Ready to hit the road in NYC? Use the search form above to find your ideal car. Enter your New York City pick-up location (we serve all major points, including JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and convenient Manhattan locations), select your dates, and let our system compare real-time deals from multiple car rental companies across NYC. In seconds, you’ll see options for every need: compact cars for zipping through congested Midtown streets, SUVs for family trips to upstate New York, luxury vehicles for arriving at that business dinner in style, even passenger vans if you’ve got a group heading out to the Hamptons. Booking is fast and secure. Most rentals in NYC allow you to reserve now and pay later at pick-up, with free cancellation if your plans change. In just a few clicks, you’ll lock in the ideal ride for your New York adventure. With your wheels confirmed, you can focus on planning your must-see stops perhaps a drive out to Coney Island, a scenic ride up the Hudson Valley, or a shopping haul in New Jersey knowing your transportation is sorted.
Introduction: Welcome to New York City the “City That Never Sleeps,” where having a rental car means you can experience all five boroughs and the scenic escapes beyond on your schedule. NYC is a vibrant mix of iconic sights: one moment you’re navigating the bright lights of Times Square, and the next you could be cruising across the Brooklyn Bridge toward a beach on Long Island. With a rental car, you’re free to explore bustling Manhattan, the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, upstate mountains, or wherever the road calls you, without relying on train schedules or expensive rideshares. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in NYC. We’ve packed it with money-saving deals, local driving intel, and road trip ideas so you can hit the road with confidence. Whether you’re a visitor flying into JFK or LaGuardia (LGA) Airport, a business traveler shuttling between meetings in different boroughs, or a local planning a weekend escape from the city, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly and at a great price. Get ready to explore New York City and beyond, stress-free and affordably!
New York boasts an extensive public transit system (the subway and buses), but depending on your plans, having a car can be a game-changer for convenience and exploration. Here are some top reasons to consider getting your own set of wheels in NYC:
Of course, renting a car in NYC isn’t for everyone. If you’ll only be in Manhattan and plan to stick to one or two neighborhoods, you might not need a car parking can be pricey (more on that below) and traffic is often dense. But for flexibility, comfort, and unlocking the full New York experience, many visitors find a car invaluable. And locals? They rent from us too for weekend getaways or when they need extra wheels for a Costco run or a trip upstate. Read on to see how we make renting in NYC easy and advantageous.
Our New York City Car Rental Benefits
Why choose AirportVanRental for your NYC wheels? Simply put, we know New York and we leverage our nationwide network plus local partnerships to give you unbeatable value. Here are some perks of booking your New York City rental car with us:
Top New York City Car Rental Deals
(Note: “From” rates exclude optional add-ons and refueling costs. NYC rentals do include mandatory taxes and surcharges roughly 18% in combined taxes/fees plus a state $5/day rental surcharge which we show in your quote. Prices can fluctuate with season and demand; summer and holiday periods are peak, while winter months often see lower rates. Always search with your exact dates for the most accurate prices. We update this list frequently to reflect current deals.)
Driving in NYC: What to Know
Driving in New York City is an adventure in itself. You’ll experience everything from bumper-to-bumper Midtown traffic to wide parkways skirting the city skyline. To help you stay safe and stress-free, here are key NYC driving tips, rules, and quirks to be aware of:
Traffic & Rush Hours: It’s no secret that NYC traffic can be heavy. Weekday rush hours in Manhattan typically peak from about 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM (and around major job centers like Midtown and Wall Street). If possible, avoid driving into or through Manhattan during these times you could be crawling along at 5 mph. Also note, Friday afternoons year-round can see extra congestion as locals escape the city (especially heading east toward Long Island beaches in summer, or north toward upstate on holiday weekends). Use navigation apps with real-time traffic to find less congested routes or optimal driving times. And remember, traffic in NYC can be unpredictable an accident or one event can snarl a whole highway. Pack some patience and give yourself extra travel time, especially if you have a flight to catch or show to make.
