If you’ve ever booked a “great deal” only to spend half your trip driving from the wrong airport (hi, it’s me), you know how much that extra hour can sting. The first time I planned a Poconos weekend, I flew into a big New York airport to save a few bucks—then crawled through traffic and missed sunset at the cabin. Lesson learned: for the Poconos, the airport you choose matters more than you think.
Since then, I’ve tested a few routes and figured out the easiest options. In this guide, I’ll break down the closest airports, realistic drive times, and when it’s worth choosing the tiny-but-convenient pick over the big hubs with tons of flights. I’ll also share quick tips on rental cars, shuttles, and timing—so you can land, grab your keys, and be on mountain time fast.
Key Takeaways
- Closest airport to the Poconos: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) — roughly 40 miles from most towns.
- Good nearby alternative: Lehigh Valley International (ABE) — about 50–55 miles.
- More flight options (longer drives): Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), JFK — ~80–120 miles.
- There’s no airport in the Poconos — plan to rent a car or book a shuttle.
- Drive times vary by town (Mount Pocono, Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, etc.).
- Weekends/holidays get busy (ski season & fall foliage) — book flights and cars early.
- Car rental is easiest; public transit is limited and transfers can be slow.
List of the closest airport to the Pocono Mountains
Before we get into the details of each airport we’ll give you the list of the closest airports to your destination. This list will give you the answer at a quick glance. Distances are road miles.
| Airport Name | IATA | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport | AVP | 40 miles |
| Lehigh Valley International Airport | ABE | 54 miles |
| LaGuardia Airport | LGA | 107 miles |
The Closest Airport to Poconos: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
Pick the airport that keeps your drive short. The Pocono Mountains area is outside the city of Philadelphia. Philadelphia (PHL) is farther; expect longer drive times and city traffic.
AVP is about 40 road miles from many Poconos towns, so it’s usually the quickest in.
AVP has daily service from major hubs and on-site car rentals—simple in/out.
AVP is ~40 miles away; plan to rent a car and you’ll be on the road quickly. You can easily reach the Poconos when you rent a car.
Other airports near Pocono Mountains
Here are other nearby options.
Lehigh Valley International Airport
Lehigh Valley International (ABE) has on-site rentals and ground transport.
ABE is a practical alternative with easy logistics.
Choosing Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pocono Mountains will put you a little further away from your destination, but it’s an airport you should consider. It’s small and easy to navigate with basic food and shop options.
Lehigh Valley International (ABE) in Allentown is about 54 road miles from many Poconos towns. The airport is a convenient option for those looking to fly into or out of the Lehigh Valley region.
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia (LGA) is a farther but viable option. The airport is close to many different attractions and activities that Pocono Mountains has to offer.
LaGuardia Airport is also a great choice as it has many connections to cities all around the nation. LGA often has more flight times and fares. Although, this airport is the furthest in our list of the closest airports to the Poconos it’s still an amazing choice.
The total distance from LaGuardia is 107 miles which means you will have to do a bit of driving in order to get to the Pocono Mountains. You may find lower fares at LGA, but factor in the longer drive.
Conclusion
Honestly, the biggest travel win I’ve had with the Poconos is picking the right airport from the start. When I fly into AVP, I’m usually tossing my bag in a rental and heading toward the mountains before my coffee even cools. ABE is my backup when flights line up better, and if I need more routes (or international), I’ll look at Newark—knowing I’m trading convenience for options. Either way, checking drive time to the exact town I’m staying in has saved me from those “why is this taking three hours?” moments.
So here’s how I wrap it up: choose the airport that gets you on the road fastest to your cabin or resort, book the car early (especially for ski season and fall foliage), and keep an eye on weather if you’re traveling in winter. Do that, and you’ll spend less time in traffic and more time exactly where you want to be—soaking in a hot tub, chasing waterfalls, or just watching the trees do their thing.
About the Author
William Chase is the travel writer behind GotYourPassport.com, where he delivers clear, practical advice so readers can plan with confidence. He has a particular interest in travel logistics—from airports to ground transit—and loves making the complex parts of a trip simple. After personally traveling to and through the Poconos area, William put together this guide to help you find the most convenient airport for your journey.
FAQs
Q: What is the closest airport to the Poconos?
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP). It’s typically 35–45 miles from popular towns like Mount Pocono, Stroudsburg, and Lake Harmony (about 45–75 minutes by car).
Q: What’s the next best nearby airport?
Lehigh Valley International (ABE) in Allentown. It’s about 50–55 miles from many Pocono spots (roughly 1–1.5 hours driving) and has solid amenities and rentals.
Q: Which airport has the most flights or the best option for international trips?
Newark (EWR) offers the widest flight choices and international routes. LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK are also options, but expect a longer drive (1.5–3.5 hours) and possible heavy traffic.
Q: Do I need a car to reach the Poconos?
Renting a car is easiest. Shuttles and private car services exist, and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available at airports, but can be limited once you’re in the mountains—book ahead if arriving late.
Q: Is there public transit from NYC or Philadelphia to the Poconos?
From NYC, buses (e.g., to Stroudsburg/Mt. Pocono) work, then take a taxi or rideshare to your hotel. From Philadelphia, rail/bus combos are possible but slower. Transit to resorts is limited, so plan extra time.