If you are organizing a group trip from Lancaster to GIANT Center in Hershey, the question that decides whether your night goes smoothly or sideways is simple: where exactly does the bus drop us off, and where does it wait? Route 283 West gets you there in under 40 minutes on a clear run, but on Bears playoff nights and major concert dates, Hersheypark Drive backs up well before the first puck drops. The parking situation at the complex is large — 10,000 spaces spread across nine named lots — but navigating that maze in a caravan of cars after a concert is nobody's idea of a good time.

This guide answers the logistics plainly, using GIANT Center's own published policies, and then walks you through everything a group trip needs: which vehicle fits your crew, what it costs, and how a Lancaster charter bus or party bus keeps everyone together from pickup to the final horn. Party Bus Lancaster runs this corridor regularly, so the advice below comes from doing it — not from a brochure.

Venue address

550 W Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033

Box Office phone

717-534-3300

Hockey capacity

10,500 seats (12,500 for concerts)

From Lancaster

~29 miles · ~37 min via Route 283 W

Parking on-site

$35 at booth; $20 online in advance

Drop-off zone

Directly in front of the building (accessible Lots C & D)

What Is GIANT Center?

GIANT Center, 550 W Hersheypark Drive, Hershey — home of the Hershey Bears and one of Central Pennsylvania's premier concert and event arenas.

GIANT Center is a 306,000-square-foot multi-purpose arena that opened in October 2002, operated by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. It seats 10,500 for hockey and expands to 12,500 for concerts, with 7,700 lower-level seats, 2,800 upper-level seats, 688 club seats, and 40 luxury suites. The arena is the primary home of the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League — the AHL's longest-running franchise, operating since 1938, with 13 Calder Cup championships to their name, more than any team in league history.

Beyond the Bears, GIANT Center hosts an aggressive calendar of concerts, WWE events, family shows, Disney On Ice productions, and PIAA state championships. For Lancaster groups, it is the closest major-capacity arena — a 29-mile straight shot west on Route 283 that puts your crew in their seats without an overnight commitment. It is also the reason Hersheypark Drive turns into a parking lot itself on event nights.

A Lancaster charter bus rental takes care of that before it starts.

The Drive From Lancaster: Route 283, Distances & What to Expect

The standard route from Lancaster to GIANT Center is Route 283 West to Route 743 North, then a short jog on Route 39 West to Hersheypark Drive. The drive runs about 29 miles and takes roughly 37 minutes under normal conditions. The halfway point is Mount Joy.

On a clear Tuesday night in November, it is an easy 40-minute hop. On a Saturday night when the Bears are hosting a rival and Hersheypark's hotel complex is full, you are looking at a different experience entirely.

Starting point in Lancaster County Approx. distance Typical drive time
Downtown Lancaster ~29 miles ~37–45 min
Lancaster Amtrak Station area ~28 miles ~35–42 min
Manheim / Mount Joy ~18–22 miles ~25–32 min
Lititz / Warwick ~24 miles ~30–38 min
Ephrata / Akron ~30 miles ~38–48 min

Times are off-peak estimates. On Bears game nights, post-event Hersheypark Drive and Route 743 can add 15–25 minutes to the return trip. Check 511PA’s live traffic conditions for real-time conditions before you depart.

The key friction point is not the highway — Route 283 runs clean. It is the final mile once you turn onto Hersheypark Drive. Every car in the arena's 10,000-space complex funnels onto a short stretch of road, and on sellout nights it backs up as far as Route 743.

A single bus drops your whole group at the door and cuts out that scramble entirely. You just arrive.

Charter Bus Drop-Off & Parking at GIANT Center: The Part Nobody Explains Well

Here is what GIANT Center's own accessibility page confirms about curbside access: “Accessible parking is located in Lots C & D directly in front of GIANT Center. It is also possible to drop off directly in front of the building.” That sentence is the one you need. A bus can pull directly to the main entrance on Hersheypark Drive, unload your group steps from the doors, and either park in the complex or wait nearby while you enjoy the event.

The one-line version: direct drop-off in front of GIANT Center is permitted — your group walks straight to the main entrance, not from a remote lot a long walk away. That single logistical fact, published by the venue itself, is what keeps a 30-person Lancaster group together and inside before puck drop.

