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Find low car rental prices in Albany, NY with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Pick up your ride at Albany International Airport (ALB), downtown or suburban branches and be on I-87 or I-90 in minutes for trips to the Hudson Valley, Berkshires or Adirondacks. We show live offers from Enterprise, Hertz, Budget and other major brands so you can choose the vehicle that fits your plans without hidden charges.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Albany International Airport (ALB) | • Major rental companies on-site • Immediate availability after flights • Convenient location just 7 miles (11 km) from downtown • Extended hours aligned to flight schedules |
• Airport concession fees (approximately 10%) • Higher base rates than city locations |
| Downtown Albany | • No airport fees • Convenient if staying downtown or arriving by train • Often lower base rates |
• Limited hours compared to airport • Transportation needed from airport • Smaller vehicle selection |
| Suburban Locations (Colonie, etc.) | • May offer competitive rates • Closer to your accommodation • Less busy than airport |
• Limited hours • Smaller selection • Transportation needed |
On average, car rentals in Albany (NY) cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Shop around between airport, downtown and suburban depots. Albany-airport adds about 10 % in concession fees, while a rideshare to a downtown counter is roughly $25-35. Do the math—if you're renting more than a couple of days, downtown often wins.
Slide your dates away from peak events. Rates spike during fall foliage weekends, Saratoga racetrack season and college graduations. Shifting pickup by even a day (or grabbing a mid-week start) can drop the price fast.
Check weekly pricing even for 5-6 day trips. In Albany a 7-day "weekend special" can cost less than six separate daily rates, especially in winter when demand dips.
Leverage Albany's state-capital perks. Many suppliers list government or state-employee discounts that anyone with a qualifying ID can claim—worth a quick compare click.
Pay attention to "No Parking" areas during snow emergencies
Permit-only spaces in many residential neighborhoods
Winter restrictions may apply (alternate side)
Short-term and long-term options available
Cell phone waiting lot for pickups
Standard speed limits: 30 mph (48 km/h) in city, 55-65 mph (89-105 km/h) on highways
Get a car so you can drive to:
Hudson Valley – river towns, estates
Saratoga Springs – racetrack, arts center
Lake George – beaches, Adirondack trailheads
Berkshires (MA) – museums, Tanglewood concerts
Can I drive to New York City with my Albany rental car?
Yes, many people do. You can drive there in about 2.5 to 3 hours using I-87 South (New York State Thruway). You should be ready for cashless tolls and more traffic as you get closer to NYC. Parking in the city costs a lot, so think about if you really need the car once you get there.
What's the best vehicle for visiting the Adirondacks?
We recommend an all-wheel drive (AWD SUV), especially in the winter. The Adirondacks area is mountainous and you may need to drive on unpaved roads to get to some spots. In summer, any car will work fine on main roads, but an SUV is more comfortable on country roads.
Are there any seasonal roads or closures I should know about?
Yes, officials close some mountain roads in the Adirondacks during winter, usually from November to May. This includes the Whiteface Mountain Veterans' Memorial Highway and some roads that lead to hiking trails. Crews have repaired most storm damage from the past, but heavy rain or floods can still cause roads to close for a short time. You should check 511NY for the latest road conditions before you travel.
Is it worth getting the rental company's toll pass option?
If you plan to drive on I-90 (Thruway) or I-87 South to NYC, the toll pass can make things easier. Rental companies usually charge you a daily fee, about $5 to $7, plus the cost of the tolls. If you only use a few toll roads, you might save money by saying no and paying the tolls by mail or online later. You should figure out the cost based on where you plan to drive.
What are the parking options during winter snow emergencies?
When the city of Albany declares a snow emergency, the normal street-parking rules don't apply. Usually, you must move your car to the other side of the street or to special parking lots for snow emergencies. You should check the City of Albany website or watch local news for what to do when an emergency is declared.
How far in advance should I book for fall foliage season?
If you want to rent a car on a weekend when the leaves change color (early to mid-October), you should book at least 1 to 2 months ahead of time. This is a very busy time for car rentals in the Capital Region. It can be hard to find a car, especially SUVs and larger vehicles.
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