PENNSYLVANIA - Whether you need to rent a car in Pennsylvania depends entirely on your itinerary. If you are flying into Philadelphia International Airport and plan to stay within the city limits, skip the rental car entirely. Philadelphia is highly walkable, and the SEPTA transit system (buses, subways, and regional rail) will get you exactly where you need to go. Plus, parking in Center City is notoriously expensive and difficult to find. The same applies to downtown Pittsburgh, where rideshares and the light rail system are more than sufficient.
However, if you want to experience the State geographic diversity, a car is absolutely mandatory. Public transportation becomes sparse outside the major metropolitan bubbles. To explore the rolling hills of Lancaster County, drive the scenic byways of the Pocono Mountains, or visit the State charming small towns like New Hope, Lititz, or Jim Thorpe, you will need your own vehicle to unlock the State hidden gems.
