Ithaca Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ithaca

Renting a car in Ithaca offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this scenic area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Buttermilk Falls State Park and Cornell Botanic Gardens, both of which provide stunning outdoor experiences. This is especially beneficial for families or groups with lots of luggage, allowing for easy management of your belongings while travelling. You can make spontaneous stops or plan your itinerary around your interests, whether it's a romantic outing or an adventurous day outdoors.

Additionally, having a car allows you to explore popular neighbourhoods like Downtown Ithaca and South Hill, featuring attractions such as The History Center and Butterfield Stadium. The diverse landscapes around Ithaca, including eco-friendly sites like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, are easily accessible by car. With the convenience of a rental, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the charm of the city without relying on public transportation. Overall, a rental car enhances your visit by providing the ultimate convenience to enjoy all that Ithaca has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Ithaca

• Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for accommodating 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, a midsize SUV offers a comfortable ride with ample space for both passengers and luggage, allowing you to explore Ithaca and its attractions at your own pace.
• Compact: A compact car is a great choice for up to 5 travellers, fitting up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly suited for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking a budget-friendly rental. With its smaller size, the compact car is easy to navigate through Ithaca’s streets and offers flexibility in parking.
• Fullsize: Accommodating up to 5 travellers with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is ideal for families or groups needing extra space. This option provides comfort for longer drives while ensuring you have enough room for all your luggage. Renting a fullsize car allows for a more relaxed travel experience in and around Ithaca.

Top rated car suppliers in Ithaca

• Budget: With one rental location in Ithaca, Budget is a popular choice for travellers seeking value and convenience. Known for offering competitive rates, Budget specializes in Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, ideal for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Ithaca comfortably. Their straightforward rental process ensures you can get on the road quickly and start your adventure without hassle.
• Hertz: Also featuring a rental location in the Ithaca area, Hertz is a well-regarded option among tourists. They offer a selection of vehicles with Midsize SUVs and Economy cars being the most booked choices. Hertz's reputation for reliability and excellent customer service makes it a great choice for those wanting a smooth and efficient rental experience while exploring the scenic attractions around Ithaca.
• Avis: Avis operates one rental location in Ithaca and is known for its quality service and vehicle selection. With a focus on Standard and Midsize SUVs, Avis provides ample space and comfort for your journey. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and easy rental procedures makes Avis a popular choice for those looking to travel around Ithaca and its beautiful surroundings at their own pace.

Where to stay in and around Ithaca

• Lansing: Located 17 km away from Ithaca, Lansing is perfect for those seeking outdoor, romantic, and scenic experiences. This city offers access to beautiful landmarks such as Salmon Creek Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park, ideal for adventure enthusiasts. Lansing Park provides a lovely urban setting for families, while nearby food options include a winery and brewery, making it a great spot to relax after a day of exploration.
• Downtown Ithaca: Situated around Ithaca, Downtown Ithaca is a vibrant hub for city-themed, family, and business experiences. Here, you can explore attractions like The History Center and Buttermilk Falls State Park, which is perfect for outdoor adventures and enjoying scenic views. The area also boasts numerous shopping centres and nearby food options, including wineries, making it a convenient and lively place to stay.
• South Hill: South Hill is known for its outdoor and scenic experiences, located close to Ithaca. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, both suitable for those who appreciate nature. The neighbourhood features education and recreational areas, along with shopping options. Nearby food and drink choices include wineries and coffee shops, providing a cozy atmosphere for relaxation after a day of activities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Ithaca

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to locate the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the extra convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. 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 and around Ithaca

The best time to rent a car in and around Ithaca is January, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. February follows closely, although demand peaks during this month while prices still stay low. Moving into spring, March sees the lowest demand but prices tend to be slightly high. April and May offer average prices with low demand, providing a nice balance for renters. However, June through August see prices rising to slightly high levels, with demand remaining steady.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.2°F (-4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	24.8°F (-4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
March	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
June	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
December	30.2°F (-1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average