It is not all about skyscrapers and subway systems in New York State- there are times when a car is necessary. You have the option of taking a road trip to the upstate, visiting the picturesque Hudson Valley, taking a trip to the Hamptons, or simply needing the freedom to go beyond the boundaries of NYC; knowing that you have a reliable rental car is all that you should have. I have rented cars over the years with various companies in New York, and in this process, I have come to know which companies would make the process easy, pleasant, and, above all, reliable.
It is a great, entertaining review of the top 5 car rental services available in New York, including addresses, low-end rates, bonus features, free services, and actual online travel experiences.
Best Car Rental Services in New York
1. Hertz
2. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3. Avis
4. Budget Rent a Car
5. National Car Rental
5 Best Car Rental Services in New York
1. Hertz — Classic & Reliable Nationwide Service
Hertz is not a name unrecognized in car rentals, and it has a reason to do so. Hertz is a reputable service provider with properly maintained cars and numerous convenient pickup/drop-off points all over the U.S. and in New York, in particular.
Hertz is popular among travelers in New York as they love it because:
It has convenient counters (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) in its NYC airports.
Cars are normally neat, dependable, and modern.
They possess a formidable loyalty scheme (The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards).
Recently, during my visit to the Hudson Valley, I rented a midsize car in the Hertz outlet in Times Square. The pickup was fast, there was no long wait, and the agent clarified the fuel policy easily (this is always welcome). The vehicle operated well on the highway, and Albany was an easy place to dump.
Facilities & Perks:
Cancellations of 24-48 hours before pick-up are free.
Hertz Gold Rewards regularly provides a free upgrade or priority counter service.
Friendly to families, such as car seats (reserve in advance)
The Hertz rewards program allows you to avoid the counter altogether and head directly to your car, occasionally even before you have finished your rental, which is a huge win after a long flight.
Address:
Multiple NYC locations — flagship at:
Hertz Rental Car, 693 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10036 (Near Times Square)
Budget Range:
Economy $40–$60/day • Midsize $60–$90/day • SUVs $90–$140/day
2. Enterprise Rent-A-Car — Best for Customer Service
Enterprise is known to have the best level of customer service, and it reflects in New York. In case you desire employees who will assist in making the renting process simple and clear (not a plethora of fees and unimpedible regulations), it is one of the most appropriate ones.
One time, I rented from Enterprise when I was visiting relatives in NYC. The agent assisted me in getting the best parking location near my hotel, told me about the toll pass, and even gave me some scenic drives to take in the upstate area. Such a service ensured that the whole journey was improved.
Facilities & Perks:
Free pick-up trades in selected locations in NYC.
Easy returns – even after hours.
Available child safety seats.
Rental conditions that are flexible, such as one-way rentals.
Enterprise is also one of the few large rental companies that will transport you to the car lot (picking you up at some of their locations), such as around Penn Station or in the airports – this may be convenient in case you do not own luggage wheels.
Address:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 3 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001 (Penn Station)
Budget Range:
Economy $38–$58/day • Standard $60–$85/day • SUVs $85–$130/day
3. Avis — Great for Frequent Travelers & Premium Options
Avis has a good balance between convenience and high-end service. Their online customer tools are innovative and user-friendly, pickup and drop-off are simplified at the airports, and the vehicles are mostly newer models.
During a fast autumn journey to Hampton, I rented a small SUV at the Avis rental car at LaGuardia. The car was well maintained and very good sound system, ideal for scenic rides along the coast. Their application also assisted them in monitoring the toll fees and times of returning without a lot of trouble.
Facilities & Perks:
Avis Preferred point program -Free upgrades and quicker pickups.
One-way rentals between the majority of big NY locations.
Airport counters of ALL major NYC airport locations.
Avis does occasionally provide free upgrades when a particular type of vehicle is fully booked — once I was given a better SUV without a premium without any fee, which was an entertaining surprise!
Address:
Avis Car Rental, 44–10 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 (Near LaGuardia Airport)
Budget Range:
Compact $45–$65/day • Standard $60–$90/day • Premium SUVs $100–$160/day
4. Budget Rent a Car — Best for Wallet-Friendly Travel
Budget deals with its budget as the name indicates, by concentrating on low costs and yet providing quality vehicles. When you want to have a New York vacation with a tight budget (yet still have the desire to enjoy a comfortable experience in the car), Budget is generally one of the cheapest options.
I once rented a Budget car on a 3-day excursion to the Niagara Falls. It was a no-frills, but quality car, and the price was considerably lower than others in the market, good when people want to have a reliable ride without spending a lot of money.
Facilities & Perks:
Affordable prices, particularly in the economy and compact cars.
Fast airport services at JFK, LGA, and Newark.
Simple internet reservation and application.
Budget is also known to have seasonal offers and promo codes, particularly when you make an early booking or use other traveling services such as flights.
Address:
Budget Car Rental, 145 W 51st Street, New York, NY 10019 (Midtown Manhattan)
Budget Range:
Economy $35–$55/day • Standard $50–$75/day • Minivans $80–$120/day
Budget deals with its budget as the name indicates, by concentrating on low costs and yet providing quality vehicles. When you want to have a New York vacation with a tight budget (yet still have the desire to enjoy a comfortable experience in the car), Budget is generally one of the cheapest options.
5. National Car Rental — Best for Frequent Flyers & Road Warriors
Business travelers, frequent flyers, and road warriors are frequent users of National, particularly in the Emerald Club loyalty program. When you are a frequent traveler, the perks that National offers may be positively luxurious.
I enrolled in the Emerald Club, having earned a couple of rentals by working, and all of a sudden, I could pick my own car on the lot and just move on. No waiting at the counter! That was freedom, and airport pickups became much faster, and travel stress was minimized.
Facilities & Perks:
Emerald Club: jump the queue, select your car.
JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Prime locations.
Rentals with ease all over.
Emerald Club members usually get free upgrades and complimentary waivers on their fees with a sufficient number of rentals, which is an excellent advantage when you need to travel on business or pleasure often.
Address:
National Car Rental, 90–05 146th Pl, Jamaica, NY 11435 (JFK Airport)
Budget Range:
Standard $50–$80/day • Premium $80–$140/day • Large SUVs $120–$180/day
Final Tips for Renting in New York
Early booking: NYC is a busy travel destination – the earlier you rent the place, the better the price.
Think of drop-off locations: One-way trips between NYC and upstate locations (such as the Finger Lakes or Adirondacks) can be found regularly.
Know the fuel policy: Full-to-full fuel is standard at some companies, whereas pre-paid gas is desired by others; always inquire.
Compare quotes: Comparison sites (Kayak, AutoSlash, etc.) can help to save real money.
Conclusion
The selection of the most appropriate car rental company in New York also varies with the type of journey that you are undertaking i.e., budget vs. premium, short city vs. long road trip, family traveling vs. business.
Whichever rental you choose, ensure that you consider insurance options, mileage limit of the miles, fuel policies, and any other free services before you have put the signature. Driving a car in New York is an experience in itself – and it is worth experiencing when you are willing to get out of the city lights.
Bon voyage – and have a good ride!
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