Renting A Car In New York City: Everything You Need To Know (2025)

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Renting a car in New York City? You’re in the right place!

If you’re looking to rent a car in NYC, there’s a lot to think about including where to rent a car, if you need insurance, driving and parking tips, common scams to watch for and more!

Why listen to me? I’ve lived in NYC and visit a lot – and I’ve also driven a car in and out of NYC. I’m sharing all my tips and recommendations in this post, as well as steps to take when you rent a car in NYC!

You may or may not need to rent a car in NYC for multiple reasons (hint: it depends on what you plan to do in New York, which means you may or may not need a car), which I’ll talk more about, so keep reading!

#1 Pick
NYC air tram

Best New York City Car Rental Company: Discover Cars

This is the car rental aggregate I recommend for renting a car in New York because they have the cheapest prices!


Where should I rent a car in NYC?

There are a lot of options for where to rent a car in NYC, and which one to choose depends on factors including where you’ll be when you rent (e.g., an airport or within the city, or even outside of the city), the highest-rated rental car companies, and things of that nature.

✈️ 🚙 Airport Locations: Many major car rental companies have branches at the airports serving NYC. Renting from an airport location can be convenient if you’re flying into the city.

Here are the airports where you can rent a car for New York City:

  • JFK
  • LaGuardia
  • Newark
  • Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
  • Westchester County Airport (HPN)

🚙 Other NYC Locations: If you’re already in the city and don’t want to travel to the airports, you can find car rental agencies in neighborhoods and downtown locations. Check if the car rental agency has a branch near your accommodation or destination, as this can save you time and money on transportation to and from the rental location.

Manhattan:

  • Greenwich Village
  • Downtown Yorkville

Brooklyn:

  • Downtown Brooklyn
  • Coney Island
  • Willamsburg

🚙 Rental Duration: The duration of your rental might influence your choice of location. If you only need a car for a day or two, a convenient downtown location might be best. For longer rentals, airport locations might offer better rates.

Read on to make your New York rental car experience easier!

Chinatown NYC skyline view at night

👉 Renting A Car In New York City: What To Do Right Away & More Driving Tips

Rental car interior from the driver's seat, with steering wheel, gps and more

👉 What to do when you rent your car in NYC: Step-by-Step Guide

You’ll need:

  • Your (the driver and any add-on drivers) driver’s license(s)
  • An International Driver’s License if your drivers’ license is from outside of the US (You can get one here for around $30, and there’s an urgent option that takes just around 15 minutes)
  • A credit card for them to place the hold for the rental car
  • Your Passport if you’re from outside of the US
  • Your email with the Voucher about your booking (You can print this or use your e-Voucher from either the confirmation email or the My Booking section)
  • Get the number of the car rental place in case you need to call them while you have the rental car.
  • At the car, check for any and all scratches, dings or damage of any kind, no matter how small (outside and inside) and take photos on your phone (to avoid possible charges upon return).
  • Make sure everything is working (especially the air conditoning in the summer and heat in thr winter)!
  • Check to make sure your smartphone is connected. If your car has Apple Car Play, some cars connect only with a cord if you have one, and some work with Bluetooth. Otherwise, you can connect via Bluetooth without using Apple Car Play.
  • Make sure you understand how to work the audio (I had issues with this using a rental car once, and ended up driving out of my way because I couldn’t hear the audio from the gps).
  • Record the fuel level before you drive – this is the level you’ll want to return it with, depending on what your rental agreement says (If you chose full-to-full on your car rental reservation, make sure they fill it up). If it’s not full, ask the rental people to fill it up first.
  • If you end up adding to the length of your trip and need to rent another car, make sure to rent one from the same rental place before your first rental expires if possible, to avoid any added fees. You can upgrade your rental to a “drop-off” pickup from the same company (i.e., Hertz or Sixt).
NYC traffic going into a tunnel

👉 Toll Roads In New York

When you enter Manhattan from most places except for Brooklyn or Queens, you’ll have to pay a toll. In addition, all bridges and tunnels into the city from New Jersey have tolls when entering (no tolls when leaving the city).

