Key Highlights
-
State College Regional Airport (SCE) is the main airport in State College. It also serves Penn State University.
-
The airport gives direct flights to big hubs like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington.
-
United Airlines and American Airlines both fly out of SCE. They help people from the area connect with other parts of the United States.
-
The airport is only about four miles from downtown. You can get to campus or downtown State College fast from here.
-
If you want more flight choices, there are other airports like Harrisburg International you can drive to.
-
Getting to and from the airport is easy. People can use taxis or bus services for ground transportation.
Introduction
Welcome to State College, Pennsylvania. People come here for many reasons. You might come for a Penn State game, a campus tour, or to see the great views in central Pennsylvania. Most visitors get here by plane. This guide will help you have an easy trip. The key place to arrive is the State College Regional Airport (SCE). You will find what you need to know here—flight details and ways to get around after you land. We want your visit to be smooth and fun.
Major Airports Serving State College, Pennsylvania
If you are planning a trip to State College, the easiest way to get there is to fly into the State College Regional Airport. It is right by the town and gets you where you want to go fast. The airport is the best and closest option for people going to the university or anywhere else in that part of Pennsylvania.
But it can be good to know you have other ways to get in. There are a few big airports within a couple of hours of State College. They have more flights and airlines to choose from. Next, we show you the main airport for State College and give you info about some of the best airports near it.
State College Regional Airport (SCE) Overview
State College Regional Airport is also called SCE by the FAA. People also know it as University Park Airport or UNV. It is the main airport for central Pennsylvania. You will find the airport in University Park, so it is good for anyone coming to state college or penn state. This regional airport is easier to get through than big international airports that are often busy.
There is only one runway, and the terminal has an easy design. You can find your way around without a problem. The main goal of the airport is to help people from the community reach big airline hubs. It helps people travel in and out of the area without trouble. Many people like to fly right into SCE because it is so simple to use.
Airlines such as United and American have direct flights here. You can fly nonstop from places like chicago o’hare, philadelphia, and washington dulles. This makes it easy to connect with other big cities and places around the world.
Alternative Airports Near State College
Are there any other airports close to State College, Pennsylvania? Yes. If you want more travel choices or need different flight times, you can drive to other airports near State College. These airports sometimes have lower prices and more flight options for people who travel.
Driving from these airports lets you see more of the Pennsylvania area as you go. Just remember, you will have to plan how to get from the airport to State College after your flight.
Here are some good airports near State College you can use for your next trip:
-
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): About a 1.5-hour drive
-
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): Around a 3-hour drive
-
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Around a 3.5-hour drive
-
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): About a 3-hour drive
Airlines and Destinations at State College Regional Airport
Flying into State College Regional Airport lets you get to some of the top travel spots in the country. The airlines and direct flights at SCE are picked to give you good and easy choices. These make travel smooth for people who visit for work, school, or fun. It is now much easier to go to and from central Pennsylvania.
Most direct flights from State College Regional Airport go to big places on the East Coast and in the Midwest. This helps you plan your trip without trouble. Below, you can see exactly which direct flights you can use and which airlines fly these routes.
Direct Flights and Popular Routes
State College Regional Airport offers several direct flights that make getting to your destination a breeze. These nonstop routes connect you to major hubs, which in turn open up a global network of travel possibilities. Popular routes include daily services to and from cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
These connections are especially useful for reaching other major metropolitan areas like New York with just one simple transfer. The convenience of direct flights means less time spent in layovers and more time enjoying your trip.
Here is a quick look at the direct flights offered from State College Regional Airport (SCE):
|
Airline |
Destination |
Approximate Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
|
American Airlines |
Philadelphia (PHL) |
1 hr 4 min |
|
United Airlines |
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) |
1 hr 50 min |
|
United Airlines |
Washington Dulles (IAD) |
1 hr 2 min |
Airline Carriers Operating at SCE
If you want to fly into State College Regional Airport, you have two big choices. United Airlines and American Airlines both fly to this airport. Both airlines are known for good service, and they connect State College to places all over the United States and even the world.
You can get daily flights with either one. This lets you pick a time that fits you best. United Airlines and American Airlines help you get connecting flights from their main hubs. Getting to many cities from State College Regional Airport is now much easier.
The main airlines and where they fly direct from SCE are:
-
United Airlines: You can get direct flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD).
-
American Airlines: You can fly nonstop to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Now, you get more ways to fly with daily flights from SCE along with easy connections in hubs like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington.
Amenities and Services for Travelers
Traveling can sometimes feel stressful, but the amenities and services at State College Regional Airport help make your trip better. Even though SCE is a small airport, you will find all the important things you need to start or finish your journey the right way. From the moment you step in, you will notice a clean place that is well set up, with people who are there to help.
At this airport, the basic facilities are set up to make things easy for people. They focus on your ease and comfort the whole time. Inside the terminal, you can find a list of different services. You also have good options for parking and rentals when at the State College airport. We will take a look at these services and show you what to expect at State College Regional Airport.
Airport Facilities and Free Wi-Fi
State College Regional Airport has the things you need to help with your trip. In the terminal, you can go to the check-in desks for American Airlines and United. There are places to pick up your bags after your flight, too.
Many people want to know, “Does State College Regional Airport have free Wi-Fi?” Most airports do. Still, to be sure, you should go to the airport’s official website. This way, you will know what it currently offers for things like Wi-Fi and other services in the terminal.
