Car Rental in Philadelphia
July 15, 2008 4:41 AM Subscribe
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
posted by Zambrano at 9:28 AM on July 15, 2008
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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