Sign In
24/7
App

Hire a Car in State College for Great Value and Easy Exploring

Compare competitive prices and use this straightforward guide to choose the best pick-up point, understand insurance and fees, and drive confidently around State College and central Pennsylvania.

UK Traveller Essentials
State College Car Hire: Locations, Navigation and What to Expect
Hiring a car in State College is one of the most convenient ways to travel, particularly if you’re visiting Penn State, attending events, or exploring beyond the town where public transport and long-distance connections can be limited. A car makes day trips to nearby parks, small towns and airports far simpler, and can be cost-effective for couples or groups sharing the fare. UK travellers should note that driving is on the right, distances are in miles, speed limits are in mph, and most hire cars are automatic. Build in time for winter driving conditions (ice/snow) and allow extra time around major Penn State events when traffic and parking are busier. Insurance and fees can vary widely, so check what your UK card or travel insurance covers, and confirm fuel policy, additional driver charges and young driver rules before you collect the vehicle.
Alamo
Avis
National
Budget
Hertz
Enterprise
+ more
University Park Airport (SCE) – On/Near-Airport Car Hire
Best for quick collection after landing. Follow signs for ground transportation and the car hire desks/collection area in the terminal or immediately outside. Pros: convenient arrivals pick-up, good for tight schedules, easier after late flights, clear wayfinding. Cons: typically higher day rates and airport concession fees, reduced out-of-hours options, availability can tighten around university event weekends.
Downtown State College – Central Pick-Up (near College Avenue/Beaver Avenue)
Useful if you are staying in town first and only need a car for part of the trip. Pros: can be cheaper than airport locations, easier to reach from hotels and campus, avoids airport surcharges. Cons: limited opening hours, fewer vehicles at short notice, parking and congestion can be challenging during busy periods.
North Atherton Street Corridor – Retail/Service Area Pick-Up
A practical option for longer hires and larger vehicles, often in commercial areas with easier access to main roads. Pros: potentially wider vehicle choice, simpler driving access and parking, may offer better availability. Cons: typically requires a taxi/rideshare or bus to reach, less convenient if you’re without mobile data or arriving late.
Loading map...

Best Car Rental Options in State College

Find the ideal hire car for campus runs, snowy mountain drives, and weekend road trips across central Pennsylvania.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Campus & Town

Small

Nimble & Cheap to Run
5
2
Auto

A compact car slips easily into tight campus parking, squeezes down Beaver Avenue, and sips fuel on short hops around downtown. It is light on the wallet for students and visitors who only need a runabout. A small hatchback also handles narrow Penn State event-day traffic without fuss. Ideal when most journeys stay inside the borough limits.

Winter Snow

SUV

All-Wheel Drive Confidence
5
3
Auto

Central Pennsylvania sees heavy lake-effect snow from November through March, and the climbs towards Rothrock State Forest turn slick fast. An SUV with all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance keeps you steady on unploughed back roads. Higher ride height also gives clearer sightlines through drifting snow on I-99 and US-322. A worthwhile upgrade the moment the first flurries arrive.

Long-Distance Comfort

Premium

Smooth Cruiser for Big Miles
5
3
Auto

State College sits roughly 200 miles from Pittsburgh and around 250 miles from Philadelphia or Washington, making long interstate stints unavoidable. A premium saloon delivers cushioned suspension, quiet cabin, and adaptive cruise control that genuinely softens those motorway miles. It is the smart pick for visiting dignitaries, parents, and road-trippers heading east or west in a single day.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-Up
Downtown Pick-Up

Fast Collection at University Park Airport (SCE)

Ideal for UK travellers flying in and wanting to get on the road immediately. Airport pick-up usually offers the smoothest handover, clear signage, and easy access to main routes—particularly helpful with luggage or late arrivals. Expect slightly higher prices due to airport fees, so compare total cost (including taxes and surcharges) rather than the headline rate.

logo
Compact & NimbleSmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Compact & NimbleSmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Compact & NimbleSmall
Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Ample SpaceLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Ample SpaceLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Ample SpaceLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Snow-ReadySUV
Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Snow-ReadySUV
Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Snow-ReadySUV
Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Discover Top-Rated SCE Car Hire Firms in State College

