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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in State College is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands in Pennsylvania with no reservation fees. Lock in a low-cost ride at University Park Airport or a downtown counter, and book early for big Penn State weekends when cars disappear fast. Use our filters to grab AWD for snowy months or skip airport fees with an in-town pickup and travel through central PA on your own schedule.
University Park Airport (SCE) and downtown locations offer rental options for different travel needs and budgets.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Airport (SCE) |
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| Downtown |
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Additional Location Notes:
On average, car rentals in State College cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $52 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup. Downtown counters avoid the ~10 % airport concession fee. Even after a $20 rideshare from SCE you often come out ahead on rentals longer than a weekend.
Reserve early for big Penn State dates. Football games, graduation and move-in week can double prices and sell out. Book 2-3 months ahead, then keep re-checking our site—most reservations are free to cancel if a cheaper deal pops up.
Tweak your rental start time. Mid-week pickups or grabbing the car the night before game day can shave dollars off the daily rate and save you from long lines.
Search for unlimited-mile deals. State College is a 3-4 hour hop from Philly, Pittsburgh or DC. Unlimited mileage plans nix the surprise per-mile fees on those road trips.
During football games, downtown garages fill early
Campus roads have 25 mph speed limits and strict enforcement
Get a car to easily:
Horseshoe Curve, Altoona – railroad landmark
Penns Valley & Millheim – covered bridges, farmland
Belleville Amish Country – farmers markets
Bald Eagle and Black Moshannon State Parks – trails, lakes
Harrisburg – state capitol, riverfront
Pittsburgh – museums, sports arenas
What documents do I need to rent a car in State College? You'll need to show a valid driver's license, credit card and passport (for international visitors). If your license isn't in English, we recommend you also bring an International Driving Permit.
Are there any age restrictions for renting? Most rental companies require drivers to be 25 or older. Some companies will rent to drivers between 21 and 24, but they charge an extra fee of about $25 per day.
When should I book my rental car for a Penn State football weekend? For football weekends, you should book at least 2-3 months in advance. Cars sell out fast during these busy times.
Is it better to rent at the airport or downtown? Renting at the airport is convenient but costs more. You can save on airport fees by renting downtown, but you'll need a ride from the airport. A rideshare costs about $20.
How far is downtown State College from University Park Airport? Downtown State College is about 5 miles (8 km) from University Park Airport. The drive usually takes 10-15 minutes.
What happens if I need to return my car after hours? Airport locations let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. Most downtown locations require you to return cars during their business hours.
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