Quick Summary:
- JFK to LGA one-way returns are possible, but depend on supplier.
- Expect a one-way drop fee, plus tolls, fuel, and taxes.
- Choose a return time window that avoids extra rental day charges.
- Confirm return airport, hours, and after-hours rules before you pay.
Yes, you can often pick up a car hire at JFK and return it at LGA, or do the reverse. In New York, this is usually treated as a one-way rental between locations, even though both airports serve the same city. Whether it is available, and what it costs, depends on the rental supplier, the exact pickup and return terminals, and the dates you travel.
This guide explains how one-way airport returns work, the fees that commonly apply, how to pick the right return time window, and what to confirm on your booking so you do not face surprise charges at the counter or after drop-off.
If you are comparing airport pickup options, start with Hola Car Rentals pages such as New York JFK airport car rental and car rental in New York at JFK, then check whether the return location field supports LGA for your dates.
Can I collect at JFK and return at LGA?
In many cases, yes. Large suppliers frequently allow one-way rentals within the same metro area, including JFK and LGA. However, availability is not guaranteed for every vehicle class or date. One-way inventory can be restricted when fleets are tight, such as holidays, summer weekends, and major event periods.
Also note that “JFK” and “LGA” are not single locations operationally. Each has specific on-airport or near-airport rental facilities, and your confirmation will list an exact location name and address. The booking is only valid for the locations shown on the voucher, so you should not assume any JFK desk can accept an LGA return, or vice versa.
If you find LGA is not offered as a return option for a JFK pickup, it can mean the supplier does not support the one-way route on those dates, the vehicle class is excluded, or you are looking at a rate type that requires same-station return.
What fees should I expect for a JFK to LGA one-way?
One-way rentals often cost more than returning to the same airport. The extra cost can show up in two ways: either as a visible “one-way fee” (sometimes called a drop fee), or as a higher base daily rate that already includes the route cost. Both approaches are common, so you need to look at the total price and the line items in the price breakdown.
Here are the most common charges to plan for when doing JFK to LGA or LGA to JFK car hire:
1) One-way drop fee
Suppliers may charge a drop fee because they need to rebalance cars between locations. The amount varies widely by supplier, car category, season, and demand. In some cases, it can be modest, in others it can be significant. If it is not displayed separately, it may be built into the rate.
2) Taxes and airport surcharges
Airport rentals often include concession fees and facility charges. These can differ between JFK and LGA. If you pick up at one airport and return to another, you might see a different mix of location-based surcharges than a same-airport rental. These are not “penalties”, they are local costs that apply at those facilities.
3) Tolls between airports
Driving between JFK and LGA may involve tolled roads, depending on routing. New York tolling is commonly cashless, and suppliers may apply an admin fee if you use their toll programme. To avoid surprises, check whether your rental includes a toll pass, how tolls are billed, and whether you can opt out and use your own device where allowed.
4) Fuel
If your agreement is “full-to-full”, you will want to refuel close to the return airport. If you return short, suppliers usually charge the missing fuel at a premium, plus a refuelling service fee. If your agreement is “pre-purchase” or “fuel included”, clarify whether unused fuel is refundable, as it often is not.
5) Extra day or late return charges
This is one of the most common surprise costs. Even if the daily rate looks similar, returning outside the permitted time window can trigger an extra rental day, or a late fee. The next section explains how to choose a return time window to minimise that risk.
How to choose the right return time window
With airport returns, timing matters as much as the route. Most rentals are priced in 24-hour blocks from the pickup time, not by calendar day. That means a 10:00 pickup and 11:30 return the next day can be billed as two days, depending on the supplier’s grace period.
Use these steps to pick a return time that fits real-world airport travel:
Match the 24-hour clock when you can
If you pick up at 14:00, aim to return at or before 14:00 on the last day. If your flight time makes that impossible, it can still be cheaper to shift the pickup earlier or later to align with your last-day schedule.
Allow for traffic between airports
JFK and LGA are close on the map, but traffic and roadworks can cause delays, particularly during weekday peaks. Add a buffer that accounts for congestion, rental facility shuttles, and time to find the correct return lane.
Check the supplier’s grace period
Some suppliers offer a short grace period (often around 29 minutes), others are stricter. If your return is right on the edge, set the booking return time earlier so you are protected if you are delayed.
Consider after-hours returns carefully
If you plan to return outside desk hours, confirm whether after-hours return is allowed at that specific airport location and whether it affects insurance coverage timing. Some locations accept keys in a drop box, but your responsibility for the vehicle can continue until staff process it.
