Rent A Car In Allentown, United States — Competitive Prices And A Complete Local Guide
Compare airport and downtown pickup options, understand fees and insurance, and choose the right vehicle for the Lehigh Valley with a clear, traveler-friendly guide.
What do you need to rent a car in Allentown?
Renting a car in Allentown is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID (e.g., Bulgaria / United States) in the main driver’s name must be presented.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year. Some offers require 2 years. Check product-specific terms if a longer holding period applies.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required in most cases. Accepted credit cards (vary by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, Diners Club, JCB and Discover. Some offers accept debit cards (Visa/MasterCard) and, occasionally, cash or deposit cards. At least one physical, bank-issued card must be shown at the counter; virtual cards are not accepted.
- Age requirements: Standard minimum and maximum age ranges vary by offer between 20–25 (minimum) and 65–99 (maximum). The lowest minimum observed is 20, and the highest maximum is 99. Where no young-driver surcharge applies, typical allowed ranges are around 21–80 or 24–99. Young driver surcharges apply for certain age bands on some offers: for example, age 21–23 or 21–25 in Europe from about €6–€24 per day (tax status varies) and age 20–24 in the U.S. from about $25–$27 per day. Some vehicles (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full-size and premium SUVs) are only available to drivers at least 25 years old, and additional drivers may also need to be 25+ on those classes.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year; some offers require 2 years. Please check the specific rental terms where a 2-year minimum is stated. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an IDP is only a translation; you must present your original licence together with the original IDP — photocopies or scans are not accepted.
• EU/EEA Driving License, valid across the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.), accepted without an IDP when printed in Latin/Roman script.
or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back.Notes: For some U.S. rentals, renters whose country of residence is outside the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.
- Form of ID: A valid passport in the main driver’s name must be presented.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required in most cases. Accepted credit cards (depending on the offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, Diners Club, JCB and Discover. Some offers accept Visa/MasterCard debit cards and, rarely, deposit cards; cash acceptance is limited. Present at least one physical, bank-issued card at the counter; virtual or photocopied cards are not accepted.
- Age requirements: Standard minimum and maximum age ranges vary by offer between 20–25 (minimum) and 65–99 (maximum). The lowest minimum observed is 20, and the highest maximum is 99. Where no young-driver surcharge applies, typical allowed ranges are around 21–80 or 24–99. Young driver surcharges apply for certain age bands on some offers: for example, age 21–23 or 21–25 in Europe from about €6–€24 per day (tax status varies) and age 20–24 in the U.S. from about $25–$27 per day. Some vehicles (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full-size and premium SUVs) are only available to drivers at least 25 years old, and additional drivers may also need to be 25+ on those classes.
Best Car Rentals for Exploring Allentown & Beyond
From scenic Poconos mountain roads to Philadelphia adventures—find your ideal ride for every journey around Allentown.
Mountain & Winter
SUV
5
3
AutoWinter in the Allentown region brings snow and ice, especially on roads leading to the Pocono Mountains. An SUV offers superior traction control and all-wheel drive capabilities that keep you safe on slippery mountain passes. The higher ground clearance helps navigate unplowed country roads with ease. Inside, you'll appreciate the spacious cabin with heated seats during freezing temperatures. Plus, SUV cargo capacity lets you pack all your ski gear, snowboards, or hiking equipment for weekend getaways.
Family Road Trip
minivan
75AutoPlanning a family trip to Hersheypark or a road trip to New York City? A minivan delivers the legroom and comfort everyone needs on longer journeys. The sliding door makes loading kids and gear effortless at rest stops. Multiple USB charging ports keep devices powered throughout the ride. Third-row seating accommodates extended family or carpools. The smooth ride quality means less fatigue on drives to Philadelphia or the Jersey Shore.
City & Urban
Medium
52AutoAllentown's downtown area features compact streets and busy parking lots where a smaller car truly shines. A midsize sedan or hatchback slots into tight parking spaces without the stress of navigating a larger vehicle. Better fuel efficiency means fewer stops at gas stations when commuting around the Lehigh Valley. The responsive handling makes merging onto I-78 and Route 22 stress-free. You'll appreciate easy ingress and egress when running daily errands or visiting local restaurants and shops.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Why Pick Up At Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Airport pickup is ideal if you’re flying into the region and want the most vehicle choices and the longest service hours. You can usually find multiple brands at one place, making it easier to compare prices, vehicle classes, and policies on the spot. It’s also the simplest option for tight schedules, late arrivals, or early departures—just budget for airport facility and concession fees that may make the final total higher than an off-airport location.
