Touch down at LGA and ready to roll? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at LaGuardia Airport. Enter your travel dates and choose “New York LaGuardia (LGA)” as your pick-up location. In seconds, you’ll see offers from all major car rental companies serving LGA, plus local options. Filter by vehicle type, passenger count, or price to zero in on exactly what you need whether it’s a compact car for city errands or a 12-passenger van for a group excursion upstate, we’ve got you covered.
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Car Rental Your Gateway to NYC & Beyond on Wheels
LaGuardia Airport’s rental car pick-up areas are accessed via free shuttle buses from each terminal, making it easy to get on the road quickly. Welcome to LaGuardia (LGA), New York City’s bustling domestic airport and your convenient starting point for exploring the Big Apple and surrounding regions. Renting a car at LGA gives you the freedom to travel anywhere from Manhattan’s attractions to scenic upstate escapes on your own timetable. This page is your go-to guide for securing an affordable LGA car rental without hassle. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with insider advice on navigating LaGuardia’s rental process and NYC driving, so you can grab the keys with confidence, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer.
Pro Tip: LaGuardia is close to Manhattan (about 8 miles), but there’s no direct train from the airport if you value convenience, renting a car means you can skip multiple transfers. It’s also ideal if you plan side trips outside NYC (like Bear Mountain or Long Island), where public transit won’t easily take you.
Why book with AirportVanRental? We make it fast, easy, and budget-friendly:
Why Rent a Car at LaGuardia Airport?
LaGuardia is primarily a domestic airport, just a stone’s throw from Manhattan. While some travelers rely on taxis or buses, renting a car at LGA can be a game-changer depending on your plans. Here’s why grabbing a car at LaGuardia often makes sense:
Door-to-Door Convenience: LaGuardia has no direct rail link public transit to Manhattan involves a bus to the subway, which can be cumbersome with luggage. And rideshares or cabs can be pricey during peak times. With a rental car, you hop on a shuttle to the rental lot and then drive straight to your destination. No transfers, no surge pricing, no crowded shuttles. For families or business travelers on tight schedules, this ease is golden.
Explore Beyond the City: Many visitors to NYC also want to venture beyond the five boroughs. Maybe it’s a day trip to charming Beacon or Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley, a weekend at a Catskills cabin, or visiting family in New Jersey or Long Island. These places are tough (or impossible) to reach on public transit in a timely way. A rental car from LGA gives you the freedom to turn your NYC trip into a broader adventure you can have breakfast in Manhattan and by afternoon be hiking at Bear Mountain or relaxing on a Long Island winery tour.
Ideal for Tri-State Travels: If your trip involves multiple stops around the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT), a car is often the most efficient. Let’s say you fly into LGA to visit a friend in Westchester, have a meeting in northern New Jersey, and want to see Yale in Connecticut doing that with trains and buses would be a logistical puzzle. With a car, you can string together all your plans seamlessly. LaGuardia’s location in Queens right off highways like the Grand Central Parkway makes it a convenient starting point to drive in any direction.
Flexible Schedule: Flights into LGA can be delayed or rescheduled (especially in winter or during summer thunderstorms). When you rent a car, you’re not bound to a train timetable or bus schedule. If your flight arrives late at night, you don’t have to worry if the last bus has left your rental car is on your schedule. Likewise, if you want to leave the city at dawn to beat traffic or return from a day trip after midnight, you can. 24/7 mobility means New York truly never sleeps for you.
Comfort & Cargo: Driving in your own space means climate control, your music, and room for all your stuff. This is a big plus if you’re hauling a lot of luggage or equipment. Coming for a convention with banners and boxes? Or perhaps you’re a musician bringing instruments? A rental SUV or van from LGA makes transporting gear easy. Public transit with five suitcases or bulky items is a nightmare a car simplifies that greatly.
In short, while Manhattan itself is famously navigable by foot and subway, having a rental car at LaGuardia opens up possibilities far beyond Times Square. It’s your ticket to see the real New York region on your own terms, whether that’s cruising down the West Side Highway at midnight with the skyline twinkling, or finding a hidden waterfall in the Catskills at noon the next day.
