JFK works best when you plan around boroughs, not just mileage.
Use the Van Wyck carefully
Take the Van Wyck for Queens and Manhattan routes, but allow extra time near airport exits.
Watch bridge and tunnel costs
Queens Midtown Tunnel, RFK Bridge, and other MTA crossings use cashless tolling.
Avoid peak Manhattan returns
For Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Long Island, check traffic before leaving and avoid tight airport return windows.
What cars can I hire at New York JFK Airport?
Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles at the New York JFK Airport. While vehicle availability may vary based on booking date and travel season, you may get the following options to choose from.
- Compact and economy cars easier for Queens and Brooklyn driving, tighter hotel garages, and shorter routes where parking space matters.
- Sedans a good match for couples, solo travellers, and business visitors heading between JFK, Manhattan, Long Island, or New Jersey.
- SUVs better for family luggage, winter travel, outlet shopping, beach gear, or longer drives toward the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, or New England.
- MPVs useful when passengers need more shared space without splitting across separate cars.
- Vans suited to larger groups, airport transfers, university trips, or luggage-heavy itineraries.
- Premium vehicles a more comfortable choice for business travel, longer highway routes, or special trips around New York and the wider region.
Electric car rental at New York JFK Airport
Hiring an EV at New York JFK Airport is a practical and greener way to explore. Electric vehicles handle city driving and longer coastal routes efficiently, cutting fuel costs while reducing your travel footprint. The stop-start nature of road trips suits EVs well, and modern ranges mean you can cover serious ground between charges.
Hertz supports this with a wide selection of electric vehicles at JFK, making it straightforward to choose an EV that fits your trip, whether that is a compact city run or a longer multi-day drive up the coast.
Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience
Hertz optional extras help you shape the rental around your actual journey, especially if you want more cover or are travelling with children.
Available VAS products include:
- Loss Damage Waiver: Decreases out-of-pocket costs significantly for covered vehicle damage, theft, or accident-related charges.
- Liability Insurance Supplement: Reduces your financial responsibility for eligible third-party bodily injury or accident claims during the rental.
- Infant seats: A seating add-on for babies who need a rear-facing restraint.
- Child seats: Designed for younger children who still need a separate secured seat.
- Booster seats: Help older children sit at a better height for the vehicle seat belt.
- Personal Protection Package: Offers Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Coverage, including limited medical expense and accidental death benefits where applicable.
Explore places within 30 miles of New York JFK Airport
Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Queens Museum
- 10 miles from New York JFK Airport (approx)
- 90 parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 424 EV charging ports nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 6 AM to 1 AM
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a good first drive if you want open space, the Unisphere, Queens Museum, New York Hall of Science, and Queens Zoo in one area.
Queens Center Mall
- 10 miles from New York JFK Airport (approx)
- 2 parking garages available nearby (approx)
- 4 EV chargers nearby (approx)
- Open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM
Queens Center Mall is useful if your first stop is shopping, food, or a practical break before heading toward Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Long Island. The mall has parking garages in the JCPenney and Macy’s wings, with EV charging available at the Queens Center Mall charging site.
Jones Beach State Park
- 22 miles from New York JFK Airport (approx)
- Multiple parking fields available nearby (approx)
- 6 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Jones Beach State Park is a strong coastal route from JFK if you want beach time, boardwalk walks, ocean views, or a Long Island drive without going far beyond the airport region.
FAQs
1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at New York JFK Airport?
Yes. Hertz serves JFK through the airport rental car area at Federal Circle. After baggage claim, follow AirTrain signs and travel to Federal Circle Station to reach the rental car facilities.
2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from New York JFK Airport?
Yes, one-way rentals can usually be arranged while booking. This is helpful if you start in New York and finish in Newark, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, or another Hertz location.
3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my New York JFK Airport reservation?
Yes. Most Hertz reservations can be updated before pickup. Check your booking terms first, especially if you are changing the dates, vehicle type, pickup time, or return branch.
4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the New York JFK Airport branch?
The main driver should bring a valid driving licence, passport for identification, and a payment card in their own name for the security deposit. Australian travellers should make sure their licence details are clear, readable, and match the booking information. If the licence is not in English, they should also carry an International Driving Permit along with their national licence.
5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?
Yes, but the new drop-off point should be confirmed in your rental agreement first. If your route changes after pickup, contact Hertz before returning the car so any one-way fee is clear.