The parking complex around GIANT Center and Hersheypark is organized into named lots. Lots C and D are the accessible lots directly in front of the arena. The complex also runs Preferred Parking for concerts and shows (closer to the building, at a premium), General Parking across a spread of nine lots labeled A through K, Club Seat Parking, Suite Holder Parking, and a designated Ride Sharing Lot for drop-offs and pickups.

The parking map is available directly from Hershey Entertainment — we recommend reviewing the official GIANT Center venue info page before your event to confirm the current lot assignments and any event-specific access changes.

Parking costs $35 at the booth on event day, or you can save $15 by purchasing for $20 online in advance via Ticketmaster. Parking booths are cashless — major debit and credit cards only. No tailgating is permitted anywhere in the complex, and no overnight parking is allowed.

Buses dropping a group and returning at end of night avoid the parking costs entirely; buses staying for the full event would park in the appropriate lot per event-day flaggers.

Because the lot assignments and approach routes can shift by event, confirm your group's exact plan with our team when you book — we keep up with the event-night access changes so you do not have to discover them at a closed entrance.

Why Renting a Bus From Lancaster Beats Driving Separately

Fourteen people heading to a Bears game means somewhere between three and five separate cars, five different arrival times, and at least two cars that end up in the wrong lot on the far end of the complex. The walk back from General Lot K to your car after a 10 PM game, in January, is the experience that turns people into bus converts.

Option Arrive together? Parking headache Post-game scramble Best for
Lancaster charter bus or party bus Yes — one vehicle, one arrival None — drops at the door Bus is waiting when you walk out Groups of 15–56
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) No — multiple cars, staggered ETAs Rideshare lot only — not curbside Surge pricing, 20+ minute wait 1–4 people
Everyone drives and parks No — caravans scatter $35/car, lots fill fast Finding each other in the dark Very small groups

The math closes fast for larger groups. Three cars each paying $35 to park is $105 before anyone buys a beer. One bus handles 30 people for a single, predictable rate — with no one drawing straws on who stays sober to drive back through Hershey at midnight.

Call 223-365-4360 for an all-inclusive quote in under 30 seconds.

What Size Bus Does Your Group Need?

Not every group trip from Lancaster to GIANT Center looks the same. A work outing for 20 colleagues has different needs than a 50-person hockey fan group with jerseys, foam sticks, and a cooler for the ride home. Here is how our fleet breaks down for a Hershey run.

Vehicle Typical seats Best for Key amenities
Sprinter van / 14-passenger Sprinter limo Up to ~14 Small crews, VIP group outings, suite holders Premium leather, USB charging, tinted windows
Party bus (15–50 passengers) ~15–50 Fan groups who want the celebration to start on the road Built-in bar, LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs, dance area
Minibus (15–35 passengers) ~15–35 Mid-size office outings, church groups, school club trips Reclining seats, powerful A/C, overhead storage
Charter bus (40–56 passengers) Up to 56 Large fan groups, corporate outings, full school classes Reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restroom, undercarriage bays

For Bears fan groups who want the energy going before the first face-off, our 15- to 50-passenger party buses come with a built-in bar, color-changing LED lighting, and a premium sound system — so the pregame starts the moment you leave Lancaster, not when you find your seats. For corporate groups bringing employees from office parks along Route 30 or Route 283, a minibus with reclining seats and A/C gets everyone there clean and on schedule. ADA-accessible vehicles are always available — just let us know before your event date and we will arrange the right vehicle.

Call 223-365-4360 to match the right bus to your group size.

Hershey Bears Hockey & the GIANT Center Event Calendar

GIANT Center operates year-round, and the Lancaster-area groups we move most often are heading to one of a few recurring categories of event. Knowing which category your trip falls into helps you plan your booking window — because availability from Lancaster changes dramatically when the whole region is heading the same direction.

Hershey Bears Hockey Season (October–June)

The Bears are the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals and the most decorated franchise in league history — 13 Calder Cup championships, including back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. The 2025–26 season opens in October against rivals like the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and the Syracuse Crunch. Home games run Friday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons through the regular season, with playoff rounds extending into May and June when the Bears are in contention.

