Enterprise Car Hire
Allentown

After collecting your luggage at the baggage reclaim, look for the overhead signs directing you to 'Car Hire' or 'Ground Transportation'. The Enterprise hire desk is located inside the main terminal building, typically in a consolidated area with other car hire companies. Once you complete the paperwork at the desk, you will be directed to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are staged. The entire process is indoors and just a short walk from the baggage reclaim area.

To ensure a smooth process for a late arrival, it is always good practice to include your flight number in your reservation details. This helps the local staff track your arrival time and prepare for your pickup. As long as you arrive within the location's opening hours, the rental process remains the same. Having your driving licence and reservation confirmation ready will help expedite your time at the desk, allowing you to get on the road promptly.

A good rule of thumb is to budget around 30 minutes for the car return process itself. This includes the vehicle inspection, finalising your receipt, and gathering your belongings. From the rental car return area in the car park, it is a very short walk back into the main terminal building. To be safe, add this 30-minute buffer to the standard 90 minutes to two hours your airline recommends for airport arrival, ensuring a stress-free experience before your flight.

The most efficient way to coordinate a group pickup is for the primary driver to handle the hire process alone. While the driver heads to the Enterprise desk to complete the paperwork and collect the car, the rest of the group can wait with the luggage in the arrivals hall or at the passenger pickup kerb. Once the car is ready, the driver can easily circle back to the terminal's designated pickup zone to collect everyone, which avoids crowding the hire desk.

To ensure the quickest possible pickup experience at the Enterprise desk, it's best to have your documents organised and accessible on arrival. The most important items to have to hand are your valid driving licence and your reservation confirmation number. Having these details ready for the agent allows them to quickly locate your booking and process the hire agreement. This simple preparation helps minimise your time at the desk and gets you on your way faster.

The most direct route from Lehigh Valley International Airport to downtown Allentown is via Airport Road, also known as PA-987 South. Simply follow the signs for Airport Road South as you exit the airport complex. This road will take you directly into the city, where it intersects with major thoroughfares like Union Boulevard and eventually leads you towards the Hamilton Street corridor and the PPL Center area. Using a sat-nav will make navigating the final city blocks even simpler.

Navigating out of ABE is generally straightforward, with clear signage guiding you towards major routes. The primary point to be aware of is the merge onto US-22, which can be busy, especially during peak travel times. Drivers should be prepared for traffic moving at highway speeds and allow ample space to merge safely. For the most part, if you follow your sat-nav and posted signs, you should find leaving the airport to be a low-stress experience.

It is very realistic to have a smooth drive from ABE to either Bethlehem or Easton. The key is to travel on US-22 East, the main highway connecting the three cities of the Lehigh Valley. Outside of typical weekday rush hours, which are roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM, traffic flows quite well. The drive to Bethlehem is typically only 15–20 minutes, while Easton is about 20–25 minutes, making it a quick and convenient trip from the airport.

Driving from the airport to Dorney Park on a summer weekend can involve significant traffic, as you'll be joining many others heading to the popular amusement park. The most direct route involves US-22 West to I-78 West. To experience the least hectic drive, plan to leave early in the morning, aiming to arrive at the park before it officially opens. Alternatively, heading to the park in the mid-afternoon, after the initial morning rush has subsided, can also be a less stressful option.

When driving a rental vehicle downtown, especially a larger SUV or van, it's wise to be mindful of parking garage height restrictions. Most garages near PPL Center and along the Hamilton Street corridor will have clearance signs posted clearly at their entrances. If you are unsure about your vehicle's height or prefer to avoid tight spaces, choosing one of the many surface parking lots in the area can be a simpler and stress-free alternative for parking.

Driving and parking near Lehigh University during a major event like graduation, a football match, or move-in weekend can be quite challenging. The campus is built on a steep hill with some narrow streets, and traffic becomes heavily congested. Parking is extremely limited during these times, so it's best to arrive very early to find a spot in a designated event lot or be prepared for a considerable walk from off-campus street parking.

The most direct route for a day trip to Philadelphia is taking I-476 South, the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This is a toll road but offers a clear path into the Philadelphia region. The most significant slowdowns almost always occur as you get closer to the city, particularly on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), which is notorious for heavy congestion regardless of the time of day. Plan for extra travel time once you are within the Philadelphia city limits.

For a day trip to New York City, it's crucial to start your drive very early, preferably leaving Allentown before 6 AM to beat the worst of the commuter traffic on I-78 East. A highly recommended strategy is to avoid driving into Manhattan altogether. Instead, park your rental car at a large transit station in New Jersey, such as Secaucus Junction or a PATH station in Jersey City, and take a train or ferry into the city for a much less stressful experience.

