National Car Hire
Allentown

On arrival at Lehigh Valley International Airport, the National Car Rental desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage at baggage reclaim, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." All the hire companies are grouped together in one easily accessible area, making the process straightforward for travellers. Once you have completed the paperwork at the desk, you will be directed to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are located.

Navigating ABE, even late at night, is simple because of its compact, user‑friendly layout. From your arrival gate, passenger flow moves in one direction towards the main concourse and baggage reclaim. You can follow other passengers and the clear overhead signage for "Baggage Claim." The hire car counters sit directly in this central area, so you will see them as you head to collect your bags, ensuring a direct route without the risk of getting lost.

During peak travel times at Lehigh Valley International Airport, it’s sensible to budget roughly 45 to 60 minutes from the moment your plane lands until you’re driving away. This timeframe allows for disembarking, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for checked luggage, and completing the hire paperwork at the desk. ABE is known for its efficiency, so in quieter periods the whole process may take considerably less time. Allowing for this window gives you a comfortable buffer without feeling rushed.

The most efficient approach is for the person flying into ABE to handle the car hire first. While they complete the paperwork and collect the vehicle, the group from downtown can make their way to the airport. The driver can then meet them at the passenger pickup kerb outside the arrivals and baggage reclaim area. This avoids having the whole group wait at the hire desk and simplifies the timing for a smooth rendezvous.

On departing the airport, a key navigation point comes up quickly as you merge onto Airport Road. You must decide between taking US‑22 West towards Allentown and Harrisburg or US‑22 East towards Bethlehem and Easton. The signs are clear, but the decision point arrives fast, so it’s easy to be in the wrong lane if you’re unprepared. Having your sat‑nav destination set before you leave the hire lot will help you anticipate this turn and avoid a last‑minute, stressful lane change.

The primary artery linking the three Lehigh Valley cities is US Route 22. To reach most hotels in Allentown, take US‑22 West from the airport. For Bethlehem and Easton, head east on US‑22. This highway is generally the most direct option, but it can become congested during typical morning and evening rush hours. If travelling at these peak times, consider adding 15–20 minutes to your expected journey time for a less stressful drive.

Downtown Allentown’s street grid includes numerous one‑way streets, which can be tricky for first‑time visitors. Pay close attention to street signs and have your sat‑nav ready to provide turn‑by‑turn directions. Many hotels and public car parks have entrances on side streets rather than main avenues like Hamilton Street. Before you arrive, it’s a good idea to review your hotel’s parking instructions or check an online map to familiarise yourself with the final approach to your destination.

The colonial‑era streets in the heart of Historic Bethlehem, especially around Main Street and Church Street, are very narrow and often busy with pedestrians, making them difficult to drive. Rather than hunting for limited on‑street parking, most visitors opt for one of the city’s public car parks. The North Street Garage and the Walnut Street Garage are both excellent choices, leaving you a short walk from the main shops, restaurants and historic sites — a much more relaxed approach.

A logical plan is to start at the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, north of the main Lehigh Valley area. From the airport, take Route 22 East to Route 33 North. After your tour, drive south on Route 33, connect to I‑78 West, and then take Route 412 to reach the SteelStacks campus in South Bethlehem. This north‑to‑south progression creates an efficient route that avoids unnecessary backtracking and positions you well to enjoy Bethlehem in the afternoon and evening.

The commercial corridor along Airport Road, including the Hamilton Crossings shopping centre, becomes very congested during peak shopping times. Expect the heaviest traffic at weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, and throughout the holiday season from November to December. Navigating the large car parks and the junctions connecting them can be slow. If possible, plan shopping or dining in this area for a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and potential delays.

US Route 22 is the Lehigh Valley’s main east‑west highway and is known for its heavy volume and brisk pace. First‑time drivers should be prepared for short on‑ramps and off‑ramps that require confident merging. The highway often has three lanes, and local drivers frequently change lanes to navigate between closely spaced exits. To reduce stress, it’s often best to stay in the centre or right lane unless passing, and to know which exit you need well in advance.

To have the smoothest arrival at Dorney Park, plan to get there about 30 to 45 minutes before the official opening time. This puts you ahead of the main wave of visitors that typically arrive at opening. The final stretch of road leading to the park entrance, Hamilton Boulevard, can back up significantly, especially on summer weekends. Arriving early helps you bypass the longest traffic queues and secure a more convenient parking spot before the lots fill.

The most convenient parking for the Crayola Experience is in one of Easton’s public car parks, specifically the Pine Street Garage or the South Third Street Garage. Both are located just a block or two from the attraction’s entrance in Centre Square. The walk from either garage is very short, flat and on pedestrian‑friendly pavements, making it easy even with young children. This strategy is far simpler than searching for the limited on‑street metered parking nearby.

