Is it worth renting a car in New York State?

Renowned for its varied and picturesque landscape, New York State is a major tourist draw. Outside of New York City, public transport is much less convenient. To visit the more remote parts of the state, especially the mountainous northern corner where public transport is limited, car rental is essential. hire a car in New York State and you’ll have the freedom to explore the natural wonders to be found in every corner of this large state. Niagara Falls on the west of the state needs no introduction and can be easily reached by a major highway. In the southeast you’ll find the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. Both areas are famous for their vineyards and wineries, lush green forests, mountains, and wildlife. Or grab yourself a cheap car rental and discover the northern Adirondack Mountains at your own pace. Drive through high mountain passes, visit the quaint towns and villages throughout the region, or take a trip over the Canadian border. Cheap car hire allows you to make this once in a lifetime journey affordable and your own.

What are the driving conditions like in New York City and State?

New York State’s weather swings from hot and humid in summer to freezing cold in winter. So, depending on the time of year you visit, road conditions will vary greatly, but car rental is always a great option. Heavy snowfall should be expected in winter making car hire necessary as public transport often comes to a halt, especially in more remote areas and around ski resorts. Major highways are in good condition, however, smaller roads in remote areas are less well-kept and pothole prone. The largest cities in southern and central New York State, including Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and NYC, are connected by multi - lane highways. The northern interior is less well linked although major highways traverse the north’s eastern and western borders.

What driving laws should I be aware of in New York State?

Driving laws are straightforward so there is nothing that makes car rentals in New York State complicated. As with all US states, cars drive on the left and must give way to pedestrians and other drivers. Within New York City, you must never drive above the legal speed limit (speeds may be lower in certain areas), and during business hours, you cannot make a left turn on any of the city’s major roads. At traffic lights, it is illegal to block the pedestrian walkway. Honking your car horn “unnecessarily” is also illegal. And when parking, you must be away from fire hydrants and from pedestrian crossings. All car passengers must wear seat belts. Children under four must sit in a safety seat and children up to six must sit in a booster seat. Outside of the city, the speed limit on highways is rising. It’s advisable to check with the New York State driving department for recent changes in laws before completing your car rental.

What documents do I need to hire a car in New York State?

Car hire in New York State is simple. Visitors from abroad will need a valid driving licence and a passport or national identity card. An International Driving Permit is not necessary but could be useful if you’re not from an English-speaking country. US citizens only need a driving licence that has been valid for at least 12 months.

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New York, NY, United States

27 Apr — 4 May

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Best deals found for New York car hire

Find great deals below on a variety of popular hire cars in New York

Hyundai Ioniq

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

£6/day

28 Jun - 28 Jun

See offer

Volkswagen Passat

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

£8/day

28 Jun - 28 Jun

See offer

Kia Sportage

or similar Standard SUV

Up to 5 passengers

£10/day

28 Jun - 28 Jun

See offer

Kia Picanto

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

£27/day

25 Apr - 2 May

See offer

Kia Cee'd

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

£28/day

27 May - 8 Jun

See offer

Vauxhall Astra

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

£28/day

25 Apr - 22 May

See offer

Peugeot 3008

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

£29/day

24 Apr - 1 May

See offer

Skoda Octavia

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

£29/day

5 May - 10 Jun

See offer

Mini Hatch

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

£29/day

25 Apr - 2 May

See offer

New York car hire deals found on momondo

Find the car hire in New York that's right for you

	Small cars	£44 - £74
	All Car Types	£54 - £85

The average price of a small car hire in New York is £55. The cheapest time to hire a small car in New York is in January. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just £44 per day. A small car rental is typically 17% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for New York small car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car hire in New York is £58. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in New York is in March. The price is 28% lower than the rest of the year at just £42 per day. A medium car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for New York medium car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car hire in New York is £72. The cheapest time to hire a large car in New York is in March. The price is 21% lower than the rest of the year at just £58 per day. A large car rental is typically 10% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for New York large car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV hire in New York is £61. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in New York is in January. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just £49 per day. A SUV rental is typically 8% less expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for New York SUV hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van hire in New York is £105. The cheapest time to hire a van in New York is in April. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just £86 per day. A van rental is typically 38% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for New York van hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a pickup truck hire in New York is £85. The cheapest time to hire a pickup truck in New York is in March. The price is 37% lower than the rest of the year at just £54 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 23% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.

The average price of a luxury car hire in New York is £71. The cheapest time to hire a luxury car in New York is in January. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just £52 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 8% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for New York luxury car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a convertible hire in New York is £101. The cheapest time to hire a convertible in New York is in April. The price is 21% lower than the rest of the year at just £81 per day. A convertible rental is typically 36% more expensive than the average rental car in New York. The average price of a car hire in New York can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.

Hyundai Ioniq

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

£6/day

28 Jun - 28 Jun

See offer

Ford Fiesta

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

£27/day

25 Apr - 2 May

See offer

Kia Cee'd

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

£28/day

27 May - 8 Jun

See offer

Car hire insight and trends in New York

Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in New York

What is the best car hire company in New York?

