Dollar Car Hire
Allentown

After collecting your luggage at the ABE baggage reclaim, look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars." The Dollar desk is conveniently located with the other hire companies inside the main terminal building, so it’s easy to find. Once you complete the hire process at the desk, you will be directed to the designated car park area where the vehicles are kept. The whole process is within a short walking distance, so you won't need to take a shuttle.

Arriving at Lehigh Valley International Airport at night is straightforward. The terminal, including the car hire counter area, is well lit and easy to navigate. The walk from the desk to the car park is typically short and along well-lit pathways for your safety and convenience. Since ABE is a compact airport, you can expect a quick and simple transition from deplaning to driving away in your hire car, even on a late arrival.

For a smooth departure, it's sensible to allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes for the car return process on top of your airline's recommended arrival time. This buffer gives ample time to find the rental return area, unload your luggage, and complete the vehicle check-in with an agent. From there, it’s a short walk back to the terminal for airline check-in and security. Arriving with this extra time helps ensure a stress-free start to your travel day, especially during peak morning hours.

As you approach Lehigh Valley International Airport, pay close attention to the road signs for "Rental Car Return." The airport has dedicated signage that clearly directs you to the correct entrance, which is separate from general passenger car parks such as short-stay or long-stay. Following these specific signs is the most reliable method to ensure you arrive at the right location without confusion. Most sat-nav systems will also guide you accurately if you set your destination to "ABE Rental Car Return."

When arriving during a snowstorm, the whole airport process can be a bit slower, from deplaning to waiting for baggage. The walk from the terminal to the hire car lot might take a few extra minutes as you navigate potentially slippery surfaces. You should also plan to spend a little time clearing any accumulated snow and ice from your hire vehicle's windows and lights before you depart. While the rental transaction itself isn't usually longer, these weather-related factors can add to your overall pick-up time.

The most direct and least complicated route for a first-time visitor is to take Airport Road (PA-987) south from the airport. This road will lead you straight towards the city centre. You can then turn onto a major east–west street like Union Boulevard or Tilghman Street to get to the heart of downtown. This route helps you avoid the more complex motorway interchanges on Route 22, making for a more relaxed first drive in the area.

The drive from Lehigh Valley International Airport to Bethlehem's historic district is quite short, typically only 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic. During peak commuter times such as 7–9am and 4–6pm on weekdays, you should plan for the trip to take closer to 25 or 30 minutes. The most common route involves a brief drive on Route 22 East. Weekend traffic can also be heavier, particularly if there’s a festival or major event in Bethlehem.

The primary route from the airport to Easton is Route 22 East, a major highway in the Lehigh Valley. Be prepared for a steady flow of traffic, including a significant number of large lorries, and be mindful of vehicles merging from slip roads. It's important to pay attention to the overhead signs well in advance of your exit to ensure you are in the correct lane. The drive itself is generally straightforward and takes about 20–25 minutes without major delays.

For the easiest parking experience, consider hotels located in the suburban areas west of Allentown, particularly near the interchange of I-78 and Route 309. Hotels along the corridor by Airport Road and near Route 22 also typically feature large, open surface car parks that are simple to navigate. While city centre hotels offer proximity to certain attractions, they often rely on parking garages which can be tighter. Staying just outside the centre generally provides the most convenient and stress-free parking.

When attending an event at the PPL Centre in downtown Allentown, the most common strategy is to use one of the several nearby parking decks. The Arena Deck, the ArtsWalk Deck and the Spiral Deck are all designed to serve venue traffic. It’s highly recommended to arrive early, as these decks can fill up quickly before a popular match or show. Many visitors find it convenient to park and then enjoy a short walk to the arena and nearby restaurants.

The drive to Dorney Park is generally simple, as it’s situated right off the Interstate 78 and is well signposted. The main challenge is not tricky turns but potential traffic bottlenecks on the final approach to the park entrance, especially on busy summer weekends. The exit ramp and local roads leading to the car parks can become backed up, so it's wise to allow extra time. Being patient and following the clear signage for parking will get you straight to the main lots.

Using Allentown as a base for a Philadelphia day trip is very realistic and a popular option. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours each way, primarily on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476). To ensure an easy drive back, plan to leave Philadelphia either before 4pm to beat the evening rush hour, or wait until after 7pm when traffic has subsided. This timing strategy helps you avoid the heaviest congestion and makes for a much more pleasant return journey.

A day trip to New York City is ambitious but achievable with some planning. The drive is about two hours without traffic, mostly on the I-78 East. To make it comfortable, leave Allentown very early in the morning to avoid the intense commuter traffic into the city. For the return, the key is to leave Manhattan after 8pm to ensure a much smoother and less stressful drive back to the Lehigh Valley. Many travellers prefer to park in New Jersey and take public transport into the city to avoid driving in Manhattan itself.

