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Find lower car rental prices at JFK Airport with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. We pull live deals from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt and other trusted brands at the Federal Circle rental center, so you can have keys in hand minutes after landing. Book early to dodge peak hour counter lines and shave 10 to 15 percent off typical walk-up prices.
All major rental companies at JFK operate from the consolidated rental facility at Federal Circle Station, accessible via the free AirTrain from all terminals.
| Rental Company | Location | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis/Budget | Federal Circle AirTrain Station | 24/7 | Avis Preferred and Budget Fastbreak counters available |
| Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty | Federal Circle AirTrain Station | 24/7 | Hertz Gold area for members |
| Enterprise/National/Alamo | Federal Circle AirTrain Station | 24/7 | National Emerald Aisle for members |
| Other Companies | Federal Circle AirTrain Station | Varies | Includes Sixt, Payless and additional providers |
Pickup Process:
1. Collect baggage at your arrival terminal
2. Follow signs to AirTrain
3. Board the AirTrain to Federal Circle Station (free)
4. Exit at Federal Circle and follow signs to your rental company
5. Complete paperwork and proceed to vehicle lot
On average, car rentals at New York JFK Airport cost around $52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare JFK vs. nearby city branches. Rates at the airport include an 18 % concession fee. If you can hop on the AirTrain–subway combo to Queens or Brooklyn, you may save enough to cover the extra transit cost.
Play with pickup and drop-off times. At JFK a 5-7 day "weekly" rate often beats a 4-day rental, and shifting the clock by a few hours can push you into the cheaper bracket.
Book 3-8 weeks ahead for peak seasons only (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Off-peak? Watch prices—it's common for last-minute deals to pop up as fleets sit idle.
Join the free loyalty program before you land. You'll skip the Federal Circle counter line and often snag a free upgrade, letting you pay compact prices for a roomier ride.
Airport Parking Options (for returns):
| Type | Daily Rate | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | Varies | Adjacent to terminals | Convenient for brief stops |
| Long-Term Lots | Varies | Outer airport area | Requires shuttle bus to terminals |
| Economy Lot | Varies | Peripheral area | Furthest; shuttle provided |
| Cell Phone Lot | No charge | Near entrance | For waiting only; no unattended vehicles |
Key Driving Regulations:
Local Driving Challenges:
Get a car to see:
Manhattan – Times Square, Broadway theaters, Central Park
Brooklyn – Williamsburg, DUMBO waterfront, Coney Island
Long Island – beaches, wine trails, Montauk Point Lighthouse
Hamptons – villages, beaches, art galleries
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at JFK?
Plan for 30-45 minutes during normal times and up to 90 minutes when it's busy. That includes the time for the AirTrain ride and for getting your car at the counter.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, the rental car places at JFK are open 24/7. If you return the car after hours when the counter is closed, you can use a drop box for the keys.
Is there a gas station at JFK Airport?
No, you won't find any gas stations at the airport itself. The closest ones are on Lefferts Boulevard or Rockaway Boulevard, about 1-2 miles from where you return your rental car.
How do I get to Manhattan from JFK by car?
For the most direct route, take the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678) north. From there, you can take either the Queensboro Bridge (which is free) or the Queens Midtown Tunnel (which has a toll) to get to Manhattan.
Do JFK rental cars come with E-ZPass for tolls?
Most rental cars include a toll transponder. You should know that the 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 JFK and return it at LaGuardia or in Manhattan?
Yes, most major rental companies let you do one-way rentals between JFK and other places in NYC. They often won't charge an extra drop-off fee if you stay in the NYC area.
What documentation do I need to rent a car at JFK?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you should show your passport. It's also a good idea to have an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
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. Then you'll need another 15-20 minutes for the AirTrain ride to your terminal. This is all before the time you normally need to get through airport security.
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