New York combines world-famous landmarks, museums, neighbourhoods and entertainment with easy access to destinations across New York State and the wider north-eastern United States. A rental car is rarely necessary for exploring Manhattan, but it becomes much more useful for travelling beyond the city.
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New York Quick Facts
- State: New York
- Country: United States
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Driving side: Right
- Main airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Popular areas: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem, Lower Manhattan and Midtown
- Other major airports: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Pickup Locations in New York
Popular Rental Types in New York
Why Visit New York?
New York is one of the world's most recognisable cities, with famous landmarks, museums, theatres, parks and neighbourhoods spread across five boroughs. Visitors can explore Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn waterfront before using the city as a starting point for journeys throughout New York State and the north-eastern United States.
Top Attractions in New York
Central Park
Central Park provides a large green space in the heart of Manhattan with walking routes, lakes, gardens and cultural attractions.
Times Square
Times Square is one of New York's best-known areas, famous for theatres, illuminated advertising, shops and entertainment.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous skyscrapers and offers observation decks overlooking Manhattan.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the United States.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and provides distinctive views across the East River and New York skyline.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan commemorates the victims of the September 11 attacks and explores the events and their impact.
Getting Around New York
New York has an extensive subway, bus and commuter rail network, making public transport the most practical option for many journeys within Manhattan and the other boroughs. Driving can be slow because of congestion, one-way streets, tolls and limited parking. A rental car becomes more useful when travelling outside the city to suburban, coastal or rural destinations.
Why Rent a Car in New York?
Hiring a car in New York is most useful if your plans extend beyond the central city. A rental vehicle makes it easier to explore the Hudson Valley, Long Island, the Catskills and destinations further across New York State and neighbouring states. For sightseeing in Manhattan itself, public transport is generally easier and less expensive than driving and parking.
Popular Day Trips from New York
- Hudson Valley — Around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the destination
- Long Island — Around 1 hour or more, depending on traffic and destination
- Bear Mountain State Park — Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- The Hamptons — Around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and destination
- Catskill Mountains — Around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the destination
Airport Information
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the main airports serving New York City. Most rental car companies at JFK are located at Federal Circle. Passengers can reach Federal Circle from any terminal using the AirTrain, and travel between the airport terminals and Federal Circle is free. New York is also served by LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, so always check which airport and rental location are shown on your booking.
Driving in New York
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in New York. Driving in Manhattan can be demanding because of heavy traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, one-way streets and limited parking. Vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan at or south of 60th Street may be charged a toll, with some major through routes excluded. New York also uses extensive cashless tolling on bridges, tunnels and roads, so check your rental company's toll and E-ZPass policy before driving.
About New York
Compare airport and city car rental locations in New York. Book online securely and compare leading suppliers.
Exploring New York by Car
Car rental in New York gives you flexibility to travel between airport, city and surrounding areas without depending entirely on fixed transport schedules. It can be especially useful if you plan to visit multiple destinations during your trip.
Before booking, compare pickup locations, vehicle sizes, fuel policies and supplier terms. Booking online in advance can help you find better availability, especially during busy travel periods.
Car Hire Tips for New York
- Compare airport and city pickup points before choosing your rental location.
- Check parking rules and local traffic restrictions before driving into central areas.
- Book early during holidays, conferences and peak travel seasons.
- Choose a vehicle size that suits your passengers and luggage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a car in New York?
A car is usually unnecessary for sightseeing in Manhattan, but hiring one can be very useful for trips to Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Catskills and other destinations outside New York City.
Can I hire a car at JFK Airport?
Yes. Most rental car companies at JFK are located at Federal Circle, which can be reached from the airport terminals using the AirTrain.
Do cars drive on the right in New York?
Yes. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in New York and throughout the United States.
Do I need a car to get around Manhattan?
Usually not. Manhattan has extensive subway and bus services and parking can be expensive and difficult. A hire car is generally more useful for journeys outside the central city.
Does New York have a congestion charge?
New York operates a Congestion Relief Zone covering much of Manhattan at or south of 60th Street. Rental customers should check current toll rules and their rental company's payment arrangements before driving into the zone.
How do tolls work with a rental car in New York?
Many New York roads, bridges and tunnels use cashless tolling. Rental companies may provide an E-ZPass transponder or use another billing arrangement, so check your supplier's toll policy before setting off.