Penn State University Park is located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, bordering downtown State College. Here's a list of tips as you plan for your visit to University Park:
- Bring a sweater. Many of our participants report that it can get chilly during sessions.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. University Park is a big place, and you'll spend a lot of time walking around campus.
- Bring your Penn State id+card. It's just about everything. It's LionCash+. It's secure banking. It's your way into sporting events, concerts, discounts, and more. It's convenient living at University Park.
Program Parking
Please park in the Eisenhower Parking Deck. You do not need a parking permit for your visit for Change-of-Campus Orientation. When parking -- be mindful not to park in accessible spaces or 24-hour reserved spaces.
You are responsible for any tickets issued or parking expense incurred if you choose to park in another area of campus.
Penn State University Park has taken every opportunity to make the campus accessible to drivers and passengers with disabilities. Regular and van accessible parking spaces exist on campus to meet the needs of visitors. You are able to park in any open (non-reserved, non-metered) parking spaces on campus with your ADA plate/hang tag. Additional information about ADA Parking can be found on the parking web site.
Transportation
Transportation options to University Park are outlined below:
By Air
State College and University Park are served by the University Park Airport (SCE). University Park Airport features connecting service to and from major hubs in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington/Dulles.
Taxi service is available from the Airport. A list of service providers is available here.
By Bus
Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Megabus national bus lines serve State College and University Park.
Greyhound and Fullington Trailways busses arrive at the bus terminal located at 152 N. Atherton Street. This bus terminal is within walking distance to campus, but the Blue Loop campus shuttle is also available from the Walker Building stop (across Atherton Street from the bus terminal) to campus. The Blue Loop does not provide service on Sundays.
The Megabus arrives at 1665 N. Atherton Street and requires a CATA bus transfer, or taxi, to get to campus. From the Megabus stop, you must take the V-route to campus. The bus ride to campus is $1.75, and you must have exact fare, as bus drivers do not carry change.
By Car
University Park is about 4 hours from New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. and is about 3 hours from Baltimore and Pittsburgh. University Park is served by three main highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 99, and Route 322.
From Pittsburgh: (138 miles, 2.5-3 hours)
Take Route 22 East to I-99 north (Altoona). Take I-99 to Route 220, then Route 322 East (Bald Eagle). Follow Route 322 East to State College. Follow US 322 East to PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn right at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
From Baltimore, MD: (170 miles, 3-3.5 hours)
Take I-95 North or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to west loop I-695 to I-83 North. Continue on I-83 North into Pennsylvania. Once in the Harrisburg area, follow signs for I-81 South/US-322 West. Merge onto I-81 South for only 1.9 miles. Then follow signs for Route 322 West to State College and exit at the PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn left at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
From Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia: (188 miles, 4-5 hours)
Take I-495 North to I-270 North to I-70 West. In Breezewood, merge onto I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike towards Pittsburgh. Take exit 146, US-220/I-99 toward Bedford Altoona/Johnstown. Take I-99 North/US-220 North then Route 322 East (Bald Eagle). Follow Route 322 East to PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn right at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
From Northern New Jersey: (188 miles, 4-5 hours)
I-80 West in PA to Exit 161 (Bellefonte), Follow PA 26 South to US 220 South. Take exit 73 for State College/Lewistown exit (US 322 East). Follow Route 322 East to PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn right at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
From Philadelphia: (195 miles, 4-4.5 hours)
Take the Schuylkill Expressway to the PA Turnpike. Leave the Turnpike at exit 247 (Harrisburg East-formerly exit 19). Follow I-283 north to I-83. Proceed north on I-83 to the I-81 interchange. Follow I-81 south to Route 322/22 west. Proceed west on Route 322 to State College, and exit at the PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn left at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
From Western Pennsylvania and Ohio: (5 hours from the Ohio/Pennsylvania border)
Take I-80 East to exit 161 (formerly exit 24). Take Route 26 south. Follow Route 26 south to US 220 South. From Route 220, take exit 73 for State College/Lewistown exit (US 322 East). Follow Route 322 East to PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn right at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
Local Area Directions:
From 322 East: Follow Route 322 East to PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn right at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
From 322 West: Follow Route 322 West to State College, and exit at the PA 26 (State College) exit. Turn left at the traffic light and travel south on PA 26 (College Avenue) for approximately 2 miles.
Local Transportation
The State College area and University Park campus are serviced by a local bus system, CATA. On campus buses (Loops/Links) run free-of-charge to riders.
You can also download the mySTOP Mobile app for a turn by turn location of the CATA buses, and their respective routes. Note that all other bus routes have a fare. For more information about local bus service and schedules, please visit the CATA site.
Taxi service is also available throughout State College. A list of service providers is available here.