Planning a New York City–area getaway by car? Smart travelers budget beyond nightly rates and food—NYC’s roads also come with tolls, parking, and fuel to consider. This guide walks through the costs to expect in 2025 and easy ways to save when you book your JFK car rental with Hola Car Rentals.
Tolls: bridges, tunnels & cross‑river planning
Expect to pay when crossing major bridges and tunnels into Manhattan and between boroughs. Rates vary by E‑ZPass vs. Tolls‑by‑Mail and by time of day. If you’re flying into Newark, check likely tolls from New Jersey to Midtown before you pick up your Newark Airport car rental. A quick way to keep costs predictable is to plan your route in advance and stick to the same crossings in and out.
- Pro tip: Many GPS apps suggest the fastest route by default. Switch to “avoid tolls” only if extra time fits your plans—traffic can add more stress than savings.
- E‑ZPass vs. mail: Electronic toll tags are cheaper on most NYC crossings. Your rental may have a transponder; ask at pickup.
Parking: meters vs. garages
Street parking is tight in the busiest neighborhoods and meter rates vary by zone. Garages offer convenience but can range from budget to premium pricing. For a weekend in Manhattan, a practical approach is one paid garage near your hotel plus transit or walking once you’re parked.
- Hotel strategy: Call ahead to compare on‑site vs. independent garages nearby.
- Outer‑borough option: Park in Queens or Brooklyn near a subway stop, then ride into Manhattan.
Fuel: realistic 2025 examples
Fuel economy depends on the vehicle and where you drive. City traffic lowers MPG, while expressways out to Long Island or upstate improve it. A typical compact uses less gas than a family hauler; if you want space without maxing your fuel bill, price an SUV car rental and compare MPG before checkout.
Sample weekend budget
- Tolls: One or two round‑trip crossings depending on your route.
- Parking: One daily garage rate or 6–8 hours of meters per day.
- Gas: 1–2 refuels for 120–180 miles of mixed city/highway driving.
Booking early with Hola Car Rentals helps lock in the right vehicle and rate for your mileage. If you’re traveling with friends or family, a minivan car rental may beat booking two compacts. And if your plans include multiple states, keep an eye on total miles and fuel stops across your United States car rental itinerary.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on select itineraries.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% versus on‑site pricing.
- Cashback on tolls to offset bridge and tunnel costs.
Ready to build your NYC budget? Reserve with Hola Car Rentals now and hit the road confident you’ve covered every line item.
Tip: add buffer time for traffic and always read posted signs. With Hola Car Rentals you get transparent pricing, All‑Inclusive+ options on select itineraries, and Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
Tip: add buffer time for traffic and always read posted signs. With Hola Car Rentals you get transparent pricing, All‑Inclusive+ options on select itineraries, and Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
Tip: add buffer time for traffic and always read posted signs. With Hola Car Rentals you get transparent pricing, All‑Inclusive+ options on select itineraries, and Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
