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Finding a car rental in Kingston, NY is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around New York State with no booking fees. Pick up downtown or at Albany or Newburgh airports and cruise the Hudson Valley, Catskills or even NYC on your own schedule, with free cancellation on most cars and smart filters that help you grab an AWD SUV for ski season or a fuel-saving compact for city streets.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston City Rentals | • Lower base rates (no airport fees) • Central location for exploring the city • Easy access to Uptown Historic District |
• Limited hours (business hours only) • Sometimes smaller vehicle selection • Few allow after-hours pickup |
| Nearby Options | • More vehicle selection at Albany or Newburgh airports • Extended hours aligned to flight schedules |
• Distance from Kingston (approximately 50-60 miles / 80-97 km) • Higher rates due to airport fees • Need transportation to/from these locations |
On average, car rentals in Kingston (NY) cost around $106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Pick up in Kingston city, not the airport: local counters avoid airport surcharges and the 50-60 mile (80-97 km) detour to Albany or Newburgh. Just plan around their business-hour schedule.
Shift your dates: summer and fall-foliage weekends are pricey. A mid-week or winter/spring rental can drop an economy car from about $60 to $35 a day.
Test "weekly" rates even for 4–5 days: in Kingston a 7-day booking often costs less than paying the daily price for a shorter trip.
Add indie agencies to your search: smaller local outfits sometimes undercut the big brands by double-digit percentages. Our comparison tool shows them all.
| Area | Street Parking | Garages/Lots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uptown Kingston | • Metered (usually 10 am – 6 pm) • Time limits in historic district |
• Municipal lots available • Some free spots with time limits |
• Historic district has limited space during events • Watch for street cleaning days |
| Rondout Waterfront | • Limited metered spots • Some free areas with time limits |
• Several public lots • Waterfront lots fill quickly in summer |
• Arrive early on weekend evenings • Check event schedules for potential restrictions |
| Midtown Area | • Combination of metered and free • Residential permit areas |
• Limited public lots | • Read signs carefully for restrictions • Street spaces more available here than Uptown |
Watch for pedestrians in the historic districts and waterfront areas
New York State Thruway (I-87): cashless tolling system
Options for handling tolls:
A rental car lets you freely connect the Catskills, Hudson Valley parks and river towns that sit beyond the reach of local buses and trains.
Catskill Mountains – trailheads, resorts
Woodstock – galleries, music venues
Minnewaska State Park & Mohonk Preserve – cliffs, trails
Hudson River towns (Rhinebeck, Hudson) – museums, restaurants
Where are the best places to rent a car in Kingston?
You can find most car rental places in Kingston along Broadway and Albany Avenue. Big companies like Enterprise, Hertz and Budget usually have offices in or near Kingston, but their car availability can change.
Do I need an AWD vehicle to visit Kingston?
You'll be fine with a standard 2WD car for most of the year. But we recommend an AWD vehicle if you visit in the winter (December to March) or plan to drive on mountain roads. It's especially helpful during or after it snows.
What is the best way to handle tolls in the Kingston area?
Most rental companies can give you a toll transponder for a daily fee, and you also pay for the tolls you use. This is handy if you'll be on the NYS Thruway (I-87) a lot. Otherwise, the state can mail you a bill for the tolls, or you can pay online within 48 hours.
Can I find parking easily in Kingston's historic district?
It can be tough to find parking in Uptown Kingston's historic district, especially on weekends and during events. The area has metered spaces and public lots, but you should arrive early at busy times. Some hotels in the historic district also provide parking for their guests.
What are the winter road conditions like around Kingston?
Road crews do a good job maintaining Kingston's roads, but winter storms can make travel tough. They plow main roads right away, but side streets can take longer to clear. Driving on the nearby Catskill Mountain roads can be difficult in winter, and some seasonal roads close down for the winter.
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