Hertz Car Hire
Philadelphia

After collecting your luggage at Philadelphia International Airport the process is fairly straightforward. Look for overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and specifically for "Rental Car Shuttles." These shuttle buses serve all the rental companies and run on a continuous loop, including in the evening. Exit the baggage reclaim area to the kerb and wait at the marked Zone 2 pickup point. The shuttle will take you directly to the consolidated rental car facility where the Hertz desk is located.

It’s sensible to allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes from the moment your plane lands until you’re driving away. That allows for taxiing to the gate, disembarkation, walking to baggage reclaim and waiting for your bags. From there you’ll need to catch the shuttle to the rental car centre and complete the pick-up at the desk. This timeframe can vary with how busy the airport is, but planning for at least an hour gives a comfortable buffer.

For international arrivals, first proceed through immigration and collect your bags to clear customs. Once you leave the customs hall into the main arrivals area, the plan is the same as for a domestic arrival. Follow airport signage for "Rental Car Shuttles" to the designated pickup zone. The rental process only begins after all international arrival formalities are fully completed.

The most practical meeting spot for a group with multiple arrivals is the baggage reclaim area for one specific flight. Coordinate in advance to meet at the carousel assigned to the last person’s arriving flight. This ensures everyone has their luggage and is ready at the same time. Once the whole party is together, proceed as a group to the rental car shuttle stop outside.

Philadelphia International Airport has numerous charging stations and power sockets throughout the terminals, including near baggage reclaim. You can plug in your phone while waiting for your luggage or before heading to the rental car shuttle. It’s also a good idea to keep a car charger and cable in your hand luggage. Most modern rental vehicles have USB ports, allowing you to charge your device as soon as you start the car.

For most first-time drivers, taking I-95 North is the most direct and straightforward route from the airport to Centre City. Before you leave the rental car lot, take a moment to set up your GPS for your destination. While I-95 can be busy, it offers well-marked exits for the central parts of Philadelphia. Following your navigation app’s turn-by-turn directions will be the most reliable way to handle the journey with minimal stress.

A frequent mistake for drivers leaving PHL is accidentally taking the ramp for I-95 South toward Delaware instead of I-95 North toward Centre City. The interchanges around the airport can be complex, with several lanes merging and splitting. To avoid this, use your GPS and pay close attention to lane guidance as you approach the motorway. Trusting your navigation app and getting into the correct lane well before your turn is the best way to prevent a wrong turn.

Most hotels near the Convention Center have a designated short-term pull-in area or loading zone directly outside their main entrance. The most straightforward plan is to navigate directly to your hotel’s address and use this space. To avoid causing congestion, unload your bags quickly while one person stays with the vehicle. After unloading, you can then find long-term parking in the hotel’s car park or a nearby public car park.

Parking in the historic Old City neighbourhood can be quite challenging due to narrow streets and high demand for limited spaces. While you might find metered street parking, the most reliable and stress-free option is to use one of the public parking garages in the area. The easiest time to find street parking is typically on a weekday morning before 10:00. Weekends are significantly more difficult, making a garage the recommended choice.

Driving in the Rittenhouse Square area requires patience and attentiveness, as the neighbourhood is a dense grid of one-way streets with heavy pedestrian traffic. Expect to make frequent stops for people at crosswalks and be prepared for tight turns at junctions. Using a GPS is essential for navigating the one-way system effectively. It’s often best to circle a block to find your destination or parking rather than attempting an abrupt, last-minute manoeuvre.

This is an excellent strategy when visiting Philadelphia. The most realistic plan is to pick up your rental car and drive it directly to your hotel’s parking garage or a pre-booked public garage nearby. Leave the car parked securely while you explore the city’s central neighbourhoods on foot or by public transport. When you’re ready for a day trip, you can easily access your car without having dealt with the daily challenges of city driving and parking.

Philadelphia’s street parking signs can be notoriously complex, often featuring multiple rules for different times of day and days of the week on a single pole. The key is to read the entire sign carefully from top to bottom to understand all restrictions, such as time limits, street cleaning hours, or permit-only zones. For visitors, the safest and simplest approach to avoid a parking ticket is to use a clearly marked paid parking lot or car park.

Visitors often receive tickets for stopping in restricted areas on major thoroughfares like Broad, Market or Chestnut Streets. Be particularly mindful of bus-only lanes and "No Stopping" rules that are often in effect during morning and evening rush hours. Loading zones are strictly for commercial vehicles and should not be used for quick drop-offs. Always check for signage before pulling over, as even a brief stop in the wrong place can lead to a fine.

