Car Rental New York State

New York State driving advice

• State law says that if you are from out of state, you do not need a New York State driver license – if you are New York State resident, you do.
• Drivers should use a turn signal at least 100 feet before making a turn.
• You can’t park on any bridge in New York.
• Children under four must be in a safety seat and children up to 6 must be in a booster seat.
• If not signposted, the speed limit in New York is 55mph.
• The speed limit in NYC is 25mph, unless stated otherwise.
• On interstates, the speed limit is 65mph.
• Urban freeways and main roads have a speed limit of 55mph.

Speed limits in New York

Main routes in New York

Key roads in New York

• Interstate 86 (I-86) starts in Pennsylvania and heads east allow New York’s south border towards Binghamton.
• Interstate 87 (I-87) leads out of NYC in the Bronx, heading north towards Albany and the Canadian border.
• Interstate 90 (I-90) starts in Seattle, Washington, and cuts through New York, passing Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse towards Boston, Massachusetts.

New York City to Albany

You can leave the Big Apple and arrive in the state capital in just over two and a half hours, or 152 miles. Head out of Manhattan towards the Bronx and join the I-87 north towards Albany.

Syracuse to Buffalo

Leave the historic city of Syracuse and spend a day exploring Buffalo and the Niagara Falls with your rental car. The journey will take around two-and-a-half-hours, or 150 miles, via the I-90 west.

New York City

The most populated city in the US – with just over 8 million residents – NYC is the world’s center for culture, media and finance. And, as such, the city truly has it all.

Climb the staggering Empire State Building to see the whole city from above or catch a ferry across to Liberty Island to see the city float away from you. Head to Times Square to see the neon billboards lighting up the way, then catch a show on Broadway. Soak up the culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or enjoy some retail therapy on 5^th Avenue.

We have pick up locations across New York City, including Brooklyn and JFK Airport.

Albany

Often out-shone by the bright lights of NYC, Albany is the state’s capital and has plenty to shout about.

Learn more about the state through artwork, artefacts and geofacts at the New York State Museum. Then, explore the seat of the state with a tour around New York State Capitol.

The relaxed pace of Albany is the perfect antidote to NYC’s frenetic pace. Take a sightseeing cruise along Hudson River to soak up the views of the city and its surrounding nature, then enjoy an afternoon at Washington Park, the city’s hub for festivals, gatherings and activities. 

Pick up your rental car in Albany’s central Avenue or at Albany International Airport

Buffalo

Buffalo is the second largest city in the state, famous for its spicy wings.

Grab some tasty Buffalo wings to go and head to Canalside, the inner harbor of the city. The space is a recreational center, with festivals, marketplaces and green spaces aplenty.

For family fun, head to Buffalo Zoo. With more than 140 years of protecting endangered animals, it’s a great way to meet Savanna favorites, cute creatures and endangered species. 

Learn more about one of America’s best-loved architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, at his estate, Graycliff and the Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House.

Here you can easily access Niagara Falls too.

Rochester

Nestled along Lake Ontario, close to the Canadian border, Rochester is overflowing with interesting museums, family activities and luscious parks.

The Strong Museum is a must if you’re travelling with little ones. This interactive space is designed to ignite their imaginations through play. Seneca Park Zoo and Seabreeze Amusement Park are also family favorites in the city.

Rochester is also known as the Flower City, thanks to the lake’s temperate climate. The city regularly hosts festivals and shows to celebrate its floral heritage.

Yonkers

Lesser known than the other New York cities, Yonkers has nurtured many famous musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald and Mary J Blige.

Yonkers is often seen as the gateway to NYC, sitting just north of the Big Apple along the Hudson River. Here, instead of skyscrapers, guests will find green spaces, river views and an impressive planetarium.

Syracuse

If you love snow, Syracuse should be on the top of your destination list. The city often takes home the Golden Snowball Award for the most snowfall in a year.

Check the scheduled at the Carrier Dome before you go as you may be able to catch a concert, sports event or ice-skating show there. Or, for something more theatrical, the Landmark Theatre is just that, and has been restored to its 1920s grandeur.

Reserve your New York rental car at Syracuse Hancock Airport.