How to find a cheap car hire deal in Philadelphia International (PHL)
Exit the airport, enter adventure. Pick up a cheap Philadelphia International rental car for around $196 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Philadelphia International is $65.
Planning an extended stay in Philadelphia and want to go further than the usual stops? $452 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to get the best price, book your PHL car hire around three weeks in advance.
Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Budget, some of the most trusted providers at Philadelphia International.
The coverage Dollar or another company offers for your Philadelphia International car hire can differ, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in PHL. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can bag some great one-way prices.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a car hire in Philadelphia International with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $156 a day.
Up next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $153.
The third option also claims a spot among the most affordable suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $197 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Large rental category. It's the most widely booked car type at PHL.
Compare car hire types from Philadelphia International (PHL)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Philadelphia International rental car is all about getting you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and extra tech features, this PHL car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Philadelphia International that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, luggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your PHL car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Philadelphia International by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Kids coming with you? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your PHL car rental booking.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
Get acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Use cards when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.
Drive smarter from the start
Get the adventure started once you've grabbed the keys to your PHL car hire. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you want, but if you're off to central Philadelphia, it'll take you around 20 minutes to travel the 18 kilometres or so northeast.
The drive from Philadelphia International to the city centre during peak hour can take as long as 45 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Philadelphia instead of at the airport. Simply collect your ride when it works for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Broaden your search by exploring what's available at other Philadelphia airports. Check out the range of car hire options at Philadelphia Trenton-Mercer.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Philadelphia International (PHL)
Before leaving town, do some sightseeing around Philadelphia first. Highlights such as Independence Hall and Liberty Bell make an excellent first impression.
Shift gears and head toward Allentown. Around 80 kilometres north of PHL, it's home to favourite sights like Allentown Art Museum and Allentown Passenger Station Historic Site - Lehigh Valley Railroad.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Philadelphia International car hire and drive about 105 kilometres northeast to Edison. Featuring BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Edison and Thomas Edison Museum, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Washington DC, about 193 kilometres southwest of PHL. Kick things off at Lincoln Memorial, then take your time exploring The White House.
