Transportation and Lodging
Are you planning a visit to Penn State, University Park? Are you trying to assist your student in making travel plans for break? Or, are you interested in your student’s local transportation options? Here are some resources to familiarize you with transportation, travel and lodging in and around State College.
PLEASE NOTE: The Parents Program provides the following information to assist families with their transportation and lodging needs. Although we strive to provide useful and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the quality of services provided, pricing, availability, or the accuracy of information provided on websites to which we refer.
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TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
For travel to and from campus:
- A popular mode of transportation for students and guests is the bus. Most services pick up and drop off on or close to campus, and operate at reasonable prices. Local services include:
- Fullington Trailways (814) 238-1100
- Greyhound (814) 238-7971
- Chinatown Bus
- Megabus 1-877-462-6342 or e-mail: Inquiries@megabus.com
PLEASE NOTE: Bus routes are being updated regularly, with trips being added and removed. The individual websites provide the most up-to-date information.
- Air travel is an alternative for the many students and families traveling long distances to town. University Park Airport is located just a few miles from campus. Students with more flexible travel plans can also fly out of Harrisburg Airport (1.5 hours), Pittsburgh International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (all 3.5 hours), or Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. (both 4 hours).
- Trains are not available directly to or from State College, but Amtrak train stations are located in Harrisburg (1.5 hours), Lewistown (40 minutes), and Altoona, PA (45 minutes). Greyhound bus service is available to and from all three stations.
Parking at University Park and in State College:
- On-campus: On Monday to Friday, hourly parking is available in the HUB Parking Deck, the Nittany Parking Deck, or the East Parking Deck. Visitors can also purchase all day permits at the Penn State/Centre County Visitor Center, any information kiosk, or at the Parking Office located in the Eisenhower Parking Deck. Parking in resident student parking lots is strictly prohibited. These lots are reserved seven days a week, 24 hours a day for the exclusive use by students displaying the appropriate permit. For more information, visit parking page on the Transportation Services website.
- Off-campus: The Borough of State College Parking website provides detailed information for residents and visitors. Additionally, the downtown State College parking guide lists more detailed information. All posted parking signs should be honored at all times to avoid tickets and towing.
For students on and around campus:
- All students have access to the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus system. More information about bus service on and off campus can be found on the bus service page on the Transportation Services website. CATA also provides a live bus updater so students can check the location of the buses they use frequently.
- Several taxi companies offer service to students for relatively inexpensive travel. Students should research and contact taxi fleets based on which they prefer.
- Security Escort Service is provided by University Police Services for students, faculty and staff who feel unsafe walking alone on campus at night. Trained auxiliary officers will ensure they get home safely. The number for the service is 814-865-WALK (9255). Security escorts are available from dusk to dawn—365 days a year.
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LODGING RESOURCES
University Park and the surrounding areas are popular places to visit and stay, especially on event weekends. It is best to research and secure accommodations early, especially for high volume weekends—Move-in and Move-out weekends, football games, Parents & Families Weekend, and Commencement.
- Penn State operates two full service hotels—The Penn Stater and The Nittany Lion Inn—that provide convenient accommodations for visiting family members.
- The Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau maintains a comprehensive list of area hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and vacation rentals on their hotels and lodging page.
- Additionally, the communities of Bellefonte (30 minutes) and Altoona (45 minutes) offer additional lodging options for visiting family members.
- Finally, there are many vacation properties within a short walking or driving distance of campus, which include in-home apartments, townhouses, and single family homes. The best way to find an option like this is to search on Craigslist, State College. Click on housing and then vacation rentals.
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NOTE TO SERVICE PROVIDERS: The Parents Program aims to keep transportation and lodging links current, but we rely on your websites for the most up-to-date information. If you need to make changes to your web link, please email parents@psu.edu.