Thrifty Car Hire
Allentown

After collecting your luggage at ABE, finding the Thrifty desk is straightforward, even late at night. Look for the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars". The rental car desks are located inside the main terminal building, just a short walk from baggage reclaim. You won't need a shuttle or to leave the building, which makes for a secure and seamless transition from your flight to your hire car.

For the most direct route to Allentown city centre from the airport, it's best to head south initially. On leaving the airport, follow signs for Airport Road South. This road will take you directly towards the centre with minimal complex junctions. It eventually becomes Irving Street, which provides easy access to main downtown routes like Hamilton Street. This path is generally more straightforward for newcomers than immediately navigating the busier highways such as Route 22.

Although the distance from the airport to the Hamilton Crossings shopping area isn't great, morning commuter traffic can affect travel time. During peak hours, typically between 7:30am and 9:00am, expect potential slowdowns, especially on Route 22 and Cedar Crest Boulevard. A good rule of thumb is to check your navigation app before you leave and add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to its estimate. That buffer should help you arrive relaxed and on time.

To reach Bethlehem's Historic District with minimal stress, take a route relying more on local roads than the high-speed highway. From the airport, take Airport Road south and then turn left onto Union Boulevard heading east. This road will lead you almost directly into Bethlehem, where it becomes West Broad Street. Following this route avoids the often-congested Route 22 and its rapid lane changes, offering a more relaxed drive into the historic heart.

When driving from the ABE area to Dorney Park for opening, the main bottleneck is usually on Interstate 78 West. As you approach the park exit, traffic can back up, particularly on busy summer days or weekends. The interchange itself can get congested with vehicles merging from different directions. To mitigate this, consider leaving a little earlier than you think necessary so you have a comfortable cushion for the final miles before the park entrance.

The drive to Jim Thorpe is scenic and generally enjoyable, but it changes character as you get closer. The initial part on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476) is a standard motorway experience. Once you exit onto Route 209, the road becomes a two-lane highway winding through small towns and following the Lehigh River. This final stretch is picturesque but can be slower and requires more attentive driving due to curves and possible local traffic.

To avoid the notorious Sunday afternoon traffic returning from the Poconos, many travellers adjust their timing. Some leave the Poconos early on Sunday morning, well before 11am, or they extend their stay and return later in the evening after 7pm. Another option is to plan the return for Monday morning if possible. The main congestion occurs on southbound routes like I-476, so timing your departure to miss that midday-to-early-evening window is key to a smoother trip back to Allentown.

The hilly, narrow roads of Lehigh University's campus can be challenging for first-time visitors. A practical strategy is to park in one of the public car parks in South Bethlehem and walk a short distance to campus. The car parks on New Street or Third Street are good options, placing you just a few blocks from the university's main entrance. This approach saves you the stress of searching for limited on-campus visitor parking and lets you explore the vibrant town centre on foot.

For an event at the PPL Center, the most straightforward parking solution is to aim for one of the major multi-storey car parks located a block or two away. The garage adjacent to the arena is popular, as are several others clearly marked in the immediate area. Using a sat‑nav to direct you to a specific car park, like the one on Linden Street, helps you avoid confusion with the one-way grid. Arriving a bit early lets you park without pressure and take a short walk to the venue.

Driving in downtown Allentown at night is generally manageable: the area is well lit and the street grid is logical. However, as in many urban centres, GPS signals can occasionally be briefly interrupted by taller buildings, though it's not widespread here. The most common challenge for newcomers is the network of one-way streets, so pay close attention to both your navigation and street signs. Overall, with a little focus, navigating the downtown area after dark should be low stress.

When staying along the Hamilton Street corridor, the best approach for a luggage drop-off is to pull into the designated loading zone directly outside your hotel. Most hotels in the area have a temporary space for this purpose. Pull over, switch on your hazard lights and unload your bags quickly before finding more permanent parking. This avoids the stress of trying to park straight away while juggling luggage and allows you to check in with ease before heading to a nearby car park.

Interstate 78 is a major artery for commuters and commercial traffic, so it sees significant volume during peak hours. Heading eastbound to New Jersey in the morning, expect the heaviest traffic between 7am and 9am. Westbound lanes back into Pennsylvania get congested in the late afternoon, typically from 4pm to 6pm. Be prepared for slowdowns, especially near the Easton exit and the bridge over the Delaware River, and always check live traffic before you depart.

To get a good head start for a drive to New York City, departing from Allentown before 6:00am is recommended. This allows you to clear the Lehigh Valley on I-78 before commuter traffic builds significantly. An early departure also helps you pass through New Jersey and approach the Holland Tunnel or George Washington Bridge before peak rush hour. Leaving any later than about 6:30am greatly increases the chance of substantial delays.

