Car Rentals in New York, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around New York

Renting a car in New York offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or those seeking unique city experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows you to create flexible travel plans, whether you're planning a day out in Manhattan or venturing to Brooklyn to see the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island Beach.

Additionally, exploring Long Island City, with its Gantry Plaza State Park and proximity to Times Square, becomes hassle-free with a rental car. The ability to travel without relying on public transport means you can fully enjoy the diverse experiences New York has to offer. With many popular destinations located a short drive apart, having a car ensures you can make the most of your trip, moving from the bustling streets of the city to the quieter parks and attractions with ease.

Most popular car hires in New York

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle offers a great balance of space and comfort, making it perfect for navigating the bustling streets of New York while also providing enough room for luggage. The versatility of a midsize SUV allows for easy handling in urban environments while being spacious enough for those longer drives outside the city.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. This option is slightly smaller than the midsize SUV but still offers sufficient space for your travel needs. The standard SUV is an excellent choice for those who want a comfortable ride with the flexibility to explore the New York area, especially if you plan to venture beyond the city limits.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases—ideal for families or groups. The fullsize option provides ample space and comfort, making it particularly suitable for those travelling with a lot of luggage or looking for extra legroom. This vehicle allows for a relaxed travel experience, ensuring that you can enjoy your journey through New York and its surroundings without feeling cramped.

Top rated car suppliers in New York

• Budget: Budget has over 5 rental locations throughout New York, providing travellers with accessible options for car hire. Known for its clean, friendly service and short wait times, Budget is a preferred choice among visitors. The most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making it an excellent option for those needing space and comfort during their travels.
• Avis: With more than 10 rental locations in the New York area, Avis is a popular supplier that caters to a wide range of traveller needs. Customers appreciate the variety of vehicles available, particularly the Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are among the most booked. Avis is recognised for its reliable service, ensuring a smooth rental experience for tourists exploring New York.
• Sixt: Sixt offers over 5 rental locations in and around New York, making it a convenient choice for tourists. Renowned for its clean and well-maintained vehicles, Sixt focuses on customer satisfaction. The Midsize SUV and Standard SUV are the top choices for those hiring with Sixt, providing ample space for luggage and passengers as you navigate the vibrant streets of New York.

Where to stay in New York

• Manhattan: Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, Manhattan offers an array of family-friendly and business-themed experiences. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Times Square, a modern square ideal for city holidays, and Central Park, perfect for family and outdoor activities. Grand Central Terminal stands as a cultural symbol worth visiting. With a variety of restaurants, pubs, and wineries nearby, Manhattan provides a lively dining scene. It's a great place to stay year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant.
• Brooklyn: Brooklyn is celebrated for its outdoor and family-friendly offerings. The historic Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see for culture enthusiasts, while Prospect Park serves as an urban oasis for family outings. Coney Island Beach is perfect for a beach holiday, offering sun and sand. The area boasts a vibrant music concert scene and various shopping opportunities. Brooklyn's diverse culinary landscape includes numerous restaurants and pubs, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking a lively neighbourhood.
• Queens: Known for its family and business-friendly environment, Queens features attractions such as Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, ideal for outdoor activities and family fun. Central Park is also accessible for those staying in this borough. With a variety of shopping malls and entertainment facilities, Queens caters to diverse interests. The local dining scene is rich with restaurants and wineries, ensuring ample options for food and drink. Queens is an appealing choice for travellers seeking a balance of urban experiences and relaxation.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around New York

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for warm summer days, or an economical car for budget considerations, utilise filters on Expedia to assist you in locating the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience it offers may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you sidestep unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around New York

The best value period to rent a car in and around New York is March, when prices are slightly lower and demand remains moderate. Following closely, September and October also present decent opportunities with slightly low prices and average demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, alongside August, which sees high demand and higher rental rates. June also experiences moderately high demand, making it a busier time for car hires.

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