Where to rent a car in New York City

You can rent a car from major chains at three airports serving the New York area: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). All three have rental counters in their baggage claim areas. You can also rent from locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens if you prefer to pick up after you've arrived, though Manhattan locations charge a daily surcharge (currently $13.61 per day, though this can change) that airport locations do not.

The major rental companies operating in the New York area include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo. Smaller regional companies and peer-to-peer services like Turo also operate here, though they have different rules about insurance and driver requirements. Each company sets its own prices and vehicle availability, so checking multiple sources before you book saves money.

If you're renting in Manhattan specifically, understand that you'll pay the surcharge on top of your daily rate, and you'll need to navigate or pay for parking. Many visitors find it cheaper and simpler to use public transit or car services within the city, then rent a car only if they're traveling to areas outside Manhattan.

Key Takeaways

  • Airport rentals at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark have no daily surcharge, while Manhattan locations add $13.61 per day to your bill.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage) to complete a rental.
  • New York State requires you to carry proof of insurance at all times while driving, and rental companies include this in their standard agreement.
  • Parking in Manhattan is expensive and difficult; if you're staying in the city, public transit or car services are usually cheaper than renting.
  • Check the rental agreement for mileage limits, fuel policy, and damage waiver terms before you sign, as these vary by company and affect your final cost.

What documents you need to rent a car

You must have a valid driver's license issued by any U.S. state, Canada, or most other countries. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with it. The rental company will scan or photocopy your license and keep a record of it.

You need a credit card in your own name to hold as a deposit. The company will place a hold on the card (typically $200 to $500, depending on the vehicle and company) but won't charge it unless you return the car damaged or late. Debit cards are not accepted for this hold at most companies. The card must be the same name as your driver's license.

You must show proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance policy (bring the declarations page or a digital copy), or you can purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver and liability coverage at the counter. If you use your own insurance, confirm with your insurer before you rent that your policy covers rental cars in New York; some policies exclude them.

Understanding rental car insurance in New York

New York State law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. When you rent a car, the rental company's agreement includes liability coverage that meets New York's minimum requirements ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury; $10,000 for property damage). This coverage is mandatory and included in your rental price.

Collision and comprehensive coverage (which pays for damage to the rental car itself) are optional. If you decline the rental company's coverage, your own auto insurance policy must cover rental cars for the rental company to release the vehicle to you. If you don't have your own coverage and decline the company's waiver, you are personally liable for any damage, no matter how minor.

The rental company's collision damage waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day. Before you buy it, call your own insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental cars. If it does, you may not need to buy the waiver. If you have a credit card that offers rental car coverage (some premium cards do), read the terms carefully—many exclude certain vehicle types or have limits on coverage.

Driving rules and tolls in the New York area

New York requires you to keep your proof of insurance in the car at all times. You must carry your driver's license and vehicle registration (the rental agreement serves as this). Seat belts are required for all passengers. Texting while driving is illegal, and hands-free phone use is required if you use a phone while driving.

The New York area has multiple toll roads. The major ones are the bridges and tunnels entering Manhattan (Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, George Washington Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge), the New Jersey Turnpike, the Long Island Expressway, and the Westchester County parkways. Tolls range from $5.76 to $17.50 depending on the crossing and vehicle type. Most rental companies add a daily surcharge ($3 to $5) if you use tolls, then bill you for the actual toll amount later.

Ask the rental company at pickup whether tolls are included in your agreement or if you'll be billed separately. Some companies use automatic toll collection; others send you a bill. If you're unfamiliar with the area, use GPS or a mapping app to avoid toll roads if you prefer, though this often adds time to your trip.

Returning your rental car

Return the car to the location where you rented it, or to a different location if the company allows one-way rentals (this usually costs more). Arrive with a full tank of fuel. If you return the car with less than a full tank, the company will refuel it and charge you a premium price per gallon—typically $2 to $3 more per gallon than the local gas price.

Inspect the car for damage before you leave. Take photos of the exterior and interior if you notice any dents, scratches, or stains. Point these out to the rental agent and ask them to note them on the return paperwork. If damage is not documented at return, the company may charge you for it later.

Return the car on time. Late fees vary by company but typically start at $40 to $50 for the first hour, then increase. If you're running late, call the rental location and ask if they can extend your reservation; this is often cheaper than paying late fees. Keep your rental agreement and receipt for your records in case questions arise about charges.

Choosing between airport and city rentals

Airport rentals are simpler if you're arriving by plane and leaving the New York area when ready. You pick up the car as soon as you land and don't pay the Manhattan surcharge. The downside is that airport locations are busy and may have limited vehicle availability during peak travel times.

City rentals make sense if you're staying in New York for a few days and only need a car for part of your trip. However, the $13.61 daily surcharge adds up quickly. A three-day rental in Manhattan costs an extra $40.83 just in surcharges. Add parking (which can run $20 to $60 per day in Manhattan) and you may find it cheaper to use taxis, rideshare, or public transit for city travel and rent a car only for trips outside the city.

If you're traveling to areas outside Manhattan—the Hamptons, the Hudson Valley, upstate New York, or New Jersey—renting at an airport or outer-borough location and driving out makes financial sense. You avoid the city surcharge and parking hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm visiting from another country?

If your driver's license is in English and issued by a country with a reciprocal agreement with the United States (Canada, most of Europe, Australia, and others), you can rent with just your license. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit along with your license. Check with the rental company before you book if you're unsure whether your license will be accepted.

What happens if I get into an accident?

Call the rental company when ready and report the accident, even if it's minor. Do not admit fault or sign anything except a police report if police respond. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. The rental company will guide you through their claims process. If you purchased their collision coverage, they handle the repair; if not, your insurance or you personally are responsible for the damage.

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most rental companies charge an underage driver fee (typically $15 to $30 per day) for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require you to be 25 with no fee. Check the company's age policy when you book. Your driver's license must still be valid and in your name.

Is it cheaper to book online or at the counter?

Online rates are usually lower because you're booking in advance and the company can plan inventory. Booking at the counter may offer last-minute deals if the company has excess vehicles, but this is not may provide. Book online before you arrive, then ask the counter agent if they have any promotions or lower rates available. You can usually modify or cancel online bookings without penalty.

What if I need to extend my rental?

Call the rental location as soon as you know you need more time. If the car is available, they can extend your reservation at the same daily rate you booked. If you don't call and straightforward keep the car, you'll be charged late fees starting when ready after your return time. Extensions are usually cheaper than late fees, so contact the company early.