PHL Airport Rental Car Guide Philadelphia Airport

Car Rental at Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is your gateway into the revolutionary city of Philadelphia. The capital of Pennsylvania is home to the Liberty Bell and the delicious Philly cheesesteak, and birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. Philadelphia Airport serves over 33 million passengers annually and connects this notable city to over 130 destinations worldwide.

While the public transit system in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ is sound, many visitors opt to rent a car for reasons like extra comfort, convenience, and flexibility. It is also more cost-effective than catching multiple taxis. For a seamless trip to the City of Brotherly Love, pre-book your rental car with our partners Enjoy Travel and just pick up your keys once you reach Philadelphia Airport. Upon touching down at the airport, Head to Zone 2 on Arrivals Road, where you will find a row of shuttles waiting. Board the shuttle sent by the car rental agency you have chosen and it will take you straight to their rental car facilities for you to pick up your vehicle. Similarly, upon returning your car, you can hop on a shuttle to take you back to the airport. The car rental agencies serving Philadelphia airport include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National.

Downtown Car Rental in Philadelphia

If you don’t book a car rental at the airport, several car rental facilities are also available downtown. All you need to do is: choose your favorite car rental company, search for their address, find their closest office near you, and head to their facility. The cost of the Philadelphia car rental depends on the company and the type of car you choose. The car rental companies offer various types of vehicles for you to choose from. If you are traveling with a group of 10-15 people who want to explore the city, renting a van would be advisable. If you are here with your family, consider opting for a mid-size or large SUV. For those who want to travel in fashion, pick up a luxury convertible. If you plan to stay awhile, long-term car rentals would actually end up being more cost-effective.

Driving in Philadelphia

While you drive across the city of Philadelphia, remember that you might come across issues like unavailable parking slots or cyclists on the road. We recommend booking your parking slots in advance using apps like ParkWhiz or Parking Panda, and driving slowly on poorly lit roads with headlights on to spot any cyclists. The rush hour of the city is between 7 and 9 am. and 4 and 6 pm. You might want to particularly avoid I-76W during that time. The speed limit is 25 mph in residential areas and 35 mph outside residential areas. However, keep an eye out for signs as they can differ in some areas. If you are visiting during winter, make sure that your car is equipped with winter tires to face all that. Reputable car rental agencies will typically take care of this for you.

Here is some information that might help:

● Your headlights need to be on when the wipers are on.

● You are prohibited from using handheld devices to read or text while driving. However, you can make phone calls using hands-free devices.

● When approaching a bicycle in front of you, slow down to a safe speed before overtaking.

Car rental agencies in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is served by major car rental agencies such as Alamo, Dollar, National, Enterprise, Avis, Sixt, and more. Most rental companies will offer you several options of vehicles to suit various purposes and price points. Instead of visiting each car rental agency in-person to see the options they have, we recommend comparing your options through our partners, Enjoy Travel. Their online platform makes it easy to see all your options in one place and choose the vehicle that best suits your needs. Alamo, Enterprise, and Dollar are some of the best-rated car rental companies in Philadelphia. Most people opt for full-size car rental types. Booking your car in advance is recommended to get the best deals and discounts.

Top Road Trips from Philadelphia

Named after black cherry trees, Cherry Springs State Park is ideal for night sky lovers. You can experience all the wonders of the night sky, such as the Milky Way, the planets, and other astronomical elements. Depending on when you go, you might get to hear a guest speaker at the stargazing program. Picnic areas and traditional campsites are also located in the park. If you find these interesting, take the 4 hours 20 minutes drive to this park.

The capital city, Washington, D.C., is approximately 3 hours from Philadelphia via car. Visit the National Air and Space Museum to learn about the nation’s impressive space pursuits and victories, or check out the memorable Lincoln Memorial to meet the man that changed the country’s history in many ways. If you are into art, you can't skip the National Gallery of Art, a treasure trove of over 150,000 art pieces, including by maestros like Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci. Then, pay tribute to the revolutionary Civil Rights leader at The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and learn about his contribution.

Get lost in the wilderness of the Allegheny National Forest. Covering over 23,000 acres, this national forest offers various recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, mountain biking, birdwatching, water sports and more. For a classic yet rustic camping experience, pitch a tent on the campgrounds, build a bonfire using dried leaves and twigs, and make s’mores on it. Afterward, go boating on the serene lake. For unforgettable panoramas, head to the Tionesta National Scenic Areas and hike up the mountain. From Philadelphia, Allegheny National Park is about a 5-hour drive.

FAQS about car rental in Philadelphia

Q: Cost of renting a car in Philadelphia?

A: The average cost per day of renting a car in Philadelphia is just $42.87 USD.

Q: What’s the cheapest car rental in Philadelphia?

A: Prices for Philadelphia car rentals start from just $26.04 USD when booking in advance.

Q: What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Philadelphia?

A: To rent a car in Philadelphia you must be at least 21.

Q: Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Philadelphia?

A: Additional drivers can be added to your Philadelphia car rental agreement upon request.

Q: What’s the best car for getting around Philadelphia?

A: The best car for getting around Philadelphia is a subcompact car such as a Nissan Versa, which also has good fuel economy.