What to confirm on your booking to avoid surprise charges
Most “unexpected” costs come from mismatches between what the traveller assumed and what the rental contract states. Before you pay, and again before you drive away, confirm the following:
Return location is explicitly set to the other airport
It must show JFK as pickup and LGA as return, or the reverse. If the booking says “return to same location”, you may be charged a penalty for returning elsewhere, or the return may be refused.
One-way fee is included or clearly disclosed
Look for a line item referencing one-way, drop, or inter-location fees. If the total seems low, read the “Pay at counter” section carefully so you understand what can still be added locally.
Vehicle class and supplier rules allow one-way returns
Some specialty categories can be excluded. If you are considering SUVs, it can help to compare the class options and supplier availability on pages like SUV hire at New York JFK.
Airport surcharges and taxes
Airports often add facility charges. Ensure your quote shows the full breakdown so you are comparing like-for-like across suppliers. A slightly higher headline price can be better value if it includes unavoidable location fees.
After-hours policy and key-drop instructions
If you will return early morning or late night, ensure the specific return station is open, or that after-hours return is permitted. Ask how fuel level is verified and how tolls are finalised when staff are not present.
Deposit and payment method
Many suppliers require a credit card for the deposit. If you plan to use a debit card, confirm acceptance in advance and check any added requirements, such as proof of address or a higher deposit.
Driver and age requirements
Young driver fees and additional driver costs can apply, and they are typically charged per day. Confirm who will drive before pickup, because adding a driver at the counter can change the total.
JFK to LGA vs JFK to EWR: when one-way makes more sense
Sometimes travellers look at LGA but find better availability by returning to a different nearby airport. Newark (EWR) is in New Jersey and can have different pricing, fleet availability, and location fees. If your itinerary is flexible, it is worth comparing. Hola Car Rentals provides pages to explore options such as car rental at New Jersey EWR and SUV hire at New Jersey EWR.
Be aware that cross-state one-way routes can sometimes carry higher drop fees than JFK to LGA because the car is moving between different operating areas. On the other hand, promotions and fleet balance can occasionally make the EWR route competitive. The only reliable approach is to price both routes with the same dates, times, and vehicle class, then compare the total including taxes and any one-way fee.
Practical return tips for LGA and JFK
Use the address on your confirmation, not a generic airport map
Rental returns can be in a dedicated car rental facility or a specific terminal area. Navigation apps can send you to passenger departures if you search the wrong term. Use the station address from your voucher.
Photograph the car at return
Take time-stamped photos of all sides, the fuel gauge, and the mileage. This helps if there is any later dispute about fuel level or damage.
Keep toll and fuel receipts
Receipts are useful if there is a billing discrepancy. If you used a supplier toll programme, note the terms for admin fees and when toll charges are finalised.
Return with time to spare
At busy periods there can be queues at the return entrance. If you are aiming for a tight flight connection, padding your schedule reduces the risk of a late return fee.
How pricing is shown, and why totals differ
When comparing car hire options, you may see two bookings with similar base rates but different totals. This often comes down to whether the quote is bundling the one-way cost into the daily rate, whether airport fees differ between pickup and return, and whether optional add-ons are preselected.
If you are comparing suppliers, keep the same inputs for a fair comparison: pickup time, return time, pickup location, return location, driver age, and vehicle class. Also check what is included in the rate, such as cancellation terms, mileage allowance, and insurance options, because a lower total can still lead to higher costs at the desk if you must add essentials.
FAQ
Can I return a JFK car hire at LGA without arranging it in advance? Usually no. Returning to a different airport without it listed on your booking can trigger penalties, or the location may refuse the return. Set LGA as the return location before paying.
Is the one-way fee always shown separately? No. Some suppliers display a drop fee as a line item, others bake it into the daily rate. Compare the full total and read the price breakdown for pay-at-counter items.
Will I be charged an extra day if I return late? Potentially yes. Rentals are often billed in 24-hour blocks and grace periods vary. Choose a return time earlier than your target drop-off to reduce the risk.
Do tolls between JFK and LGA come included? Not typically. Tolls are normally billed separately, either via a supplier toll programme with admin fees, or paid by you using an approved method. Check the toll policy in your rental terms.
What should I check at the counter before driving away? Confirm the contract lists the correct return airport, the return time, fuel policy, and any one-way fee. Also verify how after-hours returns are handled if you plan to use one.