The simplest and most direct way to park at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is to use the museum’s own covered parking garage. Set your GPS destination specifically to the "Philadelphia Museum of Art Parking Garage" to get turn-by-turn directions that guide you straight to the entrance. This allows you to bypass the often-confusing traffic patterns of the Eakins Oval traffic circle and avoids the search for scarce street parking in the area.

The Schuylkill Expressway, or I-76, is known for being one of the most congested highways in the region. For a first-timer it can feel intense due to narrow lanes, frequent curves, and heavy traffic volumes, especially in rush hour. The stretch between Centre City and the I-476 interchange (the Blue Route) is often the most hectic. It’s best to drive defensively, maintain a safe following distance, and try to travel during off-peak hours if possible.

If your plans require multiple crossings over the Delaware River, timing is everything. Try to schedule journeys to avoid the peak commuter windows of 07:00–09:30 and 16:00–18:30. The main crossings are the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman and Betsy Ross bridges. Using a navigation app with live traffic data will be invaluable, as it can help you choose the least congested bridge at the time you need to cross.

When driving from Philadelphia to New Jersey destinations like Camden or Cherry Hill you will need to use one of the major bridges, such as the Walt Whitman or Benjamin Franklin. Be aware that these bridges have tolls, which are typically collected electronically or by cash when entering Pennsylvania. As you approach the bridges, pay close attention to the overhead signs to ensure you are in the correct lane for your specific exit on the far side.

A highly practical strategy is to park in one of the large public garages located around the Market East area, roughly between the two attractions. There are several options near the Pennsylvania Convention Centre and Independence Mall. By parking once in a central location you can easily explore the entire historic district, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, then walk over to Reading Terminal Market without needing to move your vehicle.

To mitigate post-event traffic you have a couple of strategies. One option is to linger for about 30–45 minutes after the event ends, letting the initial surge of cars clear. Another approach is to use a navigation app with live traffic to find an alternate route instead of heading straight for the main I-95 on-ramps. Sometimes using local roads such as Pattison or Packer Avenue to connect to a different motorway entrance can save you significant time.

Eastern State Penitentiary is located in the Fairmount neighbourhood, where street parking is notoriously difficult and often restricted. To avoid stress, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This gives you a sufficient buffer to search for a spot in a nearby paid car park, which is the recommended option for visitors. Relying on finding street parking just before your tour is not advisable.

A rental car provides a convenient way to transport luggage from the airport to the cruise terminal at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The most direct route is typically I-95 North. To ensure the smoothest trip, especially during rush hour, allow extra travel time. If possible, plan your flight arrival to avoid the peak 16:00–18:00 traffic window for a much less congested and more predictable drive.

To enjoy a smooth drive to Longwood Gardens, it’s best to avoid Philadelphia’s morning rush. Plan to depart either before 07:00 or after 09:30 on a weekday. Leaving in that later morning window lets the heaviest outbound commuter traffic clear, making your journey on I-95 South and Route 1 much more pleasant and predictable. The return trip should ideally avoid the 16:00–18:00 inbound rush.

A day trip to Lancaster County from Philadelphia is very manageable and popular. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes each way without traffic. A sensible loop is to take the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) west to Lancaster for your morning and afternoon exploration. For the return you can take the scenic US-30 East, which offers a different perspective and brings you back towards the city, effectively minimising backtracking.

The most straightforward route to the King of Prussia mall and surrounding area is the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76 West). To keep the drive simple, stay in the main lanes and follow the large overhead signs for King of Prussia/Valley Forge. Using a GPS is key, as it will give you advance notice for your exit. Travelling outside of peak rush hour will make the drive significantly easier and less stressful.

This is very achievable. Aim to leave Philadelphia by late morning, around 10:00, to arrive at Valley Forge National Historical Park before midday. You can comfortably spend three to four hours exploring the park’s driving loop and various historic sites. To be back in Centre City for dinner, plan on leaving the park by 16:00 at the latest, which will help you miss the worst of the inbound evening traffic.

For a successful day trip to the Jersey Shore, the key is to travel on a weekday if your schedule allows. If you must go at the weekend, leave Philadelphia very early, ideally before 07:00, to get ahead of the main traffic surge on the Atlantic City Expressway or Garden State Parkway. For the return either leave the shore by mid-afternoon or wait until after 20:00 to let the heavy westbound traffic subside.

