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State College car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in State College

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in State College

  • State College is situated in the heart of Pennsylvania and surrounded by beautiful mountains, parks, and other state wildlife reservations. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore these areas, a car rental in State College is a great way to ensure access to all attractions. While there are some public transport vehicles within the city, there are few options available to you if you want to explore the greater area. Additionally, a rental car provides you with the freedom to determine your arrival and departure times to whatever site you’re visiting. Need to bring along some equipment? A personal vehicle can also function as a storage locker for your outings.
  • If you’ve booked a State College car rental in advance and are arriving by plane, you can pick up your vehicle at University Park Airport (SCE). There are multiple car rental companies represented here, including Alamo, Avis, Payless, Enterprise, and Hertz, to name a few. To find their service desks, simply exit to the left of the terminal. If you’re looking to book your vehicle for pick-up elsewhere, there is also an Enterprise on Blue Course Dr. and a Hertz on Beaver Ave.
  • State College has a lively downtown area with bars and restaurants, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for pedestrians while driving here. There are several designated crosswalks throughout the areas, but you may find people choosing to cross at unmarked locations—this is especially true during the evenings when the downtown area attracts the college crowd celebrating a night out.
  • As a college town, the typical rush hours don’t impact the city as much as other cities; however, while driving here, you may want to avoid the hours of between about 7am and 8:30am, then again between about 4:30pm and 6pm, as these are typical workday commute times.
  • Book your car hire in State College at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about car hire in State College

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in State College?

    For your car rental in State College, you may find that an SUV is a suitable option. With plenty of legroom and cargo space, SUVs present you with the opportunity to bring along a group of friends for outdoor adventures, such as a hiking trip in Rothrock State Forest, about half-an-hour south of State College, or to Susquehannock State Forest, almost 2h to the north.

  • What’s the speed limit in State College?

    State College’s speed limits are consistent with most of the continental US. On urban roads without posted limits, you’ll find that around 35mph is the legal limit, with the limit rising to 55mph on unmarked country roads. Additionally, posted speed limits will often be around 30mph in residential areas. On I-70, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which runs north of State College, the posted speed limit is around 70mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in State College?

    There are several parking garages and parking lots available to drivers throughout State College. For a convenient option in the city center and close to shopping, try the Beaver Ave. Parking Garage on W. Beaver Ave. between S. Fraser St. and S. Burrowes St. On-street parking typically costs about $1.25 per hour, whereas off-street parking, such as in garages, is typically free for the first half-hour, then about $1 per hour after that.

  • How much is the price of fuel in State College?

    The average price of fuel in State College is £2.86 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £34 and £46, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in State College?

    Standard (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in State College.

  • How can I find car hires near me in State College?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in State College?

    A Standard car hire in State College costs £49 per day, on average.

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in State College?

    Most car hire providers in State College offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in State College, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

State College car hire reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Avis

9.1

Best rated

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

9.2

One location in State College

Show locations

Locations in State College

2493 Fox Hill Rd

+1 814 237 9750

Monday09:00 - 23:30
Tuesday09:00 - 23:30
Wednesday09:00 - 23:30
Thursday09:00 - 23:30
Friday09:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:30 - 17:30
Sunday09:30 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Customer service was awesome especially at pick up in state college. I’ve only ever rented from enterprise before this and the customer service and the way they made it so easy makes me only want to use Avis in the future.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Compact

KAYAK
State College rental agent was excellent. Friendly. Efficient. He was great.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Check engine light was on in the vehicle, when asked to change to a different vehicle was told no we’re not doing that

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2022

KAYAK
Simple and easy. They are located right by the luggage area, very convenient. Extremely nice staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
Smooth process.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
Very efficient, comfortable, gas friendly. Staff very nice and helpful!

1 out of 5

Budget

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

6.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

6.3

One location in State College

Show locations

Locations in State College

2493 Fox Hill Rd

+1 814 237 9750

Monday09:00 - 23:30
Tuesday09:00 - 23:30
Wednesday09:00 - 23:30
Thursday09:00 - 23:30
Friday09:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:30 - 17:30
Sunday09:30 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Ease of rental at State College airport.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Staff were great in providing info about and options for upgrading our rental. Extremely happy with the outcome.

2.0 Poor

dwain, Aug 2022

KAYAK
The vehicle was not in road-ready condition as I had to fill up the tires with air twice and had to have the oil checked as a warning light was on from the start.

1 out of 1

Alamo

Cleanliness

6.4

Comfort

5.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.9

Value for money

5.5

One location in State College

Show locations

Locations in State College

2493 Fox Hill Rd

+1 814 237 1771

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday12:00 - 23:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was ready for pick up in State College and drop off was easy in Kentucky

Cons:

The mileage must have been logged incorrectly at the pick up location because at drop off, it said we had driven over 5,000 miles! Good think we got unlimited miles with the rental!

