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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 top brands at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient pick-up locations. Shuttles run every few minutes from each terminal to the 24-hour rental center, so you can grab your PHL car rental quickly and hit I-95 toward Center City or the Jersey Shore.
Car rental agencies at PHL are located in the Ground Transportation Area, accessible via shuttle buses that depart from Zone 4 at each terminal.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| PHL Airport Rental Center |
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| Center City Philadelphia |
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| King of Prussia Area |
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On average, car rentals at Philadelphia Airport cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $16 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Rates at Center City or King of Prussia locations often skip the ~10-15 % airport surcharge. A quick rideshare or SEPTA trip from PHL can be cheaper than paying those fees.
Tweak dates and times: Weekly rentals in Philly regularly beat daily pricing by 15-20 %. Shift your return by a few hours or add a day and watch the total drop on the comparison page.
Mind the calendar: Prices spike for summer tourists and May-June graduations. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for those periods, but in quieter months keep checking—last-minute drops are common.
Go smaller if you can: Economy cars fit tight Center City garages and usually cost $20-30 less per day than full-size. Only level up if you truly need the space.
Refuel off-site: Top up at gas stations on Essington Ave (5 minutes from the rental center) instead of paying the rental company's premium fuel price.
Check return location fees: One-way drop-offs add charges. If your route allows, returning to the same PHL or downtown branch keeps the bill tidier.
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Center City Street Parking | Very limited | Use meterUP app; strictly enforced 8AM-10PM |
| Center City Garages | Abundant | Rates usually highest on weekdays; early bird specials available |
| University City | Moderate | Many permit-only areas; check restrictions carefully |
| Historic District | Limited | Consider garages; street spots have strict time limits |
| Suburban Areas | Plentiful | Many free options at shopping centers and parks |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental so you can get to:
Center City Philadelphia – Independence Hall, museums
Valley Forge National Historical Park
King of Prussia – mall
Brandywine Valley – gardens, wineries
New Jersey Shore – Atlantic City boardwalk, beaches
What documents do I need to rent a car at PHL?
You need a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card in your name. You don't have to buy insurance from the rental company. You can use your own auto policy or credit card coverage or buy it at the counter. International visitors should also bring a passport. We strongly recommend an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
How do I get to the rental car facility at Philadelphia Airport?
You can take the rental car shuttle bus from Zone 2, right outside the baggage claim area for your terminal. The airport runs shuttles every 5–10 minutes.
Are there tolls around Philadelphia?
Yes. You'll have to pay tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 west of the city) and on several bridges to New Jersey. Most rental companies can give you a toll transponder for about $3–5 per day. That price does not include the cost of the tolls.
Can I drive to New York City or Washington DC as a day trip?
Yes. You can drive to New York City in about 2 hours when there isn't much traffic. The drive to Washington, DC takes about 2½ to 3 hours. For both trips, you should leave extra time for rush hour and remember that finding parking will be difficult.
What's the best way to handle parking in Center City Philadelphia?
If you're just visiting for a short time, it's easier to use a parking garage than to look for a spot on the street. Many hotels will let you park for an extra fee of about $30–45 per night. You can use the ParkWhiz app to find and book a garage spot before you go.
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