The bridges that are toll-free are the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and Queensborough Bridges.

Tolled roads include the New York State Thruway, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway in NJ. There are other, toll-free roads that will be slower, but if you have time and want to avoid tolls, can be better options.

How to pay for tolls with a New York City rental car:

The vast majority bridges and tunnels accept cash payments for tolls. The only ones that do not accept cash are the Outerbridge Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge, which both connect Staten Island with NJ, plus the Verranzano-Narrows Bridge which connects Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Most New York rental car companies offer EZ Tags for making toll payments, which takes care of the cashless ones and can also be used for the others. Most of these cost somewhere between $3.95-$4.95 per day with $20-$30 maximum, or $11.99 per day for unlimited tolls, depending on which rental car company you use.

You can pay for the cashless tolls online without using the EZ tags, which isn’t the case in all US states. This option will save you the added fees of the car rental companies, but you must pay the online toll fees within 48 hours of passing the cashless toll points. You can pay online at Tolls by Mail.

Renting a car in New York City - cars diving in the city surrounded by buildings and traffic lights

👉 Parking In New York City

I don’t recommend driving or parking in Manhattan if you can avoid it, but if you’re driving in surrounding areas like New Jersey, Long Island, Upstate NY and more areas you’ll be able to park more easily.

Parking in NYC, especially Manhattan is frustrating and expensive. You can find street parking in NYC, and most of it is metered (if you can find a spot). Metered parking is usually only available for one hour-long time slots. It’s free on Sunday (which means you’ll be less likely to find a space, too).

When you park on the street in NYC, including all boroughs, you have to move the car regularly in accordance with street cleaning schedules. Be sure to watch for fire hydrants and avoid them. toavoid fees.

There are parking garages and outdoor lots in NYC, which are usually extremely expensive, and I recommend searching for coupons if you decide to use them, or using an app like SpotHero. It also may be difficult to get the car in and out.

NYC also has congestion pricing from Midtown through Lower Manhattan, which means you’ll have to pay a fee to enter the busiest part of NYC – which is another reason to avoid driving there!

👉 Read the official government information for all kinds of NYC parking here.

👉 Here’s more information about NYC parking signs and rules.

New York City skyline at dusk with the Manhattan bridge with traffic

👉 Getting Gas in New York City, New York State & New Jersey

NYC can be really expensive when it comes to gas prices, so be sure to do your research to find the best rates (plus, Manhattan gas stations are quickly disappearing due to astronomical rent).

Make sure the gas pump displays the price per gallon and that your pump is set to zero before you pump your gas. All costs, total should be displayed at the end, including the gallons you put into your car.

Each gas pump should have a DCWP seal to prove they passed inspection.

Gas stations cannot make you purchase any membership or anything other than the gas you put into your car. You also are allowed to pay with cash, without any added fees for using cash. If a gas station tries to add these things, it’s a scam.

Also be careful with your credit card to avoid scams, such as card skimmers, which are attached to credit card machines or ATMs to steal credit card information. They look just like the actual device, so make sure to look at the device and see if anything looks loose, out of place, colored differently or any other signs of tampering.

It’s best to pay at the pump closest to the attendant station. If you pay with the clerk, still be sure to watch your card. Also, always use the chip reader, don’t swipe your card, because the chip readers have better security.

Credit cards, or choosing the credit option with a debit card, is best to avoid entering your PIN for our own security.

If you have an issue at a New York gas station, you can file a complaint at nyc.gov/dcwp or call 311.

I recommend buying an RFID-blocking wallet for NYC, too, like this one.

Check out more gas savings tips for driving in New York State here.

In New Jersey, the attendants pump your gas for you – you cannot pump your own gas.

New York City traffic congestion with taxis, cars and buses stalled

⚠️ Common Scams to Avoid when Renting A Car In New York City

Scam 1: Avoid Hidden Costs and Fees

You might be asked to buy additional insurance – if you’ve chosen Full Coverage, you don’t need to pay extra for this.

