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- Where are the rental car desks at Philadelphia Airport?
- How to return car rental at Philadelphia Airport?
- Popular self drive car hire categories at PHL International Airport
- Cross-border travel with a PHL rental car
- One-way car rentals from Philadelphia Airport (PHL)
- VIP Cars’ tips to rent a car at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Book a cheap car rental at Philadelphia Airport (PHL)
Arriving at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) does not have to mean spending extra on transportation. A rental car can be a cost-effective way to get around, especially if you plan to visit multiple areas across Philadelphia or take day trips outside the city. Picking up your vehicle directly from the airport helps you start your journey without waiting for transfers or paying for multiple rides.
Whether you need a compact car for city exploring, an SUV for longer drives, or a luxury vehicle for added comfort, VIP Cars helps you find a rental option that fits your plans. Choose from different vehicle categories and companies at PHL Airport to match your itinerary, group size, and travel style.
Having your own vehicle makes it easier to discover popular attractions like Valley Forge, Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine Valley, and even neighboring cities, allowing you to travel at your own pace and make the most of your trip.
Where are the rental car desks at Philadelphia Airport?
PHL Airport operates a Rental Car Center (RCC), a dedicated facility located at a short distance from the airport terminals. Collecting a Philadelphia Airport car rental is generally a straightforward process, allowing travelers to get on the road quickly after arriving at PHL.
Major suppliers available at PHL: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and SIXT.
Steps to reach the Rental Car Center (RCC)
- After landing, proceed to baggage claim and collect all checked luggage before leaving the terminal.
- Once you exit the baggage claim area, look for signs directing passengers to Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles.
- All rental car shuttles pick up passengers from Zone 2 on Arrivals Road, located outside the baggage claim level of each terminal.
- Free shuttles operate between the terminals and the RCC throughout the day, taking 5 - 10 minutes to reach the center.
- Upon arrival at the RCC, locate your supplier’s rental desk, present the required documents and complete the rental agreement process.
- After completing paperwork, follow the supplier’s directions to the designated parking area within the RCC, where your vehicle will be ready for pickup.
Note: During peak season (June to early September), summer weekends, or late-night arrivals, allow extra time for shuttle transfers and vehicle collection due to high demand. Also, verify your supplier’s operating hours in advance, especially if your flight is scheduled to arrive outside standard business hours.
How to return car rental at Philadelphia Airport?
Returning a rental car at PHL Airport is generally simple. The RCC is clearly signposted from major highways approaching the airport, allowing travelers to return the vehicle hassle-free.
Steps to return your rental car:
- As you approach the airport, watch for signs “Rental Car Return” or your supplier’s name. These signs will direct you to the RCC.
- Once you arrive at the RCC, look for your supplier’s return desk. Most suppliers have designated return lanes and parking sections within the center.
- Park the vehicle in the marked return zone of your supplier and ensure all your belongings have been removed from the car.
- Your supplier’s staff member may inspect the vehicle, check fuel level and mileage before completing the return process.
- Hand over the keys as per your supplier’s instructions. Many companies also offer after-hours returns with secure key drop boxes. Check after-hours return service with your supplier in advance.
- After the return process is completed, take the complimentary airport shuttle and head towards your terminal. It usually takes 5 - 10 minutes to head back, depending on terminal location and traffic.
Note: You can refer to your Rental Confirmation Voucher for exact details and supplier’s instructions for returning your vehicle.
Popular self drive car hire categories at PHL International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport offers a diverse selection of rental vehicles to suit every type of traveler. With VIP Cars, you can compare and choose from multiple car categories from major suppliers. Choosing the right vehicle can help you travel more comfortably and make the most of your time in the region. Popular categories include -
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Economy and compact cars
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious travelers and weekend city breaks
Philadelphia’s most visited areas include Old City, Rittenhouse Square, and University City, which are fairly small and can involve expensive parking. A smaller vehicle makes navigating downtown streets, parking garages, and hotel parking facilities easier while helping keep fuel costs low. If your itinerary includes Philadelphia’s urban area and nearby attractions, an economy car is usually the most cost-effective choice.
Popular models: Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta or similar.
