Car rental in
Philadelphia
Our top branches in Philadelphia
Our services at Philadelphia
SIXT Car Rental in Philadelphia
Begin your journey by collecting your car rental in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or at the downtown branch. Our large fleet of vehicles, including our notable premium selection, ensure you drive in comfort and style, no matter your destination. Rent a car in Philadelphia in order to visit the city’s lively districts or embark on easy drives to historical sites, all the while enjoying route flexibility and the benefits of managing your trip through the SIXT App.
Reserve your SIXT car rental in Philadelphia for efficient city travel and freedom to move.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in Philadelphia
- Station Wagons: Excellent for families heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or for venturing out to Valley Forge National Historical Park.
- Compact cars: Perfect for navigating busy downtown streets and discovering hidden urban gems.
- SUVs: Well suited for trips along the Schuylkill River, going out to the countryside, or for those needing extra cargo space while shopping locally.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Philadelphia?
With SIXT, Philadelphia rental cars are priced based on several transparent factors:
- Vehicle selection: Choose from economy cars, SUVs, or luxury vehicles, each with a distinctive rate.
- Rental duration: Multi-day and long-term rentals generally lower your average price per day.
- Event surges: Expect higher demand, and therefore higher prices, during events like the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Made in America Festival.
SIXT Pro Tip: Booking ahead and planning dates around large events will help you secure the lowest available rate.
Add-ons & Protection Packages
Customize your vehicle and drive with confidence:
- Bookable add-ons: GPS navigation, infant seats, winter tires, and additional drivers are all available.
- Whatever the road brings, we've got you covered. Choose the level of protection that suits you best.
Driving Tips for Philadelphia
Driving in Philadelphia includes a mix of historic streets and bustling urban highways. Paying attention to local rules and parking schemes will help your experience go smoothly.
Traffic Rules in Philadelphia
- Many downtown streets are one-way; always watch for signage.
- Right turns on red are only permitted where posted; otherwise, you must wait for a green light.
- Some streets have bus- or bike-only lanes during peak hours; be aware of time-specific restrictions.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- Clear signage will help you navigate the city, though historic neighborhoods may have irregular intersections.
- Winter can bring snow, making main roads a better choice than side streets due to quicker plowing.
Parking in Philadelphia
Philadelphia uses official parking zones and numerous public garages throughout downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods.
- Parkway Corporation Garages: Convenient for access to the Museum District and major art institutions.
- AutoPark at Independence Mall: Best for visits to Independence Hall and nearby historic sites.
- The Bourse Garage: Suitable for exploring the Old City neighborhood’s dining and nightlife scenes.
Fueling Instructions
- Local fuel labels include Regular, Plus, Premium, and Diesel.
- Both self-service and full-service stations operate in the area; payment is typically handled before you pump or by card at the machine.
SIXT Pro Tip: Simplify your vehicle return with our convenient refueling service and skip the gas station.
Tolls
There are tolls on several Philadelphia highways and bridges, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike. These can be paid either with cash or the E-ZPass electronic system.
If you have questions about tolls or payment methods, our team will supply the necessary information when you pick up your car — our prepaid toll program is always an option.
Top Places to Visit by Car in Philadelphia
Unlock Philadelphia’s history, art, and green spaces at your leisure with a SIXT car rental in Philadelphia.
Independence National Historical Park: The Birthplace of a Nation
- Distance from PHL airport: 10 miles (16 km)
- Estimated driving time: 20 minutes
Step back in time at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, where pivotal moments in US history unfolded. The visitor complex offers insight into the 18th-century founding of America and is ideal for history buffs.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: For Artistic Landmarks
- Distance from City Hall: 1.9 miles (3 km)
- Estimated driving time: 10 minutes
Renowned worldwide for its grand collections and iconic steps, this museum sits atop the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The building’s grandeur and diverse galleries attract art lovers from around the globe.
Fairmount Park: An Urban Nature Retreat
- Distance from downtown: 3.7 miles (6 km)
- Estimated driving time: 14 minutes
Encompassing trails, gardens, and the Philadelphia Zoo, Fairmount Park offers broad open spaces in the midst of the city. It’s a favorite for outdoor activities, family picnics, and leisurely sports games.
Valley Forge National Historical Park: A Revolutionary Legacy
- Distance from central Philadelphia: 22 miles (35 km)
- Estimated driving time: 35 minutes
The site of George Washington’s fabled winter encampment, Valley Forge invites visitors to take in scenic drives, visit historical monuments, and participate in educational tours. The sprawling park blends historic sites with hiking and biking trails across a protected natural landscape.
Choose a car rental in Philadelphia for the ease and flexibility to discover all the city’s remarkable neighborhoods and day-trip destinations.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Philadelphia. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Philadelphia
If your plans are up in the air, don’t stress. When you choose the “pay later” option you can cancel your booking at any time, for free.
Debit cards are accepted at some SIXT branches with 2 forms of government-issued ID. Check with the branch before booking for their payment policies. Major credit cards are accepted at all locations.
The minimum age to rent a car with SIXT is 21, and an underage driver fee will be charged to those under 25. Some larger and specialty car categories require drivers to be 25.
Yes. SIXT places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup for the amount of the deposit. For payments with debit cards, please refer to our rental information for more details about deposits. The amount depends on the location and vehicle. Please check for more details on payment information in this article.
In the U.S., generally a minimum of $200 will be charged to the payment method for security purposes. The deposit for high-value vehicles may be higher. Non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Illinois have higher minimum authorization amounts. Additional details on the deposit can be found in this article.
Reservations are by vehicle category (“or similar”), not by an exact model. When a "guaranteed model" option is shown for your dates and location, selecting it reserves that specific model. Otherwise, you’ll receive a comparable car in the same group with similar size and performance subject to availability.
The exact mileage policy for your booking is shown during the reservation process, so you’ll know what’s included before pickup.
Vehicles rented at most SIXT locations in the contiguous United States may be driven throughout the contiguous states. Travel into Canada must be in accordance with our geographical restrictions, which can be found in our rental information. Travel to Mexico is not allowed. If you drive outside authorized areas, a fee of $0.50 per mile will apply.
All renters and authorized drivers must present a valid, unexpired, original driver’s license at the time of rental. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license may also need to provide a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an international driver’s license. If the license is from a country not in the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation is required. See our rental information for full driver’s license and age requirements.