Browse honest traveller reviews of car hire providers near SCE airport and State College town centre to choose your ideal motor with complete confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
National
2.9
57 reviews
$135In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$158In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$146In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$49In terminal, Walk to counter
$497 - $609
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 12 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations account for 70% of major operators' revenue, with Enterprise leading market share at 44% as the most popular brand among 48M American renters in 2023."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate at 29.6% market share; 74% rent for leisure, 68% book online, and average daily budget is USD86 with 19.4% growth in 2023."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of renters report surprise at final bills vs advertised prices, while 57% find checkout frustrating and 40% experience return process frustration."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • ConsumerAffairs - Car Rental Industry Statistics
  • Grand View Research - U.S. Car Rental Market
  • KAYAK - State College University Park Airport Car Rentals
  • Grand View Research - U.S. Car Rental Market Size & Share
  • Enterprise Apps Today - Car Rental Statistics
  • Zubie - 2024-25 Consumer Rental Car Behavior Report
  • Zubie - 2024-25 Consumer Rental Car Behavior Report
  • ConsumerAffairs - Car Rental Industry Statistics
  • Final Rentals - Car Rental Hidden Fees Guide

State College, Pennsylvania: Your Complete Driving and Travel Guide

Essential travel information for navigating State College and Happy Valley, from road rules to fuel costs, compiled from official Pennsylvania and U.S. government sources.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

25-40 km/h (15-25 mph)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

89-113 km/h (55-70 mph)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.89/L ($3.36/gallon)

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.79/L - $0.99/L ($2.99/gallon - $3.75/gallon)

State College Car Hire FAQs

Licences, tolls, winter roads and football weekends — what UK drivers must know before hiring in central Pennsylvania

Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in State College?
Short answer: not strictly, but bring one anyway. Pennsylvania allows visitors with a valid foreign licence, including a UK photocard, to drive for up to 12 months and no formal IDP is required by law. However, most major rental firms (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) at University Park Airport (SCE) will refuse to release the keys without a 1949-style IDP alongside your licence, and police can ask for an English translation on the spot. Get one from the AA or RAC before you fly — it costs about £5.50 and takes ten minutes.
I'm 23 — will I be hit with a young driver surcharge?
Yes, almost certainly. Every major agency at SCE airport applies an 'under-25' fee of roughly USD 20–30 per day for drivers aged 21–24, on top of the quoted rate. Drivers under 21 are refused outright. The surcharge is taxed, capped daily, and varies between suppliers — Hertz tends to be the priciest, Enterprise often the cheapest. Book early, choose a non-airport branch if you can, and always compare the fully-inclusive total rather than the headline price.
How bad is winter driving around State College?
Brace yourself — central Pennsylvania sits in the lake-effect snow belt. State College averages 40+ inches of snow between November and March, with January temperatures dropping to -10°C overnight. The hills on US-322 and I-99 ice up quickly, and gritters don't always reach the side roads in time. Studded winter tyres are legal in PA from 1 November to 15 April and strongly recommended; snow chains are not compulsory but worth carrying for the drive up to Mount Nittany or into Rothrock State Forest. Allow double the normal journey time.
Are there tolls around State College, and do I need an E-ZPass?
Good news locally: there are no tolls on I-99 or US-322 in the State College area itself. However, the moment you head west towards Pittsburgh or east to Philadelphia you hit the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which went cashless in 2020. E-ZPass is the cheapest option; without one, you will be invoiced through the 'Toll by Plate' system, but the fees are around 40% higher. Pick up an E-ZPass at any PA service station if you plan a day trip out of town.
What should I know about driving on the right-hand side of the road?
Coming from the UK, the biggest shock is not the steering wheel — it is the priority rules and the size of the vehicles. In Pennsylvania you must give way to traffic on the right at unmarked crossroads, not the left, and four-way stops work on a first-come-first-served basis, often with a polite wave that lets everyone go. Pick-up trucks dominate the roads around Penn State, so build in extra following distance and don't underestimate stopping distances. Stick to the right lane on the interstate until you actually overtake — it feels wrong, but it is the law.
Is it worth avoiding State College on football Saturdays?
Honestly, no — but if you must drive, plan ruthlessly. On Penn State home-game Saturdays, usually six Saturdays each autumn, up to 110,000 fans descend on the town, and parking within a mile of Beaver Stadium costs USD 40–80 and vanishes by 9am. Tailgating on the grass verges near Medlar Field is permitted, but street closures start at 5am. If you are collecting a hire car, schedule the pickup for a Friday or Sunday — Saturday morning queues at SCE airport can stretch to two hours.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.

Trustpilot