Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) serves Pennsylvania’s third-largest metropolitan area, offering travelers a quieter alternative to Philadelphia or Newark. Located in Allentown, this mid-sized airport provides essential amenities for layover passengers, including family-friendly facilities like a children’s play area and sensory room. Whether you’re connecting through ABE or considering a quick trip into the Lehigh Valley, this guide covers everything you need to maximize your Allentown layover.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Allentown and throughout the Lehigh Valley region.
Airport Amenities at a Glance
Lehigh Valley International Airport offers a focused selection of amenities suitable for short to medium layovers. Here’s what’s available during your Allentown layover:
| Amenity | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✅ Yes | Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal |
| Charging Stations | ✅ Yes | Charging stations for phones and devices are available in the terminal |
| Water Refill Stations | ✅ Yes | Water bottle refill stations are available for reusable containers |
| ATMs | ✅ Yes | ATMs are available for cash withdrawals; currency exchange services may be available |
| Pay-per-use Lounges | ✅ Yes | Pay-per-use lounges offer a quiet space for a fee. Check the airport’s official website for current lounge options and pricing |
| Children’s Play Area | ✅ Yes | ABE offers a Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Play Area |
| Sensory Room | ✅ Yes | ABE provides a Sensory Room for passengers who need a calm, quiet space |
| Nursing/Breastfeeding Rooms | ✅ Yes | Dedicated nursing or breastfeeding rooms are available for passenger use |
| Luggage Storage | ❌ No | No luggage storage or lockers at ABE. Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for storage near the airport (typically $5-10/bag/day) |
| Sleep Pods/Nap Pods | ❌ No | No dedicated sleep pods available at ABE |
| Showers | ❌ No | No shower facilities available at ABE |
| Pharmacy/Medical Clinic | ❌ No | No pharmacy or medical clinic at ABE. For medical needs, check the airport’s official website for assistance |
| Free City Tours | ❌ No | ABE does not offer free city tour programs for layover passengers |
Getting from ABE to Allentown City Center
Ground transportation to the city center is available from Lehigh Valley International Airport. Allentown’s downtown area is approximately 5-7 miles from ABE, making it accessible for longer layovers.
| Method | Time to City | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare | 15-20 minutes | $20-30 | Fastest option, groups splitting cost, travelers with luggage |
| Rental Car | 15-20 minutes | $40-70/day | Exploring beyond downtown, longer layovers (8+ hours) |
| Public Transit/Shuttle | 30-45 minutes | $2-5 | Budget travelers, no luggage |
Important: Check the airport’s official website for current ground transportation options, schedules, and pricing. Download offline maps using Google Maps or Maps.me before landing, as airport WiFi can be unreliable.
What to Do at ABE During Your Allentown Layover
Lehigh Valley International Airport is a compact, single-terminal facility that’s easy to navigate. Here’s how to spend your time inside the airport:
Relax in a Lounge
Pay-per-use lounges offer a quiet space for a fee at ABE. Check the airport’s official website for current lounge locations, hours, and pricing. One-time lounge day passes range from $39-59 depending on the airline and lounge provider. If you have a Priority Pass membership (included free with some credit cards), you may have access to participating lounges.
Dining Options
Meals and snacks at ABE range from $10-20 depending on the vendor. Like most airports, food prices are 2-3x city prices, so if you’re leaving the airport during your Allentown layover, consider eating in the city instead. For current restaurant and café options, check the airport’s official website.
Family-Friendly Amenities
ABE stands out for its family-focused facilities:
- Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Play Area: A dedicated space where kids can burn energy during your layover
- Sensory Room: A calm, quiet space designed for passengers with sensory sensitivities or those who need a break from airport stimulation
- Nursing/Breastfeeding Rooms: Private rooms equipped for nursing mothers
Stay Connected and Charged
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for phones and devices are accessible in the terminal. Bring an empty water bottle to fill at the water bottle refill stations after security – staying hydrated helps manage jet lag and saves money.
Rest and Sleep
ABE does not have dedicated sleep pods or shower facilities. For overnight layovers, find a quiet gate area with comfortable seating. Check SleepingInAirports.net for traveler reviews on the best spots to rest at ABE. Pack a layover bag inside your carry-on with a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and entertainment so you can access essentials without unpacking everything.
