Car hire in Ithaca, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Ithaca

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Ithaca car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Ithaca pick-up location

There are 4 car hire locations in Ithaca. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Ithaca

Hiring a car in Ithaca: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAvis
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 3,584
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Ithaca

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Ithaca car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ithaca

  • Get into the driver's seat with a cheap rental car in Ithaca. With prices averaging R 3,584 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you pick the right wheels at a price that works.

  • October is the cheapest month to rent a car in Ithaca. With average daily rates of R 940, you're on the fast-track to saving.

  • Book early to lock down a cheap rental car in Ithaca. Along with better prices, you're more likely to find a car that fits your style or needs.

  • Explore the options available with Avis and Budget. These popular providers offer some of the best car hire deals in Ithaca.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Ithaca car hire policy, whether you go with Avis or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Look into booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for rent in Ithaca by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Ithaca with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.

  • If you have a flight to Ithaca, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and grab one of the car rentals in Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport instead. Toss your bags in the back seat and drive straight to where you want to go.

Compare car hire types in Ithaca

  • Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Ithaca from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Ithaca car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Ithaca that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Ithaca car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Ithaca by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always go over your rental company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.

  • Kids coming with you? Car seat regulations vary from one place to another, and the right setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Ithaca car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Ithaca

  • Discover the biggest attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in Ithaca. Ithaca Falls Trail and Ithaca Waterfalls are highlights you'll want to catch before heading off.

  • When you're ready to rest your head, Super 8 by Wyndham Ithaca and Quality Inn Ithaca - University Area will make you feel right at home in Ithaca.

  • Shift gears and head toward Syracuse. Around 72 kilometres north-east of central Ithaca, you'll find favourite sights like MOST (Museum of Science and Technology) and The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

  • Clarion Pointe Downtown and Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites are comfortable accommodation options in Syracuse.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Ithaca and then set out for Binghamton. Around 64 kilometres south-east of Ithaca, Roberson Museum and Science Centre and Cutler Botanic Garden are standout attractions that make the drive worthwhile.

  • Quality Inn & Suites Vestal Binghamton Near University and Residence Inn Binghamton are comfy places to stay in Binghamton if you've got more than a quick stop in mind.

  • Still got fuel in the tank? Motor on to Newark, about 274 kilometres south-east of Ithaca. From New Jersey Performing Arts Centre to Aljira, a Centre for Contemporary Art, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.

  • Browse the room options at Holiday Inn Newark International Airport or Robert Treat Hotel. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Newark has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Ithaca will set you back around R 3,584 per day or R 13,978 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Ithaca is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Ithaca is currently October.
On average, around R 13,978. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Ithaca is R 10,694.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Ithaca for a whole month is R 53,679. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Ithaca, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Ithaca that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Ithaca.
Most places – Ithaca included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 2,538 per day. The average price per day is around R 3,584.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Avis, Enterprise and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Ithaca.