What are the driving conditions like in New York?

The road conditions in New York are usually easy to get around in, and a cheap car rental will facilitate your trips around the city. However, New York’s snow, sleet, and rain affect road conditions in the winter. The roads get a little slick because of black ice, usually found on bridges, shady road parts, and underneath overpasses. Consider sport utility vehicles or crossover car rentals during the winter to get through the tricky road conditions, as they have four-wheel drive, traction control, and bigger tires. However, book car rentals that best meet your needs if you’re visiting on any other season. With over 60 car rental locations in New York, you can get anything from a convenient passenger van rental to a stylish luxury car rental. The major highways passing through in New York City are I-87, I-95, I-278, I-295, and I-678.

What New York driving laws should I be aware of?

There are a few driving laws that you should know before driving a New York car rental. First, you must use your turn signal at least 100 feet before making your turn. Every passenger needs to wear a seatbelt, and kids under four should be in a safety seat while kids up to six must be in a booster seat. The speed limit in the city is 25mph unless stated otherwise. On main roads and urban freeways, stick to 55mph and 65mph on the interstates. It is always recommended to avoid drinking and driving, and having a BAC higher than 0.08 will lead to an arrest and a drunk driving charge. Nonetheless, it is best to check with New York’s DMV for any traffic law changes that might affect your trip in New York.

What type of documentation do I need to rent a car in New York?

You need to be 18 or older and hold a valid driver’s license to get a New York car rental. Foreign drivers will be required to present their home country’s driver’s license, and if it’s in a language other than English, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is recommended but not required. It’s only needed if the driver’s license doesn’t use the Roman alphabet, then it must be presented alongside the driver’s license. Photocopies of driver’s licenses and learner’s permits won’t be accepted, and temporary driver’s licenses will only be accepted if the rental location can verify the driver’s identity and the authenticity of the temporary license. Most rental locations accept credit and debit cards, with other forms of payment such as cash, money orders, and prepaid cards only accepted when clearing any balances at the end of your rental period.

Is it worthwhile to book a rental car in New York?

Yes, booking a car rental in New York is worth it because you’ll need one to access certain areas, like the neighboring cities of Albany, Buffalo, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Rochester. Inside the heart of New York you can easily move on foot or with a cab to get to some of the famous destinations in New York, including Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. If you’re planning a trip to Jersey City, Newark, or Niagara Falls, making the trip in cheap rental cars would be better than the public transit system. The public transit system runs on a fixed schedule, denying you the flexibility you need when exploring. With car rentals in New York, you enjoy benefits like comfort, freedom, and saving time.

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Best deals found for New York car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental cars in New York

Hyundai Elantra

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

$10/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Hyundai Accent

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$10/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Toyota Camry

or similar Full-size

Up to 5 passengers

$11/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Kia Optima

or similar Full-size

Up to 5 passengers

$11/day

13 Aug - 13 Aug

See offer

Volkswagen Jetta

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

$12/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Nissan Sentra

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$12/day

13 Aug - 13 Aug

See offer

Hyundai Tucson

or similar Standard SUV

Up to 5 passengers

4-door vehicles

$13/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Mitsubishi Endeavor

or similar Standard SUV

Up to 5 passengers

4-door vehicles

$13/day

13 Aug - 13 Aug

See offer

Ford Focus Sedan

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

4-door vehicles

$13/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Rental cars insight and trends in New York

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in New York

What is the cheapest rental car company in New York?

The cheapest rental car company in New York is Getaround, with prices starting from around $12/day. Other affordable options found in the past 72 hours include Getaround, from $14/day, and Getaround, starting at about $16/day. These rates may be different depending on what city you plan on visiting and the type of car you rent.

What is the best rental car company in New York?

With an average review score of 8.1/10 from 421 reviewers, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is rated the best car rental company in New York by our users. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has 56 locations in New York including the popular city of Syracuse.

What is the most popular type of car to rent in New York?

The most popular type of cars to rent in New York are SUV cars. This type of car costs $101 per day on average. 39% of users prefer to rent SUV cars in New York due to price, availability, and their planned activities.