Kia Niro
52
4AutoKia Niro
524AutoKia Niro
524Auto
Chrysler 200
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534AutoToyota Camry
534Auto
Jeep Compass
534AutoJeep Compass
534Auto
Jeep Compass
534AutoTop-Rated Car Rentals at Allentown (ABE) Airport
Read genuine reviews from real travelers who picked up at Allentown. Make informed decisions and find the perfect rental car for your trip.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 17,000+ reviews | $101 | 2.1 mi | $535 - $904 |
| |
| 2.1 3300+ reviews | $65 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
| 1.8 3700+ reviews | $65 | Shuttle bus | Low deposit |
| |
| 1.3 95 reviews | $145 | 2.7 mi | $300 - $649 |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $145 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $300 - $620 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Airport locations capture 55% of US car rental revenue, with Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) serving Allentown. Enterprise Holdings leads national market share at 22%, followed by Avis Budget Group at 19% and Hertz at 16%."
Booking Patterns
"Economy cars comprise 40% of rentals; SUV demand grew 15% in 2024. Summer peak sees 35% higher demand vs winter. Average rental duration is 3.5 days, with 45% booking within 7 days and 20% booking 30+ days ahead."
Customer Pain Points
"38% of renters report unexpected charges at pickup, with hidden fees being the top complaint followed by insurance upselling pressure and long counter wait times averaging 22 minutes."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- IBISWorld Car Rental Industry Analysis
- MarketsandMarkets Car Rental Report
- IBISWorld Car Rental in the US Industry Report
- Consumer Affairs Car Rental Complaint Analysis
- J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Study
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Allentown
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Allentown
Popular Driving Routes & Day Trips From Allentown, PA
Scenic & City-to-City Route Options:
Allentown → Philadelphia (Historic Core & Waterfront)
A straightforward I-476/I-76 drive to America’s most famous historic district. Ideal if you want walkable sights, museums, and a food scene without planning a multi-day trip.
Allentown → New York City (Skyline Highlights via NJ)
A classic rental-car route to NYC for iconic skyline views, museums, Broadway, and neighborhoods. Consider parking once and using transit to avoid Manhattan driving.
Allentown → Poconos Scenic Loop (Lakes, Waterfalls & Forest Roads)
A flexible mountain loop that’s great in fall foliage and summer lake season. Mix short waterfall walks with overlooks and small towns for an easy nature reset.
Popular Trips (Half-Day to Weekend Ideas):
Bethlehem & the Lehigh Valley Discovery Trip
Quick, low-stress drive for music venues, historic Moravian sites, and dining. Great for a short rental period or an easy first drive after pickup.
Lancaster County & Amish Country Farm Roads
A relaxed countryside trip for markets, bakeries, covered bridges, and scenic backroads. Drive carefully around horse-drawn buggies, especially at dusk.
Longwood Gardens & Brandywine Valley
A polished day out featuring one of the country’s premier botanical gardens, plus wineries and museum stops in the Brandywine Valley.
Delaware Water Gap + River Towns
An easy nature escape with overlooks, short hikes, and small-town lunch options along the Delaware River. Ideal for spring and fall weekends.
Car Rental Planning Tips for Driving Around Allentown
Bring the right documents: Have your driver’s license, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and (if visiting) your passport and any required IDP. This helps avoid pickup delays.
Understand insurance before you arrive: Check whether your personal auto policy or credit card covers rental cars. If not, compare the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW/LDW) and liability options.
Plan for toll roads and bridges: Trips toward Philadelphia/NYC can involve tolls. Ask how the rental’s toll program works (daily fee vs. pay-per-toll) and consider using your own E‑ZPass when allowed.
Choose a fuel strategy that saves money: The simplest option is ‘return full’—fill up near the return location. Keep the receipt in case the fuel gauge reading is disputed.
Pick the best vehicle for your route: For NYC/Philly, a compact car is easier to park. For the Poconos in winter, consider AWD and check tire condition before leaving the lot.
Avoid expensive downtown parking when possible: In Manhattan and Center City Philadelphia, parking can cost more than a day’s rental. Park once at a garage or use park-and-ride/transit for the core.
Time your departure to beat congestion: Weekday rush hours can slow I-78, I-476 (Northeast Extension), and I-76. Leaving early morning or after peak periods can cut drive time significantly.
Document the car at pickup and return: Take timestamped photos of exterior panels, wheels, windshield, and the fuel/odometer. This reduces disputes over pre-existing damage.
Drive Through Allentown: Your Ultimate Road Trip Companion
Essential travel and driving guide for Allentown, Pennsylvania - from local speed limits to gas prices and car rental tips
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
USD
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+1
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$57 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
5-7 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
40-56 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
104-112 km/h
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.08% (Strictly Enforced)
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$0.85/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.66/L - $1.06/L
Allentown Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental FAQs for navigating Allentown and the Lehigh Valley
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