Car Rental in Philadelphia

July 15, 2008 4:41 AM

Recommendations for car rental in central Philadelphia?

I'm coming over from the UK at the end of the month and need to hire a car for a couple of days to drive from Philadelphia to Long Island and back. I'm staying in the business district, wherever that is, and it would be nice to find a nearby company for easy collection and drop off. Thanks in advance.

posted by gravelshoes to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

Do you know which hotel you're staying in, or any nearby address? That would make things easier for us.

The train to the airport from Center City is pretty convenient, so if you find a good car rental deal at the airport it shouldn't be too difficult to pick it up from there.
posted by chihiro at 5:58 AM on July 15, 2008

There's a Budget Rent-a-car right outside 30th St. Station. Convenient.

However, the rates in-town (as of last summer) were better than 150% of what it costs to rent at the airport, and at the airport you'd have your choice of carriers and they would all have big lots and better inventory-- as you might be aware, a reservation means nothing to a car rental service so if you go to a small lot there's a much better chance of hassle.

If money's not a concern and you're not particular about getting just what you reserved, you can reserve at 30th Street Station. If you want to play it safe, the airport's a 15 minute SEPTA ride and it will be easy to get on the highway and just start driving.
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:15 AM on July 15, 2008

3rding heading to the airport. When I need to rent a car, I just hop on the train and I'm there in 20 minutes including waiting for the Hertz bus. I think the car rental companies are shrinking their inventories to generate a little more revenue. Last year was a grand time for car rental -- I rented a Mustang for something like $10/weekend day last summer. This year, I don't see quite so many deals.
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 7:42 AM on July 15, 2008

i presume the business district is around liberty 1, philly-ites?

anyway, since you'll already be at the airport, i suggest just renting your car there. it's really easy (and i say this as a big wimp) to get from the airport to center city, though you will have to pay for parking at whatever hotel you're at.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 8:12 AM on July 15, 2008

Budget on 20th & Arch. That's the closest agency to where you will be. The airport is a complete hassle. Don't waste your time.
posted by Zambrano at 9:28 AM on July 15, 2008