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| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| HVN Airport (On-site) | • Immediate pickup after flights • Open to meet all incoming flights • Walk from terminal to car |
• Higher rates (approximately 18% premium) • Airport facility fees • Limited selection during peak periods |
| New Haven Downtown | • Lower rates than airport • Proximity to Yale and business district • Multiple providers for comparison |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM) • May be closed weekends |
| West Haven/Milford Area | • Lower rates possible • Additional provider options • Nearby shopping centers |
• 10-15 minute drive from airport • Limited hours similar to downtown • Transportation required from airport |
Transportation to Off-Airport Rentals: Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available at HVN for transport to off-airport rental locations. Some rental companies offer courtesy pickup from the airport by advance request, though this service is less common at smaller airports like HVN.
On average, car rentals at New Haven Airport cost around $88 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Price-check on-airport vs downtown New Haven – downtown New Haven desks are roughly 18 % cheaper. Even after a $15-20 Uber each way, week-long rentals usually come out ahead.
Toggle your dates in the search box – at HVN a 5-7 day "weekly" rate can beat a 4-day booking, and January–February are half the summer price. Flexible? Shift the trip a day or two and re-run the comparison.
Lock in peak-time wheels early – summer beach season and Yale graduation (mid-May) see cars sell out fast. Reserve once you know the dates, then keep an eye out and re-book if a lower deal pops up.
Look for university or corporate codes – Yale visitors, conference attendees, or anyone with a corporate email often snag 10-15 % off at the payment screen.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Helpful Tips: Finding a street spot in downtown New Haven and near Yale is challenging and usually limited to 2 hours. For longer stays, use public garages. The Temple Street and Crown Street garages are centrally located. Evening rates are often lower.
Get a car to easily:
Yale University & downtown New Haven – campus, museums, restaurants
Connecticut shoreline towns – beaches, seafood spots
Hartford – capitol, Mark Twain House
Mystic – seaport museum, aquarium
Litchfield Hills – vineyards, antiques shops
New York City – Broadway, museums

What car rental companies operate at HVN Airport?
Avis/Budget and Hertz both have rental desks at the airport. You can find their counters inside the main terminal at 155 Burr Street. They stay open for all incoming commercial flights.
Is it better to rent at the airport or in downtown New Haven?
Renting at the airport is more convenient, but it costs about 18% more than renting in the city. If you want to save money and can get a ride to a rental place downtown, you'll get a better deal there.
Where should I park when visiting Yale University?
It can be hard to find visitor parking near Yale. The most convenient places to park are the Yale Visitor Center lot (it has limited spaces), the Chapel-York Garage or the Temple Street Garage. You can only park on the street for 2 hours and the city strictly enforces this limit.
Can I take a day trip to New York City from HVN?
Yes, NYC is about 80 miles (129 km) away, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours to drive. To avoid the hassle of parking in the city, many visitors drive to the Metro-North station in New Haven and take the train from there.
What's the best route to take from HVN to coastal attractions?
To get to southern Connecticut beaches and coastal towns, you can take I-95 east or west. If you want a more scenic drive with nice shoreline views, take Route 146 through Branford and Guilford.