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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Wilkes-Barre is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Pennsylvania with no reservation fees. Pick up at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport (AVP) or a downtown branch and hit I-81 for quick drives to the Pocono Mountains, Scranton or Philadelphia. Reserve early with free cancellation to lock in low prices before the busy fall foliage and ski seasons.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport (AVP) | • Multiple rental companies • Extended hours for arrivals • Airport pickup convenience |
• Airport fees and surcharges (approximately 18% higher) • 20-minute drive from downtown Wilkes-Barre • Potential wait times during peak arrivals |
| Downtown Wilkes-Barre | • No airport fees • Convenient if staying locally • Enterprise offers pickup service |
• Limited business hours • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance booking |
| Scranton Area | • Alternative to Wilkes-Barre locations • Additional rental options |
• 20-minute drive from Wilkes-Barre • May not be convenient depending on itinerary |
On average, car rentals in Wilkes Barre cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $41 per day.
Skip the airport markup: AVP airport rentals run about 18% higher. If your flight times allow, pick up downtown Wilkes-Barre or even in Scranton and keep the cash.
Shop multiple pick-up spots: Prices swing between ZIP codes. A quick compare of Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and suburbs can uncover a cheaper depot just 20 minutes away.
Peak dates? Lock in early, then watch prices: Fall-foliage weekends and ski season sell out fast. Reserve early with a free-cancellation rate, then rebook if costs drop.
Weekend starts beat weekday starts: Local corporate demand pushes Mon-Thu rates up. Shifting pick-up to Friday or Saturday often shaves a chunk off the total.
Check weekly rates even for shorter trips: In this market a 7-day booking can cost less than five separate days. You can still return the car early.
Fuel up away from the interstate: Sheetz or Wawa stations a few miles off I-81 usually undercut the pump prices right by the exits.
Local Parking:
Driving Rules:
Local Tips:
A rental car unlocks northeastern Pennsylvania and nearby cities at your own pace.
Pocono Mountains – ski resorts, lakes, forests
Ricketts Glen State Park – waterfalls, hiking trails
Jim Thorpe – Lehigh Gorge, shops
Scranton – Steamtown National Historic Site, museums
Hershey – chocolate attractions, amusement park
Philadelphia – Liberty Bell, art museums
What's the best way to get to Wilkes-Barre from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport? To get there the fastest, you can take I-81 South to Exit 168 (Highland Park Boulevard). The drive usually takes 15-20 minutes when traffic is normal. You can expect to pay about $25-40 for a taxi or rideshare.
Is it difficult to park in downtown Wilkes-Barre? You might find it hard to park on the street during business hours, but several parking garages have good rates. You can find the Intermodal Transportation Center and Park & Lock garages right in the center of town. It's usually easier to find a parking spot in the evening and on weekends.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Wilkes-Barre? A standard sedan works well for most people during the spring, summer and fall. In the winter (November-March), you might want an all-wheel drive or 4WD vehicle. This is a good idea if you plan to visit the Pocono Mountains or rural areas where crews might not clear the roads as quickly.
Are there any toll roads around Wilkes-Barre? Yes, I-476 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension) is a toll road. You can take it to get to Allentown and Philadelphia. You won't need to use toll roads when you're driving around Wilkes-Barre, but you will have to pay tolls on trips to many major cities.
Can I easily take day trips from Wilkes-Barre? Absolutely. Because of where Wilkes-Barre is, you can easily take day trips to the Pocono Mountains, Ricketts Glen State Park, Jim Thorpe and Scranton. You can even visit big cities like Philadelphia and New York City for the day, but you'll probably be more comfortable if you stay overnight.
Is winter driving difficult in the Wilkes-Barre area? Driving in the winter can be challenging, especially in the mountains. Crews usually maintain the major highways well and plow them quickly after it snows, but it may take them longer to clear smaller roads. If you visit between December and March, you should check the weather forecast and think about getting an all-wheel drive vehicle.
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