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Finding a car rental in Staten Island is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around New York City with no reservation fees. Inventory on the island is smaller than in Manhattan, so book early to lock in low rates and the vehicle you want, then head straight from the ferry or Hylan Boulevard to Brooklyn, Newark Airport or the Jersey Shore.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 571744
Location Pros Cons
St. George/North Shore
  • Near ferry terminal
  • Accessible via public transit
  • Convenient for arrivals from Manhattan
  • Limited selection of vehicles
  • Fewer rental companies
  • Restricted hours
Mid-Island (New Dorp/Hylan Blvd)
  • Central location
  • Close to expressway
  • Major brands available
  • Limited public transit access
  • Requires taxi/rideshare from ferry
  • Restricted weekend hours
South Shore
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Closer to Outerbridge Crossing to NJ
  • Easier parking
  • Very limited rental options
  • Inconvenient for Manhattan arrivals
  • May require advance reservation
Enterprise/Hertz Locations
  • Recognized national brands
  • Standard policies
  • Online reservations
  • Limited neighborhood presence
  • May require advance booking
  • Fewer luxury options

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in New York - Staten Island?

On average, car rentals in New York - Staten Island cost around $102 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.

Saving Tips
  • Compare Staten Island vs Manhattan vs New Jersey pickups. Staten Island rates run about 10–20 % lower than Manhattan. If you're already crossing into Jersey, check those locations too but factor in bridge tolls so the math works in your favor.

  • Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead for summer or holiday weekends. Inventory on the Island is slim and sells out fast. In off-peak months you can often score a last-minute deal instead.

  • Aim for a weekday pickup and drop-off. Most SI depots close early on Saturdays and are shut on Sundays, so syncing your rental with their hours can save an extra "ghost day" charge.

  • Price out a weekly rate even for 4–5 days. On Staten Island the weekly promo often beats the shorter rental cost by a surprising margin.

  • Go smaller unless you truly need the space. Compact cars are not only the cheapest class, they're easier to thread through the Island's narrow, hilly streets and fit in free street spots.

  • Bundle tolls smartly. If you'll be hopping bridges daily, the rental's flat-fee toll package can be cheaper than per-use surcharges. Only planning one or two crossings? Skip the package and pay the tolls yourself.

Local Parking and Driving

Type Cost Range Availability Notes
Street Parking Free (follows local rules) Good in most areas Alternate side rules apply in some neighborhoods
Municipal Lots Generally free or low-cost Limited locations Available in St. George, New Dorp and commercial districts
Mall Parking Free Very good Staten Island Mall and commercial centers offer free spots
Ferry Terminal Parking Paid Limited Fills quickly on weekdays; municipal garage available

Key Driving Regulations:

  • Default speed limit is 25 mph on local streets
  • School zones have reduced speed limits during school hours
  • No right turns on red unless signs say otherwise
  • Staten Island Expressway (I-278) has HOV lane requirements during peak hours
  • Residential areas may have speed bumps and traffic calming measures
  • Many commercial streets have rush hour restrictions

Local Driving Challenges:

  • Hilly terrain in many neighborhoods can be tough in bad weather
  • Limited street lighting in some residential areas
  • Staten Island Expressway gets heavily congested during rush hours
  • Navigation can be confusing due to winding roads and similarly named streets
  • Few gas stations in some neighborhoods; plan refueling accordingly
Why rent a car in Staten Island

Get a car to easily:

  • Greenbelt parks – trails, Nature Center

  • Eastern shore beaches – South Beach, Midland Beach, boardwalk

  • Great Kills Park & Marina – boating area, picnic areas

  • Historic Richmond Town – museum complex

  • Staten Island Mall & retail corridors – shopping, dining

  • Bridge drives to New Jersey – Newark Airport, Jersey Shore

Driving Distances from Staten Island

FAQs

Do I need a car in Staten Island? Unlike other NYC boroughs, you'll find a car very helpful in Staten Island. Public transportation is mostly buses and the Staten Island Railway, and this system mainly serves the eastern and southern shore. Planners designed most neighborhoods and shopping areas for drivers.

What's the best way to get to Manhattan in a rental car? You have two main options: 1) You can drive across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn. From there, you can take the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (which has a toll) into Lower Manhattan or use the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, which are free. Keep in mind, you only pay a toll on the Verrazzano when you drive back to Staten Island. 2) You can take the Goethals or Bayonne Bridge into New Jersey, then use the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel to get to Manhattan. You will have to pay tolls on both the bridges and tunnels on this route in at least one direction.

Is it easier to park in Staten Island than other boroughs? Yes, it's a lot easier. You'll find plenty of street parking in most neighborhoods, and shopping centers usually have free parking lots. Even in busy areas like St. George, you have more parking choices than you would in Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn.

How do I handle tolls when I drive to and from Staten Island? You have to pay a toll on all bridges that connect to Staten Island. You don't pay a toll on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge when you drive east into Brooklyn, but you do pay when you drive west. Most rental cars have an E-ZPass transponder that automatically records tolls. The rental company then adds its service fees to your bill.

Can I take my rental car on the Staten Island Ferry? No, the Staten Island Ferry only takes people, not cars. If you need to get a car between Staten Island and Manhattan, you must use the bridges and tunnels through Brooklyn or New Jersey.

Where are the main places to rent a car in Staten Island? Most rental car companies have their offices along Hylan Boulevard or in the St. George area near the ferry terminal. Enterprise has the most locations. You can also find offices for Hertz and a few local agencies.

Is it easy to find gas stations in Staten Island? Yes, you'll find plenty of gas stations in shopping areas and along major roads like Hylan Boulevard, Richmond Avenue and Victory Boulevard. Gas prices are usually lower than in Manhattan.

What are some unique drives I can take in Staten Island? You can take several scenic drives in Staten Island. Some good ones are Father Capodanno Boulevard along the eastern shore beaches, the drive through the Greenbelt on Manor Road and Richmond Terrace along the North Shore, where you can see the harbor and the Manhattan skyline.