Quick Summary
- Compare JFK with EWR—Newark can be faster for Manhattan west‑side stays.
- City parking is tight; compact and midsize save time and money.
- Book early for Thanksgiving and summer weekends—rates jump quickly.
New York gives you every major name—Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, National and Budget—spread across JFK, Newark and city branches. For a smooth exit, secure your car hire and then pick the brand and location that best match your plans.
Where to pick up. If your flight lands at Terminal 4, the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center is straightforward, but queues vary by time of day. For fast airport navigation, compare the JFK airport page, check Enterprise at JFK if you want friendly staff and a wide fleet, and consider Budget at JFK for value trims. Staying on the west side of Manhattan or in Jersey City? This EWR hub page can shave time on returns and beat some JFK queues.
Choosing by trip type. For a Hudson Valley weekend, a compact with good mileage is perfect. Heading for Montauk or the Catskills with luggage? Book a midsize SUV early. If you’re mixing subway days with a single out‑of‑town drive, collect the car the morning you leave to avoid city parking overnight.
Hola Car Rentals lays out your total cost in advance, including coverage. Expect Free Cancellation up to 48 hours, an All‑Inclusive+ Rate on many itineraries, Cashback on tolls and maximum liability coverage on selected routes—ideal for bridge and tunnel runs.
Need finer details on pick‑ups at the other New York airport? Here’s a plain‑English LaGuardia rental guide to help you decide.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- No additional fees, save 60% guaranteed.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on selected itineraries.
FAQs
Which company is best in New York? For premium cars and loyalty perks, Hertz and National are strong. For price, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty often do well.
Is Newark a good alternative to JFK? Yes—EWR can be quicker for Manhattan’s west side and parts of Brooklyn. Compare drive times and tolls for your hotel.
Under 25? You can usually rent, but expect a young‑driver fee. Compact and midsize cars help keep the total down.
How can I avoid parking headaches? Pick smaller cars, use hotel garages and plan your return to avoid rush hours around bridges and tunnels.
Book with Hola Car Rentals now and explore New York on your own schedule.
Typical routes: From JFK, the Van Wyck (I‑678) and Grand Central Parkway funnel you towards the city; leave buffer time for weekend works. From EWR, the New Jersey Turnpike (I‑95) and Holland Tunnel bring you to Lower Manhattan. Remember that some tunnels restrict certain fuel types; follow signage.
Street smarts: Alternate‑side parking rules change by neighbourhood. If you’re staying below 34th Street, a garage is often simpler than circling for a bay. Many hotels offer packages that include overnight parking—add those costs to your comparison.
Winter notes: In snow, smaller cars on good all‑season tyres handle city slush just fine. For upstate trips, check road conditions and consider starting early to beat Friday afternoon traffic on the Palisades or Taconic.
Example weekend: Fly into JFK Friday morning, collect a compact, drive north on the Saw Mill to Sleepy Hollow and Cold Spring, loop back via Bear Mountain Sunday. Returning before 5pm avoids the thickest inbound traffic at bridges.
Cost control: Tolls on the Hudson crossings are cashless—make sure your transponder setting is correct to avoid invoice fees later. Hola Car Rentals offers Cashback on tolls to ease those charges.
Neighbourhood pick‑ups: If you’re staying in Brooklyn or Queens, a local branch can save airport surcharges. Just confirm opening hours and drop‑off procedures; some locations use key boxes after hours.
