Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Albany
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Albany
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Albany
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Albany
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Albany, the capital of New York, is a city brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore Albany and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Historic Sites: Albany is steeped in history, and many historical sites are more easily accessible with a car. Drive to locations like the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site or the New York State Museum without relying on public transportation schedules.
Discover Natural Beauty: The Albany area boasts stunning natural landscapes. A rental car allows you to easily visit nearby parks, lakes, and scenic overlooks, such as the Thacher State Park or the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Day Trips Made Easy: With a rental car, you can take day trips to charming towns and attractions outside of Albany. Explore destinations like Saratoga Springs, the Catskill Mountains, or even the Berkshires in Massachusetts, all within a comfortable driving distance.
Before renting a car in Albany, be sure to familiarise yourself with the standard terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other potential fees. Understanding these details will ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 56.7 square kilometres (21.9 square miles)
Population
Approximately 98,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Albany require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) or supplemental liability protection (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or weekly limits. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers. Be aware of potential charges for late returns or cleaning fees if the car is returned excessively dirty.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand is higher during the summer months, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the winter months
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a rental car in Albany is a straightforward process. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these steps to find the best deals and avoid potential issues.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, can help you secure better rates and vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental vehicle.
Albany, New York, offers a blend of historical charm and modern attractions. Knowing the local driving conditions, parking options, and refuelling locations will enhance your car rental experience.
As the capital city of New York State, Albany is a hub of government, education, and culture. While Albany has public transport, renting a car is a practical option for exploring beyond the immediate city. Be aware of local traffic laws, fuel availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
New York State Museum
Explore the state’s history, art, and natural science.
Albany Institute of History & Art
One of the oldest museums in the US.
USS Slater
The last remaining destroyer escort that fought in WWII.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in downtown Albany for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered street parking is available but may be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre and taking public transportation in.
Gas Stations in Albany
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Mobil, Shell, and Sunoco throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are generally easy to locate, especially along major roadways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find the nearest and most convenient gas station.
Useful Tips for Visiting Albany
Use Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment options for tolls and parking meters.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) to minimise delays.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas.
Major Bus Stations
Albany Bus Terminal
Located downtown, serving various bus lines including Greyhound and Trailways.
Railway Stations
Albany–Rensselaer Amtrak Station
Located just across the Hudson River in Rensselaer, serving Amtrak routes.
Airports
Albany International Airport (ALB)
Located approximately 7 miles northwest of Albany, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Albany requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other form of government-issued ID may be required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Albany as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Chill vibe, eh?
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Kinda sleepy, museums meh
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Exploring Albany was great! Having a car made getting around so much easier. The historical sites were fascinating, though the food scene felt a little underwhelming overall.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Low-key, kinda cute
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Albany in summer was lovely; the waterfront was great, though the ice cream selection felt limited.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Fine, but overpriced food
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 15.09.2024
Pleasant, low-key trip
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Albany was a charming stop on our road trip. So easy to explore with a car!
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Relaxing, car helpful
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Pretty chill, eh?
Noah Lee
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Okay, but kinda bland
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 07.01.2025