The primary toll road you'll encounter is the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), which is useful for trips north to the Poconos or south toward Philadelphia. Most rental vehicles are equipped with an electronic tolling device that makes paying tolls seamless. It's always a good idea to ask the rental agent at the desk how tolls are handled for your specific vehicle to understand the process and avoid any confusion during your travels.

Allentown is an ideal stopover point, as it is located directly off I-78, the main highway connecting Harrisburg and the New York City area. Using a rental car makes this incredibly convenient. You can easily exit the highway, check into your hotel, and then use the car to explore downtown Allentown, historic Bethlehem, or other local attractions. The next day, you can hop right back on I-78 to continue your journey with minimal hassle.

During major festivals like Musikfest, driving directly into the event area is highly discouraged due to road closures, extreme congestion, and a lack of parking. The least stressful approach is to use your rental car to drive to one of the designated satellite parking lots on the outskirts of Bethlehem. From there, you can take the festival's convenient shuttle buses directly to the main grounds, saving you time and the frustration of searching for a parking spot.

To ensure a smooth experience when attending an event at PPL Center, plan to arrive downtown at least 45–60 minutes early. This gives you ample time to find parking in one of the nearby garages without feeling rushed. For a quicker exit after the event, consider parking in a garage that is a few blocks away from the arena, as the ones immediately adjacent will experience the most significant post-event traffic jams. Making a mental note of where you parked will also help expedite your departure.

A very efficient one-day driving loop starts by taking US-22 East from Allentown to Bethlehem to explore the historic Moravian district. After your visit, get back on US-22 East for a short drive to Easton to see the riverfront and downtown attractions. For your return trip, you can take I-78 West back to Allentown. This creates a simple triangular route that allows you to experience all three of the Lehigh Valley's main cities without backtracking.

The drive from Allentown to the scenic town of Jim Thorpe is beautiful but requires some preparation. The route will take you onto smaller highways like US-209, where the roads become more winding and hilly as you enter the Pocono foothills. Parking in Jim Thorpe is famously scarce, especially on weekends. Your best strategy is to arrive early in the day to secure a spot in the main lot near the train station or be prepared to use overflow lots and walk into town.

For a scenic drive, exploring the countryside north of Allentown toward the Blue Mountain or south through the Lehigh Valley's wine country is a great option. Be aware that these routes will primarily be two-lane country roads that can be narrow and winding. You may also encounter slow-moving farm vehicles, which is part of the rural charm. It's best not to be in a hurry, so you can allow extra time and simply enjoy the relaxed pace and beautiful landscapes.

A day trip to the Poconos from Allentown is very easy and popular. The most direct route is the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476 North), which takes you right into the heart of the mountains. To avoid the heaviest traffic, especially on a weekend or holiday, plan to leave Allentown by 8:00 AM. This will put you ahead of the main wave of visitors and allow you to maximise your time enjoying the region's attractions.

During winter, the main highways like US-22, I-78, and the Turnpike are typically the first to be cleared and are generally safe for travel. The most challenging conditions for visitors are often found on the steeper, untreated side streets within Allentown and Bethlehem, which can become icy. Additionally, bridges and overpasses on all roads can freeze before other surfaces, so exercising caution in these areas is always recommended after a winter storm.

The Lehigh Valley can experience periods of dense fog, especially during the morning hours in the spring and fall, and heavy rain is possible any time of year. In these low-visibility conditions, sticking to major, well-lit highways like US-22 and I-78 is the safest strategy. These multi-lane roads are better marked and more predictable than dark, winding rural roads, making for a less stressful drive when the weather is poor.

The most convenient and safest place to install your car seats is in the rental car multi-storey car park right after you pick up your vehicle. This area is covered, well-lit, and out of the way of active traffic, giving you the space and time to ensure the seats are secured properly. Taking a few extra minutes to get this done before you leave the airport property provides peace of mind and a secure start to your journey with your family.

For a family trip that includes day excursions and requires ample space for luggage, a mid-size SUV, full-size SUV, or a minivan is an ideal choice. These vehicle types provide plenty of cargo room for suitcases, prams, and any shopping bags you accumulate. The added passenger space ensures everyone is comfortable on longer drives to places like the Poconos or Philadelphia, making for a more enjoyable overall travel experience.