Hertz is considered the best car hire company in New York based on our data - 1,150 reviews have given them an average customer satisfaction score of 6.3 out of 10. They also have 56 locations across New York, including popular destinations like Ithaca.

What is the most popular type of car to hire in New York?

The most popular type of cars to hire in New York are SUV cars. This type of car costs £67 per day on average. 38% of users prefer to hire SUV cars in New York due to price, availability, and their planned activities.

New York car hire directory

All major car hire suppliers in New York

Budget

6.6

Okay

1320 reviews•22 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2024

Awful experience entirely. Company closed the pickup location and had to pickup at another location far away in traffic, so was delayed by an hour and late for work. The return was even worse, since I called to confirm that the location closer to my home would be open, I got there and they were closed again during normal business hours. Now I had to drive down to the other Budget location, again in traffic and lost another hour of time, because they were so slow to return the car when I got there with 11 people in line waiting with 1 person at the counter. Then, they tried to charge me for an extra day, because I was a few minutes late, even though they had delayed me on the pickup time and the return. Totally unacceptable and lacking any knowledge at all of what customer service is. This is totally unprofessional and as a shareholder, it is completely alarming.

4.0

Mediocre|Sept 2023

They changed me for full day and then for been 40 minutes late the charged me an hour fee and an extra day

10.0

Wonderful|Sept 2023

The agent was extremely helpful. We had an issue with our car and she fixed the problem immediately.

4.0

Mediocre|Sept 2023

Very very busy office so had to wait an hour after a long flight to even be served. The lady in charge was quite rude and didn’t help the situation. Overall bad customer experience in picking the car up.

10.0

Wonderful|Sept 2023

very friendly and efficient customer service, and the car was really good quality and in good condition. couldn’t fault them if i wanted to

8.0

Very Good|Sept 2023

The car smelled like a chimney they couldn’t get the smell of cigarettes out

1 out of 440

Budget Locations in New York

Hertz

6.3

Okay

1496 reviews•56 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

They didn’t have the car for me which I had thought I reserved.

4.0

Mediocre|Sept 2023

The representative at the counter was helpful but the manager put us in a $53 car when I had paid $69. All he had left was a cheaper electric car and didn't adjust the rate. I thought I was agreeing to a "manager's special" but it was actually a "manager's choice". He made a CHOICE to put me in a lower priced car at a higher price. It was only a two day rental so I only overpaid by $32. The other issue was that I was making a one way, 900 mile road trip and stopping every 200 miles and spending an hour recharging an electric car was unacceptable.

4.0

Mediocre|Sept 2023

Apple Card fiasco. Why take as form of payment if card can’t be validated at pickup?!

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

When I arrived to pick up the car I was told that there was an 1 hour wait for a car. Unless I took an EV car which they said was the kayak reservation which is an error in the kayak hertz system as I didn’t reserve an EV car.

8.0

Very Good|Sept 2023

It was a little confusing because drop off day the place was closed. I hope I did everything I was supposed to.

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2023

I reserved an intermediate size SUV for a trip to Richmond VA to visit a sick family member. Upon arrival I was told I reserved an electric car, which I did not. The reservation was booked through Kayak and because I did not have the card that I allegedly made the res with through Kayak, I had to call the 800 number and “change” the rez and card on file! I was basically forced to take the electric car offered to me even though I did not reserve it nor did I want it. My trip to Virginia took over 17 hours because of stopping to charge the car!! I exchanged the car in Richmond so I did not have to endure the same problem on the way back home! The employees in Richmond were much nicer and went out of their way to help me! The Buffalo representatives, not so much!

1 out of 499

Hertz Locations in New York

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2

Very Good

543 reviews•66 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

8.0

Very Good|Sept 2023

No bad I was impressed with the overall quality convenance

10.0

Wonderful|Sept 2023

The representative I met in the morning was so nice and friendly. She wanted to get me out of there quick so she gave me an upgrade. Everyone at this enterprise has a great work ethic and sense of urgency helping out their customers. Will definitely go back.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Everything was amazing! Engine was a little overworking....

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

The staff were so welcoming and helpful, great to work with and very friendly. I will definitely be back whenever I need a rental in the future.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

They didn’t have any cars even though I made a reservation

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Customer service was excellent, Bryan was professional and help me with a good car.

1 out of 181

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in New York

Alamo

8.2

Very Good

514 reviews•10 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Perfect vehicle for our trip, easy pick up and drop off

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

The staff are very helpful from pick-up to drop-off

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

We were able to upgrade to a larger vehicle at the last minute. Service taking and returning was polite and timely.

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

Great customer service. Everyone I interacted with was kind, competent, and professional.

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

The best car rental experience of my life! From the moment I approached the counter to the last second, dropping the vehicle. Outstanding customer service.

10.0

Wonderful|May 2023

Everything was great!

