Driving a rental in Manhattan? Parking is doable if you know where and when to look. This quick guide covers garages, the ParkNYC meter app, and the street rules that matter most — so your car rental at JFK stays ticket‑free and stress‑free.
Street parking basics (read the signs!)
- Alternate Side Parking (ASP): NYC suspends ASP on set holidays and during emergencies. If weather suspends ASP, it doesn’t cancel meters or other rules.
- Fire hydrants: Never park within 15 feet of a hydrant — even during ASP suspensions. Painted curbs are not guidance.
- Tow‑away city: All of NYC is a tow‑away zone; any illegally parked vehicle can be towed without additional signage.
- Meters still count: Meter rules usually remain in effect (except on Sundays). Watch for “Pay by Plate” machines and time limits that reset after certain hours.
Pay the meter the easy way
Skip the kiosks and use the official ParkNYC app to start, extend, or end sessions from your phone. It’s the only city‑approved way to pay digitally for on‑street parking. If you spot QR stickers on meters, ignore them and pay through the app or the meter screen.
Garages vs. the curb
- Garages are plentiful near theaters, museums, and Midtown offices. Expect higher rates for oversized vehicles and peak events. Book ahead and compare “in by / out by” windows.
- On‑street works best in residential zones outside sweep hours. Overnight is legal where signs allow it; always read the full panel.
- Safety: Choose well‑lit garages, remove luggage, and keep nothing visible. In garages, snap a photo of your level/space.
Neighborhood tips that help
- Upper West & Upper East: Competitive but doable after evening ASP windows; Sundays are easier.
- Brooklyn waterfront: Garages save time on weekends; street spots turn over after brunch.
- Lower Manhattan: Many blocks are “No Standing” or commercial‑only by day; consider a garage near your stop.
What to avoid
- Double‑parking, obstructing bike lanes or bus stops, and blocking driveways or sidewalk ramps.
Useful for airport arrivals
Landing at EWR? Consider Newark car hire to reach Manhattan quickly, then choose a garage near your hotel. Prefer Queens or Brooklyn bases? Brands like Alamo at JFK, Avis at Newark, or Budget at JFK at JFK put you close to bridges and the Belt Parkway.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up.
- All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- Cashback on tolls on select routes.
- No additional fees — save up to 60%.
Plan smarter: Reserve now and add a garage address to your navigation for smooth arrivals. Book with Hola Car Rentals for transparent pricing and full coverage from pick‑up to drop‑off.
FAQs
- Can I park overnight on the street? Yes, where legal. Check sweep windows and hydrants; meters may be in effect late.
- What if I get a boot or tow? Follow NYC 311 guidance; pay fines, then recover the vehicle at the listed tow pound.
Ready to roll? Lock in your NYC rental with Hola Car Rentals and park with confidence.
Pro tips that save time
- Set alerts in ParkNYC and your phone so sessions don’t expire mid‑meal.
- Mind oversized rates for SUVs and minivans in garages; rooftop carriers may push you into “oversize.”
- Event nights near Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, or Barclays Center spike prices — prebook a garage and walk the last blocks.
- Construction zones move frequently; look for temporary orange signs that override usual rules.
Costs & time limits (typical)
Metered rates vary by neighborhood and demand, and most curb spots have posted time limits. Expect shorter limits and higher rates in core business districts, with longer windows in residential areas outside Midtown. Always verify on the meter or in the app.