Using DC also ensures you don’t get surprise fees, taxes or other charges after your car rental.

Scam 2: Fake Car Rental Scams

If you don’t go with a reputable company, and search something like “cheap rental cars” online, you may end up booking a rental car that doesn’t exist. They might use prepaid cards or gift cards, for example, and play on your emotions to convince you to buy from them.

This is just another reason to go with a reputable business, even if you have to pay more (vs losing money on something that’s a scam). Beware of sponsored online ads, and check with the company directly. If you see a promotional offer, check directly with the company before buying.

Scam 3: Insurance Add-On Scams

Many rental companies (e.g., Hertz, SIXT etc), when you pick up your car, will tell you that you need to to add insurance. However, if you have the Full Coverage, you’re covered for a cheaper price, and you don’t need to add anything. Just politely decline the offers.

New York City flat iron at night view from above, with other buildings and nighttime traffic

Do you need to rent a car when visiting New York City?

New York City has comprehensive public transportation, that does sometimes have issues, though driving can also be stressful. Here are the main reasons to rent a car in NYC:

🚙 If you really don’t want to walk, use public transit options or hire a car or Uber, you may still decide to rent a car. If so, keep reading – there’s additional information on things like parking in the city coming up!

🚙 Renting a car in NYC is a fantastic idea if you’re planning on driving outside of the city to places like New York State, New Jersey, Boston, Rhode Island, Connecticut or more locations for day trips, festivals, to see people or more reasons.

More NY day trip ideas include:

  • Coney Island
  • Long Island
  • Atlantic City
  • Fire Island
  • Hudson Valley
  • Catskills
  • Adirondacks
  • Niagara Falls
  • Washington, DC
  • Philadelphia

🚙 A lot of people like to get out of the hustle and bustle of NYC, especially during the really cold weather of winter, summer heat, to view Autumn leaves, to go hiking, see waterfalls, visit NY wineries and many more adventures!

🚙 Many people rent a one-way car to drive to another destination. If you plan to pick up your car in NYC and drop it off in a different city, inquire about one-way rental options, as not all rental companies offer this service. The most popular one-way rentals in NYC are:

👉 Renting A Car In New York City: Book online in advance

The first thing to know when renting a car anywhere is getting a good deal for the car you want, which means booking well in advance with a reputable car rental company!

I recommend booking more ahead of time for NYC than you normally would for most places, because renting a car in they city can be quite expensive. When I checked, renting 3 months in advance is best – anything earlier than 3 months shows similar (higher, when I checked) prices.

For example, when I checked a month or two out, rental cars were over $300 for a day. When I checked for 3 months out, the price went down to around $110. When I checked for 4+ months out, the price went up to around $180.

Note: This can also have to do with the seasons, demand and more things. Always do your own research, because prices always change!

It’s especially important to book your rental car in advance if you’ll be traveling during the holidays, or during peak travel season (which, in NYC, is June through August and Thanksgiving through New Year’s). During these times, rental cars can completely sell out.

Renting in advance is safe when you have free cancellation – you only pay part of the fee when you book, which can be returned upon cancellation as long as it’s up to 48 hours in advance, so there’s literally no downside!

Booking early also means avoiding long lines, getting stuck with a car or prices you don’t want, and more issues.

Note: Aggregate search services check all the rental car companies in NYC at once to find you the best deals overall, so you can get the best prices from the best companies available.

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old to rent a car in New York (they’re legally required to rent a car to you if you’re 18), but if you’re younger than 25 years old, you’ll likely be charged a Young Driver fee.