What to Do in Allentown During a Layover
If you have 6+ hours for your Allentown layover, venturing into the city offers a taste of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Here’s what you can do based on available time:
4-5 Hours Available (After Transit and Security Buffer)
- Downtown Allentown: Walk through the compact downtown area, visit local cafés, and explore the historic district
- PPL Center Area: The arena district features restaurants and shops within walking distance
- Quick Meal: Enjoy Pennsylvania Dutch-influenced cuisine or classic American fare at local restaurants (much cheaper than airport dining)
6-8 Hours Available
- America on Wheels Museum: Explore transportation history with vintage cars and trucks
- Allentown Art Museum: Browse collections of American and European art
- Coca-Cola Park: If the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (minor league baseball) are playing, catch a few innings
- Local Breweries: The Lehigh Valley has a growing craft beer scene worth exploring
8+ Hours Available
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Amusement park with roller coasters and water attractions (seasonal, summer months)
- Lehigh Valley Zoo: Family-friendly attraction about 20 minutes from downtown
- Historic Bethlehem: Visit the neighboring city’s colonial Moravian settlement and SteelStacks arts campus
- Hiking/Nature: Explore nearby trails in the Lehigh Valley’s parks and nature preserves
Pro Tip: Download offline maps before landing and consider getting an eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) for instant data without hunting for WiFi or buying local SIMs.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s what to expect for costs during your Allentown layover:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport Meal | $10-20 |
| City Meal (Restaurant) | $15-30 |
| Taxi/Rideshare (Round Trip) | $40-60 |
| Public Transit (Round Trip) | $4-10 |
| Lounge Access (One-Time Pass) | $39-59 |
| Luggage Storage (Near Airport) | $5-10/bag/day |
| Museum/Attraction Entry | $10-25 |
| Coffee/Snack | $5-10 |
Money-Saving Tips:
- Never exchange money at airport currency counters – rates are terrible. Use ATMs or a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates with zero markup in most countries
- Fill your water bottle at refill stations instead of buying bottled water ($3-5 savings per bottle)
- Eat in the city rather than the airport to save 50-70% on meal costs
- If traveling with a group, split rideshare costs to make city transit more affordable
Layover Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- Use ABE’s Family Amenities: Take advantage of the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Play Area to let kids burn energy, and use the nursing/breastfeeding rooms and sensory room as needed
- TSA PreCheck Saves Time: TSA PreCheck saves 30+ minutes with kids at US airports – apply online for $78 for 5 years. Children under 12 don’t need to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints in the US
- Pack a Layover Bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in an accessible bag inside your carry-on so you don’t have to unpack everything
- Hydration is Key: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security – staying hydrated helps kids manage jet lag and prevents meltdowns
- Luggage Storage: Since ABE doesn’t have luggage storage, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for storage near the airport (typically $5-10/bag/day, much cheaper than airport lockers)
- Download Offline Entertainment: Download offline maps and translation apps before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable, especially when trying to keep kids entertained
For Solo Travelers
- Global Entry Benefits: Global Entry ($100/5 years) includes TSA PreCheck and speeds up international arrivals significantly – worth it for frequent travelers
- Voluntary Bumping Opportunity: Solo travelers can take advantage of voluntary bumping – airlines often offer $200-800+ in compensation, and it’s easier to rebook one person
- Luggage Storage Options: Bounce and Stasher partner with local businesses near airports for luggage storage – typically $5-8/bag/day
- Lounge Access: One-time lounge day passes cost around $39-59 at most US airports. Check if your credit card includes Priority Pass for free access
For Groups
- Designate a Leader: Choose a ‘group leader’ before the layover who manages timing, headcount, and communication
- Use Group Chat: Set up WhatsApp or a group chat for real-time coordination – share departure gate and boarding time as a pinned message
- Luggage Storage Discounts: Bounce and Stasher offer multi-bag discounts – book all group luggage together for the best rate
- Transit Timing for Groups: Budget 2.5-3 hours before international departure and 60 minutes before domestic when returning to the airport
- Dining Strategy: Food courts work better than sit-down restaurants for groups – everyone can choose what they want and eat at their own pace
- Split Expenses: Use Splitwise to automatically calculate who owes what – essential for groups sharing transport, food, and activities
Insider Tips for ABE
- Compact Terminal Advantage: ABE’s single-terminal layout means shorter walking distances and faster navigation compared to major hubs – you can get from curb to gate in 15-20 minutes during non-peak times
- Family-Friendly Focus: ABE’s Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Play Area and Sensory Room make it one of the more family-friendly regional airports in Pennsylvania – use these amenities to make layovers easier with kids
- Off-Peak Advantage: ABE has lighter crowds than Philadelphia or Newark, meaning faster security lines and less congestion – ideal for stress-free connections
- Check Current Amenities: As a mid-sized airport, ABE’s dining and retail options can change. Always check the airport’s official website before your layover for the most current information on restaurants, shops, and services
- Explore the Lehigh Valley: If you have 8+ hours, consider visiting neighboring Bethlehem for its historic Moravian settlement and SteelStacks arts campus – it’s a unique cultural experience just 15-20 minutes from Allentown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth leaving Allentown airport during a layover?
