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Find car rental prices in Syracuse, NY with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for walk to car convenience or select a downtown branch to skip the 11 percent airport surcharge. Either way you are minutes from I-81 and the NY Thruway, for quick drives to the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls and the Adirondacks.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) | • Immediate availability after flights • Major rental companies on-site (Alamo/National, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz) • Rental counters on first level of terminal • Cars in adjacent lot/garage - no shuttle needed |
• Airport fees (approximately 10-11% concession recovery fee) • Potential wait times during peak periods |
| City Locations (West Genesee St, Downtown, N. Syracuse on Brewerton Rd) | • Lower rates • No airport fees • Multiple Enterprise locations throughout city |
• Limited hours compared to airport • Transportation needed from airport • Fewer vehicle options |
On average, car rentals in Syracuse cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup – city branches skip the 10-11 % airport concession fee; a $20 rideshare from SYR often still leaves you ahead on rentals longer than 2-3 days.
Dodge university surge dates – rates jump during Syracuse University graduation, football weekends and late-August move-in. Shifting by a day or visiting in winter (Jan-Mar) can drop prices from ~$70 to ~$35 per day.
Play with pickup/return hours – rentals bill in 24-hour blocks; setting return 2-3 hours earlier can erase an extra "day" charge.
Stack loyalty and coupon deals – join the free membership program and plug in AAA, AARP or corporate codes for easy 5-15 % cuts plus upgrade chances.
Destiny USA mall offers free and plentiful spaces
On-campus lots require permits on weekdays
Pay close attention to signage to avoid tickets
Garage connected to terminal (convenient in winter)
Rental car return located in dedicated lot inside garage
Speed limits: 30 mph in city areas, 55-65 mph on highways
Get a rental so you can get to:
Finger Lakes – wineries, state parks
Niagara Falls – waterfalls, observation platforms
Adirondack Mountains – Lake Placid, hiking trails
Ithaca – waterfalls, gorges
What documentation do I need to rent a car in Syracuse?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you should carry your home-country license and a passport. An International Driving Permit is also a good idea, but it's not required.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Most companies accept debit cards, but they may ask for extra ID, proof of your return trip and will place a larger security hold on your account. The rules are different for each company, so it's a good idea to check before you book.
Is there a security deposit required?
Yes. When you pick up the car, the rental company will place a security hold on your payment card. This hold is usually for the estimated cost of the rental plus about $200, but the amount can be different depending on the company. They release the hold after you return the car, but it may take a few days for the money to show up in your account.
Do rental cars come with GPS navigation?
Most cars don't come with a GPS unit, but you can rent one for about $10–$15 per day. Many people just use navigation apps on their smartphone. Newer rental cars often let you connect your phone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
How do toll charges work with a rental car?
You have three options. You can use the rental company's toll program, which adds a daily fee to the tolls. You can pay tolls yourself on the "Tolls By Mail NY" website or the Tolls NY app within 48 hours. Or you can use your own E-ZPass transponder if you have one.
What happens if I encounter a snowstorm during my rental period?
Syracuse is good at clearing snow, but big storms can still cause delays. You should check local weather updates, give yourself extra travel time and follow any travel warnings. Most rental cars have all-season tires, not special snow tires, so drive carefully and think about renting an AWD vehicle during the winter.
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