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.

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.

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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

Mini Hatch

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$6/day

30 May - 30 May

See offer

Nissan Versa

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$6/day

9 May - 9 May

See offer

Mitsubishi Galant

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

$7/day

9 May - 9 May

See offer

Kia Picanto

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$8/day

6 Jun - 6 Jun

See offer

Mini Hatch

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$9/day

6 Jun - 6 Jun

See offer

Chevrolet Cruze

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

$9/day

6 Jun - 6 Jun

See offer

Kia Picanto

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$14/day

8 May - 8 May

See offer

Jeep Cherokee

or similar Standard SUV

Up to 5 passengers

$16/day

6 Jun - 6 Jun

See offer

Toyota Corolla

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

$18/day

8 May - 8 May

See offer

New York car rental deals found on momondo

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

	Small cars	$42 - $85
	All Car Types	$53 - $105

The average price of a small car rental in New York is $68. 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 $42 per day. A small car rental is typically 18% 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 $70. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in New York is in January. The price is 35% lower than the rest of the year at just $46 per day. A medium car rental is typically 15% 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 $92. 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 $66 per day. A large car rental is typically 12% 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 $82. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in New York is in February. The price is 33% lower than the rest of the year at just $55 per day. A SUV rental is typically 0% 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 SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in New York is $128. The cheapest time to rent a van in New York is in February. The price is 28% lower than the rest of the year at just $93 per day. A van rental is typically 36% 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 $77. The cheapest time to rent a pickup truck in New York is in January. The price is 39% lower than the rest of the year at just $48 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 5% 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 $90. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in New York is in February. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $67 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 9% 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 $139. 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 $101 per day. A convertible rental is typically 42% 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

$6/day

30 May - 30 May

See offer

Chevrolet Spark

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$8/day

6 Jun - 6 Jun

See offer

Nissan Sentra

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$9/day

6 Jun - 6 Jun

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 $6/day. Other affordable options found in the past 72 hours include Getaround, from $6/day, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, starting at about $11/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 8.4/10 from 258 reviewers, Alamo is rated the best car rental company in New York by our users. Alamo has 5 locations in New York including the popular city of New York.

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 $88 per day on average. 38% 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 Nanuet. The daily cost to rent a car in Nanuet is $26 from Getaround. Another affordable city to rent a car in is Kingston, where Turo has prices from around $30 per day.

New York car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in New York

Budget

6.4

Okay

1006 reviews•11 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 336

View Budget Locations in New York

Hertz

6.3

Okay

1026 reviews•32 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Sep 2023

They didn’t have the car for me which I had thought I reserved.

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

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

I made a reservation but they had no cars to rent.

1 out of 342

View Hertz Locations in New York

Alamo

8.4

Very good

287 reviews•5 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|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.

10.0

Wonderful|May 2023

Everything was great!

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

We received the truck we wanted. Everything was great.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2023

Everything was great.

1 out of 96

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2

Very good

306 reviews•33 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 102

View Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in New York

Avis

6.9

Okay

401 reviews•17 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

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.

8.0

Very good|Aug 2023

Simply and good service.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Everything was awesome

1 out of 134

View Avis Locations in New York

Dollar

5.8

Fair

668 reviews•10 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

Terrible experience. The car wasn’t ready when it was supposed to be. Their cleaners went home or something. Had to wait 2 hours for the car. Then they overcharged me on tax for the rental. Then they started the rental before I even took possession of the car. Then when I tried to return it there wasn’t anyone there and they added 2 hours into my rental even though they are the ones who didn’t have anyone out there to receive it.

1 out of 223

Ace

4.8

Mediocre

143 reviews•4 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

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!!

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

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

I didn’t take the car I request at kayak app that I wanna pick up the car from JFK airport and drop it off in Baltimore MD . I arrived to the ACE spot and they say that they didn’t have the option to pickup from that spot and dropped off at deferent spot. Which is not going to work with me . So I didn’t pick it up. How if i request something like this show any company didn’t have this option?????!!!!!!! I lose allot of time and money and allot of stress me and my kids

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Desk staff

1 out of 48

National

8.2

Very good

50 reviews•6 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

They did not have they car or any other car. Very disappointed they cannot hold cars after a confirmed reservation. It creates more cost and additional time to look for alternatives on our own

2.0

Poor|Sep 2022

Car broke down due to mechanical issues (fault of rental car-ended up costing exponentially more time and money)

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2022

Good customer service...100%

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2022

Service was great, process was fast and easy. Customer service was on point. Couldn’t have done better. Thank you.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2022

Seamless and quick pick up and return, clean car. The only minor inconvenience - gas tank was not full, and returning 3/4th in practice means that one is overpaying for gas.

5.9

Fair|Aug 2021

The car had a chlorine odor for the first 4 days of the rental.

1 out of 17

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 $68 per day on average. However, you might be able to find rental car deals as low as around $21 per day, which is a 86% difference from the highest price per day at $150.

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. March is often the most expensive month to rent a car, when average prices are $189/day. However, no matter what month you plan to visit New York, it’s recommended that you book your rental around 5 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 353 operators available for cars in New York as of April 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.