New York City's public transportation system is excellent and can be quicker than driving to get around once you're here, but all the major national companies, and a few local ones, offer rentals. Costs are highly variable, with special rates and restricted or unrestricted mileage options. A one-day rental during the week is most expensive, costing between $75 and $100; a one-week rate ranges from $225 to $300. Rates on weekends are less expensive: between $65 (one-day) to $175 (two-day). Contact the companies directly for current rates. The age requirement for most companies is 25, and a driver’s license with photo and a major credit card are required. Check with your insurance and credit card company to see if they cover your insurance before purchasing extra insurance from the car company. The normal practice is to return the car with a full tank of gas; if not, the car rental company will fill it and add the charge to your bill.

Car rental companies in NYC include the following, which also have locations at all major NYC airports:

Avis, 212/421-5319, 800/331-1212
310 East 64th Street (First–Second Avenues)
345 South End Avenue (Liberty Street)
64 East 11th Street (Broadway–University Place)
217 East 43rd Street (Second–Third Avenues)
153 West 54th Street (Seventh–Seventh Avenues)
216 West 76th Street (Broadway)
420 East 90th (York–First Avenues)

Budget 800/527-0700
152 East 87th Street (Third–Lexington Avenues)
304 West 49th Street (Eighth–Ninth Avenues)
225 East 43rd Street (Second–Third Avenues)

Hertz 800/654-3131
More than a dozen locations throughout Manhattan; call for details

Zipcar 866/4ZIPCAR
For members of this popular car-sharing group, Zipcars are available in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Visit zipcar.com for more details.

NYC Driving Tips

Driving in New York City is much like driving in other big cities around the world. It is important to pay attention to the traffic lights, street signs and parking regulations.

Unlike in many parts of the US, it is illegal to make right turns on a red light. The speed limit on streets (not highways) in the five boroughs is 30 miles per hour. Parking on the street can be confusing, with alternate side of the street rules in affect for different days of the week.

The New York City Department of Transportation is the source for information about traffic regulations, travel advisories, permits and more. New York City is the host of many parades, street fairs and special events that result in street closures. For up- to-date information, visit nyc.gov/dot and click on What's New under Quick Links for advance information on traffic conditions.

NYC Parking Tips

Parking on the street can be confusing, with alternate side of the street rules in effect for different days of the week. Parking meters don’t allow all-day privileges; you’ll need to put quarters in on an hourly basis. There are parking garages and open-air lots throughout the city: keep an eye out for signs (some garages have employees stand in the street to motion drivers into their garages or lots). Many garages cut their rates on the weekend. Depending on where you park (Midtown being most expensive), garage rates may range from $6 to $15 for the first hour to $40 per day, with special rates of about $20 on Sundays. Go to Icon Parking Systems' website (see below) to plan where you'll park ahead of time.

Icon Parking Systems, 877/727-5464
Only online parking reservation system. Choose from more than 185 Manhattan parking locations to get the best price, location and guaranteed spot.

Central/Kinney Parking System, 212/321-7500
The leading provider of parking services in the US, Kinney System, Meyers Parking and Edison Parking Management make up the Central family.