New York City is one of the most exciting places in the world—but getting around it on your own terms? That’s the real luxury. If you’re planning to explore beyond subway stops or just want flexibility during your stay, renting a car can make all the difference. But let’s be honest—renting a car in NYC can be pricey. That’s why I did the digging for you. Below are the top 10 cheapest car rental companies in New York City for 2025, offering the best value, lowest fees, and most convenient pickup locations—without sacrificing quality or customer service.
1. Zipcar – Best for Locals & Short Trips
If you’re a city resident or just need a car for a few hours, Zipcar is a game-changer. You can rent by the hour or by the day, and the pricing is surprisingly affordable considering NYC standards.
Estimated Daily Price: Starting at $49/day (includes gas & insurance)
Perks: No waiting in line, 24/7 access, pick up from neighborhood garages
Best For: Quick errands, weekend escapes, or running deliveries
- Tip: Sign up for their membership plan if you’re a frequent renter—it lowers the hourly rates significantly.
- Check current Zipcar NYC rates
2. Priceline Car Rentals – Best for Budget Travelers
If you’re visiting New York City and hunting for deals, Priceline is your best friend. It lets you compare rates across top rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Dollar in one place. Their “Express Deals” can slash prices by up to 40%.
Estimated Daily Price: As low as $37/day with Express Deals
Perks: Easy comparison, no hidden fees, huge inventory
Best For: Tourists, business travelers, weekend trips
- They often run seasonal discounts, so check regularly before booking.
- Find the cheapest car rentals in NYC on Priceline
3. Turo – Best Peer-to-Peer Option
Think of Turo as the Airbnb of car rentals. You rent directly from car owners in NYC, which often means much lower prices and more variety—from hybrids to luxury sedans.
Estimated Daily Price: Starting at $35/day
Perks: Wide selection, no big rental desk hassle, flexible pickup/drop-off
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers or those wanting unique cars (like Teslas or Jeeps)
- Popular pickup spots include Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark Airport.
- Browse Turo cars available in NYC
4. Avis Car Rental – Best Value from a National Brand
Avis has several convenient locations throughout the five boroughs. While it’s a traditional rental company, booking directly through their website (especially using weekend deals) often gives you a better rate than third-party sites.
Estimated Daily Price: Starting at $44/day (with advance booking)
Perks: Trusted brand, airport and city locations, loyalty rewards
Best For: Longer trips or travelers who want reliable service
- Booking at least 2–3 weeks ahead often unlocks deeper discounts.
- Book directly on Avis NYC website
5. Hertz Neighborhood Locations – Best for Convenience
Hertz is often thought of as an airport-only option, but their neighborhood branches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens actually offer cheaper prices than airport pickups (and you avoid airport surcharges).
Estimated Daily Price: Starting at $41/day
Perks: Skip airport hassle, better availability, AAA discounts available
Best For: NYC residents or travelers staying in boroughs
- They also offer “Hertz 24/7” rentals for ultra-short bookings—perfect for spontaneous day trips.
- See Hertz NYC neighborhood rates
6. Kyte – Best Car Delivery to Your Door
Kyte is a newer service that’s disrupting traditional car rentals by delivering the vehicle right to your door (hotel, apartment, or office). You book online or through their app, and a “Kyte Surfer” brings the car directly to you—no lines, no counters.
Estimated Daily Price: Starting at $39/day (with delivery included)
Perks: Door-to-door service, flexible returns, no rental desk
Best For: Tourists without time to spare or locals without a nearby rental branch
- No waiting in rental queues—cars are delivered 7 days a week.
- Rent a car with Kyte in NYC
7. Getaround – Best for Hourly Rentals
If you only need a car for a few hours (say, to move furniture or run errands), Getaround is ideal. Like Turo, it’s peer-to-peer, but it’s designed for hourly use with instant booking. You unlock the car using the app—no keys, no meet-ups.
Estimated Price: $10–$15/hour or ~$45/day
Perks: No membership needed, instant bookings, gas included in some cases
Best For: Errands, last-minute needs, short trips within the city
- Great inventory in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
- Browse NYC Getaround rentals
8. Budget Car Rental – Best for Students & Long-Term Rentals
As the name suggests, Budget lives up to its promise. They often run online-only promo codes and discounts for students, AAA members, and long-term renters (weekly or monthly deals).
Estimated Daily Price: As low as $38/day (with discount code)
Perks: Airport & local branches, weekend specials, unlimited mileage
Best For: College students, remote workers, longer vacations
- Budget offers up to 25% off with a student ID or .edu email.
- View Budget NYC rental deals
9. Silvercar by Audi – Best Luxury for Less
If you’re looking for an upscale experience without the steep luxury price tag, Silvercar by Audi might surprise you. All rentals are premium Audi models—yet they’re often competitively priced with mid-range rentals.
Estimated Daily Price: From $49/day (includes Wi-Fi, GPS & premium support)
Perks: Flat pricing, no hidden fees, luxury fleet only
Best For: Business travelers, couples, or anyone who loves comfort
- Available from JFK, LGA, and Newark airports.
- Reserve an Audi on Silvercar
10. Sixt Rent a Car – Best for International Travelers
Sixt is a global brand with a growing footprint in NYC. Known for their modern fleet and great multilingual support, they’re a top pick for international visitors. Their app is user-friendly, and they often include luxury cars in their budget tier.
Estimated Daily Price: From $42/day
Perks: Free upgrades often available, easy check-in with app, premium support
Best For: International tourists, luxury-on-a-budget seekers
- Staff speak multiple languages—great for travelers unfamiliar with U.S. systems.
Quick Comparison Table: Cheapest Car Rentals in NYC (2025)
| Rental Company | Starting Price | Best For | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zipcar | $49/day | Locals & short trips | Hourly rentals, gas included, 24/7 garage access |
| Priceline | $37/day | Budget travelers & tourists | Express Deals, price comparisons, no hidden fees |
| Turo | $35/day | Unique cars & peer-to-peer rentals | Wide variety, flexible pick-up, local hosts |
| Avis | $44/day | Traditional rentals & longer trips | National brand, loyalty rewards, multiple branches |
| Hertz (Neighborhood) | $41/day | Local pickups, no airport fees | Multiple city branches, AAA discounts, 24/7 rentals |
| Kyte | $39/day | Door-to-door delivery rentals | No lines, contactless delivery, app-based booking |
| Getaround | $10–15/hour | Hourly rentals & errands | App unlocking, no membership, instant booking |
| Budget | $38/day | Students & long-term rentals | Weekly discounts, student/AAA deals, low base rates |
| Silvercar by Audi | $49/day | Affordable luxury car experience | Flat-rate Audi rentals, premium features included |
| Sixt | $42/day | International visitors & premium rentals | Free upgrades, multilingual support, sleek app |
Tip: Compare All in One Place
Before booking, always compare live rates across multiple platforms. Use AutoSlash—a free service that tracks and rebooks your rental if the price drops. It can save you 20–50% automatically.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a New Yorker needing a weekend getaway car or a tourist trying to see the city at your own pace, these five options give you affordable, flexible, and reliable choices. From peer-to-peer rentals to neighborhood pick-up spots, there’s something for every budget.
FAQs
Q: What’s the cheapest car rental option in NYC for 2025?
A: Turo and Priceline typically offer the lowest base rates, especially with discounts or advance bookings.
Q: Do I need insurance to rent a car in NYC?
A: Most rentals include basic coverage, but it’s smart to double-check or use a credit card that offers rental protection.
Q: Is it worth renting a car in Manhattan?
A: Only if you plan to leave the city or visit boroughs with limited transit. Parking in Manhattan is expensive and limited.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
