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Find low rental car prices in New Haven, Connecticut with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare real-time offers from Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise and more at Union Station, downtown or suburban branches so you can drive from Yale's campus to the Connecticut shoreline, Hartford or New York City on your own schedule.
New Haven offers several car rental options. Union Station serves as a primary rental hub alongside downtown locations.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Union Station | Convenient for train arrivals, multiple agencies | Limited vehicle selection |
| Downtown | Walking distance from Yale and hotels | Navigation and parking challenges |
| Suburban locations | Often lower rates, easier parking | Requires transportation to reach |
| Feature | Union Station | Downtown Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Companies | Avis, Budget, Hertz | Enterprise, others |
| Address | 50 Union Avenue | Various (near business district) |
| Hours | Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6pm, Sat: 9am-1pm, Sun: limited | Generally 8am-6pm weekdays, limited weekend hours |
| After-hours return | Key drop available in garage | Varies by company |
| Vehicle selection | Moderate selection | Varies by location |
| Convenience | Direct train connection | Closer to Yale University and downtown hotels |
| Method | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Feasible from downtown hotels to Union Station | Free (15-20 minute walk from Yale) |
| Taxi | Available at station and throughout city | $8-15 for local trips |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Readily available | $7-12 for local trips |
| CT Transit bus | Routes cover major city areas | $1.75 one-way |
| Yale Shuttle | Free for Yale affiliates | Limited to campus area routes |
On average, car rentals in New Haven cost around $111 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Shop around New Haven pick-up spots: Union Station is super handy but often has a "premium location" fee. Compare downtown or suburban offices—rates there can be noticeably lower if you don't mind a short rideshare or CT Transit hop.
Time your booking to local demand spikes: Prices jump during summer beach season and big Yale weekends (graduation, reunions). Lock in a car a few weeks ahead for those periods, but for quiet winter months you can often snag last-minute deals.
Play with your rental dates: A Friday-to-Monday weekend rental or full 7-day week can cost less than a 5- or 6-day stretch. Toggle pick-up and drop-off times in the search tool to see where the weekly/weekday discounts kick in.
Skip the extra driver fee when you can: Connecticut law lets spouses drive free with most companies. If that fits your crew, remove the paid additional driver at checkout and pocket the ~$13 per day.
| Location | Type | Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street parking | Meters | Varies | Digital payment options available |
| Yale area | Garages | Varies | Higher demand during events |
| Union Station | Garage | Varies | Convenient for train travelers |
| City garages | Covered parking | Varies | Temple St, Crown St and other locations |
| Downtown lots | Surface parking | Varies | Limited availability |
| Residential areas | Street parking | Varies | Watch for permit-only zones |
Downtown area: One-way streets are common, especially near Yale campus
Speed limits: Usually 25-30 mph downtown and 35-45 mph on larger roads
Pedestrians: Heavy foot traffic around Yale requires extra caution
Bike lanes: Present on many New Haven streets. Watch for cyclists
Street parking: Varies by neighborhood. Read signs carefully
Winter regulations: Snow emergency routes prohibit cars during storms
Rent a car so you can get to:
CT shoreline towns – beaches
Mystic – seaport, aquarium
Hartford – capitol, museums
Stamford – shopping, dining
What's the best way to navigate New Haven's one-way street system?
We recommend using GPS or your smartphone's map app to get around Yale's campus and downtown New Haven. The one-way streets can confuse first-time visitors. Whalley Avenue, Chapel Street and Whitney Avenue are good landmarks to help you find your way.
Where is the best place to park for visiting Yale University?
Yale visitors will find the Chapel-York Garage or the Broadway District lot most convenient. You can walk to the central campus from both places. Street parking is limited and the city enforces the rules strictly. On weekends, Yale may open some of its lots to visitors.
Is it necessary to have a car while staying in downtown New Haven?
You may not need a car if you're staying downtown to see Yale and other central New Haven attractions. You can walk around the downtown area, and Yale also runs shuttles. However, a car is useful if you want to explore beyond the city center, visit shoreline communities or make day trips.
What's the parking situation at Union Station if I want to take the train to New York for a day?
Union Station has a parking garage that costs about $18 a day. This is a convenient option for a day trip to New York. You can leave your rental car there and take Metro-North. The garage rarely fills up completely, except during major events.
Are there any toll roads in the New Haven area?
Right now, Connecticut has no toll roads, which makes driving around the state easy. However, you will have to pay tolls on certain highways and at bridges or tunnels if you drive to New York or Massachusetts.
What type of vehicle is recommended for exploring the Connecticut shoreline from New Haven?
A standard sedan or small SUV is a good choice for exploring the shoreline. In summer, people often rent convertibles for scenic drives along the coast. In winter, you should consider an all-wheel-drive vehicle if you're exploring rural areas, especially in bad weather.
Can I pick up a rental car in New Haven and return it in New York or Boston?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but it will usually cost you extra. People often rent cars one-way from New Haven to New York or Boston. You should expect to pay an extra fee between $50 and $150, which changes based on the company and how far you're driving.
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