Car Rental - Ithaca

 

Rent a car in Ithaca, New York State, to enjoy the lively atmosphere in a city which is home to Cornell University. You also can’t miss the waterfalls, with more than 100 in this area, including the famous Ithaca Falls.  

The Hertz pick-up point for your rental car is at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. This is in the northwest of the city, less than 10 minutes from the center and close to Cayuga Lake.

If you’re on vacation with your family then you may prefer to opt for a comfortable hatchback or SUV, the ideal holiday car rental. Visiting the university? Then a sedan or cabriolet is the perfect way to explore the city. New York State is ideal for a road trip too, with all the Finger Lakes in easy driving distance.

Collect your rental car from Ithaca to enjoy the natural beauty both in and around this city, before heading out to explore the lakes and parks to experience the outdoor adventure on offer.

Ithaca Locations

A Quick Guide to Ithaca

Trail Cornell University Ithaca NY

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

College Avenue and Linn Street, NY, 14850

Follow this trail for three-quarters of a mile and it’ll take you from downtown Ithaca to Cornell University. Admire the dramatic scenery and stop for a closer look at the eight waterfalls. These magnificent sights reach heights of up to 80ft and includes the 20ft Cascadilla Falls. Dryden Road garage is the nearest convenient parking lot for your rental car, due south of the Gorge.

Ithaca Falls Natural Area Ithaca NY

Ithaca Falls Natural Area

Lake Street, NY, 14850

Take the short but popular walk along Ithaca Falls Trail to Falls Creek and Ithaca Falls. The impressive 150ft waterfall is one of the region’s most powerful and dramatically beautiful. Continue along the creek to see Forest Falls, Rocky Falls and Triphammer Falls on the university campus. There are two small parking lots on-site for you to leave your car while you explore.

Buttermilk Falls State Park Ithaca NY

Buttermilk Falls State Park

112 East Buttermilk Falls Road, NY, 14850

This park gets its name from Buttermilk Creek which flows through it towards Cayuga Lake. There are many trails to follow throughout the park including the Gorge Trail which is considered to be the most popular. Head to the base of the waterfall after where you can take a dip to cool off. The park is free to enter on foot, although there is a small vehicle entry fee if you take your rental car, as with most New York State parks.

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

130 Statler Drive, NY, 14853

You’ll find this hotel at the heart of Cornell campus, ideal if you’re visiting the university. Make the most of the lively student atmosphere and take in the grand architecture as well as the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. There are three Tuscan-inspired on-site restaurants, and you can also hike waterfall trails from here. Overnight guests can choose for self-parking or valet parking for a daily fee, so you can leave your rental car while you explore. 

Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons

120 South Aurora Street, NY, 14850

Situated alongside Restaurant Row and just a short distance from the university, this Marriott hotel is in an ideal location with spectacular views across the city. Wake up in your comfortable king or queen-sized bed and enjoy a full American or continental breakfast before you start your day. Drop your holiday rental car with the valet service or self-park at the hotel for a small daily fee.

Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca

130 East Seneca Street, NY, 14850

This hotel is conveniently located Downtown, opposite the Ithaca Commons and near the city’s best restaurants. The free WiFi and meeting rooms makes it ideal for those here on business. You can cool off with a dip in the pool or head to the 24hour fitness center. Complimentary self-parking is available on-site for your rental car.

Mercato

108 North Aurora Street, NY, 14850

Situated on ‘Restaurant Row’ near Ithaca Commons, the Italian-inspired menu at this popular restaurant changes with the seasons. Specialties include pan-roasted pork chops, buckwheat pappardelle with duck ragu and butternut squash mezzelune. For dessert, try the ginger panna cotta.

Moosewood

215 North Cayuga Street, NY 14850

A cozy favorite with the locals, Moosewood serves up a selection of vegetarian and vegan snacks, starters and entrees, with a focus on fresh local produce. Snack on beet hummus or lemon tahini broccoli to whet your appetite. Follow with massaman tempeh curry or organic pasta with black truffles and a selection of wild mushrooms.

Saigon Kitchen

526 West State Street, NY, 14850

Appetizers such as lemongrass-marinated chicken skewers and crispy squid are winners at this Vietnamese restaurant. Popular dishes include beef, chicken and vegetable pho as well as vermicelli bowls. Finish with the ‘Rainbow’ drink, a traditional dessert with yellow mung and sweet red beans, green jelly and tapioca bubbles.

Driving In and Around Ithaca

  • Stewart and Williams Lot (14850) park here for the Cascadilla Gorge Trail to follow the route and see the waterfalls at Cascadilla Creek.
  • Cornell University West Campus Parking Lot (14850) is a short walk from Ithaca Falls and the university. Green Street Garage (14850) is in Downtown near Restaurant Row and Ithaca Commons.
  • State Route 79 (NY 79) goes through the center of the city, continuing southeast to join the I-81 and I-88 and west towards Seneca Lake.
  • State Route 13 (NY 13) meets the NY 79 in the center of the city and heads south to join the I-86.
  • State Route 96 (NY 96) also connects to the NY 79 in the center of Ithaca and continues north to join the I-90.

How to Get From Car Rental at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to Cornell University

It takes around 10 minutes to drive the two-and-a-half miles from the car rental lot at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to Cornell University:

  1. Leave Ithaca Tompkins International Airport car rental parking lot via Culligan Drive.
  2. At the end of the road turn right on to Brown Road.
  3. Take a left to join Warren Road.
  4. Stay on this road and it’ll take you all the way to the campus.

 

How to Get From Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to Finger Lakes National Forest

Finger Lakes National Forest is just a 35 minute or so drive when you rent a car from Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. Just take NY 13 into the city and then NY 96 heading north and it’ll lead you up to the national forest.

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