Philadelphia Driving Guide

Perched alongside the Delaware River, Philadelphia remains a popular destination for tourists. The City of Brotherly Love attracts millions of visitors with the Liberty Bell, Philly Cheesesteaks and the wealth of colonial history just three of the things that lure people here.

If you’re traveling through this stretch of the East Coast, it helps to know the traffic laws. So whether you’re running up the Rocky Steps or touring Independence Hall, you’ll be well-equipped to get there by car.

From parking in Philadelphia to speed limits and toll roads, learn about driving around the largest city in Pennsylvania with our in-depth guide.

At-a-glance info:

In this guide:

• Driving rules in Philadelphia
• Speed limits in Philadelphia
• Toll roads in and around Philadelphia
• Philadelphia’s driving license requirements
• Parking in Philadelphia
• Electric car charging in Philadelphia
• Quick driving tips for Philadelphia
• Frequently asked questions

Driving rules in Philadelphia

• Drivers must slow down in a construction zone and, if possible, move into the far lane to yield to workers and work vehicles.
• Handling a cell phone while driving in Philadelphia is prohibited. However, drivers can use a hands-free device.
• Drivers are required to slow down when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Taking pictures or using a cell phone within 500 feet of firefighters or paramedics is prohibited.
• Speeding devices and red light cameras are in effect in Philadelphia.

Speed limits in Philadelphia

Philadelphia speed limits follow the wider Pennsylvania state. Limits depend on what vehicle you are in and what road you’re driving on. Exceeding the speed limit anywhere in the city can result in fines, license penalties and even imprisonment.

It’s important to note that some areas may not include speed limit signage. Even so, drivers are expected to be aware of and abide by the following guidelines.

Toll roads in and around Philadelphia

When driving through Philadelphia, it’s important to know the toll roads so you can plan your journey. Philadelphia only has one toll road, which operates from east to west throughout Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania Turnpike

Stretching 360 miles across Pennsylvania, the PA Turnpike is the main toll road that connects Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and beyond.

From: NJ Turnpike

To: Ohio Turnpike

Cost for car: $65.70 (cash) or $44.30 (E-ZPass)

Cost for truck: Depends on class

How to pay: E-ZPass, Toll By Plate or cash.

Philadelphia’s driving license requirements

Driving in Philadelphia requires a full registered state license. You can obtain a full unrestricted license before 18 once you’ve completed a driver’s education course and successfully passed your test.

If you’re visiting from another country and have a registered license, you can drive in Philadelphia for up to one year from the date you arrived.

Looking to rent a car in Philadelphia with Hertz? Check out our tips for renters under 25.

Parking in Philadelphia

If you want to explore the finest corners of the city but need to get around by car, parking in Philadelphia is a viable option. Fortunately, we have a few spots in mind so you can park close to the top attractions.

Gateway Parking Garage

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, this 1,050-space lot is close to City Hall and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, home of the National Jazz Festival and FanExpo.

Location: 1540 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Cost (per hour or per day): $5 for up to three hours, $23 for 10 hours and $27 for up to 24 hours.

How to pay: Pay via cash or card at the parking meters available.

Autopark at Old City

With 615 spaces, this parking lot is conveniently placed near Independence National Historic Park and Penn’s Landing, which offers stunning views of the Delaware River.

Location: 125 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Cost (per hour or per day): $11 for one hour, $21 for 10 hours and $26 for a full day.

How to pay: Pay via cash or card at the parking meters available.

Surface Parking Lot

Situated in the Parkway Museums District, this lot offers more than 180 spaces with convenient access to Boathouse Row, Franklin Institute and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Location: 1901 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Cost (per hour or per day): $8 for one hour, $18 for 12 hours, and $24 for up to 24 hours.

How to pay: Payments can be made via meterUP and the nearby Pay-by-Plate parking kiosk.

Street parking in Philadelphia

There are plenty of on-street parking spots throughout the city. Payments can be made at available meters and rates may vary, averaging at $2 per hour.

If you park at a metered spot, read the parking signs carefully, as some spots are limited to short-term parking with time-sensitive restrictions. You can park in a residential neighborhood overnight, but make sure to move your car the next morning.

Philadelphia parking app

If you’re low on cash, there are other ways to pay for parking in Philadelphia. meterUP is the official Philadelphia parking app; simply enter your zone number, enter the number of hours you want to park, and cover the cost. You can manage your parking session on the go and extend the time if needed.

Electric car charging in Philadelphia

If you’re a green-conscious driver, you’ll find plenty of EV charging stations across the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia has more than 180 public charging station ports within 15km, so you’re never far if you need a boost. Of the near-200 stations, 88% are level 2 charging ports and 51% of the ports are free to use.

Find out more about available charging ports and what to consider when driving an electric vehicle in our EV guide to driving in Philadelphia.

Quick driving tips for Philadelphia

• By law, drivers are prohibited from texting, reading and sending messages on cell phones and wireless devices while driving.
• To make a right turn on a red, first come to a complete stop. If it’s clear, you can turn right – unless there's a road sign forbidding it.
• U-turns are allowed in Pennsylvania if they’ made with caution and don’t put any other driver in danger. Look out for signs that prohibit U-turns before doing a 180.
• At four-way stops, all traffic must come to a complete stop. As a rule, the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right of way. In the case that multiple vehicles arrived at the same time, the one at the farthest right gets the right of way. The vehicle on its left would have the next priority.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to drive in Philadelphia?

Driving around Philadelphia can be challenging if you don’t plan your journey. The streets can get congested during rush hour and there are plenty of pedestrians and cyclists. However, its streets are arranged in a grid extending from a central point, making it easier to navigate the city.

When is rush hour in Philadelphia?

Rush hour in Philadelphia begins as early as 6am and traffic can be heavy until almost 10am. In the evening, traffic typically peaks from 3pm to 6pm. 

What is parking like in Philadelphia?

Parking in Philadelphia can be straightforward if you find the right spots. The city has thousands of metered spaces and parking lots, which is perfect if you need to stop for an hour or two. You can also use the official Philadelphia parking app meterUP to find spaces near where you’re heading.

Now you know more about driving around Philadelphia, you can prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Book a rental car with Hertz and explore this historic city today.

Get ready for your trip to Philadelphia

Staying in Philly long? Learn more about the City of Brotherly Love with more of our comprehensive guides.

• Best hotels in Philadelphia
• Best things to do in Philadelphia
• Philadelphia’s neighborhoods