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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental cars from top companies in Long Island City, NY with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up in LIC to enjoy lower rates than Manhattan and quick access to the Long Island Expressway, Queensboro Bridge and Grand Central Parkway. You can also weigh neighborhood deals against LaGuardia or JFK Airport branches to find the schedule and price that fits your trip.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Long Island City Rental Offices | Lower rates than Manhattan locations, No airport fees, Easy access to highways | Limited hours compared to airports, May have smaller selection of vehicles |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | Larger vehicle selection, Extended hours, Immediate pickup upon arrival | About 5 miles (8 km) from LIC, Higher rates due to airport fees, Potential wait times during peak periods |
| JFK International Airport | Widest selection of vehicles, 24-hour service at many counters | About 12 miles (19 km) from LIC, Highest rates among options, Traffic to and from airport can be unpredictable |
| Manhattan Locations | Convenient if already in Manhattan | Usually highest rates in the region, Complex street navigation for pickup, Limited garage space |
On average, car rentals in Long Island City cost around $107 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Price-hunt across locations: LIC neighborhood offices often beat airport counters by $15-30 a day because they skip airport surcharges. Even after a $10 Uber from LGA or JFK you still come out ahead.
Shift your calendar, not your trip: NYC weekend demand is nuts. Picking up on a Monday and dropping Sunday night (or vice-versa) can drop the rate compared with a Fri-Mon window.
Go small, save big: Compacts are cheaper and actually fit into LIC's tight street spots. They get snapped up first, so compare models early even if you wait to lock the full booking.
Mix-and-match pickups and returns: Flying in? Grab the car at LGA for the luggage haul, then return in LIC before sightseeing. One-way fees here are often lower than another full rental day plus Manhattan parking.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to easily:
Long Island beaches – Hamptons, Jones Beach, Fire Island
North Fork wineries – tasting rooms along Route 25
Hudson Valley – riverside towns, foliage viewpoints
Jersey Shore – Asbury Park, Point Pleasant
Outer borough neighborhoods – Flushing food hubs, Coney Island
Large retail centers – Queens Center Mall, Roosevelt Field Mall
What documents do I need to rent a car in Long Island City?
You will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card. You only need to show proof of insurance if you don't want the rental company's coverage. Otherwise, you can buy their insurance at the counter. If you are visiting from another country, you need a valid foreign license and a passport. We strongly recommend you get an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
How do I handle parking regulations in NYC?
NYC has tricky parking rules. You need to look carefully at street signs for alternate side parking rules and time limits. You can download the NYC311 app for the latest parking rules. To avoid tickets, make sure you move your car for street cleaning, which usually happens once or twice a week. Also, be careful not to park near hydrants (stay 15 feet away), bus stops and crosswalks.
Should I get a car with E-ZPass for tolls?
Most rental cars come with a toll pass, but the rental company usually charges a daily fee (about $4–6 per day) on top of the actual toll costs. If you are on a short trip and will use toll roads a lot, this extra cost might be worth it. For a longer stay, you could register the car's license plate to pay tolls yourself and skip the daily fees.
What type of vehicle is best for driving in NYC?
You will find it easier to drive and park a smaller car, like a compact or economy model. You might have a hard time with SUVs and bigger cars in tight parking garages and on narrow streets. A hybrid car is a good choice for city driving since you will be stopping and starting a lot. An expensive or luxury car might attract unwanted attention when you park it on the street.
Can I take day trips from Long Island City without dealing with Manhattan traffic?
Yes, that's one of the big benefits of renting in LIC. You can get right onto the Grand Central Parkway, Long Island Expressway and other major highways from LIC without driving through Manhattan. This makes day trips to Long Island beaches, upstate New York and Connecticut much easier than if you started from Manhattan.
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