For a scenic day trip to the Poconos, map out a loop that uses a mix of motorways and local roads. For instance, you could take Route 145 North and connect to Route 209 to visit towns like Jim Thorpe, then return via a different route for fresh scenery. Using a sat-nav is essential for navigation on the winding rural roads. Plan your scenic stops in advance by looking up state parks such as Beltzville State Park, which are well signposted and have convenient parking.

When arriving during a major event, it's sensible to anticipate that the airport will be busier than usual. A good strategy is to set your car hire pick-up time for at least 45 to 60 minutes after your flight's scheduled arrival. This provides a comfortable buffer to allow for potential flight delays, longer waits at baggage reclaim, and a busier hire counter. This extra time helps prevent feeling rushed and ensures a more relaxed start to your visit.

The interchange where I-78 and Route 22 split is a common point of confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The most frequent mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough, leading to last-minute, difficult lane changes in heavy traffic. Pay very close attention to the large overhead signs well in advance of the split. Using a navigation app with lane guidance can be extremely helpful for navigating this specific interchange smoothly and safely.

When visiting Lehigh University in Bethlehem or Lafayette College in Easton, your best approach is to use the designated visitor parking lots or car parks. On-campus parking is often limited, and street parking in surrounding neighbourhoods is typically restricted or metered. It’s highly recommended to check the university's website before your visit for a campus map and specific instructions on where visitors are permitted to park. Arriving a little early will give you plenty of time to find the right lot and walk to your destination.

While sat-nav is generally reliable in Allentown, some of the older downtown streets and motorway interchanges can be tricky. Occasionally, a sat-nav might not fully account for a very short merge lane on a motorway ramp or a steep, narrow one-way street. This is most common around the bridges crossing the Lehigh River. It's always a good practice to supplement your sat-nav by reading road signs and being aware of your surroundings, especially in the city centre.

To make the pick-up process smoother, a good plan is to have one adult wait with the child and luggage in the baggage reclaim area while the other goes to the hire desk. Once the paperwork is done, the driver can bring the car to the terminal's passenger pick-up curb. This strategy minimises the amount of time your toddler has to wait and reduces the hassle of manoeuvring a pushchair and bags through the hire car lot. ABE is compact, so this is a quick and efficient way to get your family settled.

An excellent and easy-to-find meeting point at Lehigh Valley International Airport is the baggage reclaim area. It's located just past the main security checkpoint and has seating available, making it a comfortable place for your group to gather. Once everyone has arrived and collected their luggage, you can all proceed to the hire car counters together. This simple plan ensures no one gets lost and streamlines the process of heading to the car as a group.

A compact or mid-size saloon often provides the best balance for driving in downtown Allentown. These vehicles are nimble enough to comfortably handle the tighter turns and narrower spaces found in some of the city's parking garages, while still offering ample boot space for luggage for a small group or family. While a larger SUV provides more interior room, a more moderately sized vehicle can make the urban driving and parking experience much more convenient and stress-free.

During Musikfest, the most effective strategy is to avoid driving into downtown Bethlehem altogether. The festival operates official satellite car parks on the outskirts of the city, with frequent and efficient shuttle buses that transport visitors directly to the event grounds. This is what most experienced attendees do to avoid extreme traffic congestion and road closures. Using the shuttle service is far more convenient than attempting to find scarce and difficult-to-access parking near the festival.

After dark in winter, the drive from ABE to Allentown requires extra caution as temperatures drop, potentially causing wet roads to freeze. Major routes like Airport Road are usually well-treated, but bridges and overpasses can become icy first. Reduced visibility is also a factor, so it's important to drive at a slower, more deliberate pace. Always leave plenty of following distance between your vehicle and the one in front to allow for longer stopping times.

A day trip to Jim Thorpe is a scenic 45-to-60-minute drive from Allentown, primarily via Route 145 and Route 209. The drive itself is part of the charm, winding along the Lehigh River. Upon arriving in Jim Thorpe, especially at weekends, plan to park in the large, centrally located county car park next to the train station. Arriving earlier in the day is the best way to secure a spot, as this lot is the most convenient option and on-street parking is very limited.

The areas around Hamilton Crossings and the airport can get very congested during morning and evening rush hours, particularly at the interchanges for I-78 and Route 22. If you must travel during these peak times, use a real-time traffic app to monitor conditions. Sometimes, using parallel local roads like Tilghman Street or Cetronia Road can be a slightly faster alternative to the backed-up main roads. Whenever possible, scheduling your drives just before or after the peak 7–9am and 4–6pm windows will result in a much smoother trip.

Route 22 is a major trucking corridor, so you will share the road with many large tractor-trailers. It's crucial to be aware of their large blind spots; if you can't see the truck's mirrors, the driver likely can't see you. When overtaking, do so decisively and don't linger alongside the truck. Always maintain a generous following distance, as trucks require much more room to stop. Staying alert and driving defensively is the best approach on this busy highway.

The road network surrounding the Lehigh Valley Mall on MacArthur Road (Route 145) can be challenging due to high traffic volume and numerous entrances. The most confusing spots for visitors are often the short turn lanes and quick succession of traffic lights for the mall and adjacent shopping centres. The interchange with Route 22 also requires you to be in the correct lane well ahead of time. If you miss a turn, stay calm and proceed to the next light, as there are plenty of opportunities to safely turn around.

