Budget Car Rental at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE): Your Allentown Area Mobility Partner

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Budget Car Rental Introduce

For residents of the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, having flexible and accessible transportation is often a key part of navigating daily life and regional travel. Whether you're flying into or out of Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), needing a temporary vehicle while yours is in the shop, or planning a road trip across Pennsylvania, a reliable car rental service can be indispensable. Budget Car Rental at 3311 Airport Road in Allentown, strategically located within the ABE airport, offers a widely recognized option for these diverse needs.

Budget Car Rental is a well-established name in the global car rental industry, known for providing a variety of vehicles at competitive rates. The Allentown ABE airport location aims to serve as a convenient hub for both air travelers and local Pennsylvanians seeking temporary mobility solutions. They strive to offer a straightforward rental process, allowing customers to quickly pick up and drop off vehicles. While experiences can sometimes vary, the overarching goal of a major brand like Budget is to provide a comprehensive range of options, from economy cars for quick errands to larger SUVs and premium vehicles for more extensive travel, all designed to meet the dynamic needs of the Lehigh Valley community.

Location and Accessibility

The Budget Car Rental branch in Allentown is ideally situated at 3311 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109, USA. This address places it directly within the Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) terminal, making it exceptionally convenient for travelers flying into the region. For those arriving by air, the rental counter is typically located within the airport terminal, often near the baggage claim area, with a short walk to the car lot. This in-terminal presence eliminates the need for shuttle buses or additional transfers upon arrival, streamlining the pick-up process.

For local residents of Allentown, Bethlehem, and other surrounding communities, its airport location also offers good accessibility. While not a neighborhood branch, Lehigh Valley International Airport is easily reachable via major roads connecting the different cities of the Lehigh Valley. Access via Airport Road directly links to Routes 22, 33, and I-78, providing seamless connections to various parts of Eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. This central location makes it a viable option for locals needing a rental for longer trips, airport travel, or when their personal vehicle is unavailable. Budget also typically offers a "Pick-up Service Available" for neighborhood locations, and while this branch is at an airport, it's always worth confirming if any special arrangements can be made for local pick-ups.

Services Offered

Budget Car Rental at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) offers a comprehensive suite of services typical of a major car rental provider, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

Diverse Vehicle Fleet: They offer a broad selection of vehicles to suit different travel requirements and budgets:
- Economy and Compact Cars: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or those prioritizing fuel efficiency for city driving.
- Mid-size and Full-size Sedans: Providing comfortable space for families or business travelers.
- SUVs (Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size, Premium): Including models like Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Ford Expedition, or Chevrolet Suburban, suitable for varied terrain, larger groups, or ample luggage space.
- Minivans: Such as the Chrysler Pacifica, perfect for families or larger groups needing significant passenger and cargo capacity.
- Premium and Luxury Vehicles: Including options like a Ford Mustang Convertible or Genesis G70, for those seeking an elevated driving experience.
- Specialty Vehicles: May include electric vehicles (e.g., Kia EV6, Tesla Model 3), hybrid options (e.g., Toyota Prius Hybrid), and pickup trucks (e.g., Toyota Tacoma) for specific needs.
Flexible Rental Durations: Options for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals, accommodating both short-term local use and longer trips or vehicle replacements.
One-Way Rentals: The ability to pick up a vehicle at ABE and return it to another Budget location, which is convenient for travelers with different end destinations within Pennsylvania or beyond (subject to availability and fees).
Additional Rental Features: Standard offerings include optional add-ons like GPS navigation, child safety seats, and various protection plans (e.g., Damage Waiver, Extended Protection, Personal Effects Coverage, Roadside Assistance Protection) to enhance safety and peace of mind during the rental period.
Fuel Options: Choices for refueling, including prepaying for fuel, having Budget refill the tank upon return, or refilling it yourself before returning.
Online Reservation Management: Tools for managing reservations, checking in online, and utilizing mobile apps for a potentially faster process.

Features / Highlights

Budget Car Rental at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible car rental experience, though customer experiences can sometimes vary.