To efficiently tour Lehigh, Moravian, and Lafayette colleges in a single day, plan your route geographically. A logical approach is to start at Lehigh University in south Bethlehem, then drive a short distance north to visit Moravian College, also in Bethlehem. From there, you can take US-22 East directly to Easton to see Lafayette College. This creates a sensible east-bound progression that minimises driving time and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

Using a rental car is the perfect way to explore the charming small towns and historic covered bridges of the Lehigh Valley. While cell service is generally reliable on major roads, it can become spotty in some of the more rural, hilly areas. To avoid any navigation issues, it's a great idea to download the regional maps to your phone for offline use before you set out on your adventure.

As a visitor, it's important to be particularly attentive to posted speed limits, especially in school zones, which are strictly enforced during active hours. Local drivers are accustomed to the area's traffic patterns, so driving predictably and maintaining a safe following distance is your best strategy. Be prepared for frequent stops at traffic lights in the downtown areas of both Allentown and Bethlehem, as the cities are built on a grid system.

Yes, downtown Allentown's grid system includes numerous one-way streets, particularly in the area surrounding the PPL Center and the Arts District. For visitors unfamiliar with the layout, this can be confusing. Relying on a sat-nav or navigation app is highly recommended to help you navigate these streets correctly. Paying close attention to road signs will ensure you avoid making a wrong turn and can move through the city centre with confidence.

Staying at a hotel near ABE makes your departure day incredibly simple and low-stress. You can enjoy a relaxed morning, check out of your hotel, and then make the very short drive to the airport. The rental car return is just a few minutes away, so you don't need to budget extra time for navigating city traffic. This convenience allows you to get to the airport and through security with plenty of time to spare.

Making a quick stop for supplies after leaving ABE is very convenient. Instead of heading directly into downtown Allentown, look for the numerous shopping centres located along Airport Road and Catasauqua Road, just a few minutes from the airport. These areas offer major grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail outlets with large car parks, allowing you to get everything you need without dealing with city traffic.

The most efficient process is to drive to the upper-level departures kerb first. Here, you can drop off your passengers and all the luggage, allowing them to head inside to the check-in counters. After they are all set, you can proceed alone to the rental car return area. This strategy prevents the entire group from having to manage luggage through the car park and makes the entire process much smoother for everyone.

When driving from Allentown to any of the NYC-area airports, you must plan for significant traffic delays. The drive to Newark (EWR) via I-78 East is the most direct, but you should add at least 60–90 minutes to your sat-nav travel time estimate. For JFK or LaGuardia (LGA), you'll need to cross through New York City, which can add even more unpredictable delays. It is always better to leave with far more time than you think you need.

A day trip to Hershey from Allentown is very feasible and makes for a fun outing. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes, primarily on I-78 West and I-81 South. Once you arrive at the Hersheypark complex, you'll find that parking is very well-organised and designed to accommodate huge crowds. Large, clearly marked lots make it easy to park your rental car and access the main attractions like the park or Chocolate World.

To best manage traffic when visiting both sites, plan to drive to Valley Forge National Historical Park first thing in the morning. After exploring the park, you can then make the shorter drive south to Longwood Gardens for the afternoon and evening. This sequence allows you to complete the longest leg of your journey from Allentown early and helps you avoid the worst of the Philadelphia-area rush hour traffic when travelling between the two attractions.

Visiting the Crayola Experience is a perfect half-day trip from Allentown. The drive to Easton is a straightforward 25–30 minutes on US-22 East. You can easily spend three to four hours enjoying the attraction and exploring downtown Easton. This schedule allows you to head back to Allentown in the late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to return for dinner, even with typical end-of-day traffic.

When exploring the Lehigh Valley's excellent wineries and breweries, remember that many are located on rural country roads. These roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly lit after dark, so it's safest to plan your return drive before sunset. Most importantly, always have a designated driver to ensure that everyone in your group can enjoy the tastings responsibly and get back safely.

Major highways like US-22 and I-78 are primary corridors for commercial trucks. If you want a more relaxed drive for shorter trips between Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, consider using parallel local roads. Routes like Union Boulevard or Hanover Avenue often have less heavy truck traffic and can provide a less stressful, albeit slightly slower, alternative for getting around the Lehigh Valley's core cities.

If you encounter any potential mechanical issue or a warning light appears on the dashboard, your immediate priority is safety. Pull over to a secure location like a car park or a wide hard shoulder as soon as it is safe to do so. Your rental agreement paperwork contains the 24/7 roadside assistance contact number. Call that number right away to report the problem, and they will provide you with instructions on the next steps.

When planning a multi-city trip from Allentown, use its central location as an advantage. Major highways like I-78 and the PA Turnpike (I-476) provide direct routes to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and the Poconos. Consider the driving environment of each destination; for example, a compact car is easier to park in Philadelphia's tight streets. Planning your route to avoid backtracking and matching your vehicle choice to your destinations will create a much smoother travel experience.