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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from major providers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Philadelphia International Airport PHL, Center City, University City, or suburban branches and head straight to Valley Forge, King of Prussia Mall, or the Jersey Shore.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) |
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| Center City Philadelphia |
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| University City |
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| Suburban Locations (King of Prussia, Cherry Hill) |
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On average, car rentals in Philadelphia cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: PHL airport is convenient but adds about 10-15% in fees. Check Center City or suburban counters (King of Prussia, Cherry Hill) in the search results—often the same car is cheaper if you're willing to hop on regional rail or rideshare to the lot.
Play with pick-up & return combos: Grabbing the car at the airport for a late-night arrival, then returning it downtown before flying out can dodge airport surcharges without paying a one-way premium.
Think "weekly" even for 4–5 days: In Philly, weekly rates regularly beat the per-day math once you hit the fourth day. Always run both options in the comparison tool.
Mind the calendar, not just the clock: Prices jump during May–June graduations and summer shore rush. Booking a week earlier/later or shifting your trip by a day can trim 20-30% off the quote. Off-peak months (Jan–Feb) often have flash deals—set a price alert.
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Center City Street Parking | Very limited | Use meterUP app; strictly enforced 8AM-10PM |
| Center City Garages | Abundant | Rates highest on weekdays; early bird specials available |
| Historic District | Limited | Consider garages; street parking has strict time limits |
| University City | Moderate | Many permit-only areas; check restrictions carefully |
| Sports Complex | Ample for events | Paid lots for all stadiums; tailgating permitted in some lots |
| Suburban Areas | Plentiful | Free parking at most shopping centers and parks |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car to visit:
Valley Forge National Historical Park – encampment history
King of Prussia Mall – shopping center
Brandywine Battlefield – museum trails
New Jersey Shore towns – beaches boardwalks
Do I need a car if I'm staying in Center City Philadelphia?
If you're only staying in Center City, Old City and nearby neighborhoods, you can use public transportation and rideshare services. But if you want to visit places in the wider Philadelphia area, we recommend you rent a car.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Philadelphia?
You will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You usually don't need proof of insurance, but the rental company might ask you to show your coverage or buy protection from them. If you are visiting from another country, you must show your passport and your driver's license from your home country. We also recommend an International Driving Permit, as some rental companies may require it.
How do I handle parking in Center City Philadelphia?
For short visits, you'll find it's more convenient to use a parking garage than to search for street parking. Many hotels offer parking for an extra fee of about $35–$55 per night. You can use the ParkWhiz app to find and reserve garage spots ahead of time.
Are there toll roads around Philadelphia?
Yes, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the New Jersey Turnpike and several bridges to New Jersey are toll roads. Most rental companies offer a toll transponder for about $3-5 per day, plus the cost of the tolls themselves.
What's the best strategy for driving to Philadelphia sporting events?
The sports complex in South Philadelphia has a lot of parking, but traffic gets heavy before and after games. We suggest you arrive early (at least 1–2 hours before game time), use the Broad Street subway line or book a hotel you can walk from for big events.
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