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Finding a rental car in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands in Pennsylvania with no reservation fees. Pick up at Lancaster Airport, downtown spots, or nearby Harrisburg International and explore Amish Country, covered bridges and the Route 30 outlets on your own schedule. Book a few weeks ahead to lock in low rates and the car class you need during busy summer and fall weekends.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Airport (LNS) |
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| Downtown Lancaster |
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| Shopping Centers (Park City, Tanger Outlets) |
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| Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) |
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Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Compare pick-up spots: Downtown Lancaster desks usually skip the 10% airport surcharge. If your flight lands at LNS, price out both locations—sometimes it's worth a short rideshare into town to grab the keys.
- Shift dates away from peak: Summer weekends and September–October foliage bring 10-25% higher rates. If you can swing mid-week or early spring, the same car can be much cheaper.
- Think "economy" for Amish backroads: Narrow lanes and tight downtown parking make small cars easier to handle and about $10-20 cheaper per day than full-size.
- Book a week, even for 5-6 days: Weekly rates around Lancaster often beat daily pricing by 15-25%, so test both options on the comparison site.
- Refuel in the suburbs: Gas is typically cheaper along Route 30 or near Tanger/Park City malls. Fill up before returning to dodge the premium pump price at the rental counter.
Car rental prices in Lancaster 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Moderate | Metered Monday-Saturday 8AM-6PM; use the Lancaster Parking Authority app |
| Downtown Garages | Good | Multiple options including Duke Street, Prince Street and Water Street |
| Shopping Centers | Abundant | Free at Park City Center, Tanger Outlets and other retail areas |
| Amish Country Attractions | Ample | Most attractions offer free spots; some farm tours have designated areas |
| Central Market | Limited | Consider nearby garages on market days (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday) |
Local Driving Rules
- One-way street system in downtown Lancaster
- Horse and buggy traffic is common on rural roads; drive cautiously and pass slowly
- Route 30 Bypass serves as a limited access highway around the northern part of the city
- Historic district has narrow streets. Larger vehicles may have difficulty navigating
- School zones are strictly enforced during school hours
- Pennsylvania requires headlights when windshield wipers are in use
Why rent a car in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Rent a car to visit:
- Amish Country (Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand) – farms, markets, bridges
- Strasburg – Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg Rail Road
- Lititz – Wilbur Chocolate, Lititz Springs Park
- Hershey – Hersheypark, Chocolate World
- Gettysburg – National Military Park, battlefield
Local Rental Locations
- ABE Airport
- Allentown, PA
- Altoona, PA
- Car Rental Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
- Car Rental Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Erie, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
- Johnstown, PA
- King Of Prussia, PA
- Mechanicsburg, PA
- New Castle, PA
- Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- PHL Airport
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Pottstown, PA
- Reading, PA
- Scranton, PA
- State College, PA
- Washington, PA
- West Chester, PA
- Wilkes Barre, PA
- York, PA
FAQs
Is it necessary to have a car in Lancaster County?
Yes, you'll find very little public transportation outside of downtown Lancaster. You'll need a rental car to really explore Amish Country and the places around it.
What's the best way to experience Amish Country by car?
You'll get the best views of Amish farms and daily life on the scenic backroads east of Lancaster, especially on Routes 340, 741 and 772. Drive slowly, respect private property and be prepared to share the road with horse-drawn buggies.
How far is Lancaster from major airports?
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is about 30 miles (48 km) west (a 45-minute drive), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 75 miles (121 km) east (a 1.5-hour drive) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is about 90 miles (145 km) south (a 1.5- to 1.75-hour drive).
Are there any special driving considerations in Amish Country?
You'll need to share the road with horse-drawn buggies, especially on country roads. Pass them slowly and leave plenty of space. Don't honk your horn near horses because you might scare them. If you take photos, be respectful and don't go onto private property.
What's the parking situation in downtown Lancaster?
In downtown Lancaster, you can find metered street parking and several parking garages. You have to pay for street parking from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM. For longer visits, you can use the Water Street, Prince Street or Duke Street garages. The Lancaster Parking Authority app lets you pay for meters from your phone.