The most effective strategy for a tri‑city tour is to drive between the cities but explore each town centre on foot. Start in one city, such as Easton, and leave your car in a central public garage while you explore. Then drive to the next city, like Bethlehem, and do the same by parking in a garage near the historic district. This park‑once‑and‑walk approach for each centre is much more efficient and enjoyable than trying to drive between individual points of interest within each city.

During Musikfest in August, driving and parking in much of downtown and Southside Bethlehem becomes extremely difficult due to numerous street closures and heavy pedestrian traffic. The most practical plan is to avoid driving into the festival areas altogether. Instead, use the official Musikfest satellite car parks located on the outskirts of the city. Those car parks are served by frequent, efficient shuttles that take you directly to the main festival grounds, saving you the hassle of navigating the congestion.

When a major concert or sporting event is on at the PPL Center, expect significant increases in traffic in downtown Allentown. The streets immediately surrounding the arena, like Hamilton and Linden, become very busy in the hours before the event. Car parks closest to the venue fill up quickly, so it’s wise to arrive early or be prepared to park in a car park several blocks away and walk. This often saves time compared with circling for a closer spot in heavy traffic.

The most direct route from Allentown to Jim Thorpe is to take the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I‑476) north to the Mahoning Valley exit. From there, follow Route 209 South into Jim Thorpe. The roads leading into town are mainly two‑lane highways that wind through scenic, mountainous terrain. They are well paved but can be curvy, so allow plenty of time and enjoy the beautiful drive through the Lehigh Gorge.

On prime autumn weekends, Jim Thorpe becomes exceptionally crowded, leading to significant traffic congestion and very limited parking. The main municipal car park by the train station often fills up very early in the morning, sometimes before 10:00. To secure a spot, arriving as early as possible is essential. Be prepared for slow‑moving traffic on Route 209 entering and leaving town. Once you find parking, the best plan is to leave your car there for the day, as the whole town is very walkable.

A day trip to the Delaware River towns of New Hope, PA, and Lambertville, NJ, is very manageable from Allentown, with a drive time of about 60 to 75 minutes. Parking can be challenging, especially at weekends, as both towns are popular tourist destinations with limited on‑street parking and paid lots that fill up. A good strategy is to try parking in Lambertville first, as it sometimes has more availability, then enjoy the scenic walk across the free bridge into New Hope. Arriving earlier in the day will always give you the best parking options.

An excellent and stress‑free way to visit Philadelphia is to use a park‑and‑ride strategy. Drive from Allentown to a suburban station on the SEPTA Regional Rail line, such as Lansdale or Doylestown. These stations offer ample day parking and provide direct train service into Centre City Philadelphia. This approach lets you avoid the challenges of navigating Philadelphia’s traffic, complex street grid and expensive parking, so you can relax and enjoy your day in the city.

For a day trip to NYC, many travellers from the Lehigh Valley drive to a major NJ Transit station in New Jersey to avoid Manhattan traffic and parking. Popular and convenient options include the Hamilton and Metropark stations, which are an easy drive east on I‑78. These stations have large parking decks and offer frequent, direct trains into New York Penn Station. This park‑and‑ride method is often faster and less stressful than driving the entire distance into the city.

The main toll road near Allentown is the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike (I‑476). The most convenient way to handle tolls is by using an electronic transponder; many hire vehicles come equipped with this technology. When you pick up your car, discuss the tolling programme with the hire agent. They can explain how the system works and how payments are processed, ensuring you have a seamless experience when travelling on toll roads in Pennsylvania and neighbouring states.

If you prefer to avoid the high speeds of the PA Turnpike, you can take a more relaxed drive to the Poconos using state routes. A good option is Route 145 North from the Allentown area, which travels through smaller towns before linking with roads into the heart of the Poconos. Another choice is Route 309 North, which is a larger road but generally has a calmer pace than the Turnpike. These routes offer a more scenic journey, though they may take a bit longer.

The final approach roads to ski resorts such as Blue Mountain are often hilly and can be challenging in winter weather. While main highways are usually cleared quickly, these secondary roads can remain snow‑covered or icy, particularly in the morning or after fresh snowfall. It is essential to drive at a reduced speed, increase your following distance, and be cautious on bends and inclines. A vehicle with good all‑season or snow tyres will provide better handling and peace of mind in these conditions.

For a safer winter morning drive, it’s best to wait until the sun has been up for an hour or two. This allows road temperatures to rise above freezing and gives time for road crews to treat any slick spots formed overnight. Shaded areas and hilly back roads can remain icy longer than main highways. Always check the weather forecast before you depart and consider adding at least 30 minutes of buffer time to your journey to account for slower, more cautious driving.

For convenient stops, look for major junctions along highways such as I‑78 and US‑22. The intersection of US‑22 and Route 309, for example, has a large concentration of fast‑food restaurants, petrol stations and shops that are easy to get on and off the road from. If you are travelling on the PA Turnpike, the service plazas are excellent all‑in‑one stops with food courts and clean restrooms. These areas are designed for traveller convenience and are ideal for a quick family break.

