Long Island Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Long Island

Renting a car in Long Island provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed, making it ideal for families and those seeking outdoor or city-themed experiences. You can visit key attractions such as Ocean Beach, located 16 km away, and Lake Ronkonkoma, a scenic spot just 4 km from Long Island. The historic Fire Island Lighthouse, situated 19 km away, offers a cultural experience worth the drive.

A rental car also simplifies exploring popular destinations around Long Island. Head to Fire Island, just 16 km away, which features Ocean Beach and Robert Moses Beach, perfect for a day of sun and fun. The nearby city of Ronkonkoma, 2 km away, boasts attractions like Stonebridge Golf Links and Country Club, while Central Islip, located 6 km from Long Island, offers the Gallery of Shorthand and Lake Ronkonkoma. Overall, having a rental car enhances your travel experience by providing convenience and the ability to discover Long Island’s diverse attractions easily.

Most popular car rentals around Long Island

• Midsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for couples and families. This car type offers a comfortable balance of space and efficiency, allowing you to explore Long Island's attractions without feeling cramped. With its ample trunk space, you can easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom to travel at your own pace.
• Standard SUV: Also accommodating 5 travellers, this option allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a little extra room. Standard SUVs provide a higher driving position, which can enhance visibility while navigating Long Island's scenic roads. Their spacious interiors ensure comfort during longer journeys, making them a popular choice among travellers.
• Fullsize: This car type can accommodate 5 travellers with flexibility for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it ideal for families and groups. The Fullsize option offers generous interior space and comfort, allowing you to carry more luggage while enjoying a relaxed driving experience. With its robust capacity, this car type is well-suited for those planning extended journeys around Long Island.

Top rated car suppliers around Long Island

• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location, situated 3 km away from Long Island. Travellers frequently choose Budget for its well-regarded Midsize and Fullsize vehicles. Known for its affordability, Budget provides a practical option for those looking to explore Long Island with ease and flexibility.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations, the nearest Enterprise is also located 3 km away from Long Island. This supplier is popular for its Standard SUV and Premium SUV offerings. Customers appreciate Enterprise for its exceptional service and a diverse selection of vehicles, making it an excellent choice for families and groups seeking comfort and reliability.
• Avis: Avis features 1 rental location, conveniently located 3 km from Long Island. The Midsize and Fullsize cars are among the most booked options with Avis, reflecting its commitment to providing quality vehicles. Avis is known for its streamlined rental process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travellers eager to explore the beautiful surroundings of Long Island.

Where to stay around Long Island

• Fire Island: Located 16 km away from Long Island, Fire Island is an ideal destination for those seeking an outdoor, beach, and romantic experience. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque boardwalks and vibrant shopping areas, while popular attractions include Ocean Beach, known for its scenic shoreline, and the historic Fire Island Lighthouse. For a relaxing day, head to Robert Moses Beach. The island offers a variety of food and drink options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a perfect getaway during the warmer months.
• Ronkonkoma: Situated 2 km from Long Island, Ronkonkoma is a city rich in outdoor and family-themed activities. Key points of interest include Ocean Beach, which is perfect for beach holidays, and the Stonebridge Golf Links and Country Club for golf enthusiasts. The Fire Island National Seashore is also nearby, offering scenic beauty and adventure. The area is dotted with restaurants and wineries, providing a great selection of dining options for visitors, especially during the summer season.
• Hauppauge: Located 7 km from Long Island, Hauppauge offers a blend of family-friendly and city-themed experiences. The area features attractions like Ocean Beach and Lake Ronkonkoma, which are perfect for outdoor activities and romantic getaways. The Stonebridge Golf Links and Country Club is also accessible for golf lovers. With numerous dining establishments and wineries nearby, Hauppauge is a delightful place to stay, particularly in the warmer months when outdoor activities thrive.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Long Island

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer adventures, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to lock in lower prices and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the best option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in those instances.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Long Island

The best value period to rent a car in and around Long Island is May, when prices are at their lowest and demand is quiet. June also offers moderately low prices with low demand, making it a solid choice. April tends to see average prices but high demand, while October is the most expensive month, with prices and demand both rising. September may see average prices but high demand, leading into the busier fall season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	34.7°F (1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	34.7°F (1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
April	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
June	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
November	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
December	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average