Transportation
Transportation to Commonwealth Campuses
If you are attending a Commonwealth Campus, please contact the Penn State Global staff on your campus for more information about your on-campus arrival.
Transportation to State College
University Park is one out of twenty-four Penn State campuses in the commonwealth and is the main campus.
The main campus of Penn State University is located in the borough of State College, Pennsylvania, almost the geographical center of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Centre County. The mailing address confuses the public because Penn State's Post Office is called "University Park, PA."
By Air
The local airport in State College is the State College Airport (SCE). It is located approximately five miles from campus.
Taxis and Car rentals are available at University Park Airport to get from the airport to your final destination in State College.
By Bus
Megabus offers non-stop service from New York City, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia and continuing service from locations in Ohio and Michigan. If purchased in advance, tickets can be less than $10.00. For detailed schedules, pricing and ticket purchases visit megabus.com. In State College, the bus arrives in the Walmart Parking Lot at North Atherton Place. Taxis are available for transportation within State College.
Greyhound offers bus services all across the country. Prices and the number of stops vary depending on your origin. Visit the Greyhound Bus website to look up schedules, prices and book tickets. The Greyhoud buses arrive at the State College Bus Terminal on North Atherton Street.
Fullington Trailways manages and operates the downtown State College bus terminal. With their daily intercity schedules, they service all major Pennsylvania metro areas as well as New York City, Washington DC and Buffalo, NY.
By Train
State College does not have a train station. The closest train station is 45 minutes away in Lewistown, PA. There is no other public transportation from Lewistown to State College. The closest train station with a bus connection to State College is in Harrisburg, PA. Train is not a suggested means of travel.
By Car
State College is conveniently near several major international airports
| City | Airport | Distance (miles) | Time (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Philadelphia | Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) | 195 miles (313 km) | 3-4 hours |
| From Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) | 138 miles (222 km) | 2-3 hours |
| From New York | JFK International (JFK) La Guardia (LGA) |
250 miles (402 km) | 4-5 hours |
| From Newark | Newark Liberty International (EWR) | 234 miles (376 km) | 3-4 hours |
| From Baltimore | Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI) | 178 miles (286 km) | 3 hours |
Getting Around State College
Getting around town is safe and simple. There are many stores, shops, restaurants no more than 10-20 minutes away by bus, taxi, or by bike.
Students, faculty and staff and ride the Blue LOOP and the White LOOP (Buses) for free.
Centre Area Transit Authority (CATA) Bus Service
CATA provides bus services on campus and through out State College. Visit the CATA website for routes and schedule. The LOOP and the LINK are free and provide the circulator service around Penn State Campus and Downtown State College. CATA also provides service around and through State College to Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap. The bus fare fee can be paid in exact change to the bus driver upon boarding the bus.
Taxi Services
Unlike in larger U.S. cities, taxis are usually called to a specific location rather than hailed from the side of the street. Taxis are only waiting for customers when flights get in at the airport or buses arrive at the bus stations. If you need a taxi from anywhere but the airport or a bus station, call the number below. The operator will provide you with an estimate time until pick-up (usually 10-20 minutes) unless on weekends during the semester and on event weekends (football games, arts fest, graduation, etc.)
- Nittany Express (814) 867-4647
Cycling
Riding a bicycle is a popular alternative mode of transportation for students but especially locals. Bicycles can be purchased at bicycle shops in the downtown area and shopping centers in State College.
Bicycles must be registered either with the Borough of State College or the Penn State Parking Office. Permits obtained through either the Borough or Penn State are valid both for the borough and on campus. Further information on bicycle rules and regulations can be found on the Borough as well as Penn State Transportation websites.
Driving
Parking on Campus and in State College is limited, heavily regulated and patrolled. Please follow the links for detailed information.
