Ready to start your New York adventure? Use the search form above to compare real-time car rental rates across New York State. Select your pick-up location (from major hubs like John F. Kennedy International (JFK) or LaGuardia (LGA) in NYC, to upstate airports in Buffalo or Albany, or neighborhood locations), choose your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see offers from dozens of rental companies statewide from budget-friendly compacts to spacious SUVs and vans. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals allowing “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation if your plans change. Lock in an amazing New York car rental deal now, and you’ll be all set to roam from skyscrapers to ski slopes without hassle.
Introduction: Welcome to New York, the famous “Empire State” known for its world-class cities, stunning natural parks, and everything in between. Having a rental car in New York is the key to experiencing every corner from the bright lights of New York City and the quiet lakes of the Adirondacks to Niagara Falls’ roar in the west and the sandy beaches of Long Island. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in New York State. We’ve combined unbeatable rental deals with insider local tips so you can book with confidence and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re flying into JFK Airport, planning a Finger Lakes wine tour, or need a convenient ride for a college visit in upstate New York, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore New York on your schedule, with extra savings in your pocket.
New York State may be best known for New York City’s subways and taxis, but its attractions are widespread and diverse. Renting a car gives you total freedom to discover every part of the state at your own pace. Here’s why having your own set of wheels is a smart move in New York:
Our New York Car Rental Advantages (USPs)
Why book your New York ride with AirportVanRental? We specialize in rental vehicles and partner with all major brands in the region to deliver an easy, affordable experience. Here are some of the benefits and guarantees we offer for New York car rentals:
Top New York Car Rental Deals
Prices below are approximate and for example purposes actual rates vary by date and location.
(Note: “From” rates are based on rentals in major hubs like New York City airports during low-demand periods. Prices may be higher in smaller markets (e.g. renting in the Adirondacks) or during peak seasons (summer in the Hamptons, fall foliage weekends upstate, holiday weeks in NYC). Always search with your exact pick-up location and dates to see up-to-date rates. We update this list frequently to reflect current deals and seasonal specials.)
Driving in New York: What to Know
Driving in New York can be incredibly rewarding you’ll experience everything from urban avenues in bustling Manhattan to peaceful country roads in the Hudson Valley. To help you stay safe and stress-free, here are key New York driving tips, rules, and quirks to be aware of:
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll handle New York’s roads like a pro. Remember, a little patience and a good navigation system go a long way. And if you ever feel uncertain, pull over safely to get your bearings it’s better than making a last-second risky move. Enjoy the journey: sometimes a wrong turn in New York might lead you to a great pizza place in Brooklyn or a scenic overlook in the Adirondacks you didn’t expect. Safe travels and happy driving across the Empire State!
Frequently Asked Questions
In New York State, the minimum rental age is 18 years old (state law prohibits age discrimination in car rentals). However, drivers under 25 will pay a “young driver” surcharge. Renters 18-20 years old typically face a hefty surcharge (often around $50–$80 per day, varying by company), and those 21-24 usually pay a smaller underage fee (e.g. $20–$35/day). Additionally, under-25 renters may be limited to certain vehicle categories (economy through standard cars; usually no large SUVs, luxury cars, or specialty vehicles). At age 25, you can rent at the normal rates with all vehicle options open. Tip: If you’re 18-24, budget for the surcharge in your rental costs, and be prepared with a credit card in your name (most companies require a credit card for under-25 rentals, and some will not accept debit cards for young renters). Our booking process will clearly show any age-related fees and policies so there are no surprises. In summary: you can rent at 18 in New York (unlike many other states), but it will cost extra once you hit 25, those extra fees disappear.
Yes, New York has many toll roads, bridges, and tunnels especially around New York City and on the NY State Thruway system. Notable toll routes include the Thruway (I-87/I-90) which runs from NYC through Albany to Buffalo, the Garden State Parkway extension to NY, bridge crossings like the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and tunnels like the Lincoln and Holland into Manhattan. All tolls are electronic now (no cash collection). When you drive a rental car through a toll point, a camera will capture the license plate. There are a few ways to handle payment: • Rental’s Toll Program: Most rental companies offer an optional E-ZPass or toll service. For a daily fee (often ~$3–$5 for each day you actually incur a toll, capped at a certain amount per rental), your car will be equipped to pay tolls electronically. You then pay the tolls plus that service fee. This is convenient if you plan to hit multiple tolls, like driving around NYC or up the Thruway. • Pay by Mail (via Rental Company): If you don’t opt into a program, the toll will be billed to the rental company, who will then charge your credit card on file. They will usually add a processing fee for each toll or each rental. For example, they might charge the $15 toll + a ~$15 admin fee per occurrence. This can add up if you pass many tolls. • Using Your Own Transponder: If you happen to have your own E-ZPass transponder from another state, you can often use it in the rental. Just make sure the rental’s built-in toll device is disabled or not activated (ask at the counter how to do this; often it’s in a box you leave closed). Mount your transponder on the windshield and the tolls will charge to your account as normal (note: this works seamlessly as NY is part of the E-ZPass network). In summary, we suggest opting into the rental’s toll plan if you’ll be doing a lot of toll road driving it simplifies everything and avoids per-toll fees later. If you’re just doing one or two tolls, you can decline and let them bill you, but be aware of the fees. And definitely don’t drive through an “E-ZPass Only” lane without a plan there’s no way to throw cash, so you’ll be billed one way or another. All our rental partners will detail their toll policy in your agreement, and you can always ask us ahead of time for specifics.
