Car hires in New York: practical information
Where to rent a car in New York
New York City is a monster of a place; it's huge. You can take your chances with a rental car but largely it's not needed to get around within the city because of the great inner city transportation. On top of that, having to battle with traffic and parking is inconvenient and cumbersome. So why get a car hire in New York? It's all about the day trips that make it worth it. You'll find practically every car hire company represented either at the airport or in the city, even smaller ones.
In general the cheapest car hire in New York is more expensive than in other parts of the USA. Some even require a deposit of $500 if you wish to book without a credit card. Insurance rates are also higher here than in any other state. At JFK Airport you can rent a car in New York from Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and Alamo.
Parking in New York: what you should know
Be warned that parking in the streets is practically non-existent. On the other hand, parking in a car park is very expensive, sometimes as much as $40/day in Manhattan. That being said, it's not impossible to find free parking in New York. Street parking, if you can find a spot, is usually free or at least very cheap. If you do park on the street, make sure your insurance covers knicks, scratches and dings because they're inevitable when cars are parked bumper-to-bumper. In all cases, make sure you read the signs carefully before you leave your car.
It's a general rules that hotels in New York don't offer parking. There are a few that do, and you'll have to pay a premium to have the privilege to car your car hire in New York in their garage.
Road trips from New York: what to do, what to see
- A stone's throw away: Long Island is a great destination during the summer months when the city heats up. The beaches are clean and busy on the weekends when all the New Yorkers try to escape the city. It's easy to reach by train but if you would like to also visit some of the excellent wineries nearby then it's best to go to Long Island by car.
- A little further: Once you arrive at the Palisades, you'll hardly believe that you're on a holiday in New York. The majestic cliffs rise sharply out of the Hudson River to heights as tall as 500 feet. Along them are some great camp sites and of course some awesome views. You can reach them via the George Washington Bridge.
- A proper day-trip: Boston is just a short drive from NYC. It's the so-called "Hub of the Universe" and where the Freedom Trail was created. Harvard University is nearby in neighbouring Cambridge. While in town you can enjoy some delicious seafood and go to a Red Sox game. It is a 4 hour drive north, via the I-95.
For more things to do in New York, check out Mini-guide: New York.
