Car Rental - Allentown

 

Collect your car rental in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to discover a town that’s so much more than the Billy Joel song would have you think. Next to the Lehigh River, Allentown is a thriving place with a wonderful historic district, a city packed with small-town charm waiting to be explored on foot or in the comfort of your rental car.

We have several branches in the city where you can collect your Allentown rental car, including one at Lehigh Valley International Airport. This gives you convenience for both pick-up and drop-off. Our Allentown rental car collection spans vehicles for every kind of trip: compact cars for solo business trips, sportier models for couples and roomy SUVs if you’re bringing the family along.

From Allentown, you can strike out to visit the rest of the Lehigh Valley, including nearby cities Bethlehem and Easton. You can be in Philadelphia in an hour, and in New York in less than two.

With Allentown car rental you’re in pole position to see all that Pennsylvania has in store for you.

Allentown Locations

A Quick Guide to Allentown

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Allentown Art Museum

31 N 5th Street, Allentown, PA, 18101

Opened in 1934 by local impressionist painter Walter Emerson Baum, the Allentown Art Museum has grown from housing an initial 70 paintings to over 19,000 works of art today. Browse an eclectic collection that takes in textiles, pop art from Keith Haring and a Rembrandt from 1632.

talon dorney park

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA, 18104

There’s fun for all ages here, with thrilling white-knuckle coasters and a huge splash park perfect for summer fun. While there are plenty of modern rides to be enjoyed, one of the park’s big draws is Thunderhawk, a classic wooden coaster that opened in 1923.

eighth street bridge

America on Wheels Museum

5 N Front Street, Allentown, PA, 18102

Built as part of a project to revitalize a former industrial era, this fascinating museum charts the love affair with automobiles dating back to the 19th century. The key exhibit is an 1889 gas-powered carriage, but there are plenty of unusual vehicles, in addition to a child-friendly educational center all about restoration.

Springhill Suites by Marriott Allentown

3800 West Drive, Center Valley, PA, 18034

To the south of Allentown, just off I-78 and Route 309, Marriott’s Springhill Suites are conveniently located both for the city and Bethlehem, and close to Lehigh University. Rooms are spacious, with dedicated workstations, modern bathrooms and kitchenettes. There’s an indoor pool and a fitness center open around the clock. Have a rental car while in Allentown? There’s on-site parking too.

Renaissance Allentown Hotel

12 North 7th Street, Allentown, PA, 18101

In the heart of downtown, the Renaissance occupies a charming, historic building and is only moments from Allentown Art Museum, Miller Symphony Hall and numerous great places to eat. Cozy rooms have smart TVs and 24-hour room service, while the hotel is brilliantly equipped for business travelers with huge amounts of event space. While you have plenty of sights close by, parking for a car rental is available if you plan on venturing further.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem

437 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18018

Only a few minutes from Allentown, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem is a nationally famous retreat open since the 18th century. It’s comfortable and well appointed, but also has plenty of stories to tell, including those of its friendly ghosts. Book well in advance to reserve room 932, also known as the ‘Room with a Boo’ for the many reputed paranormal events that have taken place within its walls.

Grille 3501

3501 Broadway, Allentown, PA, 18104

Atmospheric and friendly, Grille 3501 is known for its happy hours, but also its inventive fusion food. Start with crab and mango spring rolls accompanied by coconut curry remoulade, then indulge in the boneless beef short ribs with parmesan risotto and pomegranate jus.

Henry’s Salt of the Sea

1926 Allen Street, Allentown, PA, 18104

Gallic-inspired seafood is the theme at Henry’s, which bills itself as ‘where the owner wears an apron, not a tie’. Signature dishes include broiled sea scallops with a light lemon butter, as well as rich veal and crabmeat princess. The early evening special served 4.30-5.30 Monday to Thursday is a bit of a steal.

The Bookstore Speakeasy

336 Adams Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18015

Take your rental car from Allentown to neighboring Bethlehem for this great spot which perfectly catches the Prohibition vibe. The authentic 1920’s atmosphere is ideal for the menu of live jazz music you can catch several nights a week. Tempting small plates such as black truffle fries and steak tips with gorgonzola are a perfect light bite.

Driving In and Around Allentown

  • Allentown Transportation Deck (18101) has 470 spaces, hourly rates and is convenient for the Symphony Hall, Baum School of Art and Allentown Art Museum.
  • The Spiral Deck (18101) is in a great location for the Hamilton Street area, which is full of shops and restaurants. There are about 650 spaces for you to park your rental car in.
  • 9th & Walnut Deck (18102) contains over 500 parking spaces and is to the south of the lively Hamilton Street area.
  • Interstate 78 (I-78) connects Harrisburg in Pennsylvania with New York City. It runs west to east just south of Allentown, bypassing the center of the city.
  • US Route 22 (US 22) runs from west to east across the entirety of Pennsylvania and is known variously as the William Penn Highway and Lehigh Valley Thruway. It connects with Bethlehem and Easton.
  • Interstate 476 (I-476) is a north-south route that runs just to the west of Allentown. Join it heading south for Philadelphia, or north for Scranton.

How to Get From Allentown to Bethlehem

The fascinating old community of Bethlehem, with its extravagant Christmas celebrations, is only six miles away in a rental car from Allentown.

  1. From the center of Allentown, drive east on Hamilton Street and cross the bridge over the Lehigh River.
  2. Continue on E Hamilton St and follow it left as it turns into Hanover Ave.
  3. This then becomes W Broad St and takes you into the heart of Hamilton.

 

How to Get From Allentown to Philadelphia

Start the engine of your rental car and you’ll find Philadelphia is about 60 miles south of Allentown, a journey of just over an hour by car. Simply join the I-476, followed by the I-76.

 

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