On playoff nights, the arena holds over 10,000 fans and Hersheypark Drive can back up to Route 39 well before puck drop.

Groups of 15 or more receive discounted group ticket pricing directly through the Hershey Bears — see the Bears group tickets page for the current offer. Booking your bus at the same time you secure group tickets keeps both locked in before the popular weekend home games sell out. Call 223-365-4360 as soon as your date is confirmed.

Concerts & Touring Shows

GIANT Center's 2026 concert lineup runs from winter through fall. Confirmed 2026 dates include Journey (February 28), Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto (March 26–29), Josh Groban with Jennifer Hudson (June 10), James Taylor (June 25), and “Weird Al” Yankovic (July 31), among others. For large-draw national tours and family shows, the Hersheypark complex fills from multiple directions — both Lancaster County and the Harrisburg metro contribute heavy traffic on the same Route 283 / Route 39 corridor your group is using.

Late-night post-concert departures push rideshare surge pricing up in a zone with limited supply. A Lancaster party bus rental running on your schedule, with a confirmed pickup time and spot, removes that variable entirely.

For the most current event calendar, check the official GIANT Center events page before locking your date.

Family Shows & Special Events

Disney On Ice, WWE events, PIAA state championship wrestling, and the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships all call GIANT Center home at various points in the calendar. Family show matinees have a different traffic pattern than evening concerts — the approach is faster, but Sunday afternoon departure timing means you are competing with Hersheypark visitor traffic on Route 743. A bus from Lancaster handles the approach and the exit the same way regardless of the event type.

What Does a Bus From Lancaster to GIANT Center Cost?

There is no single sticker price, and any company quoting you one without asking your group size and date is guessing. Your quote is shaped by a handful of clear factors: the vehicle you need for your headcount, how many hours the bus is reserved (including any pregame time you want on the road), the date and its demand level, and the mileage from your Lancaster pickup point to the arena. Route 283 is only 29 miles each way, so the mileage component is modest compared to longer runs.

For real ranges to anchor your budget: 14-passenger Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; 15–20 passenger party buses run $204–$378/hour; 20–30 passenger party buses run $244–$414/hour; 35–50 passenger party buses and minibuses run $294–$490/hour; and 40–56 passenger charter buses run $150–$300/hour. Pricing varies by date and vehicle, but you will never see hidden costs in a quote from us — the number you see is the number you pay.

Here is the per-person math that usually settles the comparison. A 30-person group with one charter bus splits one predictable rate instead of paying $35 per car across eight or nine vehicles, gas both ways on Route 283, and at least one post-game rideshare surge. Once your group clears a handful of people, one bus is almost always the cleaner number.

Call 223-365-4360 for an exact, all-inclusive quote built around your headcount, date, and pickup location in Lancaster County.

A Real Lancaster-to-Hershey Example

Last February, a 28-person office group from Lancaster booked a 35-passenger minibus for a Hershey Bears Friday night home game. Pickup at 5:30 PM from a parking lot off Route 30, rolling down Route 283 by 5:40 PM, at GIANT Center by 6:25 PM — well ahead of the 7 PM puck drop. The bus waited nearby during the game.

Post-game pickup at the main entrance at 9:45 PM, back in Lancaster before 11 PM. The 5-hour all-inclusive rental came to $1,470 — about $53 per person, with the driving, the parking math, and the post-game logistics handled in one flat number.

Getting There: Route 283, Timing & Event-Night Traffic

The Lancaster-to-Hershey run via Route 283 West is one of Central Pennsylvania's cleaner interstate corridors. From Downtown Lancaster, merge onto Route 283 West at Dillerville Road, run it straight through Elizabethtown and Mount Joy, exit at Route 743 North (Hershey exit), and follow Route 743 through town to Route 39 West, then turn onto Hersheypark Drive. That final turn is where the event-night math changes.

On major Bears home games and concert nights, flaggers direct traffic at the Hersheypark Drive entrances. The lots closest to GIANT Center fill first — Preferred Parking and Lots C and D are typically full well before doors open for premium events. General lots farther from the building require a longer walk, especially in winter.

