For an affordable car rental in New York, I recommend using a rental service at JFK Airport, which, based on my comparison, offers the best rates. However, New York remains one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. for car rentals. This article will guide you on when car rental prices are highest and how you can still save money. I’ll also highlight the most common mistakes to avoid when renting a car.
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Car Rental Prices in New York
Before making a reservation, compare prices from several car rental companies in New York and the surrounding areas, not just one. RentalCars.com always compares offers from over 200 car rental companies with a best price guarantee.
I recommend using the following form for a non-binding price calculation for car rental. It compares prices from several car rental companies across various locations in New York.
How Much Will You Pay to Rent a Car in New York?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save Money on Car Rentals in New York
The cost of car rentals in New York depends on various factors.
🗓️ Booking Date
Based on my comparisons, booking a car one to two months before your intended trip offers the best rates.
RentalCars and some other booking portals allow free cancellation anytime before car pickup. This way, you can book early and cancel if your travel plans change. RentalCars.com also offers a best price guarantee for car rentals.
⏳ Pickup Time
Certain times of the year see higher demand for rental cars, which leads to increased prices. This is especially true around Christmas or other national holidays when Americans travel to visit family.
Additionally, rental companies typically charge per 24-hour period. Be sure to schedule your pickup and drop-off times within the same hour. For instance, if you pick up a car at 10:00 AM and return it at 11:00 AM, you may be charged for an extra full day.
🗺️ Rental Location
Generally, car rentals are cheaper at airport locations due to higher competition, while downtown rentals tend to be more expensive.
Even if airport rentals appear more costly at first glance, they can often be more economical when you consider savings on transportation to and from the city.
🏎️ Vehicle Class
The most affordable cars typically fall under the Small or Economy categories. These cars have limited space for passengers and luggage and come with basic equipment. For longer trips, mid-range cars, often labeled Intermediate or Full-Size, provide more comfort and usually cost only 10% more.
For even greater comfort, SUVs with elevated ground clearance and spacious interiors are about 25% more expensive than economy cars. Convertibles and other premium vehicles can be rented for roughly double the cost of the cheapest options.
Below is a table listing the most affordable car rental prices in New York for various vehicle classes, based on a one-day rental:
Economy Mid-Size SUV Convertible 
from $42 from $41 from $49 from $92 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔞 Driver’s Age
Drivers under the age of 25 typically face additional fees due to a higher risk of causing vehicle damage. Across most U.S. states, drivers aged 18 to 21 pay a higher surcharge, while those aged 21 to 25 pay a reduced fee.
In New York State, this fee is relatively high. The specific amount varies by rental company, but you can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per rental day. Due to this high cost, young drivers may find it more affordable to rent a car outside the state.
☂️ Included Insurance
Collision damage waiver and liability insurance are generally included in the final rental price in New York. Most rental contracts also come with zero deductibles, meaning you won’t have to pay anything if damage occurs. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to carefully review the rental agreement, particularly the sections on insurance and exclusions.
🛰️ Additional Accessories
You can pay extra for additional services and accessories. One of the most useful options is an additional driver, allowing you to share driving duties. Car rental companies in New York charge only $3.00 to $5.00 per day for this service. All drivers must be listed in the rental agreement, as any unlisted driver involved in an accident may void the insurance coverage.
If traveling with children, you can rent child car seats or booster seats in various sizes.
As for accessories you might not need, GPS devices can be replaced with Google Maps on your phone, and mobile Wi-Fi modems can be substituted with an eSIM from Airalo.
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Affordable Car Rental Companies in New York
◻️ Car Rentals at JFK Airport
The selection of rental companies includes Dollar, Hertz, Payless, Thrifty, Sixt, Alamo, Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and National. Cars can be picked up and returned at any time, day or night.
The rental counters at John F. Kennedy Airport are located in the arrivals hall of each terminal, usually near the baggage claim area. Vehicles are picked up at a separate building accessible via the AirTrain, stopping at the Federal Circle Station.
◻️ Car Rentals at LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport primarily serves domestic flights and routes to Canada and the Caribbean. All major car rental brands operate here, including Thrifty, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, Payless, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Sixt. Some counters operate 24 hours a day.
Free shuttle buses transport passengers to the rental car garages from the individual terminal buildings.
◻️ Car Rentals in Manhattan
Renting a car on Manhattan is generally not recommended due to the heavy traffic in the city center, along with additional costs for transportation to and from the airport.
That said, most well-known rental companies, including National, Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz, have locations on Manhattan.
Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Ideas from New York
1️⃣ Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the U.S. The drive from New York City covers about 398 mi of highways and takes approximately seven hours one way. Interestingly, you’ll remain within the boundaries of the state of New York for the entire trip.
2️⃣ Atlantic City
Atlantic City is often referred to as the Las Vegas of the East Coast. Located in New Jersey, it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive (around 130 mi) south of Manhattan. The city offers more than just casinos, roulette, and slot machines.
A wooden boardwalk runs along the coastline, perfect for walks or bike rides. Make sure to stop at two key spots: Steel Pier, an amusement park dating back to 1898, with a 227 ft tall Ferris wheel, and Absecon Lighthouse, the third tallest lighthouse in the U.S. standing 171 ft tall, guiding ships since 1857.
3️⃣ Bear Mountain State Park
When you’ve had enough of skyscrapers and city noise, head north to Bear Mountain State Park, about 50 mi from downtown Manhattan. The lush park features numerous hiking trails and is intersected by the famous Appalachian Trail, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the traditional carousel, which, despite its classic feel, was only built in 2001.
4️⃣ Washington, D.C.
The White House, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall—these iconic landmarks await in the nation’s capital.
Located about 229 mi from Manhattan, the drive to Washington, D.C., takes around four and a half hours. A day trip is definitely worth it to explore its historical and political significance.
5️⃣ Road Trip to Florida
The ultimate journey is a 1,445 mi long road trip along the Atlantic coast, leading to sunny Florida. The route spans 10 states and over 22 hours of driving time, with stops at several national parks, including Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains, and Congaree.
Car Rental in USA
- The Best Guide to Renting a Car in the USA (4 714 Words!)
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- Automatic Car 101: Understanding Gearbox, Starting, and Parking
- How to Rent a Mustang Convertible in the USA (An Easy Guide)
- How to Rent a 7, 9, 12 or 15 Passenger Van (A Complete Guide)
