Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cortland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cortland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cortland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cortland
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Cortland 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.
Cortland was perfect for my relaxing getaway! Having a car let me easily explore the beautiful nearby coast. So peaceful.
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Low-key, chill vibe.
Kevin Jones
Reviewed: 10.11.2024
Peaceful coastal escape! Cruising around Cortland in my rental was so convenient.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 02.01.2025
So much has changed in Cortland since my last visit! Exploring with a car was perfect.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Relaxing, pleasant drive.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
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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.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.07.2025