EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Rochester is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across New York State with no reservation fees. Pick up at Greater Rochester International Airport for late arrivals or choose a downtown branch to skip airport surcharges, then drive to the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls or Lake Ontario in under two hours.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) | • On-site rental counters in arrivals/baggage claim area • All major companies available (Hertz, Avis, Budget, National/Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise) • Cars in nearby garage/lot - no shuttle needed • Extended hours for late flights |
• Additional fees (around 10% airport concession fee) • Higher rates than city locations |
| City/Suburban Locations | • Lower rates (no airport surcharges) • Multiple Enterprise neighborhood branches • Hertz on West Henrietta Rd and at Amtrak station • Convenient if arriving by train or bus |
• Limited hours • Transportation needed from airport • Smaller selection of vehicles |
On average, car rentals in Rochester cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.
Compare airport vs city pick-ups: ROC airport adds about 10 % in concession fees; a $20–25 rideshare to a neighborhood branch can make week-long rentals cheaper.
Book early only for peak weeks: summer weekends, Lilac Festival and college move-in/graduation surge prices, so lock in 4–8 weeks out then; in snowy January–February you can often grab last-minute deals.
Tweak pickup/return times: starting Monday–Thursday usually costs less than a Friday–Sunday window; even shifting by a few hours can drop the daily rate.
Skip the rental toll package: I-90 Thruway from Rochester to Buffalo or Syracuse is only $4–5; paying the mailed bill beats a $5–7 per-day toll device.
Right-size the vehicle: compacts handle downtown garages and Finger Lakes roads fine and sip less gas; upgrade at the counter only if heavy snow shows up.
Refuel before drop-off: stations on Brooks Ave and Chili Ave are the closest cheap options to ROC, avoiding the premium refueling fee.
Evening flat rates are available at most garages
Popular areas like Park Avenue or University Avenue have free street spots but some restrictions apply
Winter ordinances may ban parking on one side after heavy snow
Short-term hourly lot
Cell phone waiting lot available
Speed limits: 30 mph in the city (25 mph in some residential areas), 55–65 mph on highways
Get a car so you can easily:
Finger Lakes wine country – Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake
Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls State Park
Lake Ontario shoreline – Charlotte Beach, Lake Ontario State Parkway
Letchworth State Park – Upper Falls, Middle Falls
Do I need a special license to rent a car in Rochester?
No, your standard driver's license is all you need. Visitors from other countries need a valid license from home and a passport. It's a good idea to have an International Driving Permit, especially if your license is not in English.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
To get the best prices and your choice of car, we suggest you book 2–3 weeks early during slower times. For busy times like summer weekends, festivals and graduation, you should book 1–2 months in advance.
Can I pick up a car in Rochester and drop it off in another city?
Yes, most companies let you do one-way rentals. For trips between nearby upstate cities like Rochester to Buffalo or Syracuse, some companies charge a small fee or no fee at all. For longer trips, like to New York City, you'll usually have to pay a one-time drop fee.
Are rental cars equipped for winter driving?
Most rental cars have all-season tires, as it's rare for companies to offer real winter tires. You can ask for an all-wheel-drive vehicle, but you won't be guaranteed one unless you reserve it. All rental cars come with an ice scraper during the winter.
Do rental companies provide car seats for children?
Yes, you can add a car seat for about $10–15 per day. You should reserve one ahead of time to make sure they have one for you. You can also bring your own car seat for free.
What should I do if I get a flat tire or breakdown?
If you bought the rental company's roadside assistance plan, you should call the number they gave you. If you don't have the plan, you can still call the rental company's hotline for help, but they might charge you for the service. AAA works all over upstate New York and accepts AAA memberships from other countries.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support