Allentown, Pennsylvania, offers diverse transportation options that connect the city’s 125,000 residents and visitors to destinations throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond. As the largest city in the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area, Allentown serves as a major transportation hub for eastern Pennsylvania, providing excellent connectivity to major metropolitan areas, including Philadelphia and New York City.
Public Transportation
The primary public transportation provider in Allentown is LANTA, which operates comprehensive bus services throughout the Lehigh Valley region. LANTA is Pennsylvania’s third-largest public transit agency, behind Pittsburgh Regional Transit and SEPTA, with an annual ridership of 4,181,500 as of fiscal year 2023.
LANTA provides fixed-route bus service seven days a week, with most routes connecting to major transportation centers in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The core service area covers approximately 380,000 people living within 3/4 mile of a fixed-route bus line, with about 15,000 daily trips on the metro city transit system.
Highway and Road Access
Allentown’s strategic location provides excellent highway connectivity to major East Coast destinations.
Interstate Access:
- I-78: Provides east-west connectivity, linking Allentown to New York City (east) and Harrisburg (west)
- I-476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension): Connects Allentown to the Philadelphia area and southern Pennsylvania
- PA-309: Major north-south route connecting to the Pocono Mountains region
US Routes:
- US Route 22: East-west corridor providing access to New Jersey and western Pennsylvania
- Various state routes provide local and regional connectivity
Air Transportation
Lehigh Valley International Airport serves as the primary commercial airport for the region. Services available include:
- Multiple car rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty
- LANTA bus service connects the airport to the regional transit network
- Commercial flights serving domestic destinations
Intercity Bus and Rail Services
Long-Distance Bus Services
Trans-Bridge Lines: Provides daily bus service between Allentown and New York City, with multiple departure times and convenient locations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Greyhound Bus: Daily service from nearby Easton north to Stroudsburg, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton, and from Easton south to Doylestown and Philadelphia. Also provides service from Easton and Allentown west to Harrisburg.
Susquehanna Trailways: Service from Allentown south to Quakertown and Philadelphia, and north to Lehighton.
Rail Connections
Amtrak Bus Service: Connecting service between Allentown and Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, providing access to Amtrak’s extensive rail network along the Northeast Corridor.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Allentown has been developing more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, with improved sidewalks in downtown areas and connections to regional trail systems. The city’s compact urban core makes many destinations walkable, particularly in the revitalized downtown district around Hamilton Street.
University Transportation Programs
Local colleges and universities offer enhanced transportation options:
- Muhlenberg College: Free LANTA bus access for all students and employees using college ID cards
- Lehigh University: Partnership with LANTA providing free bus transportation for faculty and staff
- Penn State Lehigh Valley: Special student bus pass programs and dedicated route service
Allentown’s comprehensive transportation network, anchored by LANTA’s extensive bus system and enhanced by excellent highway access, provides residents and visitors with multiple options for local, regional, and long-distance travel. The city’s central location in the Lehigh Valley makes it an ideal hub for accessing both urban amenities and the broader northeastern United States.
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