New York also has special regulations for insurance and fees – you can learn more here.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade NYC with the skyline and Brooklyn Bridge in the background
Traffic as seen from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in NYC

Renting a car in New York City

Here is what to do and know about when renting a car in NYC:

👉 Renting A Car In New York City: Always Get Full Coverage Insurance

The reasons to always get Full Coverage when you rent a car in New York City are:

  • It’s a reasonable price, at around $17-$18 a day
  • Full coverage will refund you up to US $3300 for any damages, or if your car is stolen (you can also choose a car with $0 deductible, as mentioned earlier)
  • It covers: Deductible/excess charge for damage or theft; Repair costs, including windows, mirrors, wheels; Towing and taxi expenses; Lost keys or lockout fees; and Administrative charges
  • There are great customer reviews of people getting easy and fast refunds for any issues
  • You can cancel Full Coverage before your rental if you change your mind (not after) by contacting DC
Renting a car with Discover Cars: Full Coverage customer satisfaction - all exterior parts of the vehicle are covered, average price is half of others, and quick compensation - 48 hour turnaround on average!
NYC LES night Empire State building view

👉 Here’s how to rent your vehicle in New York City with Discover Cars

The first reason this is my car rental aggregate of choice because they’re the most trusted rental car aggregate that I’ve found, including the fact that they have the cheapest prices with no hidden fees.

The second reason they are my top pick is because they offer FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental reservation start date.

Renting a car with Discover Cars - customer ratings, trust and security statement
  • You’ll need to check that the car rental company you’re booking is reputable!  Enterprise, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty and National are some of the big-name rental cars that are in NY that generally are trustworthy.

👉 Tip: Be sure to check for your exact rental car location on Google reviews – not just the Discover site, which doesn’t seem to reflect exact company locations – because they’re all franchises).

  • I recommend booking from car rental companies with no less than 7 out of 10 on their customer ratings (again – double check on Google ratings). This ensures you’ll have the best experience possible when picking up, driving and returning your rental car.
Hudson Valley road in the Fall Aerial view
Driving through the Hudson Valley in New York in the Fall

Note: the results I’m showing are from around 3 months out from when I searched, so prices shown reflect that plus other factors.

Renting a car New York City - Discover Cars homepage
  • Click on search and wait for the results to populate. Here’s what you’ll see, with some differences in options/prices/location/dates depending on your search details:
Renting a car in New York City - Discover Cars search results page
Renting a car in New York City - search results page scrolled down
  • Once you have the results, you can use the left sidebar to filter results for your preferences – things like type of car, cost, passenger capacity, supplier rating (which I recommend) & more!
Renting a car in New York City - Discover Cars left sidebar with options to check
  • Once you’ve picked your vehicle, click the green view button (as pictured above). Then, you’ll see this page that shows details to double-check, the price with tax included, fuel information, pickup location, and more:
Renting a car in NYC - booking page 1 (after clicking "view" on the car of your choice)
  • Check to include Full Coverage rental car damage protection (around $17-$18 per day), which I highly recommend (I’ll explain in the next section).
Renting a car in New York City - Discover Cars booking page with Full Coverage Insurance option checked (highly recommended)
  • After adding insurance, enter your driver details and then click the green “Book Now” button (as shown below) which will take you to the payment screen:
Renting a car in NYC - Discover Cars booking page 1 scrolled down to show where you enter personal information to get to the payment screen in the next step
  • You’ll be taken to the secure payment booking screen where you’ll need to enter your information, including payment info, to complete your car rental booking, plus check more details. Click the green “Book now” button on this page as well to complete your booking.
Renting a car in NYC - Discover Cars booking payment page, part one
Renting a car in NYC - Discover Cars booking payment page, part two with final "book now" button after you input your payment information
  • Watch for a confirmation email with all your details. Be sure to hold onto it!

Begin booking your NYC Car Rental Now ▶️

👉 Renting A Car In New York: Full Coverage Insurance, Explained

Here are more in-depth details about what the Full Coverage covers in New York:

What’s covered:

  • Refundable theft deductible
  • Bodywork and roof
  • Windshield and windows
  • Mirrors
  • Wheels and tires
  • Undercarriage
  • Lost keys or lockout fees
  • Taxi expenses
  • Towing expenses
  • Administrative charges
  • Fees for supplier’s loss of use during repair.