City Driving & Parking: Manhattan’s street grid is orderly uptown, but downtown areas have winding, one-way streets and sudden lane changes stay alert. Driving in NYC means being assertive but not aggressive: use your turn signals, but be prepared that other drivers may not always “let” you merge (you sometimes have to inch in confidently). Be cautious of yellow cabs and Ubers making sudden stops or turns to pick up passengers. When it comes to parking, be prepared for a challenge. Street parking in Midtown or Downtown is extremely limited and often restricted (many streets require residential permits or have no parking during rush hours). Meters in Manhattan range from ~$4 to $7/hour depending on the area and good luck finding an open spot! Parking garages are plentiful but expensive, often $40–$60 per day in central areas. If you’re staying at a hotel, inquire about parking rates hotel valet can be $70+ a night. An insider tip: if you’re staying in the city and won’t need the car for a day or two, consider parking in a less expensive area and using transit in the interim. For example, some travelers park in New Jersey or in outer borough park-and-ride lots and take a train in, to avoid Manhattan parking headaches. Also, always read street signs carefully before leaving your car NYC has street cleaning rules (alternate side parking) usually once or twice a week, which require you to move your car for a few hours or risk a ticket.
Tolls & Cashless Tolling: New York City and the surrounding region have many toll bridges, tunnels, and highways, and virtually all of them are now cashless. This means as you drive through toll points, cameras will scan the license plate. If you have your own E-ZPass transponder (a common electronic toll device in the Northeast), definitely bring it it will work in NY and gives you discounted toll rates. If not, the toll will be billed to the car’s owner (the rental company) via the plate, and then passed on to you. Rental companies typically charge either a small daily fee to use their toll payment service or will bill you the toll plus an admin fee later. Check with your rental provider about their specific toll policy with AirportVanRental’s partners, you’ll often have the option to opt into a flat-rate toll program (convenient if you plan to hit many tolls each day) or just pay per toll. Major NYC-area tolls to be aware of: bridges/tunnels into Manhattan (e.g. George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Verrazzano Bridge) cost $10-$15 each way (higher for tunnels/bridges into Manhattan). Driving out to Long Island via certain parkways or the Throgs Neck/Whitestone Bridge also incurs tolls. Even the upstate New York State Thruway (I-87/I-90) is tolled on some stretches. Plan your route and expect these charges with unlimited mileage on your rental, feel free to roam, just budget a bit for tolls or opt for scenic local roads where possible. Tip: We’ll gladly advise on routes to minimize toll costs if you ask!
Unique NYC Rules & Tips: New York State follows typical U.S. road rules (drive on the right, seat belts mandatory, hands-free devices only while driving). However, NYC itself has some special rules. Most importantly: No right turn on red in New York City (unless a sign explicitly says it’s allowed). This is opposite of the rule in most of the U.S. Outside NYC, right-on-red after stop is generally legal, but within the five boroughs assume it’s prohibited to avoid a ticket. Another big one: Don’t “block the box.” This means do not enter an intersection unless you can fully clear it on the other side. If traffic is backed up and the light turns red while you’re stuck in the intersection, you’ll block cross-traffic NYPD issues tickets for this. You’ll often see “Don’t Block the Box Fine + Points” signs at busy junctions. Also be mindful of bus lanes (painted red on many avenues): during posted hours, only buses (and sometimes right-turning vehicles at intersections) may use those lanes cameras will ticket violators. Similarly, many streets have “truck routes” and parkway restrictions: commercial vehicles and trucks are not allowed on certain parkways (due to low bridges). If you rented a moving truck or cargo van, watch for those signs. For regular cars, this isn’t an issue, but it’s good to know if you plan to rent a larger van: stick to truck routes when specified.
Navigation & Low Emission Zones: Having a GPS or smartphone navigation is invaluable in NYC. It will help not only with directions but also warn about real-time issues. Keep in mind Manhattan’s street address logic (uptown street numbers increase as you go north) and that avenues can have multiple names (e.g. Avenue of the Americas is 6th Ave). New York does not currently have special low-emission zones or congestion charges (though congestion pricing for Manhattan below 60th Street is approved and may start soon). If it’s implemented, driving into the heart of Manhattan during peak hours could incur an additional fee (expected around $15). We recommend checking the latest on NYC congestion pricing if your travels will take you into Midtown or Lower Manhattan on weekdays and consider timing your drives outside peak hours to avoid both traffic and any potential charge.
