New York moves fast, and bus lanes do too. Book a car hire and learn how to spot signage, plan turn‑offs and keep clear of camera‑enforced corridors when you’re behind the wheel.
Know how bus lanes work
Curb or centre‑running lanes are marked with BUS ONLY legends and signs listing hours. Right turns are typically allowed from a bus lane at intersections—watch for posted arrows and yield to buses. If you arrive via JFK, Austin AUS airport car hire places pick‑up right by the AirTrain connection.
Some corridors operate as full busways at peak times. Use alternate avenues and time your entries; never block bus stops or crosswalks. LAX car hire
Expect camera enforcement on key corridors; signs usually state the hours. When a bus signals to exit a stop, yield and allow it to merge. Keep your route flexible and avoid last‑second lane changes.
Plan routes that avoid infractions
Use navigation layers that show traffic restrictions and add waypoints to dodge signed corridors. If you’re coming from New Jersey, Hertz car hire can be a convenient pick‑up for Hudson crossings.
When in doubt, keep to general‑purpose lanes, make legal turns, and leave extra following distance for buses re‑entering traffic.
If you must enter a bus lane to make a turn, do so close to the intersection as allowed by signage. Avoid dwelling in the lane, and never overtake a bus that is pulling out of a stop.
- Look ahead for diamond‑symbol priority lanes.
- Watch curb colours and loading zones.
- Never stop in a bus stop; set down on the next legal curb.
Parking and drop‑off basics
Use garages near your destination to avoid circling. Read meters twice for time windows and check for overnight street‑sweeping. If you need a bigger boot for luggage, lets you select the right category before you arrive.
For luggage days, consider garages with lift access and longer grace periods. Validate the posted max height before pulling into older facilities.
Quick reference for visitors
Study a few sample corridors on a map before your first drive so the lane patterns feel familiar. Save a list of garages near your key venues and double‑check closing times.
- Turn on voice guidance early to reduce lane‑change stress.
- Avoid bus lanes during posted hours unless turning.
- Plan drop‑offs on side streets rather than main avenues.
Common mistakes to avoid
Following a bus too closely into a stop can trap you in the bus lane longer than allowed. Keep a wider gap and merge out early when legal. Avoid quick U‑turns across bus lanes—use the next legal turn instead.
Do not stop in bus stops, even briefly, for luggage loading; choose a side street or a garage. When you miss a turn, continue to the next block and loop back legally.
- Check lane hours twice; some change by day.
- Keep camera‑clear windscreens for easy sign reading.
- Use a passenger as a co‑navigator when possible.
Visitor‑friendly alternatives
Consider parking once and using short walks or rideshares for dense districts. For cross‑borough journeys, plan freeway segments rather than avenue slogs, then finish the last mile on foot.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up
- All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage
- No additional fees, save 60% guaranteed
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000
- Maximum liability coverage ($300,000 on selected itineraries)
- Cashback on tolls
Make city driving simpler—secure your car hire with Hola Car Rentals and set up a stress‑free New York itinerary.
