Car rental in
New York City
Our top branches in New York City
Our services at New York City
SIXT Car Rental in New York
Once you arrive in the Big Apple, pick up your SIXT car rental in New York at key points like the JFK International Airport (JFK) or New York City’s Times Square. Our large fleet has a variety of makes and models from premium manufacturers, so you’re sure to get what you need. Ultra-flexible booking options are available online or via the** SIXT App, making navigating New York simple. Discover NYC's iconic landmarks, explore the diverse boroughs, and enjoy day trips beyond the city skyline—all at your own pace with your car rental in NYC.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in New York
- Compact cars: Essential for maneuvering through Manhattan’s tiny streets and easily fitting into city parking garages.
- SUVs: A great pick for driving with family or friends upstate or for trips to the Hamptons.
- Luxury cars: Perfect for enjoying a premium ride along Central Park or attending glamorous events.
How much does it cost to rent a car in New York?
The price to rent a car in New York will depend on the following factors:
- Rental duration: Weekly bookings offer a better value than single days.
- Rental location: Pick-up and drop-off points influence car rental pricing.
- High-demand periods: Major events like the New York City Marathon and UN General Assembly can cause prices to rise.
- Best Price: The “Best Price” setting saves you more compared to the flexible option when you pay at booking.
SIXT Pro Tip: Rent a car in New York as soon as you can, compare dates, and use the app for the most competitive rates.
Add-ons & Protection Packages
- Bookable extras like GPS, child car seats, and additional driver options allow you to customize your rental.
- Pick the coverage that fits. Our protection options have you covered, whatever you need.
Driving Tips for New York
Traffic Rules in New York
- NYC’s default speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
- Right turns on red are generally prohibited in New York City, unless posted otherwise.
- Watch for special signage restricting entry on “bus only” streets in Midtown.
- Vehicles may not idle for extended periods—city law restricts unnecessary idling.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- Street closures are common for events or construction, so plan your route ahead of time.
- Prepare for heavy congestion, especially during rush hour or near major landmarks.
- Bad weather can cause slick road conditions, especially during winter months.
Parking in New York
Parking is regulated with both metered spots and public garages, often near major destinations.
- ICON Parking has multiple locations and is convenient for access to Midtown Manhattan’s business and shopping districts.
- SP+ Garages are ideal for visiting the Upper West Side museums and Central Park.
- The Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza Garage provides easy access to attractions in downtown Brooklyn.
Find more tips on where to park in New York.
Fueling Instructions
- Fuel up at “Regular,” “Plus,” or “Premium” stations; most New York stations are self-serve.
- Payment is by credit/debit card at the pump or by cash inside.
SIXT Pro Tip: With your rental car in New York, opt for our Refuelling service at return so you can skip lengthy city gas stops and save you time waiting in traffic.
Tolls in New York
NYC has several toll roads. Tolls are enforced on bridges and tunnels into Manhattan such as the RFK Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel, typically via the E-ZPass system. Many regional highways also use this electronic toll network, and neighboring New Jersey requires tolls on all major routes. Ask about our pre-paid toll program to make your life easier.
Top Places to Visit by Car in New York
A SIXT car rental in New York allows you to access every corner of this iconic city and beyond.
Central Park: An Urban Oasis
- Distance from JFK Intl. Airport: 16 miles (25 km)
- Estimated driving time: 60 minutes
Central Park is the city’s most beloved green space, with biking trails, boating opportunities, and cultural landmarks hidden inside. Stroll the Mall, enjoy the Bethesda Terrace, or visit the Central Park Zoo.
The Bronx Zoo: A Wildlife Adventure
- Distance from Manhattan: 12 miles (20 km)
- Estimated driving time: 40 minutes
One of the largest city zoos in the US, the Bronx Zoo spans 265 acres and hosts thousands of animals. It’s a family-friendly stop that hosts seasonal events and daily educational programs.
Coney Island: Seaside Fun
- Distance from downtown Brooklyn: 11 miles (17 km)
- Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
Coney Island is famous for its boardwalk, classic amusement park rides, and summer fireworks shows. Enjoy a Nathan’s hot dog when you get hungry or ride the Cyclone coaster for an adrenaline rush.
The Met Cloisters: A Medieval Art Retreat
- Distance from the Upper West Side: 8 miles (13 km)
- Estimated driving time: 25 minutes
The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park houses an incredible collection of medieval art in a peaceful riverfront setting. The gardens and architecture evoke a European atmosphere just outside the city.
Read our Magazine Article for more tips on what to do in NYC.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in New York City. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in New York City
It is possible to rent a car with SIXT in New York from the age of 21 with a valid driver’s license. An underage driver fee will apply. Some specialty and larger vehicles require drivers to be 25.
Parking spaces are tight in the city, so a sedan is always a good choice. Families or groups can choose from a range of SUVs.
Have your plans changed? Don't worry! Select our flexible option when booking and change or cancel your reservation free of charge.
We offer Express Toll Unlimited, where a transponder automatically pays while going through toll areas. And there’s the option of General Toll Service where you pay the cost of tolls and a discounted service fee.
It is possible to rent at some SIXT stations with a debit card and 2 forms of government-issued ID. Check with the station before renting if this is how you wish to pay. Otherwise, we accept all major credit cards.
Yes. SIXT places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup for the amount of the deposit. For payments with debit cards, please refer to our rental information for more details about deposits. The amount depends on the location and vehicle. Please check for more details on payment information in this article.
In the U.S., generally a minimum of $200 will be charged to the payment method for security purposes. The deposit for high-value vehicles may be higher. Non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Illinois have higher minimum authorization amounts. Additional details on the deposit can be found in this article.
Reservations are by vehicle category (“or similar”), not by an exact model. When a "guaranteed model" option is shown for your dates and location, selecting it reserves that specific model. Otherwise, you’ll receive a comparable car in the same group with similar size and performance subject to availability.
The exact mileage policy for your booking is shown during the reservation process, so you’ll know what’s included before pickup.
Vehicles rented at most SIXT locations in the contiguous United States may be driven throughout the contiguous states. Travel into Canada must be in accordance with our geographical restrictions, which can be found in our rental information. Travel to Mexico is not allowed. If you drive outside authorized areas, a fee of $0.50 per mile will apply.
All renters and authorized drivers must present a valid, unexpired, original driver’s license at the time of rental. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license may also need to provide a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an international driver’s license. If the license is from a country not in the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation is required. See our rental information for full driver’s license and age requirements.
