Van Hire
Allentown

For maximum convenience with a group, picking up your van directly at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is the most practical option. This removes the need to coordinate separate transport for your party and luggage to an off-site location. Collecting the vehicle at the airport lets everyone meet in one place, load the van straight after collecting their bags, and begin the journey without delay. It streamlines the entire arrival process, which is especially helpful after an early flight.

The most efficient approach is for the designated driver to collect the hire van first while the others wait in a pre-arranged spot. The baggage reclaim area or the passenger pick-up kerb at ABE are common meeting points. Once the driver has the van, they can loop back to the terminal’s arrivals level to collect the rest of the group and their luggage. Clear communication by text message is key to getting the timing right and minimising waiting.

Many downtown Allentown hotels have designated passenger loading and unloading areas right outside their entrances. These are your best option for a quick, safe luggage drop-off. If your accommodation doesn’t have one, look for a temporary space on a quieter side street next to the hotel. It’s also sensible for one person to stay with the vehicle while the others unload to avoid any parking issues.

While the drive from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to downtown Allentown is relatively short, it’s wise to allow extra time during peak weekday rush hours. In light traffic, it might take around 15–20 minutes. However, between about 7:30–9:00 and 16:30–18:00, plan for closer to 30–40 minutes to account for heavier congestion on routes such as Airport Road and Union Boulevard.

For convenient overnight van parking with good walkability, consider the areas around the Arts District or near the PPL Center. Many hotels in this central corridor offer guest parking, often in surface car parks that can accommodate larger vehicles more easily than tight multi-storey garages. There are also several public parking decks and lots, but it’s best to check any height restrictions in advance. Staying in this area puts you within a short walk of plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Yes. When using parking garages in Allentown, especially older ones, you should be mindful of clearance heights. Always check the posted height limit at the entrance before proceeding with a taller passenger van. To avoid any issues, using surface car parks is often a simpler and safer option. Many major venues and hotels offer surface parking, which provides ample space and removes concerns about vehicle height.

A good place to get organised after leaving the airport is one of the large shopping centre car parks along Airport Road, just a few minutes from ABE. These offer plenty of space to pull over safely, away from traffic. You can install car seats, set up your sat nav, and hand out snacks and drinks to the group. This quick stop helps ensure everyone is settled before joining major roads such as Route 22.

The most direct, van-friendly route to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is to take Hamilton Boulevard west, which leads to I-78 West. From there it’s a very short drive to the clearly signed exit for the park. This route mainly uses major multi-lane roads that are easy to navigate in a larger vehicle. Your preferred navigation app can confirm the route and help you anticipate the exit.

A practical plan for a PPL Center event is to set a drop-off and pick-up point one or two blocks away from the main entrance. Streets such as Linden or Turner, just north or south of the arena, are often less congested than Hamilton Street directly in front. Drop the group off, then the driver can continue to a pre-paid parking garage or lot. For pick-up, coordinate by text to meet at the same spot once the initial crowds have dispersed.

For a major weekend event at the Allentown Fairgrounds, it’s advisable to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled start. This gives you a comfortable buffer to deal with the increased traffic that typically builds on nearby streets such as Liberty and 17th Street. Arriving early also gives you a better choice of parking spaces in the large lots, making it easier to find a spot that’s straightforward to get a van into and out of later.

The best strategy is to park once and explore on foot. The large surface lots around the Wind Creek casino and the SteelStacks campus are ideal for vans and provide easy access. From there, you can walk to the ArtsQuest Center, view the blast furnaces, and even cross the river to explore historic downtown Bethlehem. This approach avoids the difficulty of finding parking for a large vehicle in the more compact historic district.

For a smooth covered-bridge tour in a van, use the official tour map from Discover Lehigh Valley as a guide and cross-check it with a modern GPS app. Set your navigation to avoid unpaved roads and stick to the main county roads linking the bridges. Planning ahead also helps you identify which bridges have easy pull-offs for photos and which may require extra care on narrower access roads.

For a day trip to Jim Thorpe, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) north for the most direct and well-maintained route. On arrival, the most convenient place to park a van is the large county lot next to the train station at the entrance to the historic downtown. Arriving earlier in the day—especially at the weekend—is strongly recommended to secure a space there. This also helps you avoid navigating very narrow, steep side streets in a larger vehicle.

