Car Rental - Newyorkcity

Hertz car hire in New York City

Rent a car in New York City – the dizzying, dazzling capital of fashion, food, art and commerce. Every year, 66 million visitors take a bite of the Big Apple and fall in love for hundreds of different reasons. New York is unique in every neighbourhood and buzzes in every borough.

So, what should you make sure you see in NYC? Manhattan’s a great place to start. Explore Midtown for classic New York moments in Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Then, stroll through Central Park, head uptown to Harlem or catch a ballgame in the Bronx. Don’t forget to cross the East River to hip Brooklyn and vibrant Queens. If you need a break from the bright lights, Long Island’s idyllic beaches are just a quick cruise up the coast.

Our New York City car rentals have luxury sportscars, spacious saloons and super-comfy SUVs – everything you need for the ultimate adventure in the city that never sleeps.

Driving in and around New York City

Parking in New York City

• Rapid Park 15 W 72nd St (10023) is an underground valet parking lot with 176 spaces in the heart of the upper west side. It’s a great spot to explore Central Park.
• Rockefeller Center Garage (10111) has 336 spaces in Midtown. Stop here for Rockefeller Center, shopping on Fifth Avenue and to see the Empire State Building up close.
• Park Kwik, 37 Front Street (11201) has 300 underground spaces near the East River crossing from Manhattan. From there, it’s just a few minutes to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Main roads in New York City

• Interstate 95 (I-95) spans 1,908 miles, connecting NYC with Canada to the north and Florida to the south.
• Interstate 78 (I-78) runs 144 miles from Pennsylvania into the heart of NYC.
• New York State Route 27 (NY-27) heads from the heart of Brooklyn through Long Island for 121 miles.

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan

It takes around an hour to drive the 18 miles from JFK to Central Park in Manhattan.

1. Leave our New York City car rental at JFK and get on I-678 N.
2. Continue on 1-678N. Take Grand Central Parkway and I-278E.
3. Take FDR Drive in Manhattan and leave at exit 14.
4. Follow E 97th Street and 97th Street Transverse to Central Park.

How to get from New York City to Montauk

It takes around three hours to drive to Montauk from Brooklyn. From the Brooklyn Bridge, turn left on to Tillary Street and take the I-278 E sliproad to Triboro BR. Merge on to the I-278and drive for around 30 miles. Then, take the I-495 E for about 70 miles, before merging onto the NY-27 E to Montauk.

A quick guide to New York City

Best hotels in New York City

The Plaza

5th Avenue at Central Park S, NY 10019

For the ultimate Big Apple blowout, head straight to the Plaza. You’ll recognise this beacon of opulence in classics from Home Alone 2 to The Great Gatsby. It’s as luxurious in fact as it is in fiction, with gold-plated fixtures, chandeliers and all the trappings of Old New York. But don’t expect gimmicks here – the Plaza matches style with substance. The food, service and rooms are all exceptional.

Hotel Chelsea

222 West 23rd Street, NY 10011

Once the bohemian hangout of artists from Bob Dylan to Andy Warhol, the Chelsea Hotel is an entirely different prospect to the Plaza – but it’s no less iconic. Today, the artists have largely moved on, but you can still soak up a slice of NYC history at this newly-refurbished bolthole. You’ll find refined Spanish cuisine in the El Quijote restaurant downstairs. Upstairs, the rooms are chock-full of lavish, creative décor, grand furnishings and great amenities.

Wythe Hotel

80 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Set in a converted Williamsburg factory replete with a salvaged 50ft-high HOTEL sign, the Wythe Hotel is as hip as it sounds. Expect eco-conscious bathroom products, fully equipped tech and a well-curated brunch menu. But don’t feel intimidated. The floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views make this a stand-out spot for anyone looking to soak up the city.

Best restaurants in New York City

Fornino

849 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222

New Yorkers will famously debate their favourite pizza joint for hours – but for a family-friendly slice of pie, look no further than Fornino. Offering old classics and modern twists, this long-running pizzeria has something for everyone. Try fig and gorgonzola, or go back to basics with their peerless marinara. Don’t forget to compare and contrast with other Brooklyn mainstays like Di Fara. A pizza-lover’s work is never done.

Los Tacos No.1

75 9th Avenue, NY 10011

Los Tacos No.1 has outposts across Manhattan, but Chelsea Market remains the OG. Head down for zingy salsas and spit-roasted meats washed down with vibrant agua frescas. The clincher? Los Tacos’ signature homemade masa tortillas. Note: this is not a sit-down service joint. Grab an order of tacos and eat them like a true New Yorker – standing, leaning or perching wherever you can.

Teranga

1280 5th Avenue, NY 10029

Stop by Teranga at the top of Central Park for great-value West African dishes that have the whole city talking. Based in Harlem’s Africa Center, this buzzing counter cafe has won acclaim from Time Out to Condé Nast Traveller. Choose from a small, ever-changing menu of grains, pulses, fish, meats and stews, and take a seat on the communal tables amid the tropical plants. Can’t find a seat? Grab takeout and head to the park.

Best things to do in New York City

Explore Central Park

59th Street to 110th Street

Whether you’re looking for rolling hillsides, playgrounds, monuments, ice skating rinks or famous movie sights, you’ll find them in Central Park. But be warned – the park covers 843 acres and 59 miles of pathway, so a bit of research beforehand pays off. You can also use the park as a jumping off point for Fifth Avenue, Harlem, Midtown and Museum Mile.

See a Broadway or off-Broadway show

Various theatres

There are few experiences more exciting than heading through Times Square on your way to a show. Choose from classics like the Lion King or recent hits like A Strange Loop, which celebrates Black queer culture in New York. Want to go indie? Choose an off-Broadway show for a cosier, low-key night out.

Coney Island

Brooklyn, New York

After a weekend of culture, head to Coney Island for hot dogs, rollercoasters and good old-fashioned fun. Tourists and locals favour this Brooklyn boardwalk for its old-timey charms and great spots for ice cream and pizza. Once you’re done, head back into Brooklyn for cutting-edge galleries, restaurants and another chance to cruise over the iconic bridge.