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New York is home to the busiest airports in the US and the largest metropolitan area in the country. Whether you're visiting the New York City metro area, the capital city Albany, of heading upstate to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York car rentals may be the easiest, most convenient way to travel on your own schedule. Although renting a car just to get around downtown is often unnecessary, inconvenient, and very expensive, your individual itinerary and travel plans will decide if a New York rent a car is your best mode of transportation.

If you are first arriving in New York at an airport, picking up a car in the terminal can save you time, but will usually cost you. John F Kennedy Intl Airport Car Rentals are provided by Enterprise, Dollar, Budget, Avis, National, and Hertz. Try Enterprise for the best deals, followed by Dollar, and Budget. LaGuardia Airport Car Rentals are provided by Enterprise, Dollar, Budget, Avis, Hertz, and National. Try Enterprise for the lowest rates, followed by Dollar. White Plains/Westchester County Airport car rentals are offered by Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, and National. Try Alamo for the best rates, followed by Enterprise and Budget. The major agencies and smaller local companies have New York rent a car offices located in downtown areas across the state and throughout the NYC metro area, housed in multi-level garages. Manhattan rentals are generally much more expensive than at airports or elsewhere in the state or the rest of the US.

If you decide to rent a car and will be driving downtown, check with the rental agency for some general tips and familiarize yourself with the strict parking or any unfamiliar driving laws. Many streets in New York City have only one-way traffic so consider renting New York car rentals with built-in navigation systems, and ask for directions and maps at the rental office to avoid getting lost. State law prohibits car rental companies from refusing to rent to consumers who are at least 18 or who do not have a credit card, but an additional surcharge (up to $70 or more) may apply for renters under age 25, and a credit screening and deposit of up to $500 may be required if you pay cash. Insurance rates also tend to be higher in New York than in most other cities.