When driving a van to Blue Mountain Resort in winter, prioritise good traction and allow extra travel time for potentially slippery roads. The main access road is well maintained but can be steep. Once there, aim for the main car parks near the Summit Lodge, as they’re expansive and generally easy to navigate. Arriving early helps you avoid traffic and get a better space closer to the lodge, reducing how far you need to carry gear.

For a less stressful drive to Philadelphia, taking I-476 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension) south is often the best option. Although it’s a toll road, it generally has less congestion and fewer complex merges than alternatives such as Route 309. It’s well maintained and provides a more straightforward run into the Philadelphia area, where you can then continue to your specific destination. Always check traffic conditions before you set off for the latest information.

The most predictable and straightforward route to New York City is to take I-78 East directly from the Allentown area. This interstate runs all the way to the Holland Tunnel, providing a direct route into Lower Manhattan. The road is wide and generally well paved, making it suitable for a larger van. To keep the journey predictable, try to travel outside peak morning and evening commute times, especially as you get closer to the city.

A simple structure is to use Allentown as your base for the first part of the trip, exploring local attractions, then pack the van once to move to the Poconos. Take I-476 North, which is a direct route into the heart of the Poconos region. By dedicating specific days to each location rather than driving back and forth, you minimise packing and unpacking and make the trip more relaxing for everyone.

For a hassle-free grocery run, look for supermarkets in suburban retail plazas rather than dense urban areas. Shopping centres along Cedar Crest Boulevard in the west end or along Airport Road to the east typically have large, open car parks. These provide plenty of room to manoeuvre a longer van and find a space that isn’t too tight, making it easy to load up and get back on the road.

When visiting Lehigh or Moravian, it’s best to agree in advance on a specific, easy-to-reach landmark for pick-up and drop-off. For Lehigh, somewhere along Packer Avenue can work well, while for Moravian a point near the main quad on Church Street may be suitable. Communicate the meeting point clearly to your passengers. Avoid driving deep into campus where roads can become narrow and congested, particularly during class changes.

To avoid parking headaches, research your venues in advance using satellite view in a mapping app. Prioritise wineries and breweries that appear to have larger, more open parking areas, and consider calling ahead to ask about oversized-vehicle parking. Grouping visits by geographic area reduces driving time, and starting earlier in the day often means fewer crowds and more parking options.

During peak periods—typically 7–9 am and 4–6 pm—both I-78 and Route 22 see significant congestion. In a larger van, keep a greater following distance and be prepared for sudden slowdowns. Pay close attention to merging traffic, as some on-ramps can be short. If your schedule is flexible, travelling on these main routes off-peak will make the drive much smoother and less stressful.

For the Crayola Experience, aim to arrive right when it opens, especially at weekends or on holidays. This helps you get a space in the dedicated parking garage on South Third Street before it fills up; be sure to check the clearance height at the entrance. Arriving early also means you’ll enjoy the attraction with smaller crowds. The drive from Allentown is straightforward via Route 22 East, but allow extra time for possible traffic.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is very van-friendly, with a large, accommodating car park right by the entrance. To keep the day easy, pack a cooler with drinks and snacks to leave in the van, as you can return to it easily during your visit. The zoo is laid out as a manageable loop, but consider bringing a wagon or pushchair for little ones. Arriving mid-morning after the initial rush can make entry and parking more relaxed.

For a late-night drive from ABE, the main routes into Allentown—such as Airport Road and Union Boulevard—are well lit and clearly signed. It helps to have your hotel address pre-loaded into your sat nav before leaving the hire car area. Be aware that some secondary roads may be more dimly lit, so drive cautiously. With lighter traffic at night, it’s generally a quick, straightforward trip to your accommodation.

To visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, go on a weekday if possible, as weekends during migration season can be extremely busy. The main road in is paved but can be winding, so take your time in a larger vehicle. The sanctuary has several parking areas, with the main lot near the visitor centre being the largest. Arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance of a convenient space and lets you enjoy the trails before the biggest crowds arrive.