What’s not covered:

  • Damages that occurred while not complying with the terms of your rental agreement
  • Damages resulting from unforeseeable or uncontrollable events
  • Cleaning costs or damage to the car’s interior
  • Third-party damages

DC has a lot of amazing reviews of their Full Coverage insurance, like this one:

🌟 Check out this 5-star review by NB:
“During the rental, the car was spotted by a small rock and the frontal glass was damaged. Fortunately, I had contracted Full Coverage. One day after I claimed DiscoverCars, the refund was approved. Very simple, fast and effective service!”

More things to know about Full Coverage:

  • If you need to extend your rental, you must contact Discover Cars so that Full Coverage will, in fact, be extended. If you extend your rental past the date your Full Coverage ends, damages and fees incurred might not be covered.
  • To cancel Full Coverage, please contact Discover Cars. It can not be canceled after your rental’s pick-up time.” (from DC)

You can cancel bookings by going to this page.

  • When picking up your rental car, you will be required to leave a deposit. Usually, this is a hold on your credit card (in some cases, it may be charged). Full Coverage does not affect the standard deposit requirements; you will still have to leave a deposit. In the event you are charged for damages or other covered fees, the charges will be taken from your deposit. But after you file for compensation, you will be quickly reimbursed.” (from DC)
Renting a car in New York City - people walking in the city with cars in the background and buildings

👉 Why I recommend using a Credit Card only for your deposit

With a credit card, the deposit is either held via your credit card without being charged, or is possibly charged to your credit card; this does not take any money out of your bank account unless you pay off the charge.

If there’s a problem, you can dispute the charge through your credit card company, which makes your life easier.

With a debit card, the money is taken directly from your bank account, and that can cause you to be low on travel funds, or to have to move your money around.

The last major reason I recommend using a credit card is because if you pay it off in full every month (disclaimer: I know not everyone can do this, so do what’s best for you), you can get the points to use towards free travel, including flights, cars, hotels and more, all from the purchases you normally make anyway!

I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card, which is what I use, because:

  • You don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad (there aren’t any)
  • You don’t have to inform Chase before you travel
  • You get points from regular purchases which gets you free or very discounted flights, hotels, airport meals and more (depending on your points)
  • They have a beginning point bonus (with required spending in the first few months) to give you a major head start!
You'll need your drivers license, passport and credit card when renting a car with Discover Cars. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best credit card because it covers rental insurance for Israel, which is rare!

👉 Renting A Car In New York City: At the Counter

Once you’re at the counter of the rental car place in New York City, they will try to get you to add more insurance. It’s best to already have it to lock in the best price (by checking the option when booking your rental, as described earlier). At the counter, just let them know you’re already covered (and show written proof if you’re using your credit card or travel insurance).

They will place a hold on your credit card for a deposit (which is why you’ll need one with you even if you’ve pre-booked everything), which will be returned in full when you return the car free of damage.

If there is damage to the rental car upon its return, they will take it out of your deposit, and then you’ll need to make a claim.

New York City traffic, with buildings, a bus and a taxi passing the bus

👉 How to make a claim

You can make a claim if you have any issues that need compensation by sending and application, and they’ll review and approve it within 48 hours on average.

Take the following steps to file a claim:

👉 Go to the My Booking page

👉 Click the button in the Full Coverage

👉 Upload the following documents within 28 days of dropping off the car:

  • Rental agreement you signed (you can request a copy if you don’t have this)
  • Rental company assessment of the condition of the rental at pickup and return
  • The invoice from the rental company for any damage or fees
  • Statement or receipts of payment for these charges
  • Your bank account details or PayPal address
  • A detailed account of the incident with photos and videos if you have them
  • A written police report if there is one
A yellow and a blue car parked in the NYC snow with a person with an umbrella inbetween

👉 Renting A Car In New York City: FAQs

👉 Is it easy to drive a car in New York?

Driving in New York City can be challenging, and whether it’s easy or difficult depends mostly on your familiarity with urban driving and comfort level in heavy traffic. Here are some factors to consider:

Traffic Congestion: New York City is known for its notorious traffic congestion. During peak hours, many streets are gridlocked, and it can take a long time to travel even short distances. Be prepared for slow-moving traffic, frequent stops, and navigating through crowded streets.