The Delaware Water Gap is an extremely popular outdoor destination, and trailhead car parks can fill up very quickly, especially on weekends with good weather. For popular trails such as those on Mount Minsi, it’s highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9:00, to secure a parking spot. If you arrive later in the day, you may find the car parks full, so it’s sensible to have a backup hike or activity planned in case.

The drive from Allentown to Hershey is generally straightforward, taking about 90 minutes via I‑78 West and I‑81 South. The most likely times for slowdowns are during weekday morning and evening commutes, particularly on the sections of highway nearer the Harrisburg area. Additionally, on weekends with major concerts or events at Hersheypark, the local roads near Hershey itself can become quite congested. Planning your drive to avoid these peak times will result in a much smoother trip.

Many wineries and breweries in the Lehigh Valley are located in attractive rural settings, which often means access via narrower, two‑lane country roads. While these drives are scenic, they require more attentive driving than a major highway. Parking is typically available on site, but at smaller establishments the lots may be unpaved and can fill up during special events or busy weekend afternoons. It’s always a good idea to check the venue’s website or social media for any updates before you head out.

Hotels near ABE offer good access to major shopping centres on Airport Road and Catasauqua Road. To run errands efficiently, use these main roads to reach your destination rather than looping through the airport’s terminal roadways. Traffic in this commercial area is heaviest during the evening commute, so planning your trips for mid‑day or later in the evening can save time. Using a sat‑nav will help you navigate directly to the store you need within the large shopping complexes.

When driving in the Lehigh Valley, be prepared for assertive merging, especially on the busy US‑22 corridor where on‑ramps can be short. It’s best to be decisive and match the flow of traffic. Some older state roads may feature "jughandle" turns for lefts, which can be unfamiliar if you’re not from the region. As with any populated area, practising defensive driving is key, and you should be aware that speed is monitored on major routes like I‑78 and the PA Turnpike.

Finding overnight parking in downtown Allentown is generally straightforward, as there are numerous public and private car parks available. Most city‑centre hotels have their own parking facilities or an arrangement with a nearby garage for guests. If you are driving a larger vehicle such as an SUV, you may prefer newer garages, for example those near the PPL Center, which often feature wider ramps and more spacious parking bays. Always check with your hotel for specific parking recommendations.

After you’ve picked up your hire car, the easiest place to organise your gear is in a quiet corner of the hire car car park itself. This allows you to take your time without feeling rushed. Alternatively, the airport’s cell‑phone waiting area is often a good spot to pull over for a few minutes to sort luggage and equipment before you head out onto the main road. This low‑stress approach ensures everything is secure and properly stowed for your journey.

For an early‑morning flight, the hire car return process at ABE is typically quick and efficient. As you approach the airport, follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you to a dedicated entrance separate from general parking. To ensure a smooth experience, budget about 15–20 minutes for the entire process, which includes the drive into the return lane, the vehicle check‑in, and the short walk from the return area to the airline check‑in desks inside the terminal.

The process is designed to be simple and prevent unnecessary loops. First, follow the signs for "Departures" and drop off your passengers and their luggage at the upper‑level kerb. After they are on their way into the terminal, simply continue following the airport roadway signs. The signs for "Rental Car Return" will appear, directing you to the correct lane and entrance without needing to circle the entire airport complex again. This separates the two tasks efficiently.

Refuelling your hire car before returning it at ABE is very convenient. There are several petrol stations located directly on Airport Road, the main thoroughfare leading to the terminal. You will pass these stations just a minute or two before you reach the entrance for the hire car return. This proximity allows you to top off the tank easily without making significant detours or adding extra miles, ensuring a quick and hassle‑free return process.

When travelling to ABE in inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, it is essential to build extra time into your schedule. Plan to add at least 30 minutes to your usual driving time to the airport to allow for slower speeds and potentially slick roads. The processes of returning the car and walking to the terminal can also take longer in poor weather. This buffer helps reduce stress and ensures you have plenty of time to catch your flight.

The biggest pitfall when driving to Newark (EWR) or Philadelphia (PHL) is underestimating the impact of rush‑hour traffic. For EWR, I‑78 East can become severely congested as you near the New York metro area. For PHL, I‑476 (the Blue Route) is notorious for delays during commute times. Always check a real‑time traffic app before you leave and plan to arrive at the airport much earlier than you think you need to, as an unexpected incident can cause major backups.

A common navigation error is to simply enter "ABE Airport" as the destination, which may direct you to the passenger drop‑off kerb instead of the rental car facility. To ensure you get to the right place, enter the specific destination "National Car Rental, Lehigh Valley International Airport" into your sat‑nav. As you get close to the airport, pay attention to the road signs and follow the specific directions for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you to the correct entrance.