It depends on your layover length and interests. You need at least 6+ hours total to safely leave ABE, accounting for 1 hour (for international arrivals), 2-3 hour return buffer, and explore time. With 6-8 hours, you can visit downtown Allentown, local museums, or nearby Bethlehem. For shorter layovers (3-5 hours), stay at the airport and use ABE’s family-friendly amenities like the children’s play area and sensory room. Remember that in the US, you must clear and re-check bags during connections, which adds significant time.
How do I get from Allentown airport to the city center?
Ground transportation to the city center is available from ABE. The fastest option is a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft), which takes 15-20 minutes and costs $20-30 one way. Public transit or shuttle services take 30-45 minutes and cost $2-5. Rental cars are available if you want to explore beyond downtown or have a longer layover (8+ hours). Check the airport’s official website for current ground transportation options, schedules, and pricing.
What can I do at Allentown airport during a layover?
ABE offers several amenities for layover passengers. Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations are accessible for devices. The airport features a Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Play Area for kids and a Sensory Room for passengers needing a calm space. Nursing/breastfeeding rooms are available for mothers. Pay-per-use lounges offer a quiet space for a fee – check the airport’s official website for current lounge options. Meals and snacks range from $10-20 at airport vendors. Water bottle refill stations are available after security.
How long of a layover do I need to leave Allentown airport?
You need at least 6+ hours total layover time to safely leave ABE and return for your next flight. This accounts for 1 hour for (if arriving internationally), 15-20 minutes transit to the city, 2-3 hours return buffer before your next flight (2.5-3 hours for international departures, 60 minutes for domestic), and actual explore time. For a 4-hour layover, stay at the airport. For 6-8 hours, you can visit downtown Allentown or nearby attractions. For 8+ hours, consider exploring Bethlehem or other Lehigh Valley destinations.
Are there lounges at Allentown airport?
Yes, pay-per-use lounges offer a quiet space for a fee at ABE. Check the airport’s official website for current lounge locations, hours, and pricing. One-time lounge day passes range from $39-59 depending on the airline and lounge provider. If you have a Priority Pass membership (included free with some credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum), you may have access to participating lounges at ABE.
Is there luggage storage at Allentown airport?
No, ABE does not have luggage storage or lockers. If you need to store bags during your Allentown layover, use third-party services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near airports for luggage storage. These services cost $5-10 per bag per day and are much cheaper than traditional airport lockers. Book online before your arrival for guaranteed availability.
What is there to eat at Allentown airport?
Meals and snacks at ABE range from $10-20 depending on the vendor. Like most airports, food prices are 2-3x higher than city prices. For current restaurant and café options, check the airport’s official website, as dining options can change. If you’re leaving the airport during your layover, consider eating in downtown Allentown instead – you’ll find better variety and prices at local restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch-influenced cuisine and classic American fare.
Plan Your Allentown Layover
Use the Yopki Layover Calculator above to see exactly how much time you have and what you can do with it during your ABE layover.
Whether you’re staying at the airport or exploring Allentown, make the most of every minute with our personalized layover recommendations.