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Car rental in Watertown - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Watertown

Watertown

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Watertown

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Watertown

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Watertown

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 Watertown?

Watertown is a charming city with a blend of historical sites and modern attractions. While local transport options exist, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach destinations that might be inaccessible by public transit.

Explore Historic Sites. Renting a car makes it easy to visit historical landmarks such as the Thompson Park and the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Visit Outdoor Attractions. With a rental car, you can easily access picturesque locations like the Black River and Lake Ontario, perfect for outdoor activities.

Enjoy Shopping and Dining. Having a car allows you to explore a variety of local restaurants and shops, from downtown Watertown to the Salmon Run Mall.

Day Trips Made Easy. Watertown is a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Adirondack Mountains or the Thousand Islands.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Watertown

Before booking a rental car in Watertown, it’s important to understand the standard terms and conditions. These often cover minimum age requirements, necessary licences, insurance details, deposit policies, and any potential additional fees. Being aware of these details can ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

Area

9.3 square miles (24.1 km²)

Population

Approximately 27,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)

Ideal for

Weekend getaways

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic during weekday mornings and evenings

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Watertown require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional young driver surcharges.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.

3. Insurance & DepositsA security deposit is usually required, and standard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available for extra protection.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.

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

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £25 / $32 / €30 per day

Classic:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

Executive:

from £50 / $63 / €58 per day

7 Seater:

from £60 / $75 / €70 per day

Automatic:

from £30 / $38 / €35 per day

SUV:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts

*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 Watertown?

Booking a rental car in Watertown is a straightforward process. By following a few key steps, you can secure the best deal and ensure a smooth experience. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, here’s how to book a car in Watertown.

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, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Watertown

Watertown offers a delightful mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and local charm. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore everything the city and its surroundings have to offer. Understanding some key aspects of driving and parking in Watertown will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

As a central hub in Jefferson County, Watertown is a city rich in history and culture. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, a rental car can greatly enhance your ability to explore the region. While Watertown is relatively easy to navigate, knowing the local traffic patterns, parking options, and where to find petrol stations will make your trip even smoother.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Thompson Park

    A beautiful park offering stunning views, walking trails, and recreational facilities.

  • Jefferson County Historical Society

    Explore the local history and heritage of Jefferson County.

  • New York State Zoo at Thompson Park

    Discover a variety of native New York animals.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilise public parking garages in the downtown area for secure and convenient parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    On-street parking is available in many areas, but be mindful of time limits and parking regulations.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider park-and-ride options if you plan to visit the city centre during peak hours.

Petrol Stations in Watertown

  • Convenient Locations

    Find petrol stations along major routes like Arsenal Street and Washington Street.

  • Major Brands Available

    Access brands such as Stewart’s Shops, Sunoco, and Mobil.

  • Plan Ahead

    Ensure you have enough fuel, especially if planning longer trips outside the city.

Useful Tips for Visiting Watertown

  • Plan for Traffic

    Avoid driving during peak hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to minimise delays.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in the downtown area.

  • Check Local Events

    Be aware of local events that may impact traffic and parking.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Utilise apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and directions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Watertown

Major Bus Stations

Watertown Transportation Center

Located downtown, it serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services.

Airports

Watertown International Airport (ART)

Located a few miles east of the city, offering regional flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Watertown?

Renting a car in Watertown requires a few essential documents and criteria to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you'll need to have ready:

  • A current, valid driver’s licence is required. If you're visiting from another country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be necessary.

  • Most rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.

  • A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or another form of government-issued photo identification may be required, particularly for international renters.

Our Content Quality

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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 Watertown as

4.4

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.

Meh. Kinda pricey.

AS

Alex Smith

Reviewed: 05.07.2025

Perfect stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring so easy.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 29.11.2024

Loved exploring Watertown! Having a car was perfect for getting around and discovering all the hidden gems. Such a charming place.

JD

Jessica Davis

Reviewed: 05.12.2024

Small town, kinda bland

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 08.01.2025

Low-key, pretty chill

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 11.05.2025

Watertown charmed us! Summer's beauty, explored by car.

OW

Olivia Wilson

Reviewed: 13.10.2024

Quiet, but pleasant.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 27.12.2024

Watertown was a delightful summer getaway! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing us to easily explore all the charming spots. Highly recommend!

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 07.10.2024

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