Enterprise

How to Rent a Car in New York

New York is one of the most famous metropolises in the United States, if not the world. It’s a five-borough megacity, comprising Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island.

New York’s position on the East Coast means visitors can take advantage of scenic day trips beyond the city limits to world-famous neighbourhoods like

The Hamptons, or hiking trails around Breakneck Ridge.
Explore the city and the wider state of New York at your own pace by taking advantage of a New York car rental service.
 

Finding a car rental in New York

It’s easy to rent a car in New York. With Enterprise, you enter the pick-up and drop-off times and locations, the type of vehicle you need, and your age.
Throughout New York state, the minimum driving age is 18. If you’re under 25, there is a daily young driver’s surcharge (Young Renter Fee), which varies depending on age.

As a younger driver, there may also be restrictions on which car type you can choose. In this case, we’d recommend booking in advance to see which cars will be available for your trip.

 

 Car rentals in advance from New York airports

If you need access to a car the moment you touch down, the best way is to arrange an airport pickup.

Enterprise vehicles are available at the following airports in or near New York City:

  • JFK International Airport
  • LaGuardia Airport
  • Long Island MacArthur Airport

Many of our airport services are open 24/7, so you’ll be able to pick up your car even after a nighttime flight. To save time booking on arrival, begin your reservation and select a car from the fleet at your airport.

We’ll ask for flight details and a valid credit card at this point, so make sure to bring these details when you come to the stand to collect your vehicle.

Arriving elsewhere in New York state? We also operate airport kiosks in locations ranging from Niagara Falls International Airport to the state capital airport in Albany.

 

 Choosing a car rental when in New York

If you’ve already arrived and are looking for car hire, New York offers plenty of options within the city itself. For example, drivers looking for a luxury experience can choose from our range of sought-after rentals at our Exotics branches.

Exotic car collections are available at three locations across New York: Long Island (Great Neck), The Hamptons, and Midtown Manhattan. Here, you’ll find luxury and performance cars, as well as premium SUVs for cruising the beachfronts in style.

For travellers looking to pick up a car after arriving by rail, our Manhattan Midtown East branch is a short walk from Grand Central Station. This branch has easy access to the FDR Drive and the east side of Manhattan.

Where to go in New York

Venturing into the city will give you a close-up experience of its iconic landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Rockefeller Center. Driving across the Brooklyn Bridge will afford you the iconic view of these buildings, which make up the Manhattan skyline.

At just over an hour from Manhattan, Bear Mountain State Park offers roadside viewpoints towards the Hudson River. Nearby, Sterling Forest has photogenic trails for adventurous walkers.

Alternatively, a day trip to Sleepy Hollow, a small town famous for its connection to the legend of the Headless Horseman, provides a wonderfully atmospheric escape from the city.
 

When’s best to travel to New York

New York’s coastal climate means weather conditions fluctuate throughout the year. Temperatures range from an average of 2°C in January and February to 25°C in July.

Rainfall can be unpredictable, but you’ll find that early spring and late autumn both experience lower levels than the summer months.

No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something happening in New York City.

Locals often recommend visiting between mid-October and mid-November to enjoy the stunning array of autumn foliage in Central Park, although its famous cherry blossom scenery appears in spring.

While a visit in late winter means a chance to see the Lunar New Year Parade, or get up close to Macy’s world-famous Thanksgiving Day celebrations.
 

Tips for finding the best car rental in New York

To get the best out of your car rental in New York, you’ll want to choose a car type based on your itinerary and the number of additional passengers.
Keep in mind:

  • Passenger capacity: If you’re travelling with a larger family, a people carrier ensures everyone rides in comfort.
  • Day trips or city driving: If you’ll be travelling to state parks, consider whether you’d like a more powerful car for country driving. On the other hand, a smaller car might be more practical in the city, where you might encounter narrow streets and limited parking spaces.
  • Transmission preference: Automatic transmission is standard in the US, so you won’t usually need to request it.

Choosing your car with your own needs and preferences in mind will ensure you have a more enjoyable driving experience during your stay.
 

Car rentals with Enterprise

Our New York car rental service can be arranged in a few simple steps. Choose your desired location from our list of over 180 centres within New York state, then select a vehicle class.

We’ll ask for any optional extras, such as if you’re travelling with a child. The state requires that you secure them with the appropriate child safety seat if they’re under 8 years of age. Children under 2 must be seated in a rear-facing car seat.

Once you’ve selected your preferred vehicle, you’ll be asked to review and pay for the booking. Make sure you take advantage of any promotions to save on your reservation.

Finally, when picking up your rental, remember to bring your passport, driving license, and reservation confirmation. After that, the car is yours to explore the incredible NYC and the wider state of New York.