Passing through University Park Airport? A layover in State College Pennsylvania is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 30 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at SCE:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the CATA Bus takes about 30 minutes into State College Pennsylvania, 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.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into State College Pennsylvania, here are two things worth checking out:
Penn State University Campus Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Palmer Museum of Art (on PSU Campus) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SCE, check out Terminal Waiting Area & Wi-Fi or Airport Retail & Gift Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Getting to State College Pennsylvania from the Airport
From SCE, the CATA Bus gets you to State College Pennsylvania in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the CATA Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: The Corner Room and Faccia Luna Pizzeria are both worth a visit if you’re exploring State College Pennsylvania.
- At the airport: Cloudland Cafe and Airport Retail Snack Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into State College Pennsylvania might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SCE for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate State College Pennsylvania or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Storing Your Luggage at University Park Airport
You can store your luggage at Luggage lockers are generally not available at SCE due to its small size and security considerations.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around State College Pennsylvania as well.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at SCE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in State College Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 30 minutes from SCE, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.