The airport gives you what you need to start your trip, such as:
-
Check-in desks for airlines
-
Places to claim your bags
-
Ground transport you can use
-
Bus stops for Fullington Trailways
Car Rentals, Parking, and Ground Transportation Options
When you land, you have a few ways to leave State College Regional Airport and get to where you need to go. You might be asking if you can rent a car right at the airport. Many airports near this area give you the choice to rent cars, but it is best to check if cars are available and book ahead. This is very important in busy travel times.
This same advice goes for parking. You might ask, can I park my car at State College Regional Airport, and how much does it cost? Most airports have parking, but lot sizes and prices change. The best way to know is to look on the airport’s website before you go.
If you do not plan to drive, there are other ways to travel from the airport:
-
Taxi services
-
Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft
-
Bus rides with Fullington Trailways
Use these suggestions to help you have a better visit in State College.
Getting to and from State College Regional Airport
One thing people like about the State College Regional Airport is how close it is to everything. You can get to the center of state college and the penn state university campus fast. Your ride after you land will not take much time or cost a lot. There are different ways to get around, so you can pick the kind of ride that works best for your budget and the time you have.
You may need to go to the penn state campus, your hotel in downtown, or a meeting for your work. You will not need to go far to reach any of these places from the airport. Now, let’s see how near the state college regional airport is to important spots, and find out about good ways to get around.
Distance to Downtown State College and Penn State University
State College Regional Airport is very close to downtown State College and Penn State University. The airport is just four to five miles from the center of town and the big University Park campus. This makes it the best and most convenient place to arrive for guests.
The distance is so short that you can get from your baggage claim to your hotel or the Penn State campus by car in about ten minutes. This helps a lot if you do not have much time, or if you want to start your visit right away without a long drive from the airport.
This close location is good for people going to university events, visiting students, or those with business at University Park campus. You land and get to your spot quickly. You do not get this kind of comfort with most big city airports.
Shuttle Services, Public Transit, and Taxi Options
There are different ways to get from State College Regional Airport to the Penn State campus. You can pick the way that works best for you. Taxis, along with rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, are easy to find. They can take you right to your spot on the campus or anywhere in State College.
If you need a set schedule, the bus is a good way to travel. Fullington Trailways has buses from the State College Airport to many places. Some hotels near state college also give their guests their own shuttles, but you should check with your hotel before you get there. The local CATABUS system helps people get around State College, including homes and stores.
Your main choices for ground transportation are:
-
Taxi services
-
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft)
-
Fullington Trailways bus service
-
Pre-arranged hotel shuttles
Hotels and Accommodations Near State College Regional Airport
After a long day of travel, it is important to find a good place to rest. There are many hotels and places to stay near State College Regional Airport. You can pick a place that is close, which helps if you have an early morning flight or if you get in late at night. Staying near the airport can make your trip feel much easier.
This airport is close to State College, so you will have many places to choose from that are just a short drive away. Here, we talk about the types of hotels you can find in the area and some of the things you will get when you stay overnight.
On-Site and Nearby Hotel Options
Are there hotels close to State College Regional Airport? Yes, there are. The airport is just a few miles from town, so you will find many places to stay nearby. It does not have a hotel right at the terminal, but there are a lot of hotel choices a short taxi or shuttle ride away.
You can pick from big hotel chains, or stay at a local inn with some charm. Book ahead if you can, because rooms fill up fast during big events at Penn State, like football games, graduation time, and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
Think about staying in these kinds of hotels:
-
Hotels that have free airport shuttle service
-
Large national hotel brands
-
Motels and inns that help you save money
-
Full-service hotels in downtown State College
Amenities for Travelers Staying Overnight
When you stay overnight, having the right things can really help. Hotels in the State College area welcome many guests. There are students who may come to see the college, their families, people working for business, and past students. Each group needs different things. So, many hotels in the area try to give comfort and ease to their guests.
There are lots of hotels near State College Regional Airport. You can pick one that has what you want most. Before you book, stop and think about which things matter to you for your time there. Do you need to get work done at a business center, or is a free breakfast important for you in the morning?
Try to choose a place to stay that gives you the things people like, such as:
-
Free ride to and from the airport
-
No-cost Wi-Fi
-
Places to eat at the hotel or a free breakfast
-
Spots to work out or go for a swim
Conclusion
To sum up, getting to and from State College, Pennsylvania is easy now. The State College Regional Airport and other choices around it make travel simple. You can use the airport if you visit Penn State University or want to see the nice town. There are good places to stay close by and also direct flights that link you to other spots. You just need to think about enjoying your trip—not stress over the travel.
Try to plan in advance, look at all your options, and use your time well in State College. If you want advice just for you, don’t wait—reach out and get a free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive before my flight at State College Regional Airport?
For domestic flights at State College Regional Airport, you should get to the airport 90 minutes to two hours before your flight. This gives you time to check your bags, go through security, and reach your boarding gate. Try not to rush. Always check your airline’s rules for when you need to be there.
Is parking available at State College Regional Airport, and what are the rates?
Parking is there at the airport for short stays and long stays. But prices and open spots can change. It is good to check the State College Regional Airport website before you go. That will give the latest updates on parking fees and which lots are open.
Can I rent a car directly at State College Regional Airport?
Yes, you can usually rent a car at the State College Regional Airport. The terminal often has rental agency desks. It’s a good idea to book your car ahead of time, especially when it gets busy. This way, you know there will be a car waiting for you.