The designated ride-sharing lot for app-based pickups is not at the main entrance; Uber and Lyft drop-offs and pickups operate from a specific lot that is separate from the curbside access a private charter bus uses. That distinction — curbside drop at the front door versus a rideshare lot elsewhere — is the core reason Lancaster groups book a bus instead.

For Bears playoff nights in spring, plan for the approach to Hersheypark Drive to take 15–25 minutes beyond your normal Route 283 time, even with a bus. We factor that buffer into the departure time from Lancaster when you book, so your group is inside before the national anthem and the bus is ready for a smooth post-game exit.

What to Know Before You Go: Bag Policy, Security & What to Bring

GIANT Center uses magnetometer screening for all guests and asks everyone to arrive at least 45 minutes before event start time. For a group of 30 filing through security, that window matters — plan accordingly and let the bus leave Lancaster in time to allow for it.

The bag policy is strict and consistently enforced. Per the official GIANT Center FAQ:

  • Permitted bags: Hand clutches, wristlets, clear bags, fanny packs, and small purses — all must not exceed 5″ × 8″ × 1″ and are subject to search.
  • Medical or parenting bags: Permitted up to 14″ × 14″ × 6″, must pass through magnetometer screening and physical search.
  • Prohibited: Backpacks, camera bags, drawstring bags, totes, suitcases, and large purses. These stay on the bus — which is exactly why having a bus waiting outside is useful.

The venue is fully cashless. All purchases inside use major debit and credit cards; cash-to-card kiosks are available at no conversion fee if needed. No re-entry is permitted with the same ticket, and selfie sticks are prohibited at all events.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the arena.

Trips We Make From Lancaster to GIANT Center

Different groups, same destination. A few of the runs we coordinate most often from Lancaster County:

  • Bears fan groups: Friday and Saturday home games all season, from the October opener through the Calder Cup playoffs. Groups that book early get the party bus with the built-in bar and LED lighting for the pregame celebration; groups that wait get what is left.
  • Corporate and office outings: Team-building events, employee appreciation nights, and client entertainment. A minibus from the office park, everyone in seats for the first period, back to Lancaster before midnight.
  • Concert groups: National touring acts running through GIANT Center need one thing from your group: a pickup spot and a pickup time. A Lancaster party bus rental handles the rest.
  • Family and youth groups: Disney On Ice, WWE shows, and family productions draw mixed-age groups where keeping everyone together matters most. One bus, one headcount, no one waiting in the cold for a rideshare that shows up 25 minutes late.
  • School and youth organizations: PIAA state championship events and school-affiliated group outings, where a charter bus with overhead storage and reclining seats handles the ride with more comfort than a yellow school bus.
  • Birthday and celebration groups: A milestone birthday where the pregame party starts the moment the bus leaves Lancaster — sound system loaded, cooler stocked, everyone together.

Booking Your Bus & Timing It Right

Booking is straightforward, and a little lead time makes it seamless. Here is the process:

  1. Request a quote with your group size, pickup location in Lancaster County, event date, and how much pregame time you want on the road.
  2. Confirm the vehicle and the pickup window. We verify the right vehicle for your headcount and confirm the approach route for your event date.
  3. Set your post-event pickup time. Coordinate with our team in advance so the bus is waiting near GIANT Center when you walk out — not 20 minutes away on a surge-priced app.

A few timing points that come up constantly: how early should we arrive? Give yourself 45 minutes before doors for magnetometer screening with a group — we add that buffer into the departure time from Lancaster. When does the bus pick us up after the game?

Set a clear pickup window and meeting spot before your group splits up to find their seats. The main entrance on Hersheypark Drive is the natural regroup point; a few minutes of coordination before the event saves 20 minutes of confusion afterward.

For Bears home games on Fridays and Saturdays and for major concert acts, book as soon as your date is confirmed. Lancaster-area bus availability for Hershey events follows the same demand curve as the event itself — the popular weekend dates fill the schedule first. For playoff runs in April, May, and June, availability can disappear within days of a series being announced.

Call 223-365-4360 to lock in your date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly does a charter bus drop off at GIANT Center?

