About flights from Allentown (ABE)
Lehigh Valley International sits in that interesting middle ground of American regional aviation — not quite a spoke, not quite a hub, but useful in ways that bigger airports aren't. It serves the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro, a Pennsylvania corridor that often gets overlooked in favor of driving an hour to Philadelphia or Newark. That's a mistake. ABE is genuinely quick to get through, and for certain itineraries, it beats fighting your way through PHL traffic and security queues. Fourteen direct routes isn't a huge network, but it's curated enough to work.
Quick stats for ABE
- Direct destinations: 14
- Countries served: 1
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,419 km
- Longest non-stop: Denver (DEN) — 2,472 km (~3h 5m)
- Shortest non-stop: Charlotte (CLT) — 773 km (~58 min)
- Reach score: 51/99
Why fly to Allentown?
The reach score of 51 out of 99 tells you something honest: this is a point-to-point regional airport, not a connection machine. What it does well is give you direct access to major connecting hubs without the chaos of flying through them as an origin passenger. Charlotte (CLT) sits just 773 km away — a short Delta or American hop that opens up their entire respective networks. On the other end, Denver at 2,472 km is legitimately useful, whether you're heading to the Rockies or connecting west. The Lehigh Valley has a real industrial and cultural identity — steel history, good restaurants, a growing arts scene in Bethlehem specifically — and flying in directly rather than routing through Philadelphia means you actually arrive feeling like a traveler, not a survivor.
Longest non-stop flights from ABE
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Allentown:
- Denver, USA (DEN) — 2,472 km, approximately 3h 5m
- Fort Lauderdale, USA (FLL) — 1,678 km, approximately 2h 6m
- Fort Myers, USA (RSW) — 1,675 km, approximately 2h 6m
- Punta Gorda, USA (PGD) — 1,642 km, approximately 2h 3m
- Sarasota, USA (SRQ) — 1,613 km, approximately 2h 1m
Short-haul flights from ABE
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Allentown:
- Charlotte, USA (CLT) — 773 km, approximately 58 min
- Myrtle Beach, USA (MYR) — 834 km, approximately 1h 3m
- Chicago, USA (ORD) — 1,051 km, approximately 1h 19m
- Nashville, USA (BNA) — 1,099 km, approximately 1h 22m
- Atlanta, USA (ATL) — 1,115 km, approximately 1h 24m
Tips for travelers at ABE
ABE is off Route 22 in Hanover Township, about 5 miles from downtown Allentown. Drive if you can — parking is cheap compared to Philadelphia, and the lots are close to the terminal. Rental cars are on-site. There's no rail connection, so rideshare or a personal vehicle are your realistic ground options. Security lines move fast here (that's the actual upside of a smaller operation), but don't use that as an excuse to cut it close — regional jets on short routes like Charlotte occasionally push back early. Winter in the Lehigh Valley means real weather, so check your inbound aircraft status if there's any ice in the forecast.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Allentown
How do I get from Lehigh Valley International Airport to downtown Allentown?
You can rent a car for the 20-minute drive, take a taxi or rideshare like Uber for around $25-35, or use the local transit system which has bus connections available. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, so it's worth checking with your accommodation.
What's the best time to fly from Allentown?
Midweek flights (Tuesday-Thursday) are typically cheaper and less crowded than weekend travel, while late morning departures often have better on-time performance. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and reasonable fares compared to summer peak season.
How many destinations can I fly to directly from ABE?
Lehigh Valley International Airport offers 14 direct destinations, giving you solid connectivity to major East Coast cities and beyond without needing to connect through a larger hub.
Do I need a visa to travel through Lehigh Valley Airport?
Visa requirements depend on your citizenship and destination—US citizens flying domestically need just a valid ID, while international travelers should check their specific country's entry requirements well in advance. The airport's international arrivals area can assist with general questions, but always verify requirements with your destination country's embassy.
What's a helpful tip for Lehigh Valley Airport?
ABE is a smaller, regional airport that's much less crowded than major hubs, so you can typically arrive just 90 minutes before a domestic flight instead of the usual 2 hours. The airport has clear signage and friendly staff, making it easy to get through even if you're not familiar with it.
Is flying from Allentown more affordable than nearby larger airports?
Lehigh Valley often offers competitive fares and lower parking costs than Philadelphia or Newark, plus you'll save money on gas and time driving to a bigger airport. However, prices vary by route and season, so it's worth comparing fares across all nearby airports for your specific trip.
Plan your trip from Allentown
Browse the complete list of 14 destinations below to find your next flight from Lehigh Valley Intl. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.