Seasonal Driving Considerations: New York experiences all four seasons, and each poses its own driving perks and challenges. Summer can mean heavy traffic on getaway routes (e.g. Fridays heading toward Long Island beaches or upstate lakes). It can also bring sudden thunderstorms if streets flood, try to avoid driving through deep water. Autumn is a fantastic time to drive (fall foliage upstate is gorgeous) but watch for wet leaves on roadways which can be slick. Winter in NYC brings occasional snow and ice. The city is quite efficient at plowing main roads, but during and right after a snowstorm, driving requires caution. If visiting in winter, allow extra time, drive slowly on snow/ice, and consider renting an AWD vehicle for added stability though standard all-season tires are usually sufficient on NYC roads that are quickly cleared. Spring can bring rain; remember the rule: wipers on = headlights on (New York law requires headlights whenever conditions require windshield wipers). One more winter tip: NYC enforces “snow emergency” rules on certain streets basically no parking on designated snow routes during heavy snowfall to allow plows through. If a big storm is forecast, pay attention to news or city announcements if you’ve parked on-street.
Pedestrians & Cyclists: New York is a city of walkers and cyclists. Pedestrians often jaywalk (cross mid-block or against signals), especially in Manhattan be ready for people stepping off curbs unexpectedly. Legally, you must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (marked or unmarked) when they have right of way. In practice, drive defensively and assume someone might cross even if you have a green light, especially turning from a street onto a busy avenue. Cyclists are also everywhere now, thanks to bike lanes and bike-share. Many bike lanes run next to parked cars or between traffic lanes and the curb watch for cyclists before turning or opening car doors (the “Dutch reach” technique, using your far hand to open the door, forces you to look back for bikes). Give bicycles at least 3 feet of space when passing and remember they might be faster than cars in gridlock, so check your mirrors frequently. By driving attentively and respectfully, you’ll safely share NYC’s streets with its many non-drivers.
Now that you’ve got the rundown on NYC driving, let’s dive into some exciting possibilities your rental car opens up check out these road trip ideas from New York City and the FAQs that follow for more local insights!
Road Trip Ideas from New York City, NY
New York City isn’t just a destination it’s also a perfect launching pad for diverse road trips. With your rental car, you can swap skyscrapers for mountains, or trading concrete for coastline in just a couple of hours. Here are three unique road trip itineraries, tailored to start in NYC:
1. Hudson Valley & Catskills Scenic Escape Route: NYC ➜Bear Mountain State Park➜Hudson Valley wineries (around New Paltz) ➜Catskill Mountains (Woodstock area) ➜ back to NYC (loop ~250 miles).
Highlights: Head north out of the city on the scenic Palisades Parkway along the Hudson River. In about an hour you’ll reach Bear Mountain State Park, an oasis of greenery where you can drive up Perkins Memorial Drive for a panoramic view of the Hudson Highlands. Next, cross the river at the Bear Mountain Bridge and follow US-9W/Route 9 through quaint Hudson Valley towns. Stop in New Paltz, a charming college town with a historic Huguenot Street and access to the Shawangunk Mountains if you’re into hiking or rock climbing, this area is a must (check out Minnewaska State Park for a short hike to a waterfall). Treat yourself to a tasting at a local winery or cidery; the Hudson Valley is one of the country’s oldest wine regions (try Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, operating since 1839!). Continue west into the Catskill Mountains via Route 28. You’ll arrive in the Woodstock / Phoenicia area in about 2 hours from NYC yes, Woodstock is a real town, known for its artsy vibe and 1969 music festival namesake (which actually took place elsewhere). In Woodstock, browse eclectic shops and galleries, or drive a bit further to Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York’s tallest waterfalls (a short hike from the road). The Catskills offer scenic byways, so enjoy the winding mountain roads, especially beautiful in autumn with fiery foliage. On your return, you can loop back via the NYS Thruway (I-87) for a faster ride home (approx. 2 hours back to NYC from Woodstock).