What are the cheapest cities to rent a car in New York?

The cheapest city to rent a car when in New York is Southampton. The daily cost to rent a car in Southampton is $34 from Hertz. Another affordable city to rent a car in is Montgomery, where Avis has prices from around $35 per day.

New York car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in New York that's right for you

	Small cars	$46 - $103
	All Car Types	$57 - $112

The average price of a small car rental in New York is $74. The cheapest time to rent a small car in New York is in January. The price is 39% lower than the rest of the year at just $46 per day. A small car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in New York is $73. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in New York is in January. The price is 40% lower than the rest of the year at just $44 per day. A medium car rental is typically 16% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in New York is $97. The cheapest time to rent a large car in New York is in February. The price is 30% lower than the rest of the year at just $69 per day. A large car rental is typically 13% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in New York is $85. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in New York is in February. The price is 35% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A SUV rental is typically 2% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in New York is $131. The cheapest time to rent a van in New York is in February. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just $97 per day. A van rental is typically 35% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a pickup truck rental in New York is $79. The cheapest time to rent a pickup truck in New York is in January. The price is 40% lower than the rest of the year at just $48 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 7% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York pickup truck rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a luxury car rental in New York is $91. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in New York is in February. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $70 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 7% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for New York luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a convertible rental in New York is $142. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in New York is in November. The price is 28% lower than the rest of the year at just $104 per day. A convertible rental is typically 40% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a vehicle rental in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

Mini Hatch

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$10/day

15 Aug - 15 Aug

See offer

Hyundai Accent

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$12/day

13 Aug - 13 Aug

See offer

Nissan Sylphy

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$16/day

3 Aug - 3 Aug

See offer

New York car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in New York

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.1

Very good

236 reviews•56 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

8.0

Very good|Sep 2023

No bad I was impressed with the overall quality convenance

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

The representative I met in the morning was so nice and friendly. She wanted to get me out of there quick so she gave me an upgrade. Everyone at this enterprise has a great work ethic and sense of urgency helping out their customers. Will definitely go back.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Everything was amazing! Engine was a little overworking....

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

The staff were so welcoming and helpful, great to work with and very friendly. I will definitely be back whenever I need a rental in the future.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

They didn’t have any cars even though I made a reservation

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Customer service was excellent, Bryan was professional and help me with a good car.

1 out of 79

View Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in New York

Alamo

8.1

Very good

194 reviews•10 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

The staff are very helpful from pick-up to drop-off

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

We were able to upgrade to a larger vehicle at the last minute. Service taking and returning was polite and timely.

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

Fast pick up and drop off Nice car

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

The car was not very clean when we picked up. The last renter had chocolate melted in the back of the car. We ended up cleaning several things because we have ocd and couldn't leave it.

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

Great customer service. Everyone I interacted with was kind, competent, and professional.

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

The best car rental experience of my life! From the moment I approached the counter to the last second, dropping the vehicle. Outstanding customer service.

1 out of 65

Avis

7.0

Good

327 reviews•26 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|May 2024

We got a different car which has lower value for rent. Neither got the price adjustment nor time adjustment.

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2023

Very efficient and fast. Great staff.

2.0

Poor|Sep 2023

When I went to go pick it up I was denied to rent the car.they say my credit was low. I was already to pay for a week cash on hand. I never got it.

2.0

Poor|Sep 2023

Better maintained car

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Friendly and quick service. No delays.

6.0

Okay|Aug 2023

Vehicle was fine. Process of obtaining vehicle was certainly not the best experience. On line for over an hour. Staff was friendly and helpful but seemingly understaffed.

1 out of 109

View Avis Locations in New York

Budget

6.4

Okay

604 reviews•19 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2024

Awful experience entirely. Company closed the pickup location and had to pickup at another location far away in traffic, so was delayed by an hour and late for work. The return was even worse, since I called to confirm that the location closer to my home would be open, I got there and they were closed again during normal business hours. Now I had to drive down to the other Budget location, again in traffic and lost another hour of time, because they were so slow to return the car when I got there with 11 people in line waiting with 1 person at the counter. Then, they tried to charge me for an extra day, because I was a few minutes late, even though they had delayed me on the pickup time and the return. Totally unacceptable and lacking any knowledge at all of what customer service is. This is totally unprofessional and as a shareholder, it is completely alarming.

