Car Rentals in Ithaca, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Ithaca

Renting a car in Ithaca provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this charming city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Buttermilk Falls State Park, known for its stunning outdoor scenery and adventure opportunities, and the Cornell Botanic Gardens, perfect for family outings and romantic strolls. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows for easy management of luggage, making it ideal for those travelling with families or planning longer trips.

Additionally, you can explore popular destinations like South Hill, which features Butterfield Stadium and Robert H. Treman State Park, or venture to Northwest Ithaca to enjoy the EcoVillage at Ithaca. Having a car means no need to rely on public transport, allowing you to create flexible travel plans that suit your schedule. Whether you are seeking outdoor experiences, scenic views, or a romantic getaway, a rental car in Ithaca enhances your visit by making it easy to discover all that the region has to offer.

Most popular car hires in Ithaca

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for those travelling with families, couples, or small groups. With the capacity to accommodate up to 5 travellers and space for 3 large suitcases, a midsize SUV offers ample room for both passengers and luggage. It's perfect for exploring the beautiful surroundings of Ithaca, allowing for flexible travel plans and comfortable journeys.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, the fullsize car option comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and provides space for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a superb choice for those needing extra luggage capacity, ensuring that everyone can bring what they need for their trip. Enjoy the freedom of exploring Ithaca with a fullsize vehicle, making your travel experience seamless and enjoyable.
• Compact: The compact car is designed for solo travellers, couples, or smaller families looking for efficiency and convenience. Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases, it is a versatile option that is easy to drive and park in urban settings. This makes it an excellent choice for navigating the charming streets of Ithaca while still having enough room for your essentials.

Top rated car suppliers in Ithaca

• Avis: Avis is a popular choice for car hire in Ithaca, providing travellers with the flexibility to explore at their own pace. With one rental location in the area, Avis is known for offering a range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Customers appreciate the convenience of managing their luggage easily and adjusting their itineraries as needed, making Avis a reliable option for your travels in and around Ithaca.
• Budget: Budget also features a rental location in Ithaca, catering to those seeking economical yet flexible car hire options. This supplier is well-regarded for its Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are popular choices among customers. Travellers value the ease of exploring Ithaca and the surrounding areas with Budget, allowing for a personalised travel experience without the constraints of public transport. Their commitment to customer satisfaction makes them an excellent choice for your car hire needs.

Where to stay in and around Ithaca

• Lansing: Located 17 km from Ithaca, Lansing offers a scenic experience perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways. Visitors can explore attractions such as Salmon Creek Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park, both ideal for adventure holidays. The area features urban parks like Lansing Park, making it suitable for family outings as well. Additionally, Lansing boasts nearby wineries and breweries for those looking to indulge in local beverages.
• South Hill: This neighbourhood, situated around Ithaca, is known for its dramatic scenery and outdoor activities. South Hill provides access to key attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, both offering stunning landscapes and adventure opportunities. With its proximity to a modern college university and local shopping centres, South Hill is an excellent choice for those wanting to experience city life alongside natural beauty.
• Newfield: Located 13 km from Ithaca, Newfield is a charming city renowned for its outdoor and adventure experiences. The area is home to attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, perfect for scenic exploration. Newfield also features a public library for cultural immersion and various local wineries and distilleries for a taste of the region's offerings. This location is ideal for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Ithaca

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and preferred features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it's wise to secure your car well before your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy urban areas. Mid-size rentals offer a suitable compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate 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 advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be acceptable, but ensure the vehicle is returned empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often an extra charge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be justified by the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can assist in preventing unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind should any unforeseen events occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ithaca

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ithaca is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. June also offers slightly low prices with average demand, making it another good option. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and prices rising. March and October are also on the pricier side, while November shows moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.2°F (-4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	24.8°F (-4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
December	30.2°F (-1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average