Pro Tip: The Hudson Valley and Catskills are best in fall (late September through October) for leaf-peeping but that’s also when roads and B&Bs are busiest, especially on weekends. To beat traffic, consider a weekday trip or start early in the morning. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal farm stands along Route 9 and 9W; in summer you can grab fresh peaches or sweet corn, and in autumn, hot apple cider and cider donuts are a must! Parking in small towns like New Paltz and Woodstock can be tight on weekends look for municipal lots or street parking on side streets (read signs for any permit requirements).
2. Long Island Beach Hop to the Hamptons Route: NYC ➜Fire Island (Ocean Beach)➜The Hamptons (Southampton & Montauk) ➜ back to NYC (one-way east ~120 miles, then same route back).
Highlights: Craving some sand and surf? Drive east out of Manhattan on the Long Island Expressway (I-495). In under 1.5 hours (if you avoid rush hour) you can reach the ferry points for Fire Island, a narrow barrier island famous for its pristine beaches and car-free communities. Park at Sayville or Patchogue and catch a ferry to Ocean Beach or Cherry Grove for a few hours these charming beach towns have boardwalks, no cars, and a laid-back vibe (ferries run frequently in summer; you won’t take the car over, so it’s a walking adventure). After getting your fill of sun, continue driving east onto “The Island.” Soon you’ll hit the famed Hamptons a string of upscale villages and beaches. In Southampton, you can admire mansions of the rich and famous, shop boutiques on Main Street, or detour to Cooper’s Beach for a swim. Further east is East Hampton (more gorgeous beaches and eateries try a lobster roll at a local shack!). Finally, drive to Montauk, at the very tip of Long Island (about 3 hours from NYC if driving direct, longer with stops). Montauk offers a more rugged, chill vibe climb up the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse (the oldest in NY, commissioned by George Washington) and watch waves crash where the Atlantic meets Block Island Sound. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, especially at sunset.
Pro Tip: Summer weekend traffic to the Hamptons is legendary plan accordingly. If possible, avoid driving out on Friday afternoon or back on Sunday evening. For a weekend trip, leaving very early Saturday morning or late Friday after the rush can save hours. Many Hampton beaches require parking permits for non-residents in summer; look for public beaches or those with day passes (e.g., Coopers Beach has a daily fee for visitors). Also, note that Fire Island is accessible by ferry only choose one town to visit and enjoy a car-free interlude (pack a beach bag!). If you stay overnight in the Hamptons or Montauk, book lodgings well in advance for summer. And don’t forget sunscreen Long Island sun can be strong, especially with ocean reflection.
3. Epic Upstate New York Road Trip Route: NYC ➜Corning➜Finger Lakes (Watkins Glen & Seneca Lake)➜Niagara Falls➜ back to NYC (loop ~800 miles, recommend 3-5 days).
Highlights: Ready for a longer adventure? This itinerary showcases the best of upstate New York’s nature and history. Day 1, depart NYC heading northwest on I-80/I-380/I-81 (or I-87 to I-90) about 4-5 hours to Corning in the Finger Lakes region. In Corning, visit the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can see amazing glass art and even try glassblowing, and stroll Market Street in this quaint town. Continue north to Watkins Glen State Park at the foot of Seneca Lake (about 1 hour from Corning). Watkins Glen is famed for its dramatic gorge a trail of stone steps winds past 19 waterfalls in less than 2 miles! After a hike, reward yourself at one of the Seneca Lake wineries or breweries (the Finger Lakes region is known for Riesling wines). Overnight around Watkins Glen or Geneva. Day 2, follow scenic Route 14 up along Seneca Lake, then head west through the Finger Lakes. You might stop in Canandaigua or Skaneateles, pretty lakeside towns great for lunch or a boat tour. Continue on I-90 west towards Niagara Falls, roughly 2.5 hours from the Finger Lakes. Aim to reach Niagara Falls by late afternoon. Witnessing Niagara’s sheer power is a bucket-list experience: you can view the Falls from viewing platforms on the U.S. side at Niagara Falls State Park, and cross the Rainbow Bridge (on foot or by car) into Canada for a different perspective (just remember your passport!). Don’t miss the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride or Journey Behind the Falls (poncho provided prepare to get wet!). In the evening, the falls are illuminated in colors, and there are often fireworks on summer nights. Day 3, drive back to NYC (approximately 6.5 hours direct via I-90/I-87 from Niagara) or take a more leisurely route with a stop in Cooperstown (home of the Baseball Hall of Fame) or Albany, the state capital, on the way.