Driving in downtown New York City (Manhattan) can be challenging for first-timers. The traffic is heavy nearly 24/7, street layouts (especially lower Manhattan) can be confusing, and parking is both scarce and expensive. If your plan is to stay only within Manhattan and hit the main tourist spots via subway or taxis, you might not need a car in fact, it could be more of a hassle than a help. However, if you plan to explore beyond Manhattan say, visiting outer boroughs like Queens, taking day trips to upstate NY or New Jersey, or if you’re coming with family and lots of luggage a car can be very convenient. Many visitors compromise by renting a car only for the portion of their trip when they’ll leave the city. For example, you could enjoy NYC car-free for a few days, then pick up a rental when you’re ready to drive to Niagara Falls or the Hamptons. We have many downtown rental locations to make this easy. If you do choose to drive in the city, try to avoid rush hour times, use a GPS to help navigate, and book a hotel with parking if possible. Also consider that you can park in cheaper garages in New Jersey or the outer boroughs and use transit to enter Manhattan to avoid driving in the densest traffic. In short: For pure NYC sightseeing, a car isn’t necessary. But for flexibility and side trips, renting a car is worth it just plan around the city’s quirks. And millions of people drive in NYC regularly, so it’s doable if you’re patient and alert. After a day or two, many of our renters say they get the hang of it!
Hotels in the heart of Manhattan often charge high overnight parking fees (ranging from $50 to $80 per night for valet parking). If you know you’ll have a car, it can be wise to choose accommodations with that in mind. Some tips: • Stay in New Jersey or Outer Boroughs: Many travelers stay just outside Manhattan for instance, in Long Island City, Queens or Downtown Brooklyn, where hotels might offer parking or have cheaper garages nearby, and you can take a quick subway ride into Manhattan. In New Jersey towns like Jersey City or Weehawken, hotels often have parking and you can ferry or train in to NYC. • Upper Manhattan/Outside Tourist Hubs: If you prefer Manhattan, consider hotels in areas like the Upper West Side or Upper East Side which sometimes have partnerships with local garages at a (slightly) lower cost than Times Square area. Also, New York Hilton Midtown or Grand Hyatt might have parking but expect to pay premium. • Hotels near Airports: If your plan is to use the car for regional trips and not much in the city, you might base yourself near a hub like Newark Airport or JFK Airport where hotels have free parking and take the train into the city for sightseeing days. Always check the hotel’s parking options and fees before booking. Some offer packages that include parking which can save money. And remember, if you’re not using the car on certain days, you could also use public parking garages which sometimes have better 24-hour rates than hotels. For example, garages in New Jersey by PATH train stations can be a bargain for day-long parking. Ultimately, a “car-friendly” NYC trip might mean staying slightly outside the congested core and taking advantage of New York’s excellent transit when heading into the center.
Yes! One of the great advantages of renting a car in New York is the freedom to drive across state lines within the US without issue. There are no border checkpoints between New York and neighboring states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, etc. Unlimited mileage is standard, so you won’t be charged extra for going extra distance. Many travelers from NYC drive to Washington D.C. or Boston, for example just a straightforward interstate road trip. If you plan to do a long one-way (like NYC to Los Angeles), that’s possible too, though a hefty drop fee would apply and you’d want to arrange that specifically. As for Canada: New York shares a border with Canada (Ontario and Quebec provinces). Many of our renters drive from Buffalo to Toronto or from Plattsburgh area to Montreal, for example. Most rental companies do allow their cars to be driven into Canada but you should inform the rental agent at pick-up that you intend to cross the border. They will typically provide a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card (proof of insurance) or ensure the registration is in order for international travel. Generally, there’s no extra charge for driving into Canada, as long as you return the car to a U.S. location. Just remember to bring your passport (and if applicable, Canadian visa or ETA) to cross the border. One thing not allowed is dropping off the U.S. rental car in Canada (one-way into Canada) that usually isn’t permitted by the companies, or if it is, it comes with very steep fees and limited locations. So plan to do a round-trip. Also, note that Canadian traffic laws and road signs might differ slightly (kilometers per hour, etc.), but it’s an easy transition. The car’s speedometer will have km/h markings as well. So yes, feel free to expand your trip you can drive a New York rental to New England, the Mid-Atlantic, or up to Canada. Just double-check with us or the rental counter for any paperwork needed, and enjoy the international adventure!
