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Car rental in Albany - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Albany

Albany

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Albany

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Albany

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Albany

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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.

Why Rent a Car in Albany?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Albany

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.

Car Rental Prices in Albany – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Albany?

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.

General Information About Albany

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Albany

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Albany?

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.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Albany as

3.9

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.

Okay, but kinda bland

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 07.01.2025

Chill vibe, eh?

MJ

Mike Jones

Reviewed: 23.01.2025

Kinda sleepy, museums meh

SM

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.

JD

Jessica Davis

Reviewed: 27.04.2025

Low-key, kinda cute

AR

Ava Rodriguez

Reviewed: 25.10.2024

Albany in summer was lovely; the waterfront was great, though the ice cream selection felt limited.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 09.01.2025

Fine, but overpriced food

OT

Olivia Thompson

Reviewed: 15.09.2024

Pleasant, low-key trip

CW

Chloe Wilson

Reviewed: 12.05.2025

Albany was a charming stop on our road trip. So easy to explore with a car!

BG

Benjamin Garcia

Reviewed: 09.02.2025

Relaxing, car helpful

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 12.02.2025

Pretty chill, eh?

NL

Noah Lee

Reviewed: 24.04.2025

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