Directly in front of the building, per GIANT Center's own accessibility page. Accessible lots C and D are located directly in front of the arena, and curbside drop-off at the main entrance on Hersheypark Drive is permitted. This puts your group at the main doors, not in a remote rideshare lot elsewhere in the complex.

How much does parking cost at GIANT Center?

Standard parking is $35 at the booth on event day, or $20 when purchased online in advance via Ticketmaster — a $15 savings. Parking booths are cashless; major debit and credit cards accepted. Preferred parking for concerts and shows is available at a premium rate.

No tailgating is permitted anywhere in the complex, and overnight parking is prohibited.

How far is GIANT Center from Lancaster?

About 29 miles via Route 283 West to Route 743 North, typically a 37–45 minute drive under normal conditions. On Bears game nights and major concert dates, add 15–25 minutes for the Hersheypark Drive approach and post-event departure. The 511PA website has real-time road conditions if you want to check before departure.

How much does it cost to rent a bus from Lancaster to GIANT Center?

Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours, and the date. As a guide: Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; small party buses (15–20 passengers) run $204–$378/hour; mid-size party buses (20–30) run $244–$414/hour; large party buses and minibuses (35–50) run $294–$490/hour; and full-size charter buses run $150–$300/hour. All-inclusive pricing means no surprise additions at the end.

Call 223-365-4360 or use our online tool for a quote in under 30 seconds.

What is the bag policy at GIANT Center?

Bags must not exceed 5″ × 8″ × 1″. Permitted items include hand clutches, wristlets, clear bags, fanny packs, and small purses — all subject to search. Medical and parenting bags are allowed up to 14″ × 14″ × 6″ with required screening.

Backpacks, camera bags, drawstring bags, totes, and suitcases are prohibited and must stay outside the arena. Having a bus with undercarriage storage waiting outside is the practical solution — prohibited items stay in the luggage bay instead of being turned away at the gate.

Can the bus wait for us during the event?

Yes. The bus is reserved as a block of hours, so it can wait nearby during the game or concert and be at the main entrance for your arranged pickup time. Set a clear pickup window and meeting spot with our team before the event so there is no confusion at the end of the night when 10,000 people are exiting at once.

When should we book a bus to GIANT Center?

As soon as your event date is confirmed. Popular Bears home games — especially Friday and Saturday nights, rivalry matchups, and playoff rounds — draw from Lancaster and the full Central Pennsylvania region simultaneously. For Bears Calder Cup playoff series, the popular dates can fill within days.

For regular season games and most concerts, two to four weeks of lead time is workable, but the earlier you call, the better your vehicle options. Call 223-365-4360 to check availability for your date.

Are ADA-accessible buses available?

Yes — ADA-accessible vehicles are available. Let us know your group's specific needs when you request a quote and we will arrange the right vehicle for your event. GIANT Center itself has accessible parking in Lots C and D directly in front of the building, accessible entrances, an elevator on the main concourse behind section 124, and a family restroom at section 125.

Is there public transportation from Lancaster to GIANT Center?

No direct public transit route connects Lancaster to GIANT Center for event nights. Red Rose Transit serves Lancaster city and county, but Hershey is outside its service area. The practical group option is a private charter bus or party bus from Lancaster — one vehicle, your schedule, door to door on Hersheypark Drive.

Book Your Lancaster Bus to GIANT Center Today

Whether it is a Bears home opener in October, a Calder Cup playoff run in May, a Josh Groban concert in June, or a Disney On Ice matinee in March, the right ride from Lancaster to GIANT Center is just a call away. Party Bus Lancaster gives your group access to a fleet of party buses, charter buses, minibuses, Sprinter vans, and Sprinter limos for the 29-mile run up Route 283 — with curbside drop-off at the main entrance and the bus waiting when you walk out. Give us a call any time at 223-365-4360 for an all-inclusive price quote in under 30 seconds — or use our online tool for instant availability.

Sources & Last Verified

Venue policies, parking details, and event information at GIANT Center change by season and event. Details verified against the venue and its published resources in June 2026; confirm event-specific figures against the official pages below before your trip.