Car Hire Philadelphia

Guide

Philadelphia - the ‘city of brotherly love’ and the home of American democracy.  Philadelphia is easily toured on foot, as the majority of attractions are in close proximity to the City Hall. The city has an abundance of lovely tree-lined streets a range of Bauhaus, Colonial and Victorian architecture. Car hire in Philadelphia should be booked in advance, as it is most definitely the most convenient way of getting around the city. Book today to secure a car.

Explore Philadelphia

Independence National Historic Park (locally touted as ‘America's most historic square mile’’) is a good place to start sightseeing in Philadelphia. Here you can see Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted. Across the green is the Liberty Bell Pavilion, constructed for the bicentennial and open 365 days a year. The bell hung in Independence Hall when it was the Pennsylvania State House and called the Assembly to meetings.

At Franklin Court (between 3rd, 4th, Chestnut and Market streets) you can catch a glimpse of Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia. Staying with that period, Elfreth's Alley is believed to be America's oldest residential street with colonial-style houses dating back to 1728.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum and Futures Center, which is situated on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, brings a futuristic aspect to the historic city centre. The Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum on 7th is also worth a visit. Don’t forget to take a stroll down the Avenue of the Arts with its theaters, restaurants and concert hall. The Academy of Music’s 19th-century ambiance is the avenue’s highlight.

The Valley Forge National Historic Park, 32km northwest of downtown Philadelphia, is one of the US’s most famous historical sites. Thousands of soldiers died here in a bitter winter during the War of Independence. Important sights include; a bronze statue honouring 5000 African Americans who died in the war, and the National Memorial Arch and the Monument to Patriots of African Descent.

The Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a 90-minute drive west of Philadelphia. This is home to the Amish people who still retain their traditional way of life and farming methods. Lancaster, the area’s main city is a good place to start from. Just outside of Lancaster you’ll find the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a 1,700-acre park owned and operated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Drive east along Route 340 to the picturesque towns of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. This is a well traveled tourist road so don’t be afraid to explore on your own and get off the beaten track! 

For those interested in outdoor pursuits, the Delaware Water Gap is a good option. It’s a national recreation area including parts of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a great place for hiking, skiing, mountainbiking, camping and canoeing. Bushkill Falls is a spectacular series of waterfalls dropping over 30ms.

Transport

By air
Philadelphia International Airport is 8km southwest of the city. It has international services to Europe, Canada and connections to Asia as well as internal US flights. Car rental desks located at the airport include suppliers; Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Budget, National, Hertz and Enterprise, however if you book in advance online with us we will provide you with even more cars to choose from, and we'll compare quotes from over fifty leading suppliers to ensure we find you the best deal.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation System operates rail lines every 30 minutes to and from the airport and the city centre. There are also taxi services and shuttle buses from the airport.

By train
Philadelphia is on Amtrak's northeast corridor route with services to New York City, Washington, Boston and Richmond. The Amtrak train station is on 30th St in University City beside the Schuylkill River. NJ Transit also offers a regular service to Atlantic City.

By bus
Greyhound has services to Newark, New York City, Washington DC, and Atlantic City. Prices are cheaper than by train and services are generally not much slower, though far less comfortable. You will find NJ Transit station, and the Greyhound bus terminal in the city center.

By car
Philadelphia has a good road network making it easy to drive there. Travelling along the east of the city, along the side of the Delaware River is the Expressway I-95. The I-276 Pennsylvania Turnpike travels east across the north of the city and over the river to connect with the New Jersey Turnpike.