How to find a cheap car hire deal in Philadelphia
Need a cheap rental car in Philadelphia? With an average price of 330 € a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're wanting an economy ride, a family sedan, or anything in between, we compare all the top deals to get you real value.
The cheapest daily rental price in Philadelphia is 39 €.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from 267 € and explore more than just the top attractions.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Philadelphia car hire.
Grab your wheels from Sixt, Dollar or Hertz. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you go with Sixt or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Philadelphia car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Philadelphia.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of 128 € a day.
Next in line is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 79 €.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly 83 € a day for one of their rentals.
If you're unsure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Fullsize rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type in Philadelphia.
Flying to Philadelphia? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Philadelphia trip quicker by booking a car hire at Philadelphia International Airport. The city centre is about 18 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Or make a smooth getaway with a car hire from Philadelphia Trenton-Mercer Airport. Once you've grabbed the keys, it'll take roughly 40 minutes to drive the 48 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Philadelphia
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Philadelphia is all about getting you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Philadelphia car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Philadelphia that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Philadelphia car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Philadelphia.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your Philadelphia car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Philadelphia for drivers
Offering parking, Hotel Anna & Bel gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 5 kilometres from central Philadelphia and also comes with massage services and a fitness centre.
Or make use of the parking at Live Casino & Hotel - Philadelphia. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this stay, which also features a 24-hour front desk and ATMs.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the full list of hotels in Philadelphia. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Philadelphia and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get things started with big attractions such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Philadelphia
Allentown should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Allentown Art Museum and Allentown Passenger Station Historic Site - Lehigh Valley Railroad. This city is about 80 kilometres north of central Philadelphia.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Allentown include Super 8 by Wyndham Allentown and Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino & Resort.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Philadelphia and drive around 88 kilometres northeast to Edison. Featuring BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Edison and Thomas Edison Museum, its highlights live up to the hype.
Relax after a big day out in Edison at Garden Executive Hotel or Best Western Rutgers University Hotel. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Washington DC, roughly 193 kilometres southwest of Philadelphia. First, swing past Lincoln Memorial, then spend some time at The White House.
Check out the room availability at The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle or Generator Hotel Washington DC. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Washington DC has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