1 out of 172

Avis

7.0

Good

610 reviews•29 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2023

Very efficient and fast. Great staff.

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

When I went to go pick it up I was denied to rent the car.they say my credit was low. I was already to pay for a week cash on hand. I never got it.

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

Better maintained car

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Friendly and quick service. No delays.

6.0

Okay|Aug 2023

Vehicle was fine. Process of obtaining vehicle was certainly not the best experience. On line for over an hour. Staff was friendly and helpful but seemingly understaffed.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Heavy Cigarette smell in car Charged us double the price on our credit card even though receipt is for correct amount. Still disputing this matter Very difficult to contact local Avis.. rolls over to national call center.. very frustrating

1 out of 204

Avis Locations in New York

Thrifty

6.2

Okay

467 reviews•9 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

We reserved a car more than a month before our trip. When we arrived to pickup the car we went through the traditional paperwork. After a while we noticed many people waiting for their car. So I went to the counter to enquirer about my car only to find out that they did not have any cars available. We waited two hours for a car to be available. We got in the car and drove to the gate only to find out that the car couldn't be released due to mechanical issues. Again we waited for another car. The car we got had bald tires on it which I found out after inspecting the car the next morning.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

They do not have a car for me in JFK airport. I needed to left the airport and take a subway and bus for my destiny.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

You let me rent a car that wasn’t there. I left my hotel and paid for insurance on the rental and got nothing.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Pick up was a mess. Waited nearly 3hrs for my car that wasn’t even on the premiseso

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Awful.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Thrifty rejected my reservation due to no international driver's license, even though I could prove my Portuguese residence and provide a valid driver's license!!!

1 out of 156

Dollar

6.1

Okay

815 reviews•15 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

I waited 40 minutes for the van pickup at the airport to the dollar rental facility. Show up at the facility and only 1 person behind the counter and over 40 people in line. Waited over 3 hours to pick up the rental car. After customers started Getting upset the manager came out said he is looking for cars. Everyone lost their patience, the manager then said he can’t help behind the desk. Everyone was yelling and upset that he was not helping resolve the situation. Finally got a car over 4 hours later. The worst experience I have ever had

8.0

Very Good|Aug 2023

Easy pickup and dropoff. Moderately priced.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Pick up agent very inpatient and rude.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

I can safely say I will never attempt to rent from Dollar again. In the midst of our calamity with a cancelled flight and lost luggage at JFK International Airport after traveling 3000 miles, Dollar failed miserably by allowing us to schedule a car rental on line. After feeling the relief of that rental transaction we come to find out upon arriving at the Dollar rental desk that not only your folks didn’t have any one-way rentals but didn’t have any rentals for us at all. Talk about the left hand not talking to the right hand. Additionally, your customer service rep was condescending with no sympathy for our plight. The rental was placed through Hotwire.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Because I accidentally rented for August 6 not July 6, they would not refund my money.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Dollar could not deliver the car i paid for in advance. Moreover they did not offer a solution other than wait a call from them. i had to pick up a car which i did not intend to.

1 out of 272

Dollar Locations in New York

Ace

4.9

Mediocre

183 reviews•5 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

6.0

Okay|Jan 2024

Took almost a hour to pick up the car with a reservation but drop off was smooth. The attendant was fast and shuttle to the airport was quick!!

6.0

Okay|Sept 2023

The car and service were great. The only issue was that the car was listed as having unlimited miles, but when I picked the car up I was informed that Drive-O (the company I was sent to instead of Ace) only has unlimited miles in some areas and I would be charged a fee for driving with unlimited miles in another state.

10.0

Wonderful|Sept 2023

Easy to reserve and to pick up. Very friendly staff!

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Very bad attention, long waiting time

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Overall great - but was surprised about the extra $200 hold on my credit card until it cleared

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Did not get a car and paid in advance, mistake!!!!!!

1 out of 61

Car hire in New York

Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in New York so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How long do people hire a car for when staying in New York?

Most people tend to hire a car in New York for 1 day which costs, on average, £88 per day. If you plan on hiring a car for one week, then you can expect to pay around £342 total. For a quick weekend hire, the total cost tends to average £162. £2,083 is the average cost of a month-long New York road trip car hire.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in New York?

Prices for cars in New York were last updated today.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in New York?

As of April 2024, there are 268 operators available to choose from for cars in New York.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in New York?

Among different countries, including New York, the minimum age for drivers varies. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be imposed. It's recommended that you review the policy of the rental company you're considering before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in New York?

To rent a car in New York, all drivers must present a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car abroad, you may also need to provide evidence of your return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend that you verify with the specific rental company you're booking with.

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in New York?

You should use momondo to book a car hire in New York because it could save you time and money. momondo fetches and allows you to compare car hire prices and policies from thousands of car hire websites.

How does momondo help me find the best car hire deal in New York?

Filtering is how momondo helps you find a great car hire in New York. Narrow your search using price and map features as well as filtering by fuel or mileage policies amongst many other filters available.