Pennsylvania Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Pennsylvania

Most popular car hires in Pennsylvania

  • Midsize SUV: This popular choice accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases. It is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Pennsylvania comfortably. The Midsize SUV offers a good balance of space and manoeuvrability, making it great for both urban and rural driving.
  • Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV can carry 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option provides a bit more room than smaller vehicles while still being easy to navigate through Pennsylvania's varied terrain. It's a versatile choice for those who prioritise comfort and convenience.
  • Fullsize: Accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the Fullsize is an excellent option for families or larger groups. It offers ample space for both passengers and luggage, making it a suitable choice for those planning longer journeys through Pennsylvania where comfort and storage are essential.

Where to stay in Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia: A vibrant metropolis, Philadelphia offers a diverse experience for families and city enthusiasts alike. With popular attractions such as Sesame Place, perfect for family holidays, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ideal for culture seekers, there is something for everyone. The city also boasts Rittenhouse Square, an inviting neighbourhood with great dining options nearby, including restaurants and wineries. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the local parks and sports facilities, making Philadelphia a well-rounded destination.
  • Pittsburgh: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Pittsburgh is another bustling city in Pennsylvania that offers a wealth of activities. Key highlights include the urban park PNC Park, which is perfect for outdoor gatherings, and Kennywood, a theme park that caters to family entertainment. Cultural experiences can be found at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The city features numerous shopping centres and dining options, including local wineries and restaurants, making it a lovely place to stay for both relaxation and exploration.
  • Lancaster: A charming city, Lancaster is ideal for families seeking an outdoor or entertainment-themed holiday. Visitors can enjoy Dutch Wonderland, an amusement park that offers fun for all ages, or explore the historical aspects at The Amish Village and Landis Valley Museum. The area is rich in local culture and history, with several dining options nearby, including sweet treats and restaurants. Lancaster's unique attractions make it a delightful base for your Pennsylvania adventures.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Pennsylvania

  • Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget considerations, utilise the filters on Expedia to find the ideal vehicle for your journey.
  • Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to access lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  • Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are generally more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size options offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  • Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  • Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
  • Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may be worth the extra cost.
  • Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  • Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance while booking with Expedia is straightforward.
  • Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  • Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.
  • Best time to rent a car in Pennsylvania

    The best time to rent a car in Pennsylvania is January, as prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February and March also offer good value, with average prices and similarly low demand. As the year progresses, June through August see higher prices and moderately high demand, making them the most expensive months for rentals. September then returns to slightly low prices with average demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

    Why rent a car in Pennsylvania?

    Without doubt one of the most attractive states in the US, Pennsylvania is alive with history. It played a vital role in the American Civil War, and you will find abundant museums and monuments charting that heritage in towns and cities across the state.

    Split down the middle by the Appalachian Mountains, Pennsylvania has a vast number of outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly on and around beautiful Lake Erie, where you can even find some inland beaches. Rental cars in Pennsylvania enable you to explore everything this fantastic part of the country has to offer with ease.

    How to get to and around Pennsylvania?

    If you intend to fly into Pennsylvania, then you have a good choice of airports. Harrisburg International Airport, situated just outside Harrisburg, serves primarily domestic carriers, while flights from further afield arrive daily at Pittsburgh International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.

    Pennsylvania car hire companies have offices onsite at each of these airports, enabling you to reserve a vehicle before departure and pick it up as soon as you’ve collected your baggage, ready to begin exploring.

    What brands are available?

    Whatever the type or size of vehicle you need, you’ll find a range of Pennsylvania car hire companies with the Expedia search tool that can meet your needs, including Avis, Hertz and Budget.

    Must-sees within an easy drive of Pennsylvania

    Pittsburgh, otherwise known as ‘Steel City’, is a vibrant Pennsylvania destination teeming with cultural institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art, a thriving theatre scene and of course a great sporting tradition. This is the kind of city where you might come to spend a day trip and wish you were there for a whole lot longer.

    Though liberally sprinkled with excellent restaurants, museums and nightlife, Philadelphia’s main draw for many visitors is its many historical sites of national significance. These range from the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the former homes of Betsy Ross and Edgar Allen Poe. On the bank of the Lehigh river, Allentown is a lively city with a characterful downtown area, a swinging cultural scene and excellent golf courses nearby for those hoping to play a few holes while in Pennsylvania.

    Perhaps the most famous landmark in Harrisburg, which sits on the Susquehanna river, is the Rotunda, an impressive replica of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This historic city served as an important base for the Union army during the Civil War, and today is one of the state’s most popular visitor destinations.

    Tips and tricks for driving in Pennsylvania

    Driving in Pennsylvania is usually both easy and very pleasant. However, given the state’s location in the northeast of the US, it is of course subject to unpredictable weather conditions throughout the year which can create road hazards. This can include wildlife appearing by the side of the road, from raccoons to deer and even the occasional bear in springtime, so it’s advisable to always watch your speed.

    Ready to plan your Pennsylvania city break?

    If you’re visiting Pennsylvania soon then you’ll find a great resource in the Expedia search tool. Book everything you need for you trip, from great-value hotels and flights to Pennsylvania car hire and even excursions.


    Car Hire Information

    Popular car types:
    SUV, Full Size, Economy
    From the airport to your hotel:
    Airport Transportation