Car hire in New York, United States

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

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

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

Select your New York pick-up location

There are 195 car hire locations in New York. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in New York

Choose from the best car hire companies in New York

Hiring a car in New York: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,615
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in New York

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 New York car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in New York

  • Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in New York. Choose from options averaging R 1,615 a day and hit the road for less.

  • Drive off with extra savings by reserving your ride in December. With average daily rates of R 554, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in New York.

  • We've cracked the code on when to book. Two weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding a cheap rental car in New York.

  • Trusted rental brands such as Sixt, Budget and Dollar are popular picks for car hire deals in New York.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your New York car hire policy, whether you go with Sixt or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in New York.

  • Skip the hidden fees by choosing a car hire in New York with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.

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

  • If your plans include flying into New York, you might want to give the city pickup a miss and choose one of the car rentals in John F. Kennedy International Airport instead. Also browse the car rentals in Newark Liberty International Airport and car rentals in LaGuardia Airport so you're good to roll wherever you arrive.

Compare car hire types in New York

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in New York makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this New York car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • 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, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your New York car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in New York by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before securing your ride.

  • If you've got the kids in tow, see if you need to add a child car seat to your New York car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

Hit the road: Where to drive from New York

  • Don't leave town without ticking off some of the city's biggest attractions, like Central Park and Manhattan Skyline. Lock in a car hire deal in New York and then start putting together your sightseeing hit list.

  • When check-in time comes around, The Manhattan at Times Square and Millennium Downtown New York will make you feel at home in New York.

  • Yonkers should be on your itinerary if you'd like to see LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Westchester and Untermyer Gardens. This city is around 26 kilometres north of central New York.

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers - Westchester and The Royal Regency Hotel are recommended accommodation options in Yonkers.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in New York and then head for Paterson. About 27 kilometres north-west of New York, Paterson Great Falls and Great Falls National Historical Park are among the highlights that make the drive totally worth it.

  • Rodeway Inn and Town House Inn & Suites are comfortable places to stay in Paterson if you're settling in for a while.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Worcester, roughly 257 kilometres north-east of New York. Make your first stop Worcester Art Museum, then follow it up with Redemption Rock Brewing.

  • Time to think about catching some z's. Holiday Inn Express Worcester and Quality Inn & Suites Worcester have rooms ready in Worcester.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in New York is a compact SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in New York are currently Alamo and Enterprise.
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 New York is currently December.
On average, around R 4,342. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in New York is R 3,622.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in New York for a whole month is R 23,879. 

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 New York, 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 New York 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 New York.
Most places – New York 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 866 per day. The average price per day is around R 2,184.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Sixt and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Payless as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in New York.