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24/7 SupportCar Rental LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals at LaGuardia Airport. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. We pull live offers from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and other LGA providers, all a quick free shuttle ride to Terminal A. Book early, lock in a low price and reach Manhattan or Long Island in under 30 minutes.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Rental Company | Location | Hours | Notes | |----------------|----------|-------| | **Avis/Budget** | Near Terminal A | 6 AM - Midnight (extended for delayed flights) | Avis Preferred and Budget Fastbreak services available | | **Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty** | Near Terminal A | 6 AM - 1 AM (extended for delayed flights) | Hertz Gold service available | | **Enterprise/National/Alamo** | Near Terminal A | 6 AM - Midnight (extended for delayed flights) | National Emerald Aisle available | | **Other Providers** | Near Terminal A | Varies by company | Includes Payless and additional providers |
Pickup Process
- Collect baggage at your arrival terminal
- Follow signs to "Car Rental Shuttle"
- Board shuttle bus to Terminal A (around 5-10 minute ride)
- Exit at Terminal A and proceed to your rental company's counter
- Complete paperwork and proceed to vehicle lot
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Compare everything: Use the search filters to shuffle pickup times by a few hours and toggle between economy, compact, and midsize. A 10 AM pickup instead of 8 AM or moving from SUV to compact can shave 30-50 percent off the total.
- Lock in early for peak dates, then keep stalking prices: Summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas weeks at LGA sell out fast. Book a free-cancellation deal 4-8 weeks out, set a calendar reminder, and re-book if rates drop.
- Watch the "weekly" sweet spot: Rentals of 5-7 days often cost less than 4. If you're at 4½ days, bump to a full week and compare—extra savings sometimes outweigh an extra day you may not use.
- Fill up on Astoria Blvd: Stations at 82nd St are about 1 mile from the return lot. Topping off there avoids the sky-high refuel fee at the counter.
- Stick with compact in the city: Parking spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn are tight and garage rates climb with vehicle size. Choosing an economy or compact class keeps both rental and parking bills lower.
Car rental prices at LaGuardia Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| Type | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Parking | Adjacent to terminals | Convenient but often full |
| Long-Term Lot (P10) | 10-minute shuttle ride | Suitable for multi-day stays |
| Economy Lot | Requires shuttle | Most economical option; furthest from terminals |
| Cell Phone Lot | Near airport entrance | For waiting only; no unattended vehicles |
Key Driving Regulations
- 25 mph speed limit on most NYC streets
- No right turns on red in NYC unless specifically signed
- All passengers must wear seatbelts
- Handheld device use while driving is prohibited
- School zones have reduced speed limits during school hours
- HOV lanes on some highways require 2+ passengers during peak hours
Local Driving Challenges
- Grand Central Parkway can be heavily congested near LGA
- Construction projects around the airport may cause detours
- Many signs and exit options can be confusing for first-time visitors
- Heavy airport traffic during peak flight times
Why rent a car at LaGuardia Airport
Rent a car to get to:
- Manhattan – Midtown, Times Square, Central Park
- Brooklyn – Williamsburg, DUMBO waterfront
- Queens (Flushing) – Citi Field, Asian dining hub
- Bronx – Yankee Stadium, Bronx Zoo
- Long Island – Hamptons beaches, North Fork wineries
- Westchester County – Hudson River towns, historic estates
Local Rental Locations
- Albany, NY
- Binghamton, NY
- Bronx, NY
- Brooklyn, NY
- Buffalo, NY
- Car Rental Albany International Airport (ALB)
- Car Rental Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Car Rental Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
- Car Rental John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Car Rental Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
- Car Rental Webster, NY
- Car Rental Westchester County Airport (HPN)
- Car Rental Yonkers, NY
- Deer Park, NY
- Hamburg, NY
- Hudson, NY
- ITH Airport
- Ithaca, NY
- Kingston, NY
- Lockport, NY
- Long Island City, NY
- Manhattan, NY
- Middletown, NY
- New York
- Newburgh, NY
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Oneonta, NY
- Plattsburgh, NY
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- Queens, NY
FAQs
How does the car rental shuttle system work at LaGuardia?
You get to all the rental car companies at LaGuardia using one main shuttle system. From any terminal, just follow the signs for "Car Rental Shuttle." The shuttle will take you to Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), which is where all the rental car companies have their offices. The ride takes about 5–10 minutes.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, most major rental companies at LGA let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. But remember, you are still responsible for the car until the company inspects it the next business day. You should ask about the exact steps for after-hours returns when you pick up your car.
Is there a gas station at LaGuardia Airport?
No, the airport doesn't have any gas stations. The closest ones are on Astoria Boulevard, about a mile away. You should fill up the tank before you get to the airport so you don't have to pay extra refueling fees.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before a flight?
You should give yourself at least 30 minutes to return the car and another 15–20 minutes for the shuttle ride back to your terminal. This doesn't include the time you'll need to get through airport security. If you are traveling at a busy time, it's a good idea to add an extra 15–30 minutes.
Do LGA rental cars come with E-ZPass for tolls?
Most rental cars have a toll pass. Just know that rental companies will charge you a service fee (about $3.95–$9.99 for each day you use it) on top of the actual toll costs.
Can I rent a car at LaGuardia and return it at JFK or in Manhattan?
Yes, most major rental companies at LGA let you do one-way rentals between LGA and other places in NYC. They often don't charge an extra drop-off fee for returns inside the city area. You should always check the company's one-way rules and any extra fees when you book the car.
What papers do I need to rent a car at LaGuardia?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and your flight details. If you are visiting from another country, you should show your passport. It's also a good idea to have an International Driving Permit if your driver's license isn't in English.
How does the Manhattan congestion charge affect rental cars?
New York City plans to start its congestion pricing program in 2024, once it gets final approval. If you drive a passenger car into Manhattan below 60th Street, you will have to pay a fee. The proposed fee is about $15 during busy times and less overnight. The car's toll pass or license plate will record the charge. Then, the rental company will add it to your bill through its toll billing system.
