Be sure to check out a car rental in Lancaster to check out the many significant historical landmarks in Pennsylvania Dutch Country and the surrounding area. From Central Market, one of the nation’s oldest running farmers’ markets, the Fulton Opera House one of the oldest running theaters in the country, the Rock Ford Plantation site of the American Revolutionary War, and Wheatland, the historic estate of American president James Buchanan. If you’ve come to check out the authentic Pennsylvanian Amish communities and see areas that haven’t changed in centuries, like the Amish Farm and House or the Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy, you’ll also definitely need a car. Visits to these communities will take you on several fantastic scenic back-country roads throughout the county.
There are a few options for flying into Lancaster and renting a car. The rental companies serving the Lancaster Airport, which is a mere 6 miles away from the city center typically offer a pick-up or drop-off service as there is no car rental office on-site. The Harrisburg International Airport, roughly 26 miles away, has a greater number of flight options. Here the car rental counters can be found in the baggage claim area on the ground floor of the transportation center. The Reading Regional Airport is another option located approximately 30 miles away. To pick up your Lancaster car rental from the Reading Regional Airport the rental car agency will arrange an airport pickup.
Lancaster is a hub for Pennsylvania road traffic. Many popular state freeways go in and around the city, including the US 30, the US 222, the PA 283, the PA 72, and the PA 272. There is a big pedestrian culture in Lancaster, so be on the lookout as they may step out into the road without warning. Cycling is also common on the scenic back-country roads of the county, as are horse-driven carriages, so be sure to be on the watch when driving through the scenic roadways as well.
Some congested roads in Lancaster include the Harrisburg Pike with Dillervile Road and multiple sections along with the PA 23, including the Marietta Pike, the Good Drive, Fruitville Pike, and the Centerville Road, as well as US-222. Traffic is worse heading into Lancaster in the morning from 7am to 9am and out during the evening from 4pm to 6pm, and typically when approaching the city from the northern end, so plan your journey accordingly. Snow is also frequent in the winter months in Pennsylvania so be sure to practice safe driving in snowy conditions by not slamming your brakes and driving below the speed limit.
You will most likely come through Lancaster airport, and depending on your speed, it will take you approximately 16 minutes to drive the 7-mile distance. For comfort, convenience and ease of transfer to your hotel, it’s advisable to make arrangements to pick up cheap car rentals in Lancaster right from the airport. With rich historical influences from the Dutch, German and English, you will definitely have much to explore, and fitting the scenic drives into one trip will be challenging. Make plans to hire Lancaster car rentals like compact, economy or SUV to cover the rolling farmlands, nearly 2,500 square miles of dramatic elevation changes, and wildlife of the Pocono Mountains.
There is a reason the Gateway to the Endless Mountains is featured on National Geographic’s list of Pennsylvania’s most scenic drives, located 50 minutes from downtown Lancaster and past the Susquehanna River. Pennsylvania is home to the Amish community, and driving through Lancaster is like taking a trip back in time through untouched parts of the country. For a midsummer road trip, consider driving to the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, aka the Nicholson Bridge. It is located about an hour's drive to north of Stroudsburg, PA., and take in views of this historic landmark. Covering nearly 300 miles of the Pennsylvania countryside is Highway 6, which is also a scenic route worth being on your Lancaster bucket list.
Whether you are on the hunt to see the fall foliage or looking for a new adventure, driving through Pennsylvania is a sure-fire way to make life-lasting memories. To make the memories last, do not be caught driving cheap car rentals in Lancaster with a Blood Alcohol Content BAC of 0.02, according to Pennsylvania´s Zero Tolerance Law. The state also has a “Move Over” law that gives first responders, law enforcement and tow truck drivers the right of way. Under the law, you must move into another lane or slow down to 20 miles per hour, less than the posted speed limit, to give way.
Book your rental car in Lancaster at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
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FAQs about renting a car in Lancaster
What type of car is recommended for driving in Lancaster?
If you plan on staying in the city, consider renting an economy or compact car rental in Lancaster to save on gas and make it easier to park and get around. If you plan to spend a lot of time exploring the backcountry, you could alternatively consider a compact, standard or premium SUV for a bit more comfort.
What’s the speed limit in Lancaster?
In Pennsylvania, the speed limits are 35mph within Lancaster and then 65-70mph on the local highways. There are only speed cameras along the A588, the A6, and the A683.
Where are the best places to park in Lancaster?
Most of the parking in Downtown Lancaster is metered and costs $0.25 for 10min. Meters are enforced from 8am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and have a 2h parking limit. The meters accept both coin and credit card payments. Check out Ephrata for free parking options.
How much is gas price in Lancaster?
The average gas price in Lancaster is C$ 4.89 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 59 and C$ 78, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Lancaster?
Economy (Kia Rio or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Lancaster.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Lancaster?
An Economy car rental in Lancaster costs C$ 214 per day, on average.
Are there car rental companies near the Lancaster train station?
You can find Hertz car rental services along 1209 Marshall Avenues, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Budget on 1470 and 1282 Manheim Pike, respectfully.
Are there toll roads in Lancaster?
Yes. You can drive through the no-cash, no-stopping Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike license plate tolling system and pay the toll using PA Turnpike Toll-By-Plate or an E-ZPass. Double-check that rental companies have activated the system in their vehicles for convenience when booking a car through KAYAK.
I have rented from here several times because I live up the street and it’s always been great. Last night I showed up like I always do and attempted to pay with my debit card. It’s all I had on me. It is what I have used EVERY SINGLE OTHER TIME. never any issues. I was told by the girl working that they could not rent to me without a credit card because I had an out of state license, company policy. What’s the difference!? I have a local address and my debit card gets charged immediately. She was rude, apathetic, and basically told me there was nothing she could do. Couldn’t even look me in the eye. How was I supposed to know this when I’ve used the same card every other time. I was 30 minutes late to my Grandmas funeral last night. This girl didn’t give a damn. She was awful.
4.0 Mediocre
Neal, Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful
Cons:
Reserved a luxury crossover. When I arrived they didn't have any and was "upgraded" to a giant Nissan SUV. Got killed on gas mileage and not luxurious at all. Complete waste of money.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Cons:
they wouldn't take my card I've had it for 15 years never a problem until I went to this place and been denied. You people suck I took my business someplace else. Pathetic attempt to service a customer. I'm 53 years old and retired professional and you guys didn't even try to make it work survey
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Apr 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and process was easy
Cons:
Being informed that the deposit would be held for several days
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