Navigating to Easton's Centre Square, known as "the circle", is easiest if you approach methodically. The most reliable route is to take Route 22 and exit onto 4th Street, following it south directly towards the downtown. As you get closer, pay attention to your sat‑nav and road signs, as several one-way streets feed into the circle. It's helpful to know which quadrant of the circle your destination is in beforehand so you can exit at the correct point without looping around again.

The final approach to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary involves driving on scenic, two-lane country roads that wind through rural landscape. These roads are well maintained but can be narrow in places, so drive attentively. On arrival you'll find a large car park near the visitor centre. On peak autumn weekends this lot can fill up and you may be directed to an overflow area. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering lovely views as you climb the mountain.

One of the most noted areas for tricky navigation is Route 22, which runs through the Lehigh Valley. Unfamiliar drivers are often surprised by the number of left‑lane exits and short, fast-merging slip‑roads. The interchanges with Route 309 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) can be particularly confusing if you're not in the correct lane well in advance. It's a good idea to review your route beforehand and watch for overhead signs as you approach these major junctions.

To visit both the Lehigh Valley Zoo and the Trexler Nature Preserve efficiently, treat them as a single destination since they're adjacent. Plan to drive to the Trexler area first and park in the designated lots. From there the zoo is easily reachable on foot. This approach allows you to park once and enjoy both attractions without getting back in the car, saving time and eliminating backtracking between the two.

When visiting the SteelStacks campus at night, the most convenient strategy is to drive directly to the large, well-lit car parks on site. You can access these from First Street, which keeps you off the smaller, more pedestrian-focused roads of Bethlehem's South Side. By using these dedicated lots you avoid the challenge of finding on-street parking and can walk straight to the venues. It's simple, safe and minimises interaction with heavy foot traffic.

For a major event like Musikfest, arriving early is essential to avoid the biggest traffic and parking headaches. If you're driving from Allentown, plan to be in Bethlehem at least 90 minutes to two hours before you want to be at the festival, especially at weekends. This gives you time to navigate road closures, find parking in a satellite lot or garage, and then walk or take a shuttle to the main festival area. The closer it gets to midday, the tougher things become.

The most practical plan for visiting the Crayola Experience is to use the public car park on South Third Street, directly behind the attraction. Set your sat‑nav for this car park — it provides easy access and saves you hunting for limited street parking. Arriving earlier in the day, particularly on a weekday, helps you avoid peak crowds. When leaving, exiting the car park onto the main streets is generally straightforward, allowing for a smooth departure from the town centre.

Driving on Route 22 can be intense for first‑time visitors, as it functions as the region's primary east‑west thoroughfare. The highway is known for high traffic volumes, a fast pace, and numerous junctions with short merge lanes. Many drivers feel rushed, particularly between the exits for Route 309 and Airport Road, where lane changes are frequent. The key is to know your exit in advance, stay in the appropriate lane and maintain a consistent speed with the flow of traffic.

To avoid circling the arrivals lane, a great option is to use the cell phone lot. Lehigh Valley International Airport provides a designated waiting area where you can park for free until your friends have collected their luggage and are ready at the curb. Alternatively, several shopping centres with large car parks are just a minute or two away on Airport Road. You can wait there comfortably and then make the short drive over to the terminal when you get the call.

For an early morning flight it's wise to plan on returning your hire car at least two hours before departure. While morning traffic to the airport is usually light, this buffer accounts for unexpected delays. The rental car return entrance at ABE is clearly signed, but allowing this extra time ensures you can find it without feeling rushed. This schedule gives you a calm return process, a short walk to the terminal and ample time to check in and clear security.

If you miss the turn for the rental car return, do not panic or attempt a sudden U‑turn. The safest course is to continue following the airport's one‑way loop road. It is designed to bring you back around to the main terminal area. On your second pass you can be better prepared to make the correct turn into the rental return lot. The loop is relatively short, so correcting the mistake only takes a minute or two.

One driving trait visitors often notice in the Lehigh Valley is the fairly brisk pace on major roads like Route 22 and I‑78. Traffic generally moves consistently, and drivers expect decisiveness when merging or changing lanes. While the "zipper merge" is understood, it's not always perfectly executed, so defensive driving is important. In general, drivers are focused and direct, so being predictable and signaling early is the best way to blend in smoothly.

In winter weather the first surfaces to ice over are almost always elevated structures like bridges and overpasses, as cold air circulates above and below them. In the Allentown area be especially cautious on bridges crossing the Lehigh River and on motorway overpasses. The many hills and curved exit ramps can also become slick quickly, so reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking to maintain control in these areas.

In periods of heavy rain some sections of the Lehigh Valley's major roads can be prone to issues. Lower‑lying areas of Route 22 and stretches of I‑78 can sometimes experience temporary standing water in the lanes, so reduce your speed to avoid hydroplaning. Visibility can also be significantly reduced on more open, rural stretches of these highways. Use your headlights and allow extra following distance in these conditions.

