Navigating to Penn State: A Guide to Nearby Airports

For those planning a visit to Pennsylvania State University's University Park campus, understanding the available airport options is crucial for a smooth and efficient journey. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the nearest airports, focusing on convenience, accessibility, and potential cost savings.

The Closest Option: State College Regional Airport (SCE)

The most convenient airport for reaching Penn State's University Park campus is undoubtedly the State College Regional Airport (SCE), also known as University Park Airport (IATA: SCE, ICAO: KUNV, FAA LID: UNV). Formerly known as University Park Airport, this public airport is located in Benner Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, serving State College and Bellefonte. We recommend that you make the State College/University Park Airport your final airport destination.

Location and Accessibility

The State College/University Park Airport (airport code: SCE) is located near the conference site. Taxis are often located outside of the airport baggage claim area, curbside. Please inquire with your hotel if they offer courtesy airport transportation. The University Park campus is located within driving distance of many major cities.

History and Development

In the 1950s, a small airport was built on land leased from Penn State, just north of State College. The Centre County Airport Authority was created to manage the development of the airport. The October 1959 chart shows a 2350-foot runway 6; the August 1965 chart shows 3000 feet; the November 1967 chart adds a 2350-foot runway 16. (The intersection of those two 50-foot runways is still visible at 40°50′57″N 77°51′11″W). Penn State assumed the lease and assets of the airport in 1972. A permanent passenger terminal was built in 1985. A new passenger terminal was completed in 1993, and cargo operations moved to the old terminal. Construction on the control tower began on January 8, 2010, and was completed in early August 2011. The Centre County Airport Authority owns and operates the commercial airline terminal.

Facilities and Services

The terminal consists of a restaurant, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, charging stations for mobile devices, and a conference room. Taxi, limousine services, and car rentals are available. The airport does not have jet bridges, and all aircraft board from ground-level hardstands.

Airlines and Destinations

As of February 2026, there are three daily flights to Washington-Dulles, three daily flights to Philadelphia, and four daily flights to Chicago. United Airlines will add a fourth daily flight to Washington Dulles on March 29, 2026, up from the current three. All four flights to Washington Dulles will be operated by CommuteAir on ERJ-145 aircraft. United will also be adding a sixth daily flight between State College and Chicago on March 30, 2026, which is up from the current four. Chicago-O'Hare flights will be operated by GoJet Airlines and SkyWest Airlines on a mix of CRJ-550, CRJ-200, and Embraer E-175 jets. United currently flies from State College to Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles with daily service aboard Bombardier CRJ-550 and Embraer ERJ-145 regional aircraft.

United Airlines offered nonstop service between State College and Columbus for the Penn State at Ohio State football game on November 1, 2025. The one time offering departed State College on October 31 and returned on November 2. United Airlines offered service between Dallas Fort Worth and State College on December 20, 2024 and December 22, 2024 for the SMU at Penn State college football playoff game at Beaver Stadium.

Past service changes include United Airlines cutting Washington Dulles service and adding service to Newark in March 2022 to "closely match supply with demand" amid labor and aircraft shortages. American currently flies from State College to Philadelphia with daily service aboard Embraer 145 aircraft operated by Piedmont Airlines. Delta Air Lines operated between State College and Detroit until January 8, 2023 when the service was replaced with service to New York LaGuardia. Allegiant Air operated 2-4 flights per week to Orlando-Sanford and St. Petersburg/Clearwater from October 2019 to May 2022 using Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.

Runway Information

State College Regional Airport features one active runway. The end closest to Rock Road is Runway 24, bearing a magnetic heading of 243 degrees. Runway 24 is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) and is used as the primary landing and departing runway.

Aircraft Operations

State College Regional Airport regularly operates the Bombardier CRJ family, Embraer ERJ145s, and Embraer E175s. American Eagle operates Embraer 145 jets to Philadelphia. United Express operates Embraer 145 and Embraer 175 jets to Washington Dulles. United Express operates Chicago service on CRJ-550 and Embraer 175 jets. Cessna 208 Caravans are operated by Mountain Air Cargo contracted under FedEx Express cargo flights. Wiggins services Pittsburgh International Airport. Geisinger operates an Airbus H145 helicopter as a LifeFlight service. The United States Army and Air National Guard occasionally fly Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft into UNV for training missions.

Other Airport Options and Driving Distances

While State College Regional Airport is the closest, it may not always offer the most convenient or affordable flight options. Depending on your origin and travel preferences, consider these alternative airports and their approximate driving distances to the University Park campus:

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): Approximately 1.5 hours (90 miles).
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): Approximately 3 hours (137 miles).
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Approximately 3.5 hours (194 miles).At PHL we’re dedicated to serving the needs of all our travellers and we hope your travel experience through the Airport is an enjoyable one. Across the airport, upgrades are underway, from refreshed terminals and smarter security to modern technology and new restaurants that spotlight local flavor. We’re creating an airport that not only works better, but feels more like Philadelphia: proud, ambitious, and always moving forward. Our refreshed brand is part of a bigger promise: listening to passengers, acknowledging there’s work to be done, and making good things start here.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Approximately 3.5 hours (155 miles).
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Approximately 4 hours (190 miles).
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Approximately 5 hours (250 miles).
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Approximately 6.5 hours (304 miles).

Making the Right Choice

When choosing an airport, consider the following factors:

Flight availability and cost: Compare flight options and prices from different airports to find the best deal.
Driving distance and time: Factor in the time and cost of driving from the airport to Penn State.
Rental car availability: If you plan to rent a car, check the availability and rates at each airport.
Convenience: Consider the overall convenience of each airport, including factors like parking, security lines, and terminal amenities.

tags: #nearest #airport #to #Pennsylvania #State #University