Flying In and Out of Lehigh County: ABE and Connections

Thinking about moving to Lehigh County and wondering how easy it is to fly in and out? If business trips, family visits, or international travel are part of your routine, airport access can shape your weekly schedule and your neighborhood choices. In this guide, you’ll learn how Lehigh Valley International Airport works, when to pick larger hubs, how to reach New York area airports by bus, and simple rules of thumb that help you plan smarter. Let’s dive in.

Know your home airport: ABE

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is the local airport for Allentown, Bethlehem, and surrounding communities. It offers a mix of major carriers and leisure airlines with nonstop service to select domestic hubs and seasonal destinations. Crowds are smaller than big-city hubs, which often means easier parking and quicker curb-to-gate time for short trips.

ABE’s main tradeoff is breadth. You will find fewer nonstop routes and flight times than at major hubs. For many international or long-haul itineraries, you will connect through a larger airport. For current airlines, routes, parking, and ground transportation, check the official site for Lehigh Valley International Airport.

When to use PHL, EWR, or JFK

Philadelphia International (PHL) is the largest nearby hub with many nonstop routes and strong domestic and international connectivity. Newark Liberty International (EWR) is another popular option from the Lehigh Valley, especially when schedules or fares align. Some travelers use JFK for select international flights, though the longer drive and traffic add complexity.

Choose ABE when convenience and a short door-to-gate time matter most, especially for domestic trips. Choose PHL or EWR when you need more flight frequency, nonstop options, or backup flights on the same day. For current terminal and travel advisories, see Philadelphia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Getting to the airport: drive, ride, or bus

Driving and parking

Driving is the most common way to reach ABE and the regional hubs. For many parts of Lehigh County, the drive to ABE is often under 30 minutes in normal conditions. Larger hubs require longer drives and can be affected by peak-hour traffic on I-78 and regional toll corridors. Parking options vary by airport, so confirm current rates and reservation options on each airport’s official site.

Ride-hail, taxis, and rentals

Uber and Lyft operate across the Lehigh Valley, and ABE has established pickup areas. Protocols can change, so check the airport’s ground transportation guidance before you go. Rental car counters are available at ABE, and larger hubs typically offer wider fleets and more competition that can influence pricing.

Local transit to ABE

If you prefer not to drive, LANTA operates local bus routes across Lehigh and Northampton counties, with connections that serve ABE or nearby park-and-ride points. Schedules and routes change, so confirm your plan on the LANTA official site before you travel.

Buses to New York and Newark airports

Several intercity bus carriers connect the Lehigh Valley to Midtown Manhattan and, in some cases, directly to Newark Airport. The most common pattern is riding to Port Authority Bus Terminal, then transferring to rail or an airport service. Some routes run directly to EWR, which can save time.

Options to explore include:

• Trans-Bridge Lines for regular Lehigh Valley service to New York City and direct Newark Airport runs on select schedules.
• OurBus for scheduled coach service linking Allentown/Lehigh Valley and NYC on select routes and seasons.
• FlixBus and Greyhound for intercity connections that may include NYC and other regional terminals.

Service patterns, stops, luggage rules, and airport drop-offs change. Always confirm routes, times, and whether the bus goes to Port Authority or directly to EWR before booking.

Quick rules of thumb

• Pick ABE for short domestic trips, especially when timing and easy parking matter most.
• Pick PHL or EWR for international flights, nonstop transcontinental routes, or when you want many daily flight options.
• Compare total door-to-door time. A higher fare from ABE may still win when you factor in tolls, parking, and traffic to a major hub.
• For NYC airports during rush hours, consider bus-to-NYC plus airport transfer or a direct bus to EWR if available.
• Always check current schedules and fares for ABE, PHL, and EWR before deciding.

Neighborhood fit and airport access

If you fly often at early or late hours, living closer to ABE can reduce stress and travel variability. Many neighborhoods in Allentown, Bethlehem, Whitehall, and nearby suburbs offer short drives that make early departures and late returns easier. If you travel to New York frequently, consider proximity to I-78 or to intercity bus stops and park-and-ride lots that simplify NYC transfers.