A smart plan is to avoid taking your rental car into Manhattan altogether. Drive to a location in New Jersey with good public transport links, such as Secaucus Junction or a PATH station in Jersey City or Hoboken. Park in a secure garage there for the day or overnight, then take a short train or ferry into Manhattan, saving you the stress and expense of city traffic and parking.

The drive to Washington, D.C. is primarily along I-95 South. To avoid the most intense traffic, plan your departure so you arrive in the D.C. metro area outside its peak rush hours, roughly 07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00. A sensible stop for a break or a meal is around Baltimore’s Inner Harbour, which is conveniently located just off the highway and marks about the halfway point of your journey.

The drive to Baltimore via I-95 South is quite direct. To handle parking with ease, the most convenient approach is to choose one of the large, centrally located car parks right at the Inner Harbour. Before you leave, look up garage locations online and set your GPS to navigate directly to the entrance of one. This eliminates the need to circle and search for parking, allowing you to start your visit straight away.

Driving on the Main Line is generally less hectic than in Centre City, but its main artery, Lancaster Avenue (Route 30), can get very congested. The area features many winding, two-lane roads, so it’s important to be patient. Parking in town centres like Ardmore and Wayne can be competitive, but there are usually municipal lots located just behind the main street shops that offer convenient options.

On weekend evenings, driving in the popular neighbourhoods of Fishtown and Northern Liberties can be very challenging. Streets are often narrow, one-way, and congested with both vehicles and pedestrians. Street parking is extremely limited and fills up quickly. Most visitors find it easiest to park in one of the larger paid lots on the edge of the neighbourhood and then walk to their destination.

While many of Philly’s top restaurants are in areas with tough parking, some neighbourhoods are more car-friendly. South Philadelphia, especially east of Broad Street, often has more street parking options than Centre City. Additionally, areas like University City have a higher concentration of parking garages due to the universities and hospitals. A good strategy is to find a reliable garage and then walk or take a short rideshare to your restaurant.

A rental car is a great asset when travelling with bulky items. Upon arriving at your hotel, make full use of the temporary loading zone to unload all your luggage and gear at once. For shopping, prioritise destinations with their own large parking lots, such as the King of Prussia mall or retail centres in South Philadelphia. Choosing a larger vehicle like an SUV can also provide extra boot space and make loading and unloading much easier.

During winter weather, major highways like I-95 and I-76 are usually treated first. However, visitors should be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, as they freeze first. Hilly neighbourhoods like Manayunk and Chestnut Hill can be particularly stressful and slippery. It’s always safest to stick to the main, flatter arterial roads, which are more likely to be ploughed and salted.

Philadelphia is known for its older streets, which can be rough and prone to potholes, particularly after the winter season. While a standard saloon is perfectly adequate for getting around, some travellers may prefer the added comfort of an SUV. The higher ground clearance and more robust suspension of an SUV can provide a smoother ride and better cope with uneven road surfaces you might encounter during your visit.

Early morning is the absolute best time to find parking in Philadelphia. If you arrive at popular areas like Old City or the Museum District before 08:00, you will often find ample street parking with little to no competition. This is a great strategy for visitors who want to photograph landmarks or enjoy the sights before the daily crowds and traffic build up. Just check signs for any morning rush-hour restrictions.

For an early morning flight, the smartest approach is to plan on returning your vehicle about two and a half hours before your departure time. This generous buffer accounts for the time to complete the car return process, take the shuttle bus back to your terminal, check any bags, and clear through security. It’s also a good idea to quickly verify the rental location’s opening hours to ensure they will be open for your pre-dawn arrival.

When returning your car during a busy period, your best tool is a navigation app with real-time traffic updates, like Google Maps or Waze. These apps can proactively reroute you around sudden accidents or congestion on I-95 or the roads immediately surrounding the airport. As you get close, pay very close attention to the airport signs for "Rental Car Return" to ensure you make the correct final turns into the facility.

A common snag for one-way trips is not allocating enough time for a thorough vehicle inspection at pickup. Before leaving the lot, walk around the car to note any existing scratches or dents and ensure all lights and features are working properly. Another point to confirm is that your rental agreement is correctly noted as a one-way trip. This ensures all paperwork is in order before you begin your journey.