The most direct route to Hershey is I-78 West to I-81 South. These are major interstates that are easy to drive in a van. For a convenient break, there are several service plazas and large petrol stations with ample parking around the I-78 and Route 183 junction, roughly the halfway point. This lets your group stretch, use the toilets, and grab a snack before continuing to Hershey.

For a wedding, have the van at your main pick-up point at least 30 minutes before you need to leave. This allows for unhurried loading of passengers and personal items. Confirm the venue address in your sat nav beforehand and allow extra travel time for unexpected delays. Set a specific meeting point and time for the return trip so nobody gets left behind once the celebrations end.

To simplify a hotel change, call the new hotel ahead of time and ask where it’s best to park a van for unloading. They can direct you to a loading area or a convenient part of their car park. Try to check out of the first hotel and arrive at the second during off-peak times, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, when traffic is lighter and there’s usually more short-term parking available.

A great spot for a group photo with a scenic backdrop is Lehigh Parkway. There are several pull-offs and small car parks along the main park road that can accommodate a van, particularly near the historic stone bridges. Another excellent option is the viewpoint at South Mountain Preserve, which offers a panoramic view of the city. The parking area there is generally spacious enough for larger vehicles.

For maximum convenience with a group, picking up your van directly at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is the most practical option. This removes the need to coordinate separate transport for your party and luggage to an off-site location. Collecting the vehicle at the airport lets everyone meet in one place, load the van straight after collecting their bags, and begin the journey without delay. It streamlines the entire arrival process, which is especially helpful after an early flight.

For a comfortable fall foliage drive in a van, consider routes through the Lehigh Valley wine trail or the country roads north of Allentown towards the Blue Mountain ridge. Roads such as Route 145 or Route 309 North offer beautiful scenery without the tight, demanding turns of some mountain passes. These routes provide gentle curves and scenic vistas, with wider shoulders and occasional places to pull over safely for photos.

When planning drives to Philadelphia or New York City, note that the most direct routes—such as I-476 and I-78 into New Jersey—involve tolls. It’s a good idea to discuss your plans when you pick up the vehicle. Ask at the hire counter about the options for handling tolls, so you can choose the most convenient method for your group before you set off.

The area directly in front of the Allentown Transportation Center can get very congested. A better approach is to wait in a nearby public car park, such as one of the lots off 6th Street or Linden Street. You can wait there until your party calls to say they’ve arrived and are ready at the kerb. This avoids having to circle the block repeatedly in a large van.

A good way to experience Trexler Nature Preserve is to park your van in one of the main lots, such as the one near the Lehigh Valley Zoo entrance or the one by the covered bridge. From there you can access many hiking and walking trails. For the driving portion to see the elk and bison, simply follow the well-signed one-way loop through the preserve, which is designed for continuous travel and is wide enough for vans.

To streamline daily departures, set up a system on day one. Assigning seats or rows prevents confusion and helps balance weight. When loading luggage, put items you’ll need last, such as suitcases, right at the back. Keep daily essentials like backpacks and snack bags near the front or under seats for easy access. A quick five-minute organisational huddle each morning can save a lot of time throughout the week.

When travelling with bulky equipment, it’s crucial to consider cargo space as much as passenger count. Don’t just choose a van with enough seats; look at the room available behind the last row. It’s often wise to select a van with more capacity than you think you’ll need. This helps ensure everything fits safely without blocking the driver’s rear view or crowding the cabin, making the trip more comfortable and secure.

When visiting Lehigh Valley Mall, avoid the main entrances off MacArthur Road and use the less congested access points from Grape Street instead. Park in the outer sections of the car park, where there’s more open space and wider lanes for manoeuvring a van. It may mean a slightly longer walk, but it will save you the stress of tight spots and heavier traffic near the building.

In bad weather, start by reducing speed and increasing your following distance, especially in a larger vehicle. Stick to major routes such as I-78 and Route 22, as they’re prioritised for clearing and treatment. If conditions are severe, it’s safest to postpone travel until the weather improves. Always check local forecasts and road conditions before setting off.

The best way to handle staggered arrivals is for the driver to use the cell phone lot at ABE. This is a designated waiting area where you can park for free until your entire party has landed and collected their luggage. Once everyone is together and ready at the arrivals kerb, they can call you, and you can drive from the cell phone lot to the terminal for a quick, easy pick-up.