Pro Tip: This trip covers a lot of ground consider splitting it into several days. If you have extra time, spend a full day in the Finger Lakes to enjoy more wineries or rent a boat on Keuka Lake. Also, when visiting Niagara Falls, check the border wait times if you plan to pop into Canada; sometimes the lines to return to the U.S. can be 30+ minutes, so allocate time accordingly. Most major rental car companies allow driving into Canada without issue, but always verify with your rental agreement and carry your passport. As for tolls: you’ll encounter some on I-90 (NYS Thruway) and likely a toll for crossing back from Canada if you go that way. Finally, fuel up where it’s cheap gas prices in upstate NY are often lower than NYC’s. This road trip is ambitious but incredibly rewarding you’ll see roaring falls, serene lakes, and charming towns all in one loop.
These are just a few of the many road trips you can enjoy starting from New York City. Whether you’re into mountain hikes, beach relaxation, small-town charm, or major attractions, a short drive unlocks a new world beyond the city limits. The beauty of NYC’s location is that you can be in six different states within a 5-hour drive (NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, VT even Canada!) So take advantage of your rental car, and happy driving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly, but it depends on the rental company and location. Most major rental locations in NYC (especially at JFK and LaGuardia airports) prefer a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. A credit card makes the process smoother, as the agency will hold an authorized amount (say $200-$500) which simply releases after the car is returned. If you only have a debit card, some companies will allow it but often impose additional requirements: they may run a credit check, require proof of travel (like a return flight itinerary if renting at an airport), or ask for additional forms of ID. Additionally, using a debit card could mean the rental company charges the deposit amount (actually withdrawing the funds) rather than just holding it. Note that renters under 25 might not be able to use a debit card at all in NYC. Always check the payment policy in advance AirportVanRental’s booking process will usually indicate if a credit card is required at that location. Tip: Whichever card you use, make sure it has enough available limit/funds for the deposit and rental cost. And if using a debit card, be prepared for that hold to tie up your money for a week or so (banks can take a few days to release the hold after you return the car).
Yes, the NYC area has numerous toll roads, tunnels, and bridges. Notable ones include the Lincoln & Holland Tunnels (to New Jersey), George Washington Bridge, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel (Hugh Carey Tunnel), and the bridges on the edges of the city like the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (Staten Island) and Throgs Neck/Whitestone Bridges (to Long Island). All tolls are cashless there are no toll booths where you can pay by cash. Instead, they use the E-ZPass system or toll-by-mail cameras. For your rental: if you have an E-ZPass of your own, you can usually use it in the rental car (just make sure it’s properly mounted and linked to your account). Otherwise, the rental company will have its toll program. Typically, the car will be registered for toll-by-plate when you drive through, the toll gets charged to the rental company. They will then charge your card on file. Many of our partners charge either: a small daily fee (e.g. ~$3-5/day) for any day you incur a toll, plus the actual toll amounts, or a flat rate per rental for toll coverage. This varies, so check your rental agreement or ask at pick-up. One thing to avoid: don’t attempt to evade tolls or drive through an E-ZPass lane without a transponder thinking you won’t be charged the cameras will get you, and the rental company’s processing fee on an unpaid toll by mail can be higher than their normal program fee. So it’s best to opt in to their toll service or use your own. We explain all toll charges upfront, so you’ll know the drill. If you’re doing a lot of driving out of the city (e.g. a trip upstate via the Thruway), it’s definitely worth having that toll coverage. If you plan to stick within Manhattan and central areas, you might not hit any tolls at all (since driving within NYC boroughs is toll-free, it’s the bridges/tunnels to leave Manhattan or the city that cost money).