Our LaGuardia Car Rental Advantages
Booking your LGA car through AirportVanRental means you’re set up for success from the get-go. Here’s how we elevate your LaGuardia rental experience:
Best LGA Rates, Always: We know price is key. LaGuardia’s rental rates can fluctuate based on demand (business travel peaks, holidays, etc.), but we continuously scan across all LGA rental providers to highlight the cheapest options. By aggregating deals from multiple companies, including any discounts we’ve negotiated, you’ll see rates here that often beat what you’d get going direct. If another site or the rental counter somehow shows a lower price for the same car/terms, let us know we’ll match or beat it. Our mission is to make sure you’re not overpaying to drive out of LGA.
City-Friendly Vehicle Selection: Thanks to our wide network, you’ll find the right car for your New York plans. Compact cars and midsize sedans are popular for city driving easy to park on NYC streets and we have plenty of those. Need something bigger? We specialize in vans, so you’ll find 7-passenger minivans or 12-passenger vans that are perfect if you’re a group headed maybe to a wedding or on a college tour. Want a luxury ride to make an impression? We often list premium cars (think BMW, Audi) for those business meetings in Manhattan. And if you’re environmentally conscious, ask about hybrids or EVs New York has a growing number of charging stations especially in the suburbs. Whatever your preference, our selection at LGA won’t disappoint.
No Hidden “NY” Fees: Renting at LGA comes with standard fees (airport concession, state surcharges), but we believe in transparency. We include all mandatory fees in your quote upfront. Did you know? LaGuardia’s rentals have a concession fee (~11%) and New York’s higher sales tax (~8.875%), plus usually a nominal NY state vehicle licensing fee. We show these clearly, so the price you see online is the price you pay at the counter (aside from any optional add-ons you choose). No one likes coming home to a higher credit card charge than expected book with us and you’ll know exactly what your rental will cost.
Book Now, Pay Later: Most of our LaGuardia deals don’t require prepayment. This means you can reserve that great rate as soon as you see it, but not be charged until pick-up. Plans change? No worries, you’re not out of pocket. And if you find a better deal later, you can cancel (free in most cases up to 48 hours prior) and rebook. This flexibility sets us apart from some competitors that lock you in with non-refundable bookings.
Local Know-How & Support: We don’t just list cars we’re travel folks who know this area. Stuck deciding between driving through Manhattan or taking the Cross Bronx? We can advise. Not sure how tolls work on the RFK Bridge? We have that info (and it’s also in our driving tips below!). If any issue arises say you need to extend your rental, or you got a parking ticket and need advice our customer support is ready to help 24/7. We can liaise with the rental company on your behalf or give you local guidance. Consider us your ally from the moment you start your search to the moment you return your wheels.
One-Way Flexibility: Flying into LGA but out of JFK or Newark? Or maybe you’re picking up at LaGuardia and dropping off in Boston or Philadelphia? Through us, many rental partners allow hassle-free one-way rentals. Just choose a different drop-off location when booking. We’ll clearly indicate any drop fee. Given New York’s multiple airports and its proximity to other major cities, one-way rentals are pretty common and we make it straightforward to arrange. (Detailed one-way info is also in the FAQ section.)
Top LGA Car Rental Deals
(Note: “From” daily rates exclude taxes/fees. Roughly 18–20% in taxes and surcharges will be added at LGA, including NYC sales tax and airport concession fees our online quotes show the total with these included. Prices can vary with seasons: summer and holidays may be higher due to demand, while winter (aside from holiday weeks) often sees lower rates. Always search for your exact dates to see current deals. And remember, booking early usually gets you the best price!)
