Car Hire New York City

Parking information

• Delancey and Essex Municipal Parking Garage is useful for the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and nearby downtown stops, with around 357 spaces.
• Court Square Municipal Parking Garage works well for Long Island City, Queens, and East River routes, with over 713 spaces.
• Staten Island Courthouse Garage and Outdoor Lot is handy for Staten Island visits and ferry-area plans, with about 719 spaces.

Key roads in New York City

• FDR Drive: Useful for Manhattan’s east side, East River views, and links toward Harlem River Drive.
• West Side Highway: A practical route for Hudson River drives, Chelsea, Tribeca, and Upper West Side access.
• Brooklyn-Queens Expressway: Helpful for Brooklyn, Queens, airport-area connections, and cross-borough journeys.

Electric car hire

For a cleaner and quieter way to move around the city, Hertz electric car hire in New York City can be a smart option.

With EV charging becoming more accessible across the city and nearby areas, electric rentals are suitable for airport pick-ups, business trips, local stays, and planned drives beyond Manhattan. It is a practical choice for travellers who want more flexibility with a lower-emission way to explore.

Charging points

The New York-Newark-Jersey City area has around 15,541 public charging stations, including 2,107 DC fast chargers, giving EV drivers useful coverage across the wider metro area.

Congestion charges

New York City has an active Congestion Relief Zone. Passenger vehicles and motorcycles are charged once per day when entering the zone, which covers Manhattan at or below 60th Street.

Plan for this alongside parking, bridge, and tunnel tolls, and your rental toll-payment option.

Travel routes

Getting from New York City to Long Island

From Midtown Manhattan:

• Head west toward I-10.
• Head east toward the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.
• Continue onto I-495 East, also known as the Long Island Expressway.
• Stay on I-495 for Nassau and central Long Island stops.
• For the Hamptons, connect to NY-27 East toward Southampton, East Hampton, or Montauk.
• Check your rental toll option before setting off.

Getting from New York City to the Hudson Valley

From Midtown Manhattan:

• Head toward the West Side Highway.
• Continue north toward Henry Hudson Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, or I-87 North.
• Use this route for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Beacon, Cold Spring, and nearby river towns.
• Some routes may include toll roads or bridges.

Best hotels in New York City

The Ludlow Hotel

180 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002

A Lower East Side stay with downtown character, skyline views, and easy access to nightlife.

The William Vale

111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

A Williamsburg hotel with modern design, rooftop views, and a bright, Brooklyn energy.

The Wall Street Hotel

88 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005

A polished Financial District option for Lower Manhattan, Seaport stops, and business trips.

Popular restaurants in New York City

Via Carota

51 Grove Street, New York, NY 10014

A West Village favourite for relaxed Italian cooking and a warm neighbourhood feel.

Crown Shy

70 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005

A Financial District restaurant known for contemporary American cooking in an Art Deco setting.

Dhamaka

119 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002

A Lower East Side spot for bold regional Indian dishes inside Essex Market.

Best places to visit in New York City

Little Island

Pier 55 in Hudson River Park, West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014

A compact Hudson River park with gardens, views, and open-air performances.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

A waterfront park with skyline views, piers, lawns, and easy Brooklyn exploring.

Queens Museum

New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368

A Queens cultural stop known for art, history, and the Panorama of the City of New York.

FAQs

1.What do I need to bring for a car rental in New York City?

Bring your valid driving licence, a payment card in the main driver’s name, and a passport or accepted photo ID. International visitors should also carry an International Driving Permit if their licence is not in English, along with the original licence.

2. What are the age rules for car hire in New York City?

Hertz allows car rental in New York from age 18, unlike many other US states where the minimum age is higher. Drivers under 25 may still need to pay a young renter fee, and some vehicle groups may not be available to younger drivers.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually the easiest option at pickup. Debit cards may be accepted, but Hertz can apply extra checks, vehicle restrictions, and deposit requirements, so it is worth reviewing your branch terms before arrival.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

Hertz vehicles are usually provided with a full tank. You can return the car full, choose a prepaid fuel option, or let Hertz refuel it after return, but refuelling charges may apply if the car comes back below the agreed level.

5. What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in New York City?

Cancellation terms depend on the rate selected. Pay Later bookings can usually be cancelled free before pickup, while prepaid bookings have separate rules, including possible cancellation or no-show fees if cancelled close to the collection time.