2.0 Poor

Mona, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

I went all the way to the airport so they tell me ‘we are out of cars come back tomorrow, and when i asked what will guarantee that i will find one tomorrow he replies “because am telling you” such an unprofessional treatment.

2.0 Poor

Matt, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Called me 30 minutes before I needed the car and said they did not have one available.

7.6 Good

Matthew, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The agent at pickup was very helpful and friendly, even though I had to wait quite a while as he was the only one there. He was very nice.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

This reservation was cancelled due to the Pandemic.

2.0 Poor

Michael, Jun 2022

KAYAK
You guys forgot to mention all of the hidden fees I’ll have to pay and it ended up being almost double the cost you guys “estimated”. Maybe try getting the actual value of the car next time.

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

4.6

Cleanliness

5.3

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

4.6

2 locations in State College

Show locations

Locations in State College

215 Blue Course Dr

+1 814 238 4450

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2493 Fox Hill Rd

+1 814 237 1771

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday12:00 - 23:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Premium

KAYAK
They have to be professionals and responsible. I reserved a big car for 7 passengers. I called them up before I go to pick it up, they offered me a small car because they didn’t have any big vehicles. Could you imagine my frustration? They never fixed my problem. I had to call immediately to AVIS and they really worked out with me professionally fixing my problem.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
They didn’t have a car available for my reservation.

2.0 Poor

JAY, May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. They wouldn't rent to me and I still had to pay for the insurance.

Cons:

You could have not charged me for insurance on a car I didn't drive.

1 out of 1

Hertz

4.3

Cleanliness

5.1

Comfort

5.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

4.0

2 locations in State College

Show locations

Locations in State College

200 W. Beaver Avenue

+1 814 424 3423

Monday09:00 - 23:30
Tuesday09:00 - 23:30
Wednesday09:00 - 23:30
Thursday09:00 - 23:30
Friday09:00 - 23:30

2493 Fox Hill Road

+1 814 237 1728

Monday09:30 - 17:30
Tuesday09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday09:30 - 17:30
Friday09:30 - 17:30
Saturday12:00 - 23:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2022

KAYAK
I booked the car 2 weeks ago and when it got to the day of pick up, I got to the location and that Hertz wasn’t opened. I immediately call the closest Hertz and they also didn’t have cars available, and was saying just because they DO NOT have enough staff so that location wasn’t opened. I needed the car ASAP so I had to call every rental car company to find a car but it was such a hurry and no cars were available. I paid $1200 for concert tickets and couldn’t make it JUST BECAUSE HERTZ DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH STAFFING, AND EVEN WORSE WITHOUT NOTIFYING ME, and KAYAK also have the availability opened online even Hertz does not. I was so angry and disappointed because I just threw $1200 tickets like trash because I couldn’t make it to New Jersey on time without the car. I will never come back to Kayak or Hertz and I will certainly spread out this incident and message to as many people as possible in State College so that they will not experience the same thing as me.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
I completed the reservation, and the rental place called a couple days later to tell me there won’t be a car available for me. All the other rental agencies in town were booked, so I had to upend my wife’s schedule so I could borrow her car.

4.8 Mediocre

Anonymous, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Better price and car could be cleaner.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing...never was so disappointed in my whole life

Cons:

Booth was closed , sign said somebody would be there to see me , after 45 minutes I left

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff what is friendly and efficient. Pick up and drop off was easy.

Cons:

I rented an SUV and dropped it off with a full tank two days later. It was a simple transaction and went according to plan.

2.0 Poor

Jason, Sept 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The Hertz kiosk was the only car rental facility closed. We could not pick up our vehicle upon arrival. We had to book another car rental and pay more. Horrible experience!

1 out of 3

Payless

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

7.0

One location in State College

Show locations

Locations in State College

2493 Fox Hill Road

+1 814 237 9750

Monday08:30 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:30 - 22:30
Friday08:30 - 22:30
Saturday09:00 - 23:30
Sunday09:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

National

8.5

Very Good

One location in State College

Locations in State College

2493 Fox Hill Rd

+1 814 237 1771

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday12:00 - 23:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in State College

Locations in State College

Penn State University Park Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in State College

Locations in State College

2493 Fox Hill Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

44 travellers who hired a car in State College gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car hire locations in or near State College

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in State College

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire insurance in State College

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some State College car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in State College.

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your State College car hire.

State College car hire information

Pick-up locationState College
Car types
Hire locations8
Airport locations6