Navigating LaGuardia Airport’s Car Rentals
Picking up your rental at LGA is a bit different from some airports because LaGuardia doesn’t have a single consolidated rental center building. But don’t worry it’s still simple. Here’s how it works:
Terminal Pickup via Shuttles: LaGuardia has multiple terminals (A, B, C, and D although recent renovations merged some, effectively terminals are A, B, C now). All rental car companies operate shuttle buses from the terminals to their off-site locations nearby. When you arrive, follow the signs for “Rental Car Shuttle Pickup.” For example, at Terminal B (the central new terminal), you’d go to Level 1 arrivals and look for the green signs that indicate rental car shuttles. Each company (or sometimes a group of companies) has a designated shuttle stop. Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal) and Terminal C have similar signed pickup zones at arrivals. Airport staff can also guide you if unsure.
Boarding the Shuttle: Commonly, brands like Enterprise, Alamo, National share a shuttle. Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty might share another, and Avis/Budget another. These shuttles are usually branded with logos and run every few minutes. Once you’re at the curb, you might see electronic boards or simply wave down the shuttle for your company when it arrives (they circulate continuously). The shuttle ride from LaGuardia terminals to the rental lots is short typically 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic around the airport. LaGuardia’s shuttles pick up right at the curb, so you won’t have to go far from baggage claim.
At the Rental Location: Unlike JFK’s single facility, at LGA each rental company has its own location, mostly along or near Astoria Blvd and Marine Terminal Road just outside the airport. The shuttle will take you directly there. When you arrive at, say, Enterprise/National’s lot or Hertz’s lot, you’ll head into their office or trailer to do the paperwork. This is where having a reservation speeds things up you’re expected, so it’s just license, credit card, and signature, and you’re on your way. Have your documents ready (license, credit card, reservation number). Lines at LGA locations vary; often they’re short because flights are staggered, but peak times (early morning or evening) could have a few people waiting. Generally, though, these off-site locations are used to quick turnarounds (they know you want to get going).
Getting Your Car: After check-in, an agent will either escort you to your vehicle or point you in the right direction on the lot. Do a quick inspection of the car note any pre-existing damage (the lots are usually well-lit and agents often walk around the car with you by habit). Set up your mirrors, GPS, etc. Exiting the lot is usually directly onto a main road (likely Astoria Boulevard or 23rd Ave depending on company). They’ll often give you directions to get back to the highways. For example, from most rental lots near LaGuardia, you’ll be guided to the Grand Central Parkway or Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) within a couple of minutes of driving.
Returning to LGA: We’ll cover detailed return instructions later, but note that you will return the car to the same location you picked it up (unless you arranged a one-way). From there, you’ll take the company’s shuttle back to your LGA terminal. Allow a little extra time for this shuttle ride when heading to your flight, as traffic around LaGuardia can sometimes cause delays.
Note: LaGuardia’s recent redevelopment means road layouts and pickup spots occasionally shift. But as of now, rental shuttles pick up at each terminal’s designated area just follow signs for rental cars when you arrive. If ever in doubt, ask an airport employee or one of the many customer service reps in the baggage area LGA staff are quite helpful, and they know the drill that many visitors need the rental shuttles.
Early & Late Arrivals at LGA: Timing Considerations
LaGuardia sees a lot of flights mostly between 6 AM and midnight. If you arrive very early or very late, here’s what to expect:
Bottom line: While LGA doesn’t operate 24/7 like JFK, the rental agencies are quite accustomed to the flight schedule. If you’re arriving on one of the last flights of the night, staff typically stick around to serve customers with bookings. Always good to provide flight details when you book so they’re aware.
Returning Your Rental Car at LGA
When it’s time to return your car to LaGuardia, a little preparation will make the process smooth:
Follow Directions to Your Rental Company’s Location: Unlike airports with a single return garage, at LGA you’ll return to the same off-site lot you picked up from. As you approach New York City or Queens, follow your GPS to your rental company’s address (usually included in your contract or easily found on their website). There will also be some “Rental Car Return [Company Name]” signs when you get very close to LaGuardia’s perimeter. Most rental lots cluster around LaGuardia’s eastern side. For example, Avis/Budget are along 23rd Avenue, Hertz is on Ditmars Blvd, Enterprise/National/Alamo on Marine Terminal Road, etc. Give yourself a few extra minutes if driving at peak times, as the highways near LGA (GCP and BQE) can be slow.
