Upper West Side Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Upper West Side

Renting a car in the Upper West Side offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant neighbourhood and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Central Park, located only 1 km away, which is perfect for family outings and outdoor experiences. You can also venture to Times Square, about 4 km from the Upper West Side, for a lively city atmosphere, or explore the cultural significance of Grand Central Terminal, also 4 km away. A car rental simplifies luggage management, allowing you to carry everything you need without the hassle of public transportation. It’s especially convenient for families, as you can store strollers and other essentials in the trunk while enjoying the city's sights. Additionally, the Upper West Side is an excellent starting point to discover other parts of New York, including nearby Manhattan and Uptown, both less than 1 km away, where you can find even more attractions. Enjoy the convenience of moving around freely and create your own adventure in and around Upper West Side with a rental car.

Most popular car rentals around Upper West Side

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. Its spacious interior allows for comfortable travel while providing ample luggage space, perfect for those planning to explore the attractions around Upper West Side at their own pace.
• Economy: The economy car option accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families. This option is perfect for those looking to navigate the city easily while keeping travel costs low, allowing for flexible travel plans when exploring the Upper West Side and nearby areas.
• Standard SUV: This vehicle type also accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a great fit for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV offers more space and comfort compared to smaller cars, allowing for a relaxed travel experience while exploring the diverse attractions surrounding Upper West Side.

Top rated car suppliers around Upper West Side

• Budget: Budget has 4 rental locations within a 2 km radius of Upper West Side, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its affordability, Budget's most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering well to those looking for space and comfort during their explorations. With its reputation for competitive pricing, Budget is a solid option for those wanting flexibility in their travel arrangements.
• Avis: Avis stands out with over 5 rental locations, the nearest being less than 1 km away from Upper West Side. This proximity adds to the convenience for visitors. Avis is particularly popular for its Standard SUVs and Midsize SUVs, which are ideal for navigating the urban landscape while providing ample room for luggage. The supplier is well-regarded for its reliable service, making it a top choice for many travellers.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental offers a single location less than 1 km from Upper West Side, which makes it easily accessible for those in the area. Popular choices include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, appealing to a variety of travellers, from solo adventurers to families. Thrifty is known for its straightforward rental process and value, providing a practical option for those seeking a simple and efficient car rental experience.

Where to stay around Upper West Side

• Upper West Side: This vibrant neighbourhood in New York offers a unique blend of cultural attractions and family-friendly activities. With proximity to iconic sites like Central Park, a perfect spot for outdoor holidays, and Times Square, a modern square ideal for city exploration, the Upper West Side is great for various types of travellers. You'll find a variety of dining options nearby, from casual eateries to refined restaurants, ensuring a delightful culinary experience during your stay.
• Jersey City: Located 9 km away from Upper West Side, Jersey City is another bustling metropolis that attracts families and business travellers alike. Highlights include the American Dream, a popular tourist precinct perfect for family outings, and Liberty State Park, which offers a scenic retreat. The area also features a range of shopping centres and various dining establishments, making it a convenient place to stay while exploring nearby attractions like the famous Statue of Liberty.
• Fairview: Situated 3 km from Upper West Side, Fairview is an inviting city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts. With access to Times Square and Central Park, both of which are excellent for family outings, Fairview also boasts a selection of restaurants and wineries. This neighbourhood serves as a great base for those looking to enjoy both city life and outdoor activities during their visit to the New York area.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Upper West Side

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're after an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, the filters on Expedia can help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, 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 available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is also acceptable. 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 can make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payments.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides peace of mind if anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek 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 Upper West Side

The best time to rent a car in and around the Upper West Side is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January also offers good value with quiet demand. Moving into March, prices remain slightly low, but demand picks up to moderately high levels. As summer approaches, August becomes the most expensive month with high demand, alongside July, which sees average prices and moderately high demand. Meanwhile, June generally remains slightly high in pricing but maintains steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
April	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	70.2°F (21.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average