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SUVs
Best for: Families, road trips, multi-city travel, and winter travel in Pennsylvania
Many visitors use Philadelphia as a gateway to destinations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. An SUV provides extra luggage capacity and a more comfortable ride for longer highway journeys. If you are planning to explore Valley Forge, Longwood Gardens, the Jersey Shore, or the Pocono region, an SUV is an ideal option.
Popular models: Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Wrangler, Volkswagen Taos or similar.
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Luxury cars
Best for: Business travelers, special occasions, added comfort, and long-distance drives
For travelers looking for a more stylish driving experience, luxury cars offer upgraded interiors, advanced features, and a smoother ride. A luxury vehicle adds an extra level of convenience and are a great choice for business trips or exploring Philadelphia in comfort and style
Popular models: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Cadillac XT4, Volvo XC60 or similar.
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Vans and minivans
Best for: Large groups and families, airport transfers, and travelers carrying sports gear or multiple suitcases
Philadelphia's location between New York City and Washington, D.C. makes it a popular starting point for East Coast road trips. Rather than booking multiple vehicles, groups can travel together in a spacious minivan while enjoying generous luggage capacity. They are particularly useful for family reunions, airport pickup and drop-off, and college tours.
Popular models: Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey or similar.
Cross-border travel with a PHL rental car
Car rental companies such as Enterprise, Alamo, and National at PHL Airport may allow cross-border travel to Canada. Cross-border travel policies vary by supplier, vehicle category, and rental agreement.
Popular cross-border travel: Philadelphia to Toronto - ~480 miles, ~7 - 8 hours
Things to know before crossing the border:
- Verify cross-border authorization with your rental supplier in advance.
- Carry your retinal agreement and vehicle documents during your trip.
- Confirm that your insurance coverage remains valid while driving in Canada.
- Check whether any additional documentation is required by your rental provider before crossing the border.
One-way car rentals from Philadelphia Airport (PHL)
A one-way rental is a convenient option if you don’t plan to return to Philadelphia at the end of your trip. Major suppliers at the airport allow travelers to pick up a vehicle at PHL and drop it off at a different location. However, one-way rentals are subject to vehicle availability and supplier approval.
Popular one-way routes include -
-
Philadelphia to New York City, NY
Distance: ~95 miles Drive time: ~2 - 2.5 hours Route: I-95 N -
Philadelphia to Newark, NJ
Distance: ~85 miles Drive time: ~1.5 - 2 hours Route: I-95 N -
Philadelphia to Baltimore, MD
Distance: ~100 miles Drive time: ~1.5 - 2 hours Route: I-95 S / US-1 S -
Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
Distance: ~140 miles Drive time: 2.5 - 3 hours Route: US-301 S -
Philadelphia to Boston, MA
Distance: ~310 miles Drive time: 5 - 6 hours Route: I-95 N
Guide to Philadelphia Airport (PHL)
| IATA Code: | PHL |
|---|---|
| Address: | 8000 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153, United States |
Owned and operated by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Philadelphia Airport offers direct flight connectivity to a number of destinations across the US, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Primarily serving Delaware Valley, Philadelphia International Airport is one of the largest aerodrome facilities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A hub for two leading airlines namely, UPS Airlines and US Airways, the airport handles millions of passengers every year.
Passenger facilities at PHL:
- Dining options and cafes
- Shopping outlets
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Airport lounges
- Charging stations
- Accessibility services
- Car rental services
VIP Cars’ tips to rent a car at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Major highways around Philadelphia, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), New Jersey Turnpike, and portions of I-95, use toll systems. Ask your rental provider about toll payment options before leaving the RCC at PHL Airport.
- Philadelphia experiences high car rental demand during summer vacations, major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as big sports events like FIFA. Booking your vehicle a few weeks in advance will help you with better availability and lower rates.
- Traffic can become particularly congested during weekday rush hours, especially on I-95, I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), and routes leading into Center City Philadelphia. Consider this when planning airport pickups, meetings, or return trips to PHL.
- Always keep your booking voucher and supplier’s contact information handy so it's easy to access if you need roadside assistance or have questions during your trip.