Fuel Up Nearby: Like any rental, you’ll want to fill the tank before returning if your agreement is full-to-full. There are several gas stations within a mile or two of LGA. Notably, there’s a Shell station on Astoria Boulevard at 31st Street, and a BP and Exxon on Northern Boulevard a bit south of the airport. Another option is a Mobil on LaGuardia Boulevard near the airport entrance. Prices in Queens are usually a bit lower than Manhattan, but maybe slightly higher than out-of-city still, it’s far cheaper than paying the rental company’s fuel rates. Our tip: fill up 5-10 miles out (maybe when you hit Queens coming from upstate or Long Island) so you’re not hunting last second. And keep that receipt just in case.
At the Rental Lot: Drive into your rental company’s return entrance. An attendant will direct you or there will be clear signage to the return lane. These off-site locations are smaller than a huge airport garage, so it’s usually obvious where to go. Park where instructed and wait for the attendant to do a quick inspection. They’ll check fuel and mileage and glance for new damage. Because you’re at a small lot, this tends to be quick there aren’t dozens of returns happening at once typically. Once done, you’ll receive a final receipt or confirmation of return (sometimes emailed to you if you prefer).
Shuttle Back to Terminals: The same shuttle that brought you here will take you back to LaGuardia’s terminals. Let the staff know which terminal you need. For instance, Terminal B (Southwest, United, etc.) or Terminal C (Delta’s main terminal). They often coordinate shuttles on demand if a few of you returned cars at the same time and are heading to Terminal B, one shuttle will go there, etc. During busy times, shuttles loop continuously every few minutes. In early morning, if you’re one of the first returns of the day, you might ask them to call a shuttle if one isn’t already waiting. The ride to the terminals from the rental area is just 5-10 minutes but factor in traffic. If it’s rush hour or there’s construction (LGA is famous for its construction projects, though much is completed now), give a little buffer.
Time to Allow: We recommend arriving at the rental return at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight (which is more than the usual 2, to account for shuttle time and any possible wait). If it’s very early and you already have a boarding pass, 2 hours might suffice. But for peace of mind: for a 5 PM flight, be at the rental lot by 2:30 PM latest. That way, even if a shuttle is busy or you just missed one, you’ll still get to your terminal by around 3:00-3:15, through security in time. Many people cut it closer, but New York traffic is unpredictable, so we err on the safe side.
After-Hours Return: If you need to drop the car when the rental office is closed (say a 4 AM dropoff for a 6 AM flight), most LGA rental locations allow after-hours returns. The procedure is typically: park in the returns area, drop keys and contract in a secure drop box at the office. Since you then can’t take their shuttle (no staff driving at 4 AM), you’d need to arrange a taxi or ridehail from the rental lot to your terminal (which in the pre-dawn hours shouldn’t be hard or long it’s a 5-min ride). However, check with the rental company some might not allow unattended drops due to the lot’s security. Always verify if after-hours returns are allowed at that LGA location. If not, you might have to return during open hours or pay an extra day. Generally, though, the big companies do have drop boxes.
New York Driving Tips: From LaGuardia into the City & Suburbs
Driving out of LaGuardia puts you right in the mix of NYC traffic. Whether you’re heading into Manhattan or out towards the quieter outskirts, keep these tips in mind to navigate like a local:
Know Your Exits: LaGuardia sits next to the Grand Central Parkway (GCP), a main artery of Queens. If you’re going to Manhattan, you’ll likely take GCP West which turns into the Triborough Bridge (RFK Bridge) (toll) into Manhattan or Harlem. If you’re heading to Long Island or Eastern Queens, you’d take GCP East which becomes the Northern State Parkway. For northbound to upstate or the Bronx/Westchester, you might use I-278 (BQE) north to the Whitestone Bridge or follow signs from GCP to I-87. It sounds like alphabet soup, but signs are pretty good around LGA. Just be prepared for quick merges the exit from LaGuardia onto GCP comes fast and often there’s traffic.
