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Car rental in Cortland - 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 Cortland

Cortland

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Cortland

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Cortland

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Cortland

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 Cortland?

Cortland is a charming city with a rich history and beautiful surrounding landscapes. While there are local transportation options, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city and its neighbouring attractions at your own pace.

Discover Hidden Gems. A rental car allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover Cortland's hidden gems, from scenic parks to local farms and vineyards, that are not easily accessible by public transport.

Visit Nearby Attractions. Cortland is conveniently located near several popular attractions, such as the Greek Peak Mountain Resort and the Finger Lakes region. With a car, you can easily plan day trips and explore these destinations at your leisure.

Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Renting a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and travel on your own schedule. You won't have to worry about bus schedules or taxi fares, making your trip more relaxing and enjoyable.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Cortland

Before renting a car in Cortland, it's important to be aware of the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Area

Approximately 4.9 square miles

Population

Around 18,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Ideal for

Exploring the Finger Lakes region

Rush Hours

Limited traffic congestion, mainly during school hours

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Cortland require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage, but you may want to consider additional options like collision damage waiver (CDW) or supplemental liability insurance. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements may offer unlimited mileage or have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; some require you to return the car with a full tank, while others allow you to prepay for fuel.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS navigation, child seats, or adding an additional driver to the rental agreement.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $12 / €11 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €34 per day

7 Seater:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.

Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during these months, offering budget-friendly rental options.

*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 Cortland?

Booking a car in Cortland involves several steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.

1. Compare Prices - Start by comparing prices from different rental companies using online comparison sites to find the most competitive rates.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and any other required documentation when picking up your rental car.

General Information About Cortland

Cortland is a welcoming city known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic beauty. It is an ideal starting point for exploring Central New York.

As a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, Cortland offers a variety of attractions and activities. Whether you're visiting for outdoor adventures, historical sites, or local events, having a car can greatly enhance your experience. While the city itself is easily navigable, venturing beyond requires reliable transportation. Familiarise yourself with local traffic regulations and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Greek Peak Mountain Resort

    A premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.

  • Lime Hollow Nature Center

    Offers hiking trails, educational programmes, and opportunities for wildlife observation.

  • Cortland County Historical Society

    Provides insights into the region's rich history through exhibits and artefacts.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    The City of Cortland has several public parking garages that are easy to use.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available in downtown Cortland, with time limits varying by location.

  • Park & Ride

    Limited park-and-ride options are available, primarily for commuters heading to nearby cities.

Gas Stations in Cortland

  • Convenient Locations

    Gas stations are conveniently located throughout Cortland, making it easy to refuel your rental car.

  • Major Brands

    Major fuel brands like Mobil, Sunoco, and Byrne Dairy operate stations in the area.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby gas stations and compare prices.

Useful Tips for Visiting Cortland

  • Check Local Events

    Check the local events calendar for festivals, concerts, and other happenings during your visit.

  • Be Aware of Weather Conditions

    Pay attention to weather forecasts, especially during winter months, as snow and ice can affect driving conditions.

  • Plan for Traffic

    While Cortland generally experiences minimal traffic, plan for slight delays during peak hours (7:00–9:00 and 4:00–6:00) around schools and businesses.

Key Transportation Hubs in Cortland

Bus Stations

Cortland Transit

Cortland Transit provides local bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Airports

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)

Located approximately 40 miles north of Cortland, Syracuse Airport offers flights to various domestic destinations.

Train Stations

No direct train service

Cortland does not have a direct train station; the nearest Amtrak station is in Syracuse.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Cortland?

Renting a car in Cortland is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here's what you'll need

  • A valid driver's licence from your country or state of residence is required. If your licence is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional fees.

  • A major credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit and rental fees. Some companies may only accept credit cards.

  • A passport or other form of government-issued photo identification 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 Cortland as

4.5

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.

Visiting Cortland after all these years was great! Having a rental car made getting around so easy. The only downside was that the local diner wasn't as good as I remembered.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 10.07.2025

Cortland was perfect for my relaxing getaway! Having a car let me easily explore the beautiful nearby coast. So peaceful.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 28.10.2024

Low-key, chill vibe.

KJ

Kevin Jones

Reviewed: 10.11.2024

Peaceful coastal escape! Cruising around Cortland in my rental was so convenient.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 02.01.2025

So much has changed in Cortland since my last visit! Exploring with a car was perfect.

MR

Maria Rodriguez

Reviewed: 01.10.2024

Pretty chill, really.

AG

Ashley Garcia

Reviewed: 28.09.2024

Relaxing, pleasant drive.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 01.07.2025

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