Car Rental in New York
JFK • Newark • LaGuardia • Brooklyn • USA Road Trips
Why rent with Elynor Tours in New York?
Competitive US prices
Comparison of all American rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty)
All Pick-up Points
3 airports (JFK, Newark, LaGuardia), Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan (not recommended)
USA Expert
Advice on US insurance, E-ZPass tolls, driving in New York, road trips
Pick-up points in New York
New York Airports
JFK - John F. Kennedy (Queens)
- • Main international airport
- • 6 terminals, all airlines
- • All rental desks in arrivals halls
- • 25 km from Manhattan (45-90 min depending on traffic)
Newark Liberty (New Jersey)
- • Major international airport
- • Often cheaper than JFK
- • 25 km from Manhattan (30-60 min)
- • Convenient for heading south/west
LaGuardia (Queens)
- • Mainly domestic flights
- • Closer to Manhattan (13 km, 30 min)
- • Recently renovated
Neighbourhoods (Boroughs)
Manhattan
Car not recommended! Heavy traffic, parking $30-60/day, subway is more practical
Brooklyn
Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope. Easier by car than Manhattan
Queens
Flushing, Astoria. Close to airports, more accessible parking
Bronx / Staten Island
Less touristy, a car is useful for getting around
Road Trips from New York
• Niagara Falls : spectacular waterfalls (640 km, 6-7h)
• Boston : historic city (350 km, 4h)
• The Hamptons : upscale beaches on Long Island (160 km, 2-3h)
• Washington DC : the capital (360 km, 4h)
• Philadelphia : American history (150 km, 2h)
• Cape Cod : seaside resorts (430 km, 5h)
• Woodstock / Catskills : nature, skiing (180 km, 2h30)
A car really comes into its own for exploring the American East Coast!
Driving in New York
• Traffic: Very heavy 7-10am and 4-7pm. Frequent congestion
• Aggressive style: Assertive driving, honking, taxis everywhere
• Manhattan parking: $30-60/day! Very limited
• Bridges/tunnels: Tolled ($10-17 per crossing)
• Grid system: Numbered streets in Manhattan, easy to navigate
• Pedestrian priority: Absolute. Crossings are sacred
Tip: Pick up the car at the airport, head straight on a road trip, or keep it outside Manhattan.
Car Rental Rates New York 2025
| Category | Example | Price/day | Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Nissan Versa, Kia Rio | €40-60 | €250-380 |
| Compact | Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic | €50-75 | €320-480 |
| Intermediate | Nissan Altima, Hyundai Elantra | €60-90 | €380-580 |
| Full-Size | Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion | €70-100 | €450-650 |
| Standard SUV | Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue | €80-120 | €520-780 |
| Minivan 7-seat | Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey | €100-150 | €650-980 |
| Premium | BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac | €120-200 | €780-1300 |
*Indicative rates with basic insurance. Fuel $0.90-1.20/L (~€0.80-1/L). Tolls extra (E-ZPass).
Tips for driving in New York
Essential information
- Licence: French licence valid for 3-6 months. International permit recommended
- Minimum age: 21 years. 25 years to avoid young driver surcharge
- US insurance: Different system (LDW, CDW, SLI). Take full coverage
- E-ZPass tolls: Electronic system. Charged to rental + admin fees
- Red light: Right turn on red permitted unless sign prohibits it
- 4-way stop: First to arrive, first to go. Respect arrival order
Recommended uses
- Road trips: Niagara, Boston, Washington — THE real reason to rent
- Hamptons / Long Island: Beaches, vineyards, villages
- Brooklyn / Queens: Explore the outer boroughs
- Avoid: Manhattan by car (subway is much more practical)
- Tip: Rent on departure, return on arrival. Avoid driving in Manhattan
Manhattan parking: mission impossible?
Parking in Manhattan is a nightmare and costs a fortune. A few options if you have no choice:
- • Covered car parks: $30-60 for 24h (some $80-100)
- • Street parking: Limited, complex rules (alternate side parking), expensive meters
- • Fines: Very expensive ($65-200). Tickets are frequent
- • Useful apps: SpotHero, ParkWhiz to find/book parking
- • Best advice: Leave the car in the hotel parking (if you stay outside Manhattan) or at the airport
Frequently asked questions — Car rental New York
Is it worth renting a car in New York?
To visit Manhattan: NO, the subway is far more practical and affordable. For road trips (Niagara, Boston, Hamptons) or exploring outside Manhattan: YES, absolutely! A car is ideal for discovering the American East Coast from New York.
Which airport should I choose for rental?
JFK: largest, all rental companies, often pricier. Newark: often better value, convenient for New Jersey and the south. LaGuardia: closest to Manhattan, mostly domestic flights. All three are well served by rental companies.
What insurance should I take in the USA?
The US system differs from Europe. Recommended: LDW/CDW (vehicle damage) + SLI/ALI (enhanced liability) + PAI (driver accident). Full coverage advised (~$20-35/day extra). Check whether your bank card covers the USA.
How do tolls work?
Electronic E-ZPass system on bridges, tunnels and highways ($10-17 per crossing in NY). The car usually has an E-ZPass transponder. Tolls are billed to your rental with administration fees. Keep all receipts.
Can I turn right on a red light?
Yes, in the USA you can turn right on red after a full stop, unless a "No Turn On Red" sign prohibits it. Check that no pedestrian is crossing. In Manhattan, it is often prohibited at major intersections.
What is the best time for a road trip?
Spring (April-June): pleasant temperatures, lush nature. Autumn (September-October): superb, magnificent fall foliage. Summer (July-August): hot, ideal for Hamptons beaches. Avoid winter (December-February): cold, possible snow.
Guides for renting in the USA
Renting a car in the United States requires knowing the local specifics. Read our complete guide to car rental abroad to learn everything about US insurance, licences and rules.
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