Car Rental - Albany

 

Car rental in Albany is the perfect way to explore every inch of the official state capital of New York. As the economic and cultural core of the state, Albany is home to several fantastic sights, including the New York State Capitol, The Albany Institute of History and Art and many more.

Situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, Albany was Hendrick Hudson’s final stop on his exploration of the Hudson River. Pick up your rental car in Albany and explore further along the Hudson or continue on through the state to other major cities including New York City.  

Finding the right rental car in Albany is easy with Hertz. Choose from large SUVs to fit the entire family or a smaller hatchback, perfect for exploring the city streets.

Start your adventure by booking your rental car in Albany with Hertz today.

Albany Locations

A Quick Guide to Albany

The Golden Gate Bridge

New York State Capitol

One of the most majestic sights in Albany, the New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government in New York State since the late 1800s. The stunning 19th-century stone building took 32 years to complete. Take a guided tour and see the Million Dollar Staircase, the Senate Chamber and the War Room first-hand.

Washington Park

Washington Park

Rest among lush greenery or try your hand at a game of tennis or basketball in this 81-acre park. The wide-open space offers beautifully sculpted and well-maintained gardens that are perfect for a relaxing picnic and people-watching session.

Art gallery

Albany Institute of History and Art

The Albany Institute of History and Art is one of the oldest museums in the US. With exhibitions covering Ancient Egypt and 19th-century American Sculpture, the museum holds a huge collection of art and historical artifacts. The museum also offers some great family-fun activities to take away and digital exhibits too.

Courtyard by Marriott Albany Troy/Waterfront

Within easy walking distance of popular sites including New York State Capitol, Troy Saving Bank Music Hall and the Hudson River, Courtyard is an ideal base for any Albany adventure. Ergonomic desks create the perfect space if you need to get some work done. Waterside parking for your car rental in Albany is available to the rear of the hotel.

Renaissance Albany Hotel

A chic hotel in Downtown Albany just a five-minute walk from the New York State Capitol. The luxurious bedrooms come with mirrored bathroom vanities, flat screen TVs and coffee makers. You can upgrade your room for a separate sitting area too.

Morgan State House Inn

An elegant 19th-century building overlooking Washington Park, Morgan State House Inn offers a picturesque stay in Albany. Each bedroom contains historic features and antiques, showcasing the period aesthetic of the hotel. The complimentary breakfast is the best way to start your day.

Athos

Hang out in the taverna or dine out on delicious Greek food in the Capitol District’s only dedicated Greek restaurant. Enjoy exceptional Greek and Mediterranean dishes including succulent seafood and moussaka served with a side of traditional Greek hospitality.

Yono’s

Holding just 15 tables, Yono’s is famous for its intimate dining experience and delicious food – scallops, halibut and duck breast are all on the menu. You’ll be treated to bold, classic flavors and four-star service during your luxury meal in this fine dining gem. Once you’ve picked up your Albany car rental, it’s the perfect place for a pit stop.

Iron Gate Cafe

This family-run cafe in Downtown Albany sits on the edge of Center Square. Head here for a delicious breakfast of French toast and pancakes or a grilled cheese on the garden patio. The cafe serves up homemade soup and sandwiches every day, so you’ll get the freshest meals as well as a warm and friendly welcome.

Driving In and Around Albany

  • Riverfront Garage (NY 12207) offers great access to Downtown Albany with direct access to Jennings Landing via a pedestrian bridge. It’s open 24/7 except on major holidays.
  • Wendell Street Parking (NY 122007) is a covered parking garage just a short walk from the Times Union Center. Parking for your holiday car rental is payable by card or cash.
  • Empire State Plaza Visitor’s Lot (NY 12210) is open until the Empire State Plaza closes at 6pm. The lot is located beneath the Plaza itself.
  • The Northway (I-87) – Makes up most of the highway between Albany and Canada. The interstate begins at exit 47 by the Bronx neighborhood and travels through Albany to the Canadian border. A great round to follow for a rental car road trip.
  • I-90 – Connects Albany to Buffalo and Boston via the New York State Thruway. The interstate starts in Seattle and runs right the way through to Boston.
  • I-787 – A key commuter route into Albany from Saratoga County. The interstate links to Watervliet and Menands. It also acts as an access road to the Northway.
  • I-88 – An east-west highway that travels throughout New York State at just over 117 miles long. The highway is a key connecting road between Albany and cities like Binghamton and Elmira.

How to Get to Albany From Albany International Airport

Once you’ve picked up your rental car, Albany is just a 17-minute drive away.

  1. Join I-87 south in Loudonville just outside the airport.
  2. Continue for around two miles.
  3. Take exit 1E-W to merge onto I-90 East.
  4. After around seven miles, use the right two lanes to take exit 6A and merge onto I-787 towards Albany.
  5. Continue for one mile before taking exit 4B to merge onto U.S 9 North.
  6. Take a left onto Chapel Street and into the center of Albany.

 

How to Get From Albany to Lake George

You can reach historical Lake George by rental car from Albany in just under an hour. Leave central Albany on I-787 North. After seven miles, take the NY-7 and keep right to join I-87 N towards Saratoga Springs. Follow I-87 N for 47 miles and take the exit for US-9 N which brings you to Lake George.

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