a comfortable buffer to handle the traffic entering the ballpark from American Parkway, which can get busy on popular game nights. Arriving early also gives you plenty of time to find a good parking spot, walk to the stadium and find your seats without feeling rushed before the first pitch.

A common mistake visitors make when driving to the Lehigh Valley Zoo is over-relying on sat-navs that suggest shortcuts through winding residential back roads. The most straightforward and reliable route is to take Route 309 North. This main road is well maintained and has clear signage directing you to the zoo entrance within the Trexler Nature Preserve. Sticking to this primary route helps avoid confusing turns and ensures a much smoother journey.

To avoid the stress of navigating Jim Thorpe’s narrow, historic streets, the best parking solution is the large municipal lot next to the train station at the edge of town. While there’s a fee, the lot is spacious and easy to access from the main road into town. From there it’s a pleasant short walk across the bridge into the main commercial district. This removes the significant challenge of finding scarce parking in the heart of the action.

For a combined Hawk Mountain and Lehigh Valley day trip, it’s best to visit the sanctuary in the morning. This allows you to take advantage of prime bird-watching hours and cooler hiking temperatures. After a few hours there, drive back towards the Lehigh Valley for a late lunch or early dinner in Allentown or Bethlehem. This itinerary balances nature and city exploration and avoids driving on rural roads near the mountain after dark.

When checking into a downtown hotel with a busy entrance, the best approach is to call the hotel in advance for their specific unloading instructions. Many have a designated short-term pull-in area for check-ins. It helps to pull up, turn on your hazard lights and have one person quickly go inside to check in while the other stays with the car. Once you have your room key and parking pass, you can then move the car to the designated car park.

For travellers with pushchairs and luggage, public car parks are the most convenient option in downtown Allentown. Garages like the ArtsWalk Deck or the PPL Center garage typically offer wider parking spaces than on-street bays, making it easier to open doors fully. They also feature lifts, which are essential for moving pushchairs and bags between levels. These garages are centrally located, providing a short and manageable walk to many key attractions.

When driving in the Lehigh Valley, be aware of school zones, which are common in residential areas and along main roads. These zones have significantly reduced speed limits that are strictly enforced during posted morning and afternoon hours on school days. Look for prominent signs and flashing amber lights that indicate when the lower speed limit is in effect. Being vigilant and ready to slow down is key to driving safely and avoiding a fine.

When exploring scenic backroads for covered bridges, it’s wise to supplement your sat-nav with some manual planning. Review your route on a map beforehand to get a sense of the main county roads. If your sat-nav suggests a turn onto a road that appears to be unpaved, very narrow or poorly maintained, it’s often better to stick to the more established numbered route. Downloading maps for offline use is also crucial, as mobile signal can be patchy in these rural areas.

The most direct and widely used route to Newark Airport (EWR) is I-78 East. This interstate takes you almost directly to the airport exit. To minimise stress, travel outside peak commuter hours if possible and allow a significant buffer—at least an extra hour beyond the sat-nav estimate—to account for unpredictable traffic near the airport. Keep your navigation active for real-time traffic updates and clear lane guidance as you approach the complex airport interchanges.

When crossing the Delaware River into New Jersey, be aware that the major bridges, especially the I-78 bridge, can experience significant congestion during commuter hours and on weekends. Some of the smaller, older bridges may have specific weight or size restrictions, so they are not always suitable for larger vehicles. It’s always sensible to check a live traffic app before you depart to see if one crossing is less congested than another.

The SteelStacks campus is well-equipped with large, dedicated surface car parks for visitors, which are typically free of charge. During major events like Musikfest or large concerts, these lots can fill quickly. For high-traffic events, organisers often set up designated overflow lots with shuttle services to the campus. To secure the most convenient parking, arriving early is always the best strategy.

Driving from ABE to Allentown late at night is generally a low-traffic experience. The main roads like Airport Road and Route 22 are well lit and clearly signed. However, with fewer cars on the road, the traffic that is present tends to move at a faster pace, so it’s important to remain alert. Some traffic signals at minor junctions may switch to a flashing amber or red mode, requiring you to proceed with caution or treat it as a stop.

A good area to get accustomed to your hire car is on the local roads in Hanover Township, just north of the airport. Streets like Schoenersville Road or Catasauqua Road offer a typical suburban driving experience with standard traffic lights, turning lanes and moderate traffic. Driving a short loop in this area allows you to get a feel for the vehicle’s handling and visibility before you merge onto a high-speed road like Route 22.

For a comfortable and less stressful drive to the Poconos, the best option is the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476 North). While this is a toll road, it’s a modern, multi-lane motorway that is well maintained and engineered with gradual inclines. It provides a much more direct and manageable route into the heart of the Poconos compared with smaller, winding state roads that can be more challenging for drivers unfamiliar with mountain terrain.

The primary traffic challenge at Hamilton Crossings is congestion, which peaks at weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, and during the holiday shopping season. Navigating the large car parks can be slow, with many cars competing for spaces and pedestrians crossing frequently. The entrances and exits onto the busy Hamilton Boulevard bypass can also back up, so it’s wise to be patient and allow extra time when visiting during these peak periods.

To avoid the hectic turning lanes on major commercial strips like MacArthur Road in Whitehall, consider using parallel secondary roads for parts of your journey. For example, you might use side streets to position yourself for an easier right-hand turn into a shopping centre rather than a difficult left across multiple lanes of traffic. Planning your route in advance on a map can help you identify these less-congested alternative paths for a smoother suburban drive.

For a smooth early-morning return, build a two-step process into your schedule. First, drive to the main terminal’s departures kerb to drop off your passengers and all the luggage. After they’re safely on their way to the check-in desk, you can then drive the car by yourself to the clearly marked hire car return area. This separates the tasks, allowing you to handle the passenger drop-off without the pressure of the return process, and then focus solely on the vehicle return.

To have a more pleasant weekend trip to Philadelphia, timing is key. Plan to drive down on Saturday or Sunday morning, aiming to arrive in the city before 11am. This helps you beat the peak arrival rush of other visitors and find parking more easily. For your return trip to Allentown, leaving Philadelphia after 7pm on Sunday typically allows you to miss the worst of the departing weekend traffic, ensuring a smoother drive home.

A day trip to Hershey requires planning for about a 90-minute drive each way, not including traffic. It’s best to leave Allentown early in the morning to arrive when the park opens, maximising your time there. For the return journey, budget at least two hours, as evening traffic on I-81 and I-78 can be unpredictable. This buffer allows for a relaxed dinner or rest stop without feeling rushed to get back.

In the Lehigh Valley, road construction season typically runs from late spring through early autumn, taking advantage of the warmer weather. During these months, be prepared for potential lane closures, sudden diversions and uneven pavement on main roads like Route 22, I-78 and Route 309. It’s always good practice to check a real-time traffic app like Waze or Google Maps before you start your drive to get the latest updates on worksites and plan an alternate route if necessary.