For households that only fly a few times a year, balancing daily lifestyle needs with occasional airport drives often works best. The key is to weigh your typical itinerary, the airports you use most, and how much you value flexible flight times over quick curb-to-gate experiences.

Traveler scenarios and best-fit choices

• Business traveler with weekly trips to hub cities: Start at ABE for convenience when the schedule fits. Use PHL or EWR when you need multiple same-day options or backup flights.
• Occasional domestic leisure traveler: ABE is often the easiest choice for weekend getaways and seasonal leisure routes. Compare fares to PHL and EWR before booking.
• International traveler with checked bags: PHL or EWR usually offer the best nonstop and connection choices. Use ABE if a smooth connection through a larger hub keeps total time reasonable.
• New Lehigh Valley resident choosing a neighborhood: If airport time matters daily, stay within a short drive of ABE. If NYC access matters more, prioritize straightforward routes to I-78 or bus terminals that get you to Port Authority or Newark.

Cost and time planning

• Parking and tolls: Add the roundtrip parking cost and tolls to your comparison. Major hubs can be more expensive to park, while ABE’s simplicity can save both time and money.
• Fare comparisons: Search fares that include ABE, PHL, EWR, and sometimes JFK or LaGuardia to see if a nonstop at a hub justifies the drive.
• Arrival timing: For domestic flights at ABE, many travelers aim for a 60 to 90 minute early arrival. For larger hubs or international departures, add time for traffic, parking shuttles, and check-in queues. Review general guidelines on the TSA site and your airline’s recommendations.

Step-by-step trip planning checklist

• Define your top priority: lowest fare, fewest connections, or least total time.
• Compare flights from ABE, PHL, and EWR on the same dates before you decide.
• Check parking costs and bus schedules. If EWR makes sense, review Trans-Bridge Lines for possible direct airport runs.
• If using transit to ABE, confirm connections on LANTA.
• Build buffer time for I-78 and other corridor traffic if you drive to PHL or EWR.
• Recheck schedules the day before travel since routes and times change seasonally.

The bottom line

The Lehigh Valley gives you flexible choices. ABE keeps travel easy for many domestic trips, while PHL and EWR open up more nonstop and international options when you need them. With a clear plan for ground transport and a quick fare comparison, you can choose the airport that best fits each itinerary.

If you’re weighing neighborhoods with airport access in mind, we can help you map your routine to the right location. Ready to narrow your search and make a confident move? Schedule a Confidential Consultation with the Shabana Pathan Group to get personalized, local guidance.

FAQs

Does ABE have nonstop international flights?

• ABE serves select domestic hubs and leisure destinations. For most long-haul or international trips, you will connect through larger hubs like PHL or EWR. See Lehigh Valley International Airport for current routes.

What is the easiest way from Allentown to Newark Airport?

• Many travelers use Trans-Bridge Lines for direct EWR service on select schedules. Others ride to NYC Port Authority, then transfer to rail or an airport service. Always confirm current routes and times.

Are there buses from the Lehigh Valley to New York City?

• Yes. Options include Trans-Bridge Lines, OurBus, FlixBus, and Greyhound. Most routes serve Port Authority; some may run to EWR.

How early should I arrive at ABE versus a major hub?

• For ABE domestic flights, many travelers plan 60 to 90 minutes early. For larger hubs or international itineraries, add extra time for traffic and check-in. Review general guidance on the TSA site.

Is public transit available to ABE within Lehigh County?

• LANTA operates routes that serve or connect to ABE and nearby park-and-ride points. Check the LANTA official site for up-to-date schedules and stops.

Should I compare fares across multiple airports when I book?

• Yes. Checking ABE, PHL, and EWR often reveals tradeoffs among price, connections, and time. For some trips, ABE’s convenience wins. For others, a nonstop from a larger hub is worth the drive.