Traffic Patterns: As mentioned for JFK, NYC’s rush hours are no joke. From LGA, morning traffic (7-9am) heading west/south into Manhattan or Brooklyn will be heavy. The GCP toward the RFK Bridge can back up starting as early as 6:30 AM on weekdays. Similarly, afternoon (4-7pm) traffic heading east/north out of the city can make the approach to LGA slow (notorious on Fridays when people leave work early and jam the roads). Use a traffic app for real-time routing sometimes taking local roads for a stretch (like Astoria Blvd or Northern Blvd) can save time if the highway is a parking lot.
Queens and Bronx Driving: If you’re not used to city driving, Queens and Bronx roads can feel chaotic. Multiple lanes, short on-ramps, and aggressive drivers abound. Stay calm and assertive. Use your turn signal and don’t be afraid to nudge into a lane New Yorkers might not wave you in politely, but they’ll begrudgingly give space if you’re decisive. Do watch out for a lot of lane-splitting by taxis and sometimes delivery guys on bikes. And note: some parkways (like the Grand Central Parkway or Henry Hudson Parkway) ban commercial vehicles and trucks this won’t affect you unless you rented a moving truck or very large van, but just FYI if you see signs like “Passenger Cars Only.” Your rental is fine on all these roads.
Bridges and Tunnels: From LGA, many routes involve a bridge or tunnel (all Manhattan crossings south of 125th Street have tolls except the Queensboro/59th St Bridge which is free but dumps you into midtown traffic). The RFK Bridge (to Manhattan or Bronx) has a toll ($10 via cashless). The Queens-Midtown Tunnel into Manhattan is toll ($10) as well. These tolls are cashless as mentioned so make sure to use your rental’s toll pass or be prepared for the bill later. Also, be aware of HOV lanes on bridges e.g., the Queens-Midtown Tunnel has an HOV lane approach for 3+ passengers that can save time if you qualify.
Navigating Manhattan from LGA: If you’re heading to Manhattan from LaGuardia, you have a couple of main options:
Toll Tips Specific to LGA Routes: If heading north to upstate or New England, you might take the Whitestone Bridge or Throgs Neck Bridge (both toll) into the Bronx. If heading to New Jersey, you’ll likely take the George Washington Bridge (upper Manhattan) or go via Manhattan to a tunnel. All these are cashless tolls now. The rental EZ-Pass daily fee often pays for itself even with one round-trip because tolls are expensive here. For example, GWB is ~$16 (only westbound is charged). So lean towards opting in on toll coverage if doing any significant driving around.
Parking in the Outer Boroughs: Outside Manhattan, street parking becomes more feasible but still check signs. Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods often have alternate-side rules and some have residential permit zones (rare in NYC outside of certain areas, but it’s increasing in some crowded neighborhoods near transit hubs). LaGuardia itself if you plan to leave your car and go into the city, note that LGA has expensive parking, so better to park in the city or at a cheaper lot in Queens and transit in. But likely you’ll keep the car with you.
Be Wary of Cameras and Rules: NYC aggressively enforces traffic rules with cameras. Speed limit on most NYC streets is 25 mph. There are speed cameras in school zones (which are many) that operate during daytime they will ticket you for going 36 in a 25, for instance. Red-light cameras will snap if you run a red. Bus lanes in Manhattan and parts of Queens/Brooklyn are camera enforced don’t drive or stop in bus-only lanes during restricted hours (marked by signs, often painted red). Also, do not block the crosswalk or “the box” at intersections it’s illegal to enter an intersection if you can’t clear it by the time the light turns red. NYPD occasionally does stings for blocking the box, which can result in a hefty fine.
Driving to Other Boroughs/Airports: If you’re planning to drive from LGA to, say, JFK Airport (maybe you arrive LGA, depart JFK), allocate at least 30-45 minutes; you’ll take the Van Wyck or Cross Island depending on route, and traffic around JFK can jam up. To Newark Airport (EWR), allow 45-60+ minutes; you have to cross Manhattan or go around via bridges lots of tolls (RFK + GW Bridge or tunnels through the city). It’s doable, just watch traffic reports (and perhaps avoid peak Manhattan times or use peripheral highways like I-287 if going around).
