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OISS understands that there are numerous ways to get to Lehigh University from around the world. On this page, you will find specific information about transportation to Lehigh from the airports that are closest to the Lehigh Valley.

When to Arrive

You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Students living on campus will receive information from Housing Services about when they can move into their residence hall. If you arrive prior to this move-in date, you will need to find your own housing accommodation until you can move into your on-campus residence. 

Where to arrive

Flying in? Lehigh provides limited assistance to new students arriving for the Fall semester from airports in New York (JFK only) and New Jersey (EWR). Students arriving into Allentown (ABE) or Philadelphia (PHL) will need to arrange for their own transportation to campus.  Students starting a program in Spring or Summer will need to arrange their own transportation to campus.

There are several airports near Lehigh University:

Getting to Campus

OISS offers a number of airport shuttle from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). To sign up, you must complete the travel plans e-form in your Pre-Arrival iHome checklist.

Monday, August 5 at 10:00 pm from JFK

Tuesday, August 13 at 10:00 pm from JFK

Thursday, August 15 at 8:00 pm from EWR

Friday, August 16 at 8:00 pm from EWR

Friday, August 16 at 10:00 pm from JFK

Saturday, August 17 at 9:00 am from JFK

 

 

From the airports, you have a variety of options to get to Lehigh's campus in Bethlehem on your own. For additional options, visit First Year Experience's website here.

Rideshare or Taxi

The Uber and Lyft apps are available to download on your phone. This will be your most expensive option from PHL, EWR and JFK, but the most practical and affordable option from ABE. Taxis are typically waiting in the departure terminals of all airports. Plan to tip the taxi drivers 15-20% of your fare.

Trans-bridge Bus

Trans-bridge Bus Line provides service from New York City to the Lehigh Valley.  This is most convenience for students arriving to EWR, as the bus provides pickup at designated times directly from the airport.  Students arriving at JFK wishing to use the Trans-bridge Bus will need to travel from JFK to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.  This service will drop off at a choice of locations near Lehigh (the Bethlehem Transportation Center or WindCreek Casino are closest) and students will need take a taxi or Uber to campus.  Schedules can be found online and reservations must be made in advance using the online reservation service.

Car Service

Depending on the airport where you arrive, car service options include: Affluent Limo Service, Philly Limo Service, Philly Black Car Service, Trophy Limousine Service, Avian Worldwide Chauffeured Limousine Service, Newark Airport Car and Limo Service, and Newark Airport Car Service HQ, JFK Car Service, Black Car JFK Airport Limo, NYC Car Service and J&J Transportation. You can book the service prior to your arrival.

Car share

Students who are arriving on the same flight often split the cost of a rideshare or taxi. It is important to provide your flight information in your New Student Checklist in iHome so we can connect you with other new students.

Amtrak

This is an option, though it may be the most complicated. Amtrak offers bus routes to Allentown, though with the exception of Newark, the Amtrak stations are not near the airports. You will need to find transportation to the station. Once you arrive in Allentown, you will need to find transportation to make the final 15-minute drive to campus.

 

About the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh in located in the Lehigh Valley, a region of Pennsylvania near Philadelphia and New York City that includes the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as many picturesque towns and boroughs. The Lehigh Valley experiences all four seasons; summers are usually very warm and humid while winters are mildly cold with occasional periods of snow. Learn more about Lehigh Valley here.