Under normal conditions, the drive from Allentown to Hershey takes about 90 minutes. To create a realistic time budget, it’s wise to add an extra 30 minutes to allow for potential traffic, especially if you are travelling on a summer weekend or bank holiday. The route is primarily on I-78 and I-81. Leaving Allentown early in the morning, before 8am, is a good strategy to get ahead of the main flow of traffic heading toward the park.

The most direct and straightforward route to Valley Forge is via the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) south. This is a toll road, but it allows you to bypass most of the suburban Philadelphia traffic, making for a trip of about one hour. Once you exit the turnpike, clear signage will guide you to the park's main entrance and visitor centre. Inside the park, parking is readily available at all the major historical landmarks along the self-guided driving route.

Visiting the Cabela's in Hamburg is an exceptionally easy side trip from Allentown. The simplest route is to take the Interstate 78 West for about 30 to 40 minutes. The store is a large landmark located directly off its own dedicated motorway exit, so it’s impossible to miss. You don't need to worry about parking, as the store is surrounded by an enormous, free car park with more than enough space for cars, trucks and RVs.

While most modern car parks in Allentown can accommodate standard SUVs and people carriers, it's always prudent to check for posted height clearance signs at the entrance. This is especially important if you have hired a larger vehicle like a full-size passenger van. Some of the older city car parks may have lower clearances or tighter turns on their ramps. If you have any doubts, choosing a surface parking lot is the safest alternative.

The most convenient way to refuel before your flight is to use one of the several petrol stations located along Airport Road, just a minute or two from the airport entrance. To avoid any stress, simply build an extra 10 to 15 minutes into your travel time to the airport. This allows you to easily pull in, refuel, and get back on the road to the rental car return area without feeling rushed. Your car's navigation can quickly point you to the nearest option as you approach ABE.

If your plans change, a hire car offers great flexibility. The drive to Newark Airport (EWR) is about 90 minutes via the I-78 East, and the drive to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) is also about 90 minutes via the I-476 South. Before you depart, check a real-time traffic app for any unexpected delays on these busy routes. It's also important to contact the hire company to confirm the procedure and any potential changes in cost for returning the vehicle to a different airport location.

The drive from Allentown to the base of Blue Mountain is straightforward, but the final leg of the journey involves driving up the mountain itself on local roads. During winter, especially after recent snowfall, you should expect these ascending roads to be potentially snow-covered or slick. While road crews work to keep them clear, it is essential to drive slowly and cautiously. Allow extra time for this last, steep portion of the drive to the resort.

A day trip to Lancaster County is very easy and enjoyable from Allentown, with the drive taking about 90 minutes via the direct Route 222 South. Once you arrive in the heart of Amish country, parking is generally simple and free. Most visitors park in the large, dedicated lots at popular attractions like farmers' markets, quilt shops and buggy ride operators. When driving on scenic backroads, remember to be patient and share the road respectfully with slow-moving horse-drawn buggies.

For a wedding weekend, the most convenient plan is to pick up your hire car the day before the first official event, such as the rehearsal dinner. This gives you flexibility for any last-minute errands. Plan to keep the vehicle until the day after the final event, such as a farewell brunch. This schedule ensures you have reliable transport for the entire celebration and can easily shuttle guests or transport items between the hotel and various venues without being rushed.

Before leaving the hire lot, take a few minutes for a quick inspection to ensure peace of mind. Walk around the vehicle to note any pre-existing scratches or dents and make sure they are documented. Check that the tyres appear properly inflated. Inside, adjust your seat and mirrors, and take a moment to locate essential controls like the headlights, wipers and hazard lights. This simple routine helps you feel comfortable and familiar with the car before you begin your journey.

To efficiently see all three towns, plan your route in a logical, one-way progression. A great approach is to start your day in Easton on the eastern side of the valley, exploring its historic town centre. From there, take a short drive west on Route 22 to Bethlehem for the afternoon. You can then finish your day in Allentown, which is furthest west, for dinner or an evening activity. This east-to-west path minimises driving time and eliminates unnecessary backtracking.

The Lehigh Valley offers many convenient spots for a quick break with a pet. The rest areas along major roads like the I-78 have designated pet relief areas. For a bit more space, city and county parks like Lehigh Parkway or Cedar Creek Park in Allentown are excellent choices with walking paths and green space. Many large suburban shopping centres also have grassy perimeters that are suitable for a short, leashed walk. Just remember to bring waste bags to clean up afterwards.

A smooth plan involves mapping your destinations in advance and grouping them geographically. For example, focus on the cluster of wineries along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail in one part of the day, then visit breweries that are located closer together in Allentown or Bethlehem later. Using a sat-nav is crucial for navigating the rural roads where many wineries are situated. Most importantly, ensure you have a designated driver to guarantee a safe and enjoyable tasting tour for everyone in your group.