4.0

Mediocre|Sep 2023

They changed me for full day and then for been 40 minutes late the charged me an hour fee and an extra day

4.0

Mediocre|Sep 2023

Very very busy office so had to wait an hour after a long flight to even be served. The lady in charge was quite rude and didn’t help the situation. Overall bad customer experience in picking the car up.

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

very friendly and efficient customer service, and the car was really good quality and in good condition. couldn’t fault them if i wanted to

8.0

Very good|Sep 2023

The car smelled like a chimney they couldn’t get the smell of cigarettes out

4.0

Mediocre|Sep 2023

The rental rate was just too much.

1 out of 202

View Budget Locations in New York

Hertz

6.2

Okay

591 reviews•48 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|Sep 2023

The representative at the counter was helpful but the manager put us in a $53 car when I had paid $69. All he had left was a cheaper electric car and didn't adjust the rate. I thought I was agreeing to a "manager's special" but it was actually a "manager's choice". He made a CHOICE to put me in a lower priced car at a higher price. It was only a two day rental so I only overpaid by $32. The other issue was that I was making a one way, 900 mile road trip and stopping every 200 miles and spending an hour recharging an electric car was unacceptable.

4.0

Mediocre|Sep 2023

Apple Card fiasco. Why take as form of payment if card can’t be validated at pickup?!

8.0

Very good|Sep 2023

Pickup was ridiculous! I was scheduled for 11:30 pickup and wasn't told that the location closes at noon. I received a voicemail from an unknown number while on a brief layover, letting me know that I had to go to a different address for pickup and if I came 5 minutes late nobody would be there. The booking had a note that it was on "military road" and that an employee would have to meet me at my flight (which I thought meant it was near an army base and I wouldn't be able to uber there on my own). With no number to call back I had to chance it and get there by $70 uber as soon as I landed. It was a nervewracking experience for no reason.

8.0

Very good|Sep 2023

It was a little confusing because drop off day the place was closed. I hope I did everything I was supposed to.

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2023

I reserved an intermediate size SUV for a trip to Richmond VA to visit a sick family member. Upon arrival I was told I reserved an electric car, which I did not. The reservation was booked through Kayak and because I did not have the card that I allegedly made the res with through Kayak, I had to call the 800 number and “change” the rez and card on file! I was basically forced to take the electric car offered to me even though I did not reserve it nor did I want it. My trip to Virginia took over 17 hours because of stopping to charge the car!! I exchanged the car in Richmond so I did not have to endure the same problem on the way back home! The employees in Richmond were much nicer and went out of their way to help me! The Buffalo representatives, not so much!

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Desk agent attempted to up-sell every markup possible. Did not even present the options of not purchasing insurance, attempted to add a driver (my wife) without my consent, pushed excessive toll package despite knowing route had minimal tolls, and even said “what if something bad happens to you” when I continuously declined these frivolous packages.

1 out of 197

View Hertz Locations in New York

Dollar

5.9

Fair

425 reviews•14 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

I waited 40 minutes for the van pickup at the airport to the dollar rental facility. Show up at the facility and only 1 person behind the counter and over 40 people in line. Waited over 3 hours to pick up the rental car. After customers started Getting upset the manager came out said he is looking for cars. Everyone lost their patience, the manager then said he can’t help behind the desk. Everyone was yelling and upset that he was not helping resolve the situation. Finally got a car over 4 hours later. The worst experience I have ever had

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Pick up agent very inpatient and rude.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

I can safely say I will never attempt to rent from Dollar again. In the midst of our calamity with a cancelled flight and lost luggage at JFK International Airport after traveling 3000 miles, Dollar failed miserably by allowing us to schedule a car rental on line. After feeling the relief of that rental transaction we come to find out upon arriving at the Dollar rental desk that not only your folks didn’t have any one-way rentals but didn’t have any rentals for us at all. Talk about the left hand not talking to the right hand. Additionally, your customer service rep was condescending with no sympathy for our plight. The rental was placed through Hotwire.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Because I accidentally rented for August 6 not July 6, they would not refund my money.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Dollar could not deliver the car i paid for in advance. Moreover they did not offer a solution other than wait a call from them. i had to pick up a car which i did not intend to.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Long lines for pickup due to single Hertz counter that was also serving Dollar customers with onky one agent at counter. Car not cleaned and filthy. No checking process; I still have not received a final bill. Never again using Dollar/Hertz.