Beyond the obvious big attractions in NYC (Times Square, Statue of Liberty which you’d likely do without a car), having a car opens up a treasure trove of day trips and scenic drives throughout New York State. A few favorites include: • Niagara Falls: About a 6½ hour drive from NYC (or just 20 minutes from Buffalo), Niagara Falls is a world wonder you shouldn’t miss if you can help it. With a car, you can explore both the U.S. side (Maid of the Mist boat tours, Cave of the Winds) and easily drive across the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side for those panoramic views (just remember your passport!). The surrounding Niagara region also has beautiful drives, like the Niagara Parkway along the gorge. • Hudson Valley Castles & Vineyards: Drive an hour or two north of NYC into the Hudson Valley. Stops can include Sleepy Hollow (yes, of Washington Irving legend, with the famous cemetery and Rockefeller’s Kykuit estate), the stunning Storm King Art Center (an outdoor sculpture park near Cornwall), and West Point Military Academy’s Museum and grounds. Numerous wineries dot the valley (around New Paltz and Millbrook) perfect for a leisurely scenic drive with fall foliage or summer greenery as your backdrop. • Long Island Coastal Route: Take a drive from NYC eastward. First stop: Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II in Plymouth (oops, that’s Massachusetts skip that for NY!). Instead, head to Long Beach or Jones Beach for some surf and sand close to the city. Then continue to the Hamptons (Southampton, East Hampton) to see quaint villages and celebrity-favorite beaches. Finally, drive to Montauk Point at the very end of Long Island (about 120 miles from NYC) to visit Montauk Lighthouse and enjoy Atlantic Ocean views. It’s a classic summer road trip convertibles welcome! • Finger Lakes & Wine Country: For something in central NY drive through the Finger Lakes region. For instance, start in Ithaca (check out Ithaca’s waterfalls like Taughannock Falls), then drive up along Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake. You’ll find dozens of wineries (the Finger Lakes are known for Riesling wine) and charming small towns like Skaneateles or Geneva. With a car, you can hop between vineyard tastings, farm-to-table restaurants, and lakefront parks at your own pace. It’s especially great in summer and fall. • Adirondack Adventure: Head up the Northway (I-87) from Albany into the Adirondack Mountains. One iconic drive is to Lake Placid. You can actually drive up the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway (open late spring through fall) to near the summit of Whiteface Mountain offering an incredible view of the High Peaks region. Nearby, visit the Olympic sites in Lake Placid or take a detour to Saranac Lake. The roads wind past crystal lakes, dense forests, and cute mountain hamlets. In autumn, the foliage is breathtaking. It’s a part of New York many visitors miss without a car. • Cooperstown and the Scenic Byways: If you’re a baseball fan, a drive to Cooperstown (around 4 hours from NYC, 1½ from Albany) to see the National Baseball Hall of Fame is a pilgrimage. Even if you’re not huge on baseball, the drive through rural central New York via Route 28 off the Thruway is pure Americana: rolling hills, farms, and the shimmering Otsego Lake by Cooperstown. Nearby, you could visit the Ommegang Brewery for craft beer or explore the charming village of Cooperstown itself. All these spots (and more) become easily accessible with a car. New York packs a lot of history, nature, and culture in a single state. Take advantage of your wheels to see it all! Whether it’s a day trip or a weeklong road excursion, you’ll create your own unique New York memories beyond the usual tour bus route.
Yes unlimited mileage is standard on virtually all rentals we offer in New York. That means you can drive as much as you want, whether it’s 5 miles around the city or 500 miles on a road trip, and the rate won’t change. This is great for travelers planning to explore wide areas or do multi-day drives. On the rare exception that a vehicle has a mileage cap (for instance, some specialty or exotic cars or a unique one-way special might), we will clearly inform you before booking. But for typical car classes (economy, SUV, minivan, etc.), unlimited miles are included. So go ahead and enjoy that spontaneous detour or extra side trip without watching an odometer. Just remember: you’re responsible for the fuel used unlimited mileage doesn’t mean a free gas refill .