How to find a cheap car hire deal in Philadelphia
Grab a cheap rental car in Philadelphia and get on your way for around R 1,418 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
R 750 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Philadelphia.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from R 3,668 and say yes to more adventures.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Three weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Philadelphia car hire.
Grab your wheels from Sixt, Dollar or Hertz. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you choose Sixt or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Philadelphia car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Philadelphia.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Want to explore without stressing 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 costs.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,224 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,472, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 1,333 a day.
Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Intermediate rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Philadelphia.
Flying to Philadelphia? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Philadelphia, start exploring sooner by booking a car hire at Philadelphia International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 18 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Or buckle up and make a quick exit with a car hire from Trenton-Mercer Airport. 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 puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Philadelphia car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Philadelphia that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Philadelphia car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Philadelphia.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so check your rental company's policy to know where you stand.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you need to add a car seat to your Philadelphia car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to make sure you're always covered.
The language most often spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Philadelphia for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Aloft Philadelphia Airport. Offering parking as well as a 24-hour front desk and a laundry, this hotel is around 10 kilometres from central Philadelphia.
Rodeway Inn is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, along with air conditioning and a laundry. Check in here and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the selection of hotels in Philadelphia for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Philadelphia and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Philadelphia
Navigate your way to Allentown. Around 80 kilometres north of central Philadelphia, it's home to must-do sights like Allentown Art Museum and Lehigh Riverwalk.
Super 8 by Wyndham Allentown and Days Hotel by Wyndham Allentown Airport / Lehigh Valley are recommended accommodation options with parking in Allentown.
Add Edison to your trip lineup. Grab your cheap car hire in Philadelphia and drive roughly 88 kilometres northeast to take in main draws such as BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Edison and Revolution Action Park.
Kick back after a day of exploring Edison at Garden Executive Hotel or Best Western Rutgers University Hotel. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Take off to Washington DC, around 193 kilometres southwest of Philadelphia. From Lincoln Memorial to The White House, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Next up: catching some z's. The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle and Generator Hotel Washington DC have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Washington DC.
