Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Poughkeepsie
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Poughkeepsie
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Poughkeepsie
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Poughkeepsie
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.
Poughkeepsie, New York, offers a blend of historic charm and modern attractions, nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley. While local transport options exist, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this vibrant region at your own pace.
Explore the Hudson Valley. Renting a car in Poughkeepsie allows you to easily access the breathtaking landscapes of the Hudson Valley, including the Walkway Over the Hudson and numerous historic sites.
Visit Nearby Towns. With a car, you can conveniently visit neighbouring towns like Beacon, Cold Spring, and Hyde Park, each offering unique attractions and experiences.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Avoid the constraints of public transport schedules and explore the area on your own terms, stopping wherever and whenever you please.
Before booking a rental car in Poughkeepsie, it’s important to understand the standard rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 14.8 square kilometres (5.7 square miles)
Population
Around 30,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5
Ideal for
Scenic drives and historical site visits
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Poughkeepsie require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $32 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $57 / €52 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often provides discounts due to lower tourist activity
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to book a car in Poughkeepsie and ensure a smooth rental experience.
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 travel needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking your rental well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental vehicle.
Poughkeepsie, nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, is a city rich in history and culture. Exploring Poughkeepsie and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local traffic and parking regulations.
Poughkeepsie offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the flexibility needed to fully explore the region. Whether you plan to visit the Walkway Over the Hudson, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, or the Culinary Institute of America, a car allows you to travel at your own pace and convenience. Driving in Poughkeepsie is generally straightforward, but being aware of local traffic patterns and parking options will enhance your experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Walkway Over the Hudson
The world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, offering stunning views of the Hudson River.
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Includes the Presidential Library and Museum, as well as FDR's home and Top Cottage.
Vassar College
A prestigious liberal arts college with a beautiful campus and art gallery.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in downtown Poughkeepsie for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but be mindful of time limits and regulations.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city and utilise public transportation to reach your destination.
Gas Stations in Poughkeepsie
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
You can find major fuel brands such as Mobil, Shell, and Sunoco.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Poughkeepsie
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of potential traffic delays during peak commute hours.
Check for Events
Check local event calendars for potential road closures and increased traffic.
Use GPS
Utilise a GPS navigation system to help you navigate the area efficiently.
Explore Surrounding Towns
Take advantage of your rental car to explore nearby towns and attractions in the Hudson Valley.
Railway Stations
Poughkeepsie Station (Metro-North)
Provides commuter rail service to New York City and connections to other destinations in the Hudson Valley.
Airports
Stewart International Airport (SWF)
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Poughkeepsie, offering domestic and international flights.
Dutchess County Airport (POU)
A general aviation airport located near Wappingers Falls, providing charter flights and flight training services.
Renting a car in Poughkeepsie, NY, 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 is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A valid credit or debit card is required for the security deposit and rental fees. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required 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 Poughkeepsie 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.
Heard great things about Poughkeepsie, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was a breeze.
David Lee
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Beautiful summer escape! Poughkeepsie was delightful, easy to explore by car.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Pretty chill, overall
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Loved catching up with friends in Poughkeepsie! Exploring the area by car was super convenient.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Poughkeepsie was fine; the riverwalk was underwhelming.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 05.08.2025
Perfect weekend getaway! Poughkeepsie was lovely; easy to explore.
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 21.01.2025
Relaxing, kinda slow
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Poughkeepsie's charm surprised me! So much has changed since my last visit. Having a car made exploring so easy.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Charming town, easy to navigate; so glad I rented a car!
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
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Quick business trip to Poughkeepsie, and having a rental car made getting around so easy. The Walkway Over the Hudson was impressive, though the visitor center felt a little underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 06.09.2024