How to find a cheap car hire deal in Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
In search of a cheap Philadelphia International Airport rental car? With an average price of $114 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the best offers to help you book smart.
Daily rental prices at Philadelphia International Airport start from just $60.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from $299 and say yes to more adventures across Philadelphia.
If you want to get the best price, book your PHL car hire around three weeks in advance.
Dollar, Thrifty and Budget are popular providers at Philadelphia International Airport.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Philadelphia International Airport car hire policy, whether with Dollar or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in PHL.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Philadelphia International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/dollar/731. Prices average $99 a day.
Sitting in second place, https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/hertz/672 offers daily rates of around $99.
https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/alamo/650 also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly $118 a day.
Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers at PHL.
Compare car hire types from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Philadelphia International Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this PHL car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Philadelphia International Airport effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your PHL car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Philadelphia International Airport.
Good to know
You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Add a car seat to your PHL car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to go.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
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.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Drive smarter from the start
The real fun starts once you've grabbed the keys to your PHL car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're headed to central Philadelphia, it'll take you about 20 minutes to cover the 18 kilometres or so northeast.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Philadelphia International Airport to the centre to take as long as 45 minutes.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also reserve a car hire in Philadelphia. If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
For an even bigger selection, compare the car hire options at Trenton-Mercer Airport. This airport also handles flights into Philadelphia.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Before leaving town, sightsee around Philadelphia first. Major highlights like Independence Hall and Liberty Bell set the tone for your whole journey.
Around 80 kilometres north of PHL, Allentown should be on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Allentown Art Museum and Lehigh Riverwalk.
Or jump in your Philadelphia International Airport car hire and head out to Edison. Around 105 kilometres northeast of the airport, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Edison and Revolution Action Park are big attractions that are well worth the trip.
Why slow down now? Take off to Washington DC, around 193 kilometres southwest of PHL. From Lincoln Memorial to The White House, your journey will end on a high note.
