How to find a cheap car hire deal in New York
Pick up a cheap rental car in New York for around R 2,547 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, so you can quickly compare prices and book.
R 549 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in New York.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 1,601 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to time it just right, book about two weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a New York car hire.
Check out the offers available with Sixt, Budget and Dollar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Sixt or another supplier includes with your New York car hire can vary, so be sure to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some great one-way prices on a car for rent in New York.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,654 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,420.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly R 1,398 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Economy rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting New York.
Flying to New York? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at John F. Kennedy International Airport. If you're flying to New York through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 24 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes.
Or make a swift exit with a car hire from Newark Liberty International Airport. After collecting your keys, it'll take roughly 35 minutes to drive the 24 kilometres or so to the centre.
Also check out the rental car options at LaGuardia Airport. Central New York is around 13 kilometres away, with a drive time of about 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in New York
Small: These cheap rental cars in New York may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance trips, this New York car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in New York handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're tough, dependable, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your New York 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 can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you commit.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in New York.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always check the terms before locking in your reservation.
Add a car seat to your New York car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay with a card when it's possible, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
English is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in New York for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time relaxing at Bryant Park Hotel. Around 5 kilometres from central New York, it comes with valet parking, a bar and a laundry.
Alternatively, make use of the valet parking at Casa Cipriani New York. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features a bar and a spa.
Explore the full range of hotels in New York and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in New York and your hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to go first. Start your trip with popular attractions such as Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from New York
Yonkers should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Westchester and Untermyer Gardens. This city is about 26 kilometres north of central New York.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Yonkers include Radio Hotel and Ramada by Wyndham Bronx.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in New York and drive around 26 kilometres northwest to Paterson. Featuring Paterson Great Falls and Great Falls National Historical Park, its attractions are worth the drive.
Relax after a day of exploring Paterson at Crowne Plaza Saddle Brook or Marriott Saddle Brook. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Worcester, around 257 kilometres northeast of New York. Make your first stop Worcester Art Museum, then take your time exploring Redemption Rock Brewing.
Get some shut-eye in Worcester at either Residence Inn Worcester or Courtyard Worcester. They have a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