Parking: Finding parking in New York City can be a real challenge, and it can also be ridiculously expensive. On-street parking is often limited and subject to strict regulations, and parking garages can be pricey, especially in popular areas like Manhattan. You may need to spend time circling the block or use paid parking facilities.

Aggressive Driving: New York City drivers are often perceived as aggressive, and you should be prepared for fast-paced, assertive driving. Lane changes, honking, and weaving between cars are common.

Narrow Streets: Many streets in New York City are narrow, and some have restrictions on large vehicles. You’ll need to be comfortable navigating tight spaces.

Tolls and Bridges: Be aware that there are tolls to enter Manhattan from some directions, and some bridges and tunnels also have tolls. These costs can add up if you’re driving frequently.

Traffic Regulations: Familiarize yourself with New York City’s traffic regulations, including parking rules, right of way, and speed limits. Ignoring these rules can result in fines and towing.

Alternative Transportation: Given the challenges of driving in the city, many residents and visitors opt for alternatives like walking, biking, rideshare services (Uber, Lyft), or taxis for short trips within the city.

If you’re not accustomed to driving in dense urban environments, it can be quite overwhelming. I recommended using public transportation within New York City and renting a car when you plan to leave the city for day trips or longer journeys.

If you do choose to drive in New York City, plan your routes carefully, allow extra time for traffic delays, and be patient and cautious while navigating the city’s streets.

Times Square in New York City with cars and lights

👉 How much does it cost to rent a car per day in NYC?

$116.63 is the per day average in NYC. Here’s a breakdown for each type of car:

  • Large cars – from $62 per day
  • Medium cars – from $62 per day
  • Vans – from $239 per day
  • Premium cars – from $161 per day
  • Small cars – from $61 per day
  • SUVs – from $66 per day

The cheapest month to rent a car in New York is January (prices average $45.68 per day). December, in comparison is 51% more on average ($92.77 per day).

The cheapest price of a rental car in NYC is $61 per day, and the cheapest car rental company in NYC is Dollar.

Note: Rental car costs for you will depend on type of vehicle rented, length of your rental, and how far in advance you book your rental car.

👉 What is the most popular rental car in New York City?

The most popular car rental companies in NYC are Dollar, SIXT, Ace Rent a car, Thrifty and Alamo.

The most popular types of rental cars in NYC are large cars, SUVs, medium and small cars, including the Mazda 3, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Camry, Ford Focus, Toyota Rav4, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Spark and more.

👉 Is it cheaper to rent a car in New York or New Jersey?

It can be cheaper to rent a car in New Jersey compared to New York, depending on factors like location, taxes, fees, and rental duration.

👉 Can tourists rent a car in New York?

Yes, tourists can rent a car in New York as long as they meet the requirements set by rental agencies, such as having a valid driver’s license and meeting the minimum age requirement, which is 18 (but you’ll likely have additional fees if you’re under 25 years old).

For non-US citizens, you can rent a car in New York. You’ll need your passport, an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country’s driver’s license, and a credit card.

Cars driving in NYC on. awide road in between buildings viewed from a high up point, with pedestrians and cyclists in view

👉 What is needed to rent a car in New York?

To rent a car in New York, you typically need the following:

  • Driver’s License: You must have a valid driver’s license. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country’s driver’s license.
  • Age Requirement: In New York, you’ll need to be at leas 18 years old to rent a car, and 25 years old to avoid added fees.
  • Credit Card: A major credit card in the renter’s name is usually required to make the reservation and cover the security deposit.
  • Proof of Insurance: You must to provide proof of auto insurance. If you don’t have your own insurance, you can purchase it through the rental agency, often referred to as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) – though this will likely be more expensive than getting Full Coverage.
  • Payment for Rental: You’ll need to pay for the rental using your credit card or another accepted form of payment.
  • Additional Drivers (if applicable): If you plan to have additional drivers, they will need to provide their driver’s licenses, and rental agencies may charge an extra fee.
  • Reservation: It’s advisable to have a reservation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and potentially secure better rates.
  • Understanding of Rental Terms: Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the rental, including fuel policies, mileage limits, and any additional fees.

