If you’ve got a layover in Allentown, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ABE. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 70 minutes by LANTA Bus Route 215. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ABE:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the LANTA Bus Route 215 takes about 70 minutes into Allentown, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LANTA Bus Route 215 | ~70 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~90 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the LANTA Bus Route 215 is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Allentown might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Allentown, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to See and Do in Allentown
If you head into Allentown, here are two things worth checking out:
Allentown Art Museum is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
America On Wheels Museum is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ABE, check out Lehigh Valley Aviation Museum or Airport Gift Shop & Newsstand to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
In Allentown
If you make it into town, The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Tacos Y Tequila.
Inside ABE
If you’re staying in the terminal, Lehigh Valley Grille is your main option. Subway works too if you want something quick.
Storing Your Luggage at Lehigh Valley International Airport
Specific locker facilities at ABE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Allentown itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ABE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Allentown itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ABE
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ABE, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Allentown genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.