Lehigh Valley International Airport

Lehigh Valley International Airport sits about 6 kilometres northeast of downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, serving the Lehigh Valley region that includes Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. It is a medium-sized facility with a single terminal, handling around 800,000 passengers annually. Although its name includes 'International,' the airport does not operate scheduled international flights; charter and cargo operations provide global connections. What makes this airport notable is its efficiency: short security lines, easy parking, and a layout that rarely leaves passengers rushing. It serves as a practical gateway for business travelers, families visiting the region, and locals heading to Florida or other domestic destinations.

Getting There

Allentown is easily accessible by car. From the city center, take Route 22 east to Airport Road north; the drive takes about 10 minutes. From I-78, exit at Route 33 north or head directly via Route 309. The airport is well signposted from major highways. Paid parking is available directly in front of the terminal in a garage and surface lots; rates are moderate compared to larger airports, though daily parking adds up for longer trips. For those not driving, public transit options exist but are limited. LANTA bus route 320 connects the airport to the Allentown Transportation Center, with a journey time of roughly 30 minutes, but service is infrequent – check schedules ahead. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) are reliable; a trip from downtown Allentown costs around US$15–20. The airport also has a cell phone lot for those picking up passengers.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Lehigh Valley International is compact and straightforward. On arrival, passengers enter the baggage claim area on the ground level. Departures are on the upper level, with check-in counters and security. The check-in area is rarely crowded, but the busiest times are around noon on weekdays (Monday through Thursday). Security typically moves fast – most wait times fall under 15 minutes. The airport provides wheelchair-accessible entrances, wheelchair rentals, and accessible toilets and seating. A changing table is available in the restrooms. Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal, and there are several seating areas with charging outlets. Food options are limited: a small café near the gates offers snacks, coffee, and sandwiches; vending machines are scattered throughout. No full-service restaurants exist, so eating before arrival is advisable. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, which many passengers appreciate. On-site services include a lost and found desk and car rental counters (Avis, Budget, Enterprise) in the baggage claim area.

Lehigh Valley International Airport and Allentown

Allentown is the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, with a population of about 125,000, and forms the heart of the Lehigh Valley region. Historically, it was a powerhouse of American industry – the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, once the world’s second-largest steelmaker, operated here until its closure in 2003. That industrial heritage has reshaped the area into a hub of culture and education. Today, the region is known for its strong healthcare sector (Lehigh Valley Health Network), multiple universities, and a growing distribution industry due to its location near major highways. Visitors come for a mix of history and modern attractions. In downtown Allentown, the Allentown Art Museum holds an impressive collection spanning centuries, and the America on Wheels Museum chronicles transportation history. Nearby Bethlehem, a 15-minute drive, features SteelStacks, a transformed steel plant turned into a performance venue and park, hosting concerts and festivals like Musikfest – one of the largest free music festivals in the US. Easton, another 10 minutes east, offers the Crayola Experience, an interactive attraction for children. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Lehigh River Water Trail or explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, about 40 minutes north. The area also has a vibrant food scene, with Pennsylvania Dutch influences and numerous farm-to-table restaurants. People travel to Allentown for business (especially in healthcare and technology), to visit family, or to explore the unique blend of industrial history and modern recreation. The airport acts as a convenient entry point, allowing visitors to bypass the congestion of Philadelphia or Newark.

Practical Information

Lehigh Valley International Airport is open daily, but terminal hours vary. The general opening time is 4:30 AM, with doors closing after the last flight arrives – typically around 11 PM. Contact the airport at +1 800-359-5842 or visit www.flyabe.com for current hours and flight updates. Parking is paid, with rates starting at US$2 per hour for short-term lots and US$12 per day for long-term. The airport recommends arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights, though 60 minutes often suffices given the short lines. Wheelchair accessibility is well covered: all entrances, restrooms, and seating are accessible, and free wheelchair rentals are available at the check-in area. One concrete piece of advice: because food options inside are very limited, grab a meal before arriving or bring a snack. Also, note that the busiest times are around midday on weekdays – if you can fly early morning or later afternoon, you will encounter even fewer crowds.