Enjoy the View (Safely): Driving in NYC can actually be fun if you’re not in a rush. There’s something memorable about cruising over the Queensboro Bridge at night with the Manhattan skyline ahead, or driving down 5th Avenue early Sunday morning with no traffic. So if time allows, take a scenic route: maybe a lap around Central Park (note: certain drives through the park are closed to public traffic now, so stick to perimeter like 59th, 110th, etc.), or a detour via the scenic Henry Hudson Parkway along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side. Your car gives you the freedom to see parts of the city tourists usually don’t like the beautiful residential areas of Ditmars in Astoria or the waterfront of City Island in the Bronx, which you can reach easily by car.
By staying attentive and patient, you’ll manage NYC roads just fine. Remember, millions of residents drive these same roads daily you’re joining the club, if only for a visit. Give yourself extra time, use that GPS, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an honorary New York driver (horn usage optional!). Safe driving!
Road Trip Ideas from New York (LGA)
Starting your journey at LaGuardia puts you in perfect position to explore not just New York City, but a variety of nearby destinations in the Northeast. Here are two road trip ideas tailor-made for those picking up a car at LGA:
1. Hudson Highlands & Bear Mountain EscapeRoute: LGA ➔ Palisades Parkway ➔ Bear Mountain State Park ➔ West Point ➔ Beacon, NY ➔ back to LGA. ~150 miles round-trip.
Highlights: From LaGuardia, drive north via the Whitestone or RFK Bridge and connect to the Palisades Interstate Parkway heading up along the west side of the Hudson River. In about an hour, you’ll reach Bear Mountain State Park, a beloved getaway for New Yorkers. Drive the scenic Perkins Memorial Drive up Bear Mountain for a stunning overlook of the Hudson Highlands especially gorgeous in autumn when the foliage explodes in color. Next, descend and consider popping over to the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point (across the river; you can cross at the Bear Mountain Bridge). West Point offers guided tours of its historic campus (reservations recommended) and has the interesting West Point Museum. Continue to the artsy town of Beacon, NY. Beacon, on the east side of the Hudson, is home to Dia:Beacon, a renowned modern art museum in a converted factory, and a charming Main Street with cafes, boutiques, and galleries. Have lunch here with views of the river and Mount Beacon. From Beacon, you can head back south on the eastern side via Taconic State Parkway or hop back over to the Palisades. Either way, you’ll get a nice mix of mountain and river scenery with relatively low driving stress (the parkways are much more peaceful than city driving!).
Pro Tip: If traveling on a summer weekend, go early Bear Mountain fills up with picnickers. Also, at Bear Mountain Inn you can rent paddleboats on Hessian Lake or visit the small zoo. This road trip packs nature, history, and art all in one day.
2. Coastal Connecticut & New England CharmRoute: LGA ➔ Throgs Neck Bridge ➔ New Haven, CT ➔ Mystic, CT ➔ optionally Newport, RI ➔ back to LGA. 300–400 miles round-trip (depending on how far you go).
Highlights: Head east from LaGuardia via the Throgs Neck Bridge into Long Island Sound territory. Connect with I-95 North to cruise along Connecticut’s coast. First major stop: New Haven, CT (about 1.5 hours from LGA). New Haven is home to Yale University park and take a stroll through Yale’s Gothic campus, maybe grab some famous New Haven pizza (Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s) for lunch. Next, continue another hour to Mystic, CT. Mystic is a quintessential New England seaside village check out the Mystic Seaport Museum (a living history maritime museum with old ships and a recreated 19th-century seafaring village) or visit the Mystic Aquarium if kids are in tow. The town itself is postcard-pretty, and yes, you can even stop by the actual pizzeria that inspired the movie Mystic Pizza. If you’re up for more, cross into Rhode Island and drive to Newport (an extra 45 minutes) to see the famous Newport Mansions (The Breakers, Marble House, etc., which are the opulent Gilded Age summer “cottages” of the Vanderbilts and Astors). Newport also offers cliffside walks with ocean views. After enjoying coastal breezes and perhaps some clam chowder, head back to NYC (from Newport or Mystic, you can take I-95 south straight back).
