Car Rentals in Upper West Side, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Upper West Side

Renting a car in the Upper West Side of New York offers an excellent way to explore the area and its surroundings with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can easily visit iconic attractions such as Central Park, located only 1 km away, which is perfect for family and outdoor experiences. For those interested in the vibrant city atmosphere, Times Square is a mere 4 km away, allowing you to immerse yourself in the bustling heart of Manhattan without the hassle of public transport. Grand Central Terminal, another cultural landmark, is also conveniently located 4 km from the Upper West Side. The convenience of having a car makes it easier to manage luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed. Families will appreciate the space for kids’ belongings, while outdoor enthusiasts can easily access parks and recreational areas. Exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Uptown, just 1 km away, or other parts of New York City becomes a straightforward endeavour. Overall, renting a car in the Upper West Side enhances your sightseeing experience, enabling you to discover the metropolis at your own pace.

Most popular car hires around Upper West Side

• Midsize: The Midsize option is a popular choice for those travelling in groups of up to 5, offering ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal selection for couples and families looking to explore the attractions around Upper West Side comfortably. With its balanced size, the Midsize car provides a perfect blend of manoeuvrability and space, allowing you to navigate city streets easily while accommodating your luggage needs.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another highly sought-after option, comfortably seating up to 5 travellers and accommodating up to 2 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for couples, families, or groups who require a bit more room for both passengers and gear. With its elevated driving position and extra space, the Standard SUV is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more spacious ride while exploring Upper West Side and beyond.
• Economy: For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Economy car is a fantastic choice. Accommodating up to 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, it caters to solo travellers, couples, and families alike. The Economy car allows you to explore the city with ease, providing a compact and efficient driving experience while ensuring you can manage your luggage comfortably. This option is ideal for those who want to keep costs down without sacrificing convenience.

Top rated car suppliers around Upper West Side

• Dollar Rent A Car: With a rental location situated 3 km away from Upper West Side, Dollar Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. Known for their reliable vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize SUVs, making it easy for you to navigate the city and surrounding areas comfortably.
• Budget: Budget stands out with 3 rental locations, the nearest being only 2 km away from Upper West Side. This supplier is well-regarded for its competitive pricing and variety of options. Travellers frequently opt for Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, ensuring a spacious and comfortable ride as you explore the attractions at your own pace.
• Avis: Avis offers maximum convenience with 4 rental locations, the closest being less than 1 km from Upper West Side. This supplier is a favourite among visitors, particularly for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. With such proximity, picking up your rental car is quick and easy, allowing you to make the most of your time in the city.

Where to stay around Upper West Side

• Upper West Side: This vibrant neighbourhood is ideal for families and city-themed experiences. It is close to iconic attractions like Central Park, perfect for outdoor activities, and just a short distance from the bustling Times Square, a modern square that is a must-see. The area boasts a variety of dining options, including restaurants and pubs, ensuring that you can enjoy local flavours after a day of exploring.
• Jersey City: Located 9 km away from Upper West Side, Jersey City offers a blend of family-friendly attractions and modern shopping areas. Key points of interest include the American Dream, a tourist precinct suitable for family outings, and the famous Statue of Liberty, which provides a cultural experience. The city's diverse dining scene, featuring restaurants and wineries, makes it a great option for travellers looking to indulge in local cuisine.
• Fairview: Just 3 km from Upper West Side, Fairview is a charming city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the proximity to Times Square and Central Park, both excellent for outdoor activities. With a selection of restaurants and wineries nearby, Fairview also offers a delightful culinary experience. This neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking a blend of city life and outdoor enjoyment.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Upper West Side

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to assist you in finding the ideal 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. Booking early is likely to result in lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance 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 types—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 prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience 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 avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Upper West Side

The best time to rent a car in and around the Upper West Side is March, when both prices and demand are low, offering great value. Following that, September and October also present slightly low prices with average demand, making them decent shoulder periods for rentals. However, December tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand and prices, while June through August see a surge in demand, leading to slightly higher costs compared to earlier months.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
March	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	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	High	Average
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	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