Airport Terminal Convenience: A significant highlight is its in-terminal location at ABE, which makes for a very quick and efficient transition from plane to rental car. The rental counter is typically just a short walk from baggage claim, eliminating the need for shuttle buses.
Wide Range of Vehicles: The branch offers a diverse fleet, allowing customers to choose from economy cars to premium vehicles like a "Ford Mustang Convertible," as noted in a positive review. This variety ensures options for various preferences and trip types.
Smooth Pickup and Drop-off (for some): When things go well, the process is efficient. One customer happily reported, "The pickup and drop-off process was smooth, and I would rent a car from them again."
Clean and Well-Maintained Cars (in positive instances): Some customers experience receiving a high-quality vehicle. For instance, the reviewer who rented the Mustang Convertible mentioned the "car was clean and worked great for our road trip."

However, it is important for prospective renters to be aware of certain challenges highlighted by other customer experiences:

Inconsistent Customer Service: Some experiences describe "horrible service" and "rude" counter staff, indicating a variability in customer interaction quality.
Vehicle Condition Issues: There have been instances of vehicles being "severely scratched and dented over 75% of the exterior," "not cleaned" inside, having "heavily soiled or stained" upholstery, and "filthy windows."
Online Reservation Discrepancies: Customers have reported not receiving the specific vehicle they "reserved AND prepaid for online" and being told that "they do not honor same day online reservations," which can be frustrating.
Unfair Charges and Refund Issues: Problems include being "charged an additional 3 hours" despite returning early due to a clerk's mistake, being "overcharged for insurance selectively," and being told "absolutely NO refunds, partial or otherwise, with ANY online reservation," even when the rented vehicle was not as described.
Non-Smoking Vehicle Policy Adherence: A significant concern was receiving a "NON-SMOKING vehicle yet the interior smelled of strong cigarette smoke," despite clear policies against it.

These mixed reviews underscore the importance of thorough inspection and clear communication.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or any assistance regarding your car rental needs at the Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) branch of Budget Car Rental, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 3311 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109, USA

Phone: (610) 266-0667

Mobile Phone: +1 610-266-0667

Operating Hours: (Based on public information; always verify directly as hours can change, especially around holidays.)

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Given some of the customer feedback, it is highly recommended to call the branch directly to confirm your reservation details, vehicle availability, and all terms and conditions, especially regarding online bookings and pricing. When picking up your vehicle, thoroughly inspect it for any existing damage (inside and out) and document it with photos or video before leaving the lot. Ensure all charges are clear before signing the rental agreement.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Allentown and the broader Lehigh Valley region in Pennsylvania, Budget Car Rental at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) offers a convenient and accessible option for their car rental needs, particularly for those utilizing air travel or requiring a wide range of vehicle types. Its in-terminal location at ABE is a significant advantage, streamlining the process of picking up or dropping off a vehicle directly upon arrival or departure, which can save valuable time and eliminate the need for extra transportation. This is particularly suitable for locals who often use ABE for their flights.

The ability to select from a broad fleet, ranging from economical sedans to premium convertibles and spacious SUVs, means that Budget can cater to diverse local demands, whether it's a practical daily driver for errands, a family-friendly minivan for a trip to the Poconos, or an exciting car for a weekend getaway. For customers who experience the "smooth" pickup and drop-off process and receive a "clean and worked great" vehicle, as highlighted in positive reviews, Budget at ABE delivers the efficiency and quality expected from a major brand.

However, it is paramount for local users to approach their rental with vigilance. Given the consistent reports of issues with vehicle condition, discrepancies between online reservations and actual availability, and concerns about pricing transparency or after-hours charges, proactive measures are essential. Thoroughly inspecting the vehicle before driving off, documenting any existing damage with photos, confirming all charges and terms upfront, and maintaining clear communication with staff can help mitigate potential frustrations. While the convenience of location and broad fleet remain strong draws, ensuring a positive experience at this Budget branch in Allentown depends heavily on careful customer oversight and clear expectation setting.

Budget Car Rental Details

Service options
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Budget Car Rental Location