Pro Tip: Try to avoid rush hour on I-95 (Connecticut traffic can be surprisingly tough during commuter hours). If you return in the evening, you might catch a nice sunset over the Throgs Neck Bridge as you re-enter Queens. Also, for a scenic alternate route on the way back, consider taking Merritt Parkway (CT-15) from East Haven down to the NY border it’s a tree-lined historic parkway (no trucks allowed) that’s a pleasure to drive.
Each of these road trips offers a refreshing change of pace from the city: one immerses you in lush mountains and river valleys, the other in coastal New England ambiance. With LaGuardia as your starting point, you’re perfectly positioned to head north or east and see a lot in a short time. So pack a day bag, create a playlist (perhaps some Simon & Garfunkel for that Scarborough Fair vibe driving through Connecticut?), and hit the road to discover the rich landscapes and towns beyond NYC’s skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
At LGA, you’ll take a free shuttle bus from your terminal to your rental car company’s location. Here’s the process: After you collect your luggage, follow signs for “Rental Cars / Shuttles.” Each terminal (A, B, C) has a designated pick-up area at ground level for rental car shuttles. For example, at the new Terminal B, go to Level 1 arrivals and look for the green signs along the curb that say something like “Rental Car Shuttles.” There you’ll see stops for different companies or a common stop where shuttles for multiple companies rotate in. Commonly, Enterprise, Alamo, and National share a shuttle; Avis and Budget share another; Hertz (with Dollar and Thrifty) share another. The shuttles are usually branded with the company logos. Just hop on the shuttle for your rental brand (if unsure, ask the driver many cover multiple brands and will stop at each respective lot). The ride is short, typically 5-10 minutes, as most rental lots are just outside the airport grounds in Astoria/East Elmhurst. The shuttle will drop you right at your rental agency’s office or lot. From there, you’ll check in, get your keys, and be on your way. The key thing: don’t exit the airport looking for a consolidated center (like at some airports) at LGA you must take the company shuttle. Thankfully, LGA is not huge, and these shuttles run frequently and are designed to sync with incoming flights.
Most likely, yes. LaGuardia’s rental car offices typically have hours that align with flight schedules, often opening around 6 AM and staying open until midnight or later. If you have a reservation and your flight is one of the last of the night (say arriving 11 PM or midnight), the rental staff usually stay until all expected customers are served. If your flight is significantly delayed and might arrive post-midnight when an office would normally close, here’s what to do: Call the rental company’s LGA desk as soon as you have an updated arrival time. In many cases, they will have an agent remain or instructions for you. Some companies might transfer your reservation to a partner location that’s open 24 hours (for example, JFK’s 24h location) and reimburse cab fare, but that’s a rare scenario. Generally, they’ll honor your booking. If by odd chance you arrive and the counter is closed, look for a sign on the door it might provide a number to call or direct you to the next steps. But again, this is uncommon if you had a reservation with flight info. Always include your flight number when booking, so they can see delays in their system. If you’re worried, our AirportVanRental support is 24/7 you can call us and we’ll assist in coordinating with the rental provider to make sure you’re not stranded.