1 out of 142

View Dollar Locations in New York

Thrifty

5.9

Fair

205 reviews•8 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Sep 2023

We reserved a car more than a month before our trip. When we arrived to pickup the car we went through the traditional paperwork. After a while we noticed many people waiting for their car. So I went to the counter to enquirer about my car only to find out that they did not have any cars available. We waited two hours for a car to be available. We got in the car and drove to the gate only to find out that the car couldn't be released due to mechanical issues. Again we waited for another car. The car we got had bald tires on it which I found out after inspecting the car the next morning.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

They do not have a car for me in JFK airport. I needed to left the airport and take a subway and bus for my destiny.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

You let me rent a car that wasn’t there. I left my hotel and paid for insurance on the rental and got nothing.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Pick up was a mess. Waited nearly 3hrs for my car that wasn’t even on the premiseso

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Awful.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Thrifty rejected my reservation due to no international driver's license, even though I could prove my Portuguese residence and provide a valid driver's license!!!

1 out of 69

Ace

5.0

Fair

194 reviews•5 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|May 2024

They canceled the rental car on me a few hours before we needed it to get my wife and I to a medical appointment we had flown across the country for.

6.0

Okay|Jan 2024

Took almost a hour to pick up the car with a reservation but drop off was smooth. The attendant was fast and shuttle to the airport was quick!!

6.0

Okay|Sep 2023

The car and service were great. The only issue was that the car was listed as having unlimited miles, but when I picked the car up I was informed that Drive-O (the company I was sent to instead of Ace) only has unlimited miles in some areas and I would be charged a fee for driving with unlimited miles in another state.

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

Easy to reserve and to pick up. Very friendly staff!

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Very bad attention, long waiting time

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Overall great - but was surprised about the extra $200 hold on my credit card until it cleared

1 out of 65

Car rental in New York

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in New York so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How much does it cost to rent a car in New York?

Based on our data, the cost to rent a car in New York is $92 per day on average. However, you might be able to find rental car deals as low as around $22 per day, which is a 88% difference from the highest price per day at $185.

When is the best time to rent a car in New York?

The best time to rent a car in New York is in the month of January, when prices are $26/day on average. July is often the most expensive month to rent a car, when average prices are $134/day. However, no matter what month you plan to visit New York, it’s recommended that you book your rental around 7 days out for the best possible price.

How long do people rent a car when staying in New York?

Most people tend to rent a car in New York for 1 day which costs, on average, $109 per day. If you plan on renting a car for one week, then you can expect to pay around $424 total. For a quick weekend rental, the total cost tends to average $201. $2,586 is the average cost of a month-long New York road trip car rental.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in New York?

Prices for cars in New York are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in New York?

There are 363 operators available for cars in New York as of July 2024.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in New York?

Age requirements for drivers vary depending on the country, including New York. In several EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. Generally, to rent a car overseas, you must be at least 21 years old, and if you're under 25, you may be charged a young driver surcharge. It's recommended that you review the policy of your preferred rental company before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in New York?

When renting a car in New York, all drivers must present a full valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is required if the driving license is written in a language different to that of the country of rental and may be necessary to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you are renting abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend checking with the individual rental company you are booking with.

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in New York?

Booking a car rental in New York via momondo could save you time and money. momondo provides you with a wide selection of options and cars as we search thousands of car rental websites and locations to enable you to make the best choice for your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in New York?

By the use of filters, momondo makes finding a great car rental in New York easier. Whether it is price, car type, amenities or policies, momondo allows you to refine your search with these and more filters to find the best deal for you.