Car Rental - State College

 

Rent a car in State College, Pennsylvania to discover countless museums, sprawling forests and the majestic Tussey Mountain.

Home to one of the biggest universities in the country, State College is a quaint town with an electric, cultural atmosphere. The city is brimming with galleries and botanical gardens, with many of its major attractions dotted throughout the campus. Renting a car in State College makes it easier to traverse the area.

This football-loving town is in the heart of the state, so it’s easy to explore more of Pennsylvania with your rental car, including Pittsburgh. Harrisburg is the state capitol and has plenty to see and do and is only a one-and-a-half hour’s drive with your holiday or business car rental from State College, while it’s only three hours east to Philadelphia.

We have a handful of car rental pickup locations across State College, including at University Park Airport. Reserve a spacious sedan for driving through the city or a sturdy pickup truck for ventures to the mountains. 

State College Locations

A Quick Guide To State College

Public garden with flower beds either side of a river

The Arboretum at Penn State

Take a leisurely stroll through the blooming botanical gardens of The Arboretum. The peaceful landscapes include lush meadows and lotus pools, as well as the magical H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens.

Enjoy a picnic on the lawn before exploring a limestone cave and admire the stone amphitheater, which often hosts exciting events. Hop in a family holiday car rental to make exploration of State College much easier for your loved ones. 

White-walled art gallery with a bench in the centre

Palmer Museum of Art

Explore this museum’s extensive collection of fine paintings, unique prints, photographs and sculptures. Featured work comes from around the globe, including contemporary European art, Asian ceramics, American paintings and crafts from various African cultures.

Person skiing through a snowy mountain forest

Tussey Mountain Ski and Recreation

A short 15-minute drive out of town, Tussey Mountain has been a popular ski area since the 1960s. Visit in winter and test the powder across three slopes spanning 50-acres. There’s a thrilling snow tube park and hotel featuring a fine dining restaurant.

Come in summer for go-karting, mini golf and testing your moves along the ramps at the skate park.

Residence Inn by Marriott

A modern hotel offering spacious suites, a heated indoor pool and fully equipped fitness center. From your Marriott base, you’re at the heart of this college town’s attractions. Spend a sunny afternoon at The Arboretum then come back for refreshments on the firelit patio.

Relax here after a tiring day spent exploring the State College area with your holiday car rental. 

Tussey Mountain Lodge

Enjoy the thrills of Tussey Mountain with a room at the lodge, 15 minutes from town. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of Happy Valley and the surrounding forest from the moment you wake. After a day on the slopes, curl up in front of the fireplace and later sink beneath the sumptuous sheets.

Reynolds Mansion

Luxury and sophistication await at this boutique hotel, only 20 minutes out of town. Set in a stately stone mansion, the guest rooms of Reynolds Mansion are spacious and ornately designed with antique furnishings. Start your day with gourmet breakfast and finish in the snuggery for drinks and chocolates.

The Field Burger & Tap

You’ll find the best burgers in town at The Field, an upscale farm-to-fork burger joint. Sink your teeth into thick, juicy patties served on a soft bun and loaded with trimmings. Try the Black and Smoky Blue with tangy blue cheese and zesty house sauce.

Business car rentals from State College make it easier to drive your work associates for those all-important dinners. 

The Original Waffle Shop

Join the locals bright and early at this sweet breakfast spot. Waffle stacks are thick and fluffy with a crispy layer. Order fresh banana waffles topped with whipped cream or chocolate chip drizzled with sauce.

Duffy’s Tavern

An 1855 American restaurant with a seasonally changing menu, Duffy’s invites diners to enjoy both the food and atmosphere. Regularly featured plates include sweet brie-and-pear ravioli and sticky glazed chicken wings.

Driving In and Around State College

  • Beaver Avenue Parking Garage (16901) is conveniently located next to our State College rental car Hertz pick-up location. The parking garage offers visitors easy access to the shopping and dining of Main Street.
  • Lot 44 (16801) is right by Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center as well as being close to The Arboretum.
  • Metered on-street parking is available across State College. Parking Meters accept coins and credit cards or payment via the Parkmobile app.
  •  U.S. Route 322 (US 322) is a spur of the US 22 that runs from Cleveland, Ohio and passes by State College before continuing towards New Jersey. Renting a car in State College means avoiding the inconvenience of public transport.
  • Pennsylvania Route 26 (PA 26) is a 125-mile highway that joins the US 322 in State College from Huntingdon and connects to Bellefonte further north.
  • Interstate 99 (I-99) leaves the US 322 west to Port Matilda and Altoona.

How to get from University Park Airport to State College

The airport is just a 15-minute drive out of town with your State College rental car.

  1. Head north-east from the Hertz State College car rental parking lot to Airport Road.
  2. Continue on to Fox Hollow Road for two miles.
  3. Turn right on to East Park Avenue.
  4. Then make a left turn on to North Atherton Street.
  5. Take another left on to West Beaver Street.
  6. Finally, turn right on to South Allen Street to reach central State College.  

 

How to get from State College to Pittsburgh

It takes two-and-a-half hours to drive with your car rental from State College to Pittsburgh, located on the west side of the state. Get on to the I-99 South and take Exit 29 to continue on to I-376 West. Follow signs for Pittsburgh and take Exit 1-376.

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