For a more scenic and less stressful drive to Lancaster, consider taking a route that uses state roads rather than the turnpike. A pleasant option is Route 222 South for much of the journey. This road is a mix of dual carriageway and smaller stretches passing through charming towns and rolling farmland. It may take a little longer than the turnpike but offers a more relaxed pace and a better feel for the Pennsylvania countryside, with far less intense merging and lorry traffic.

A day trip from Allentown to Gettysburg involves significant driving, typically around two and a half hours each way. To break up the journey many travellers plan a stop in or around Harrisburg, which is roughly halfway. You could pause there for a coffee or something to eat before continuing to Gettysburg. On the return trip, stopping again near Harrisburg can help you recharge before completing the drive back to Allentown later in the evening.

When planning day trips to both Philadelphia and New York City, many travellers schedule the NYC trip for a weekday to avoid heavy weekend beach traffic on I‑78 through New Jersey. Conversely, the drive to Philadelphia can be more manageable at weekends, as you'll miss the weekday commuter rush on the Northeast Extension (I‑476). Always check for major sporting events or concerts in either city, as those can create gridlock regardless of the day of the week.

The drive to Lehigh Gorge State Park becomes more rural and scenic as you approach, transitioning from motorways to well‑paved two‑lane roads. The final approach to popular trailheads, such as near Jim Thorpe, is straightforward and clearly signed. Parking is available in dedicated lots at main access points, but these can fill quickly on fine weekends. It's a good idea to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot, especially if you plan to bike or hike a popular section of the trail.

When driving to a rural venue at night, preparation is key. Before you leave make sure your sat‑nav or phone is fully charged and you have the destination address loaded, as mobile service can be spotty. Pay close attention to the road—country lanes are often unlit and may have sharp bends. Drive at a comfortable speed, use your full beams when appropriate and be alert for wildlife that may cross the road unexpectedly.

After collecting your hire car, a convenient place for a quick reset is one of the nearby shopping centres on Airport Road, just a minute from the terminal. These locations offer large, open car parks where you can pull over and take your time. Here you can adjust mirrors, programme your destination into your sat‑nav and organise luggage without the pressure of being in a busy airport traffic lane. It's a good way to start your journey calm and organised.

For travellers with bulky sports equipment, hotels and motels in suburban areas or near motorway junctions are often the most convenient choice. These establishments typically feature surface‑level parking with ample space right outside the rooms or main entrance. This allows you to park close to your door for easy loading and unloading of kit, avoiding the hassle of tight multi‑storey car parks or crowded downtown streets. Look for accommodation near Route 22 or I‑78 for the best accessibility.

The most direct route to Blue Mountain Resort from Allentown is to take Route 22 West to Route 145 North, then follow signs for the resort through Walnutport. The drive is relatively simple and takes you from suburban into more rural scenery. On a busy winter weekend expect heavy traffic on the final access road up the mountain. Main car parks can fill early, so arriving before the morning rush is recommended to get a good spot and avoid a long walk to the lodge.

A good way to structure a fall‑foliage loop is to head north‑west from Allentown towards the base of Blue Mountain, perhaps using roads like Route 309 or Route 145. From there you can drive east along the mountain ridge on scenic back roads before dropping south again through towns such as Wind Gap or Nazareth. This creates a natural circular path. Use a map app to plan multiple stops in advance to ensure you're creating a logical loop rather than an out‑and‑back trip, maximising scenery and minimising backtracking.

To minimise traffic issues when visiting the Allentown Fairgrounds, consider parking a few blocks away in a residential area and walking to the entrance. This lets you avoid the immediate gridlock around the fairgrounds when events end. For departure, heading away from main arteries like Tilghman Street initially can be a smart move. Using side streets to navigate a block or two before joining a major road can help you bypass the worst of the congestion right at the source.

If you're commuting from the airport area to Bethlehem or Easton, your drive time will be heavily influenced by traffic on Route 22. An off‑peak drive might take only 15–20 minutes. However, during the morning rush (eastbound) and evening rush (westbound) that same trip could easily double to 30–40 minutes or more. It's essential to plan for these swings by checking a traffic app before you leave and building a significant time cushion into your schedule, especially for important meetings.

When driving through Allentown's suburbs in the morning, be aware of active school zones. These zones typically have reduced speed limits that are strictly enforced during specific morning and afternoon hours, often indicated by flashing lights. These periods often coincide with the morning commute, so be prepared to slow down abruptly. Paying close attention to signage near schools will help you avoid fines and ensure the safety of pupils.

For a seamless return, follow airport signs for "Rental Car Return" to the designated Thrifty area. Once parked, take a moment to gather all personal items and luggage from the vehicle before locking it. The return lot is located very close to the main terminal building. You can then walk directly inside to the airline check‑in counters and proceed to the security checkpoint, all without having to manage your bags outdoors or across busy roadways.