Keep in mind that specific requirements and policies may vary among rental agencies, so it’s essential to check with the specific agency you plan to use for any unique requirements or conditions. Additionally, some agencies may have specific requirements for luxury or specialty vehicles.

Check out this New York car rental tip sheet from the New York State Attorney General for more information!

A red car driving in Times Square NYC with McDonald's in view, plus more cars, people, buildings and signs

👉 Is it better to drive or take the train/subway in NYC?

Public Transportation: New York City has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including subways and buses. For many residents and visitors, using public transportation is more convenient and cost-effective than driving, especially within the city itself.

👉 Why is it so expensive to rent a car in New York?

Renting a car in New York can be expensive due to several factors, including high demand from both tourists and locals, limited parking availability leading to high garage costs for rental companies, and various taxes and fees imposed by the state and local governments.

👉 Can you drive a car in NYC without insurance?

No, you cannot legally drive a car in New York City (or anywhere in New York State) without insurance; you must have at least the minimum required liability insurance coverage.

Travel resources
NYC Little Island

Planning Your New York Trip? Use my favorite resources:

Accommodation: Booking.com
Mid-Priced Hotel: Selina Hotel in Chelsea NYC
Travel Insurance: Allianz
Flights: WayAway

Tour: Private NYC Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer


Where to find cheap flights for New York

👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.

👉 All In All: Renting A Car In New York City

I hope this guide helps you plan your car rental and more details for New York City! Quick disclaimer: I can’t know what your experience will be like with Discover Cars, and I can’t guarantee anything (because I’m not them)!

Book your NYC Car Rental Now ▶️

👉 Keep Planning Your New York Trip

Flying over NYC in the early morning with a sunrise view over the city

I did the research so you don’t have to – here are the best things to do (most of which are from my own personal experience), and the top-rated places to stay for each budget in NYC!

Map of Things To See & Do In New York City

Where to Stay in NYC On Any Budget

If you’re headed to NYC, here are the top-rated and best located places to stay on any budget!

Budget Option: POD 39 Hotel NYC

The POD 39 Hotel NYC is a top-rated hotel in an ideal location – it’s just steps away from Grand Central Station!

It also has a seasonal rooftop bar, lobby lounge and bar with a fireplace (perfect for Fall in NY), a game room with table tennis, and airport transport!

🌇 Check Availability at POD 39 Hotel NYC

✅Mid-Tier Option: Selina Hotel Chelsea NYC

The Selina Hotel in Chelsea NYC is a 4-star hotel in the Chelsea Gallery District, which is close to High Line Park and in walking distance from Penn Station.

Selina also has a rooftop with NYC skyline views, gourmet on-site dining, outdoor pool, basement bar, events and more amenities.

🌇 Check Availability at the Selina Hotel Chelsea NYC

Luxury Option: Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards NYC

The Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards NYC is a centrally located, celebrity-level hotel with amazing experiences and sleep setup!

Equinox has NYC rooftop views, 2 swimming pools, rooms with terraces, spa treatments, a fitness center that includes classes and personal trainers, a bar, in-room breakfast, soundproofed rooms with blackout blinds and tech, and more amenities.

🌇 Check Availability at the Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards NYC

🛏️ VRBO is a great place to find vacation rental houses for yourself or a whole group to have the entire place to yourself.

For more NY & nearby guides, check out:
👉 If you’re in NYC, make sure to also snag cheap Broadway and NYC Ballet tickets.
👉 The 57 Best Places To Take Pictures In NYC (With Map)
👉 When Does It Get Cold In New York? What To Expect + Tips
👉 Is Rhode Island In New York? Facts, Map, Things To Do + More

👉 Also, check out this guide to Boston (just a bus ride away from NYC)!