Similar to other NYC airports, renting at LGA includes some extra surcharges. You’ll see these in your quote breakdown: • Airport Concession Recovery Fee: usually around 11-12% of the base rental rate. This is what rental companies pay the Port Authority to operate at the airport, and they pass it on to the customer. • NY State Vehicle Rental Surcharge: New York has a mandated fee of $5 per rental contract (this helps fund certain state programs). It’s small but you’ll see it listed. • MCTD Surcharge: This is a Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District fee essentially, in the NYC metro area, there’s an additional 0.375% tax for rentals (it’s rolled into the sales tax figure typically). • Sales Tax: The combined NYC sales tax on rentals is 8.875%. This will be applied to the base rate and some of the above fees. • Facility/Transportation Fee: Some LGA rentals might list a per day “transportation fee” of a couple dollars (like $3/day) which contributes to shuttle bus operations or airport infrastructure. (This is similar to JFK’s AirTrain fee, though LGA doesn’t have AirTrain yet, it might still have a ground transport fee). • License Recovery Fee: A small fee (a dollar or two a day) that rental companies charge to recoup the cost of registering and licensing their fleet in New York. In total, these extras can amount to roughly 15-20% on top of the base price. For example, if your base rental is $100, after taxes and fees it might be $120-ish. AirportVanRental shows you the total including these, so you won’t be surprised at the counter. One more thing: New York also by law includes Liability insurance in rentals (minimum state required coverage) at no extra charge so you’re automatically covered to the state minimum for liability as part of your rental, which is not an extra fee but a built-in benefit/cost in NY rentals. If you see a line for LIS (Liability Insurance Supplement) that would be if you opt to purchase higher coverage, which is optional. But basic liability is included in NY by default.
It’s fairly quick, but plan for about 30 minutes to an hour from touchdown to driving off, depending on a few factors. Let’s break it down: After landing, taxiing to gate and deplaning could be 5-15 minutes. Waiting for checked baggage (if any) could be another 10 minutes (LGA is smaller than JFK so baggage is usually not too slow). Walking to the shuttle pickup and possibly waiting for the correct shuttle say 0-10 minutes (shuttles often run every 5-10 minutes). Shuttle ride to the lot: 5-10 minutes. At the rental office, if you arrive at a busy moment (say several people from your flight also renting), you might wait 5-15 minutes for an agent. The paperwork itself is about 5 minutes. Then walking to the car and exiting, another 5 minutes. In a best-case scenario (carry-on only, shuttle is right there, no line at counter) some travelers are on the road in 20 minutes. In a worst-case (bags took a while, just missed shuttle so waited 10 min, and a short line at rental counter), it could be closer to 45-60 minutes. Typical is around 30-40 minutes total. The biggest variable is shuttle timing and any queue at the rental desk. One tip: if you’re a member of the rental company’s express program (like Budget Fastbreak, Avis Preferred, etc.), use it sometimes they allow you to go straight to the lot booth or a priority line, saving time. Another tip: if someone else is traveling with you, one can go straight to the shuttle area while the other waits for luggage, to possibly catch an earlier shuttle though that only helps if the rental contract holder is the one going early. All in all, compared to JFK, many find LGA car pickups a bit faster because the airport is smaller and less spread out.
This depends on the company, but many rental locations around LGA do allow after-hours returns. If you have a very early flight (say 6 AM) and need to drop the car at 4 AM when the office is closed, here’s typically what you do: Bring the car back to the rental lot as normal (the lots are accessible 24/7). Park in the returns area or as instructed on signage. There will be a drop box for keys usually near the office door or the exit gate. Drop your keys (and contract if they ask for it) in the secure box. Since no shuttle will be running that early (if the office is closed, likely the shuttle is too), you will need to arrange transportation from the rental lot to the terminal. This could be a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or local taxi. Thankfully, these rental lots are only a 5-10 minute drive to the terminals, and at 4 AM there’s no traffic, so it’s quick. It’s a good idea to arrange that ride in advance or have a car service number ready if you know you’ll do this. Some people coordinate with the rental the day before occasionally an agent might even offer to give you a ride if staffing allows, but don’t count on it. As for the rental contract, the company will close it out in the morning when staff arrive, using the time you dropped keys as the return time (so take a photo of the dash clock or note the time just in case). They’ll email you the final receipt. Always double-check the specific after-hours policy of your rental company. Some smaller off-site locations might not allow drops when closed because they don’t have a safe place for the car (though that’s rare). Major ones like Hertz, Avis, etc., definitely have drop boxes. So yes, you can return off-hours, just factor in that you’ll need to get yourself from the lot to the terminal at odd hours.