New York Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around New York

Renting a car in New York offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you are travelling with family, carrying luggage, or looking for a business-themed experience, a rental car makes it convenient to navigate the bustling metropolis. With a vehicle, you can easily visit iconic attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, all located within the vibrant areas of New York.

A rental car also allows you to explore popular neighbourhoods like Manhattan, where you can experience the energy of Times Square and the serenity of Central Park. Driving to Brooklyn provides access to the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island Beach, while Long Island City offers scenic spots like Gantry Plaza State Park. With a rental car, you can manage your schedule without relying on public transport, ensuring that you make the most of your trip to New York and its vicinity. Whether you are planning a city-themed adventure or a family outing, having a car enhances your travel experience by providing comfort and practicality.

Most popular car rentals in New York

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This option allows for comfortable travel and ample space for luggage, making it ideal for those looking to explore New York at their own pace while managing their belongings effectively.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is suitable for couples, families, or groups of up to 5 travellers, with capacity for up to 2 medium suitcases. This versatile vehicle offers a balance of comfort and space, perfect for navigating both city streets and nearby attractions while enjoying the flexibility of a rental car.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize option caters to families and groups of up to 5 travellers, accommodating either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. With its spacious interior and luggage capacity, this car type is excellent for those seeking convenience and comfort during their journey around New York and its vicinity.

Top rated car suppliers in New York

• Budget: Budget features over 5 rental locations throughout the New York area, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its competitive pricing, Budget's most popular vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, perfect for those needing extra space for luggage or passengers. Many customers appreciate the flexibility Budget offers, allowing them to explore New York and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car has 4 rental locations in New York, providing excellent accessibility for tourists. Renowned for its quick pickup process and friendly customer service, Alamo is a great option for those looking for a hassle-free experience. The Premium SUVs and Fullsize vehicles are among the most booked options, catering to those who value comfort and space during their travels.
• Avis: With more than 10 rental locations in the New York area, Avis stands out for its extensive reach and flexibility. Customers often choose Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs from Avis, which are well-suited for navigating both city streets and longer trips outside the urban environment. Avis is appreciated for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth rental experience for all travellers.

Where to stay in New York

• Manhattan: A bustling borough renowned for its family, city-themed, and business experiences. Staying in Manhattan places you close to major attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and Grand Central Terminal. Enjoy shopping, theater, and arena entertainment, all within easy reach. The vibrant dining scene offers a variety of restaurants, pubs, and wineries to explore, making it an ideal base for urban exploration.
• Brooklyn: This lively city is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, with its famous Brooklyn Bridge and Prospect Park as key highlights. Coney Island Beach adds a beach holiday element, offering sun and relaxation. With access to music concerts, shopping areas, and theaters, Brooklyn provides a unique blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, complemented by a range of dining options nearby.
• Queens: Known for its family-friendly and business-themed attractions, Queens features notable sites like Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the shared urban wonder of Central Park. With shopping malls and arena entertainment close by, it's an excellent choice for those looking to explore diverse attractions. The area's dining scene includes various restaurants and wineries, ensuring plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around New York

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, use the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, making it advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the best choice. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling 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 added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around New York

The best value period to rent a car in and around New York is February, as both prices and demand are slightly low. March can also be a reasonable choice, though demand tends to increase during that month. The shoulder months of April and May offer average prices and demand, making them decent options as well. However, December is generally the most expensive month, with heightened demand and costs, while November also features slightly high prices and average demand.