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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in New York City
New York City
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
New York City
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
New York City
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
New York City
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.
Why Rent a Car in New York City?
New York City, with its iconic skyline and diverse neighbourhoods, offers endless exploration opportunities. While the city boasts an extensive public transportation system, a rental car provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience.
Explore Beyond Manhattan. Easily venture to the outer boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, each with unique attractions and experiences that are less accessible by public transport.
Day Trips Made Easy. Escape the city bustle with day trips to destinations like the Hamptons, the Hudson Valley, or the Jersey Shore, all within comfortable driving distance.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with family, luggage, or business equipment is significantly easier with your own vehicle, avoiding crowded subways and the hassle of taxis or ride-sharing services.
Rental Terms and Conditions in New York City
Before booking a rental car in New York City, familiarise yourself with the essential terms and conditions.
Area
Approximately 302.6 square miles (784 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 8.8 million residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring beyond Manhattan
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. Consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck mileage limits and fuel policies. Many rentals require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Tolls and E-ZPassBe aware of tolls on bridges and highways. Consider renting an E-ZPass transponder for automatic toll payments.
Car Rental Prices in New York City – 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 high demand.
Low season (January to February): Often come with discounts, making it a budget-friendly time to rent.
*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 New York City?
Follow these simple steps to book your rental car in New York City.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About New York City
New York City is a vibrant metropolis with a complex traffic landscape. Understanding local driving conditions is essential for a smooth experience, especially when exploring beyond Manhattan.
As one of the world's most iconic cities, New York City offers a mix of culture, history, and modern attractions. While public transport is extensive, renting a car provides flexibility, especially for exploring the outer boroughs or nearby regions. However, be prepared for heavy traffic, tolls, and unique driving regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Iconic symbols of freedom and immigration, accessible by ferry.
Times Square
The bustling heart of Manhattan, known for its bright lights and entertainment.
Central Park
A sprawling urban oasis offering recreation and relaxation.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use garages like Icon Parking or SP Plus for secure parking throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited and expensive, especially in Manhattan.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside Manhattan and using public transportation to reach the city centre.
Gas Stations in New York City
Availability
Gas stations are less frequent in Manhattan. Plan accordingly when your fuel is low.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Mobil, Shell, and BP on the outskirts of the city and along major highways.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting New York City
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for public transport with a contactless card or OMNY for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in crowded areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM) when traffic is heaviest.
Be Aware of Tolls
Many bridges and tunnels have tolls. E-ZPass can simplify payment.
Key Transportation Hubs in New York City
Major Bus Stations
Port Authority Bus Terminal
Serves as the primary hub for interstate buses in the New York City area.
Railway Stations
Grand Central Terminal
A historic landmark and major transportation hub in Midtown Manhattan.
Penn Station
Located beneath Madison Square Garden, serving Amtrak, LIRR, and NJ Transit trains.
Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Located in Queens, one of the busiest international airports in the world.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located in Newark, New Jersey, serving the New York metropolitan area.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Located in Queens, primarily serving domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in New York City?
Renting a car in New York City requires meeting certain criteria to ensure a smooth process.
A valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as New York City 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.
Pretty good, really.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
So glad I returned after all these years! Having a car made everything so much easier, and exploring was a breeze.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
NYC was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy, even getting out to the coast for some relaxation. Definitely recommend.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Solid, pretty cool.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
Amazing weekend getaway! Cruising around NYC in my rental was effortless and so much fun.
Chloe Evans
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Wonderful trip! Getting a car was a breeze, and exploring the city and nearby coast was effortless.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
Exceeded expectations! So glad I heard about it.
Thomas Wilson
Reviewed: 21.04.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 18.05.2025