Driving in Manhattan can be challenging for newcomers the traffic is dense, drivers can be assertive, and parking is costly. If your plan is to spend most of your time in Manhattan (visiting attractions like Times Square, Central Park, museums, etc.) and you’re staying in a central hotel, you might not need a car for those days. You could rely on walking, the subway, and taxis, and perhaps only rent a car for the portion of your trip when you’ll venture outside the city center. In fact, many visitors choose to pick up a rental on the day they’re leaving Manhattan to drive elsewhere, so they avoid the hassle and expense of parking in the city. That said, if you are comfortable with city driving and want the convenience, it’s doable. Just be prepared for one-way streets and possibly spending time hunting for a garage. Also factor in your hotel’s parking situation some don’t have on-site parking and you’d use a nearby garage. If you’re staying outside Manhattan (say, in Queens, Brooklyn, or New Jersey suburbs) and plan to commute in, a car can be more practical. Overall: for solely Manhattan tourism, a car is often more trouble than it’s worth; for anything beyond, a rental car becomes very useful. The good news is our NYC rental locations give you flexibility you could, for example, enjoy Manhattan car-free for a few days, then pick up your vehicle from a midtown location the morning you’re headed on a road trip. Best of both worlds!
Gasoline prices in New York tend to be higher than the national average, thanks to taxes and the cost of doing business in the region. As of 2025, in the NYC metro area you might see roughly $3.50–$4.00 per gallon for regular unleaded (it can be even higher in Manhattan due to limited gas stations often $4+). Upstate New York gas is a bit cheaper than in the city. We recommend refueling in New Jersey if you happen to pass through NJ often has lower prices and it’s full-service (attendant pumps for you). Regarding your rental: most rentals come with a full tank, and you’re expected to return it full to avoid charges. So yes, plan to top off the tank before you drop off the car. If you don’t, the rental company will charge a higher per-gallon rate to fill it (sometimes double the pump price). Some rentals allow you to prepay for a tank at pick-up that can be convenient if you know you’ll be pressed for time on return, but you’ll be paying for a full tank regardless of what’s left. We generally advise stopping at a gas station within 5-10 miles of your return location to fill up. Pro tip: Gas stations in Manhattan are very scarce; if returning a car in the city, consider filling up in Queens or New Jersey before coming into Manhattan. For example, if returning at JFK or LGA, plenty of stations are near those airports. If returning downtown, there are a few stations on 10th/11th Ave in Manhattan. Use Google Maps or ask us for the nearest gas station to your drop-off.
Both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) have excellent car rental facilities and a wide selection of vehicles. The “better” one really depends on your travel plans. JFK is a larger international airport with most major rental brands on-site (accessible via AirTrain to the Federal Circle rental car center). It tends to have more inventory meaning you might find slightly lower rates or more specialty vehicles at JFK, especially in off-peak times. LGA is smaller and closer to Manhattan (only about 8 miles from midtown versus 15+ miles from JFK). LGA’s rental car counters are in-terminal or in adjacent lots via shuttle, and also offer all major brands. If you’re staying in Manhattan, LGA is a shorter drive (30-45 minutes in normal traffic, whereas JFK is easily 1 hour+). However, JFK might be more convenient if you’re heading to Long Island or coming from an international flight. Pro tip: Compare prices at both if you have a choice of arriving airport occasionally one may have cheaper rentals due to demand differences. Also consider traffic: LaGuardia’s proximity is great, but it’s located in Queens with direct routes into the city; JFK is further but right off major highways (Belt Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway). Ultimately, you can’t go wrong AirportVanRental serves both airports (and Newark EWR too, if needed). Choose the airport that fits your flight plans and we’ll ensure a smooth rental experience either way.