Budget Car Rental

Pennsylvania Lehigh County Allentown Airport Road

3311 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109, USA

Budget Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★3.6 from 325 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Poor experience. I returned my car at 1:00pm EST, the time it was due in was 2:00pm EST. I waited in line to return my car at the counter, the desk clerk advised me to drop my key in the lock box on the counter and paperwork in the box. I received an email 10 hours later that I was charged an additional 3 hours until 5:00pm. I shouldn’t be charged for the clerks mistake. I returned early but get charged an additional $42.00. Do not rent here as the customer service is poor.
Jun 29, 2025 · Rich Luong
CHOOSE ANOTHER AGENCY. 🙄😕🥴 First, was told they do not honor same day online reservations; did not receive vehicle I reserved AND prepaid for online. Second, vehicle I did receive was severely scratched and dented over 75% of the exterior..and was not cleaned. Third, the upholstery was heavily soiled or stained…and not vacuumed or cleaned. Fourth, the windows were filthy; some had heavy streaks while others weren’t wiped at all. Fifth, I reserved a NON-SMOKING vehicle yet the interior smelled of strong cigarette smoke…even with warning stickers on both doors about $450 cleaning fee if smoked in; I am extremely sensitive to smoke of any kind being asthmatic. Sixth, the washer fluid reservoir for the windshield was filled with water, NOT washer fluid; it was very hard. To get bugs off the windshield.The staff member who helped me at the time of pick up has a very difficult position…telling customers their online reservation can’t or won’t be honored; yet she did her best to explain it to me. Still, because of what she told me about online reservations, I was reluctant to go back to her to refuse the vehicle because of its conditions (see all of first paragraph). I needed a vehicle, and being disabled I didn’t have the luxury of going back into the counter to complain about what rightfully should have been rejected based on the vehicle’s condition.The 2 women who assisted with the vehicle’s return were very friendly and considerate…they apologized for the condition of the vehicle and did the best anyone could expect in means of diffusing the negative emotions I felt about the rental…even though those emotions were understandable given the issues with the vehicle.I did not receive what I ordered and prepaid for online. The agent who helped me when I picked up the vehicle told me there were absolutely NO refunds, partial or otherwise, with ANY online reservation. There should be some adjustment made for this rental; I even paid to wash it myself (the outside via a car wash). I am not satisfied at all.
Nov 22, 2023 · Chris Green
Dropped my car off in Myrtle Beach (same place as pick up) with a full tank of gas. The person who checked the car in said I was good to go and that he just sent me an email. I never got an email, but what I did get was a charge on my credit card. After a great deal of time on the phone I was told that I was charged a gas fee. Isn't it Budget's responsibility to check the level when I turned it in? Why am I being charged now? I have no way to prove that the tank was full. Really aggravating, makes me want to be sure to not rent from Budget in the future. What a rip off.
Apr 01, 2025 · Ann Harrington
Rented a car in Allentown. At time of pickup, the printer was down. Not given (or signed a contract) sent a contract later stating I agreed to a pre-tank fill up at 70 something dollars which I did not agree to.Drove the car for less than 50 miles around Allentown. Parked the car for about 12 hours to do a New York City excursion. Upon returning to the car, as we were driving to the hotel, the steering wheel started to shake and a tire pressure warning illuminated.Contacted the emergency roadside assistance, which Miteko told me, since I was in a “safe place” we could do option A- change out the tire (there was no tire in the wheel well) or we could option B—wait until 8 AM because everything was closed. Didn’t really have an option.The next morning I contacted emergency roadside assistance again and Shannon and I discussed that it would be quicker if I took the car back to the airport and exchanged it. She asked me if I was comfortable with that option and I wanted to be helpful. I did that and that’s where I found out that I was charged the 70 some dollars for prepaid tank, which I never agreed to. So, the representative told me that I should go top off the tank which was about $10 then she said I could call customer service to get my 70 something dollars back, but she could do nothing about it. I feel like I got the runaround and was made to feel like it was my fault. She said she just wanted to get me into vehicle which she considered an upgrade (I was not comfortable driving a truck) and that I should just be happy and get on my way. By this point, I had lost 12 hours of potential driving time. I took the keys, got in the truck, as soon as I turned on the car, the screen read— Maintenance requiredBoth cars had several dents. I’ve never had an experience where the vehicles looked so beat up, the first one smelled like pot, the service was sketchy (even though I didn’t agree to it, I got charged a full tank of gas). Plus both cars needed service.Finally, I asked, since I lost 12 hours of drive time, could I bring the car in a little bit later at around 1915 and was told that I would be charged and have to contact customer service for a refund. I asked if there was nothing we could do to be proactive instead of reactive, and she said no, that’s how the process works.I rent about 10 cars a year when I travel. I will definitely be staying away from Budget and Avis in the future.
Dec 22, 2023 · renee debus
There’s 0 point in reserving anything because these snobs will take your money and then try to give you a Nissan rogue when you paid for a suburban. Never ever again. Charging my credit card back after I’m doneAnd yall can f yourselves with that customer support email cause I’m getting my money back with capital one
Jun 23, 2025 · Lose end45