Car Rental - Rochester

 

Car rental in Rochester, New York lets you experience rural retreats, city exploration and a unique culture, in one city. Nestled on beautiful Lake Ontario, Rochester has several delightful destinations to explore, including nearby Ontario Beach Park, where you can enjoy a walk along the pier or stroll across the beautiful beach.

A Rochester rental car also lets you experience the bright lights of New York City and enchanting Niagara Falls, near the city of Buffalo, from the same base location. While Buffalo Niagara Airport is little more than an hour away.

With Hertz, you’re given a huge choice of rental cars in Rochester. Whatever adventure you have in store, there’s a car to suit your plans.

With sturdy 4x4s, spacious sedans and luxury sports cars among our collection, you can choose the driving experience you want. Renting a car makes it easier to traverse Rochester easier. 

Reserve your Rochester car rental with Hertz today and relax knowing we’ve got your travel plans covered.

Rochester Locations

A Quick Guide to Rochester

Strong Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Drive, Rochester, NY 14607

More than 75,000 toys and games make up the fascinating exhibitions and displays at the Strong Museum. Kids and adults alike can take a trip through the history of play, in all its forms. The museum also hosts the Video Game Hall of Fame, which tells the story of the medium from its science lab roots, to the present day. Skip the buses, trains and taxis – hop in a rental car and discover Rochester with freedom.

George Eastman Museum

900 East Drive, Rochester, NY 14607

George Eastman was the founder of what became the Kodak empire, one of the pioneers of the art of photography. The museum is set in Eastman’s former home, a stunning Georgian Revival mansion. Here you’ll find collections of photographs celebrating the progress of film and the moving image through the ages.

Seneca Park Zoo

2222 St Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621

The first of New York’s zoos to feature African elephants, Seneca Park Zoo is home to almost 100 species of animal from across the globe. Visit the different themed areas to discover what it would be like to see the animals at home in their natural habitats. Say hello to the lions, baboons and elephants in A Step into Africa, then visit the Rocky Coasts region, which houses sea lions, penguins and snowy owls.

The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa

550 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607

The Strathallan is just a few blocks west from the George Eastman Museum. With free Wi-Fi and well-appointed interiors, your room will be a great place to unwind following a welcome cocktail at Hattie’s rooftop bar – or a dip in the indoor pool. Bring your family with a holiday car rental from our Rochester Hertz branch. 

RIT Inn & Conference Center

5257 West Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467

Just off Interstate 90 and eight miles from downtown, the RIT offers guests a warm welcome in its cozy amenities. With pools both indoors and out, plus a tempting spa and free Wi-Fi, it’s a fantastic space to start your trip. Don’t miss the free private parking on-site for your Rochester rental car either!

Ellwanger Estate

625 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620

Stay in the lap of sedate luxury at the Ellwanger Estate, a couple of miles from downtown Rochester. The boutique rooms offer ample space to unwind, while a stroll around the magnificent grounds will have you ready to make the most of this rural retreat. 

The Revelry

1290 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607

The Revelry brings the soulful flavors of the Lowcountry to your plate. Dive into their famous glow bowl, a mouthwatering mix of leaves and beans. Or why not soak some hot honey butter on your biscuits, topped with pimento cheese? Bring your family here with your car rental after a long day traversing Rochester. 

The Owl House

75 Marshall Street Rochester NY, 14607

Travel just 15 minutes from our Rochester Airport car rental lot to this unique foodie hangout. The Owl House’s rustic setting complements the food fantastically. Take in the quaint wooden interior as you sample from a varied menu, which sits seared sea scallops alongside sumptuous sweet potato squash.

Jines Restaurant

658 Park Avenue, Rochester NY 14607

Jines features the best of Greek dining, alongside hearty American fare. With a choice of soothing soups, deli sandwiches and homemade spanakopita to try, this restaurant’s diverse menu is bettered only by its homely atmosphere.

Driving In and Around Rochester

  • Washington Square Garage (14607) has more than 1,000 spaces for your Rochester car rental and is a short walk from the Strong Museum. There are also four available EV charging stations.
  • Court Street Garage (14604) is close to the I-490 and just across the river from the Civic Center and War Memorial indoor arena. There are 1,000 spaces to choose from your for Rochester rental car.
  • Street parking is payable by meter throughout Rochester. Check signs on the street for charges and restriction times.

Rochester roads are usually at their busiest for the morning commute, between 7am and 8:30am. In the evenings, rush hour tends to run from 4:30pm to 6pm. Holidays and business trips in Rochester are easier with a Hertz car rental.

Main routes in Rochester:

Rochester is served by three Highways:

Interstate 390 – also known as the Genesee Expressway, I-390 crosses the I-90 as it runs south-north through the city and continues north as NY-390, once it crosses I-490. Renting a car makes it easier to manoeuvre in Rochester.

Interstate 490 – the Western/Eastern Expressway starts east in Le Roy and ends in Victor, both within New York state boundaries.

Interstate 590 – I-590 is designated between the points which cross with I-390 in the south and I-490 to the north. The highway continues toward the north as NY-590.

 

The journey from Rochester to New York City takes little over five hours with your car rental, traffic permitting.

  1. Follow the I-490 East out of the city center.
  2. Take the exit on your left to enter the I-90 East towards Albany.
  3. Stay on this route for about 60 miles before taking exit 39 onto I-690 East.
  4. Pass through Syracuse and take the I-81 South for around 50 miles.
  5. Continue onto I-380 South then take exit 1B onto I-80 East.
  6. Use exit 47A to enter I-280 East.
  7. Take exit 17, then merge onto the Newark-Jersey City Turnpike.
  8. Follow signs for the NJ-139 East and continue through the Holland Tunnel toll road to reach New York City.
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