Compare rental car prices from leading providers in Queens with Road Genius. From affordable cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Search JFK, LaGuardia and neighborhood branches like Long Island City or Flushing in seconds and lock in low rates with free cancellation and unlimited mile options for easy trips to Manhattan, Long Island beaches, or anywhere in New York.
Location | Pros | Cons |
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Queens Airport Locations (JFK/LGA) |
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Long Island City |
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Flushing |
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Jamaica |
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On average, car rentals in Queens cost around $99 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $42 per day.
Skip the airports. Pick up in Long Island City, Jamaica or Flushing to avoid the 15-20 % JFK/LGA surcharge.
Compare brands & car sizes. Compact cars can run 40 % less than SUVs, and prices jump between suppliers—let the search filters do the work.
Tweak dates and duration. A 7-day "weekly" deal often beats 5-6 days, and shifting pickup/return by a day can drop the rate.
Peak vs off-peak strategy. Lock something in 3-4 weeks early for summer or US Open weeks; in quieter months keep checking and rebook if prices slide.
One-way within NYC can pay off. Dropping in Manhattan may cost little (or nothing) and saves a rideshare back to your hotel—compare the fee.
Cut the driving extras. Use the toll-free Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan and aim for municipal lots ($1-$2/hr) instead of $25 garages.
Type | Cost Range | Availability | Notes |
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Street Parking | Varies | Varies by area | Alternate side rules apply in most neighborhoods; read signs carefully |
Municipal Lots | Varies | Good in commercial areas | Available in shopping districts and transportation hubs |
Private Lots/Garages | Varies | Good near subways | More affordable than Manhattan; common near transit stations |
Mall Parking | Varies | Very good | Queens Center and other shopping areas offer parking for customers |
Key Driving Regulations:
Local Driving Challenges:
Get a car rental so you can see:
Long Island beaches – Jones Beach, Long Beach
Flushing Meadows–Corona Park – Citi Field, USTA Tennis Center
North Fork wine country – Mattituck vineyards, Greenport wineries
Astoria, Jackson Heights – restaurants, markets
Is it easier to rent a car in Queens than Manhattan? Yes, you'll often find cheaper prices, more cars to choose from and easier parking in Queens than in Manhattan. When you rent from a location in Queens away from the airport, you can get a car in the city without paying high Manhattan prices.
How do I return a rental car to JFK or LaGuardia? Follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" at either airport. At JFK, you return cars at the Federal Circle AirTrain station. At LaGuardia, each company has its own return lot. You'll find most lots in special areas along 23rd Avenue and near Terminal A, and they offer free shuttle rides to all passenger terminals.
Can I park overnight on Queens streets? Yes, you can usually park on the street overnight in Queens, but always check the signs for any rules. Some areas have alternate-side parking, which means you can't park during certain hours so the city can clean the streets.
What's the best route from Queens to Long Island beaches? You can take the Belt Parkway or Southern State Parkway to get to southern Long Island beaches most directly. For places on the north shore, the Long Island Expressway (I-495) is usually fastest.
Are there any Queens-specific driving challenges I should know about? You'll find many one-way streets and tricky intersections in Queens. Some neighborhoods are laid out like a grid, while others have streets that are less regular. If you're not familiar with the area, you should plan for extra travel time.
Do I need an E-ZPass for driving in Queens? You don't need an E-ZPass, but it's handy if you plan to use toll bridges or tunnels. Most rental cars already have a toll pass, and the company will charge the tolls to your rental bill. They usually add a service fee for this.
Can I pick up a car in Queens and return it in another borough? Yes, most major rental companies let you do this. They sometimes won't charge an extra fee if you return it within the same city. When you book, you should always confirm if a one-way rental is possible and ask about any extra fees.
What are the parking options near Citi Field or Arthur Ashe Stadium? Both stadiums have their own paid parking lots. It's hard to find street parking nearby, and the rules are very strict. To avoid traffic and expensive parking on event days, you can park at a nearby subway station or commuter lot. From there, you can take public transportation to the stadiums.