How to choose the right rental car for a stress-free trip to New York

Renting a car in New York takes more planning than you might expect. Driving conditions change quickly depending on where you are in the city. Parking can be difficult, and traffic often moves slowly. For some areas, you may even find that a car is a hindrance rather than a help, while in others you’ll struggle to get around without one. As such, it’s essential to understand various factors, from where you’ll be spending your time to what you’ll be doing and when you’re likely to be traveling, before booking a rental car. 

Consider where you’ll be driving

Start by deciding where you actually plan to drive. New York City does not function as a single driving environment – instead, it’s a collection of very different traffic ecosystems. For example, Manhattan feels very different from the outer boroughs, while areas outside the city follow more familiar patterns. So, when looking for New York rental cars, it’s vital to think about where you’ll be doing the most driving.

If you stay in Manhattan, you may not need a car at all. Traffic moves slowly for much of the day, street parking is rare, and garages charge high daily rates – so you might get more value by walking, using the subway, or hailing cabs. However, outside of Manhattan, a car is much more useful. You’ll probably need one if you plan to visit Long Island, and upstate New York relies on highways. Further afield, New Jersey and Connecticut are poorly served by public transport from New York, so you’ll need a car if you want to do any serious exploring in these states during your stay.

Think about car size and parking

You’ll have to deal with tight spaces in many parts of New York, with limited turning space. Parking garages often have narrow entrances with low clearance. As such, you’ll find it much easier to park and manoeuvre a small car. Larger vehicles take more time to position and will struggle to get through some of New York’s tighter spots. What’s more, some garages charge higher rates for larger vehicles.

Outside the city, size matters less. Highways allow more room, and parking is usually simpler. In fact, you may even benefit from a larger vehicle when speeding down the highways.

Transmission and driving effort

Most – but not all – rental cars come with an automatic transmission. This is important to consider, as you’ll be stopping and starting constantly in city traffic. Driving takes concentration, and a manual transmission adds extra work in these conditions. If you are not used to manuals, fatigue will set in faster if you choose a manual. However, if you’re not used to an automatic transmission, you may prefer to go for a manual, despite the extra work it entails in city traffic.

Tolls and road charges

You will encounter electronic tolling on most major roads. Cash lanes no longer exist – instead, bridges and tunnels rely on automated systems. Many rental companies offer toll programs, which add service fees. So, bear in mind that charges will add up if you repeatedly cross the same routes.

Fuel and refueling

You can end up burning a surprising amount of fuel in the stop-and-go of New York traffic. It’s also worth noting that gas prices near the city often run high, and gas stations can be busy.

You will burn less fuel in a smaller, more fuel-efficient car. Hybrids handle stop-and-go traffic well, and electric vehicles are also a strong option – although you might find it hard to find unoccupied charging points.

Pickup and return locations

You can simplify arrival and departure by picking up your car at the airport. Airport locations cost more, but they save time.

If cost efficiency is a concern for you, you may find lower rental rates at city locations. Alternatively, you can use one-way rentals for point-to-point trips. Fees depend on distance and provider, so plan ahead to avoid surprises.

Insurance and coverage

You need to check coverage before pickup – particularly if more than one person intends to use the car. Check what you’re already covered for via your own insurance, and read the small print of the vendor’s insurance coverage and requirements.

Remember that driving in New York’s tight spaces will increase the chance of minor damage. To avoid being penalized for damage you didn’t incur, inspect and photograph the vehicle thoroughly at both collection and return.

Navigation and in-car technology

Traffic patterns change throughout the day in New York. Navigation apps can be helpful because they update routes in real time. If you find a car with a dashboard screen that integrates with your phone navigation apps, this could be very helpful. Remember that you cannot have your hands on your phone when driving in New York – you must be hands-free when navigating by phone. 

Choosing the right rental car in New York

Choosing a rental car in New York ultimately comes down to what fits best with your itinerary, location, and budget. Bear in mind that streets are tight in many areas, and that parking in New York isn’t always easy – especially with larger vehicles. While you may be able to get away without using a car at all in Manhattan, if you want to go further afield, a car is an excellent idea.