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Finding a rental car in Watertown is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across New York State with no reservation fees. Pick up at Watertown International Airport (ART) or a downtown Arsenal Street branch and be on your way to the Thousand Islands, Fort Drum or Lake Ontario, with AWD options ready for the area's snowy winters.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Watertown International Airport (ART) | • Immediate availability after flights • Major rental companies on-site • Convenient for arriving air travelers |
• Limited flight service • Smaller selection of vehicles • Airport fees add to base rates |
| Watertown City Rentals | • Lower base rates (no airport fees) • Convenient for visitors already in Watertown • Locations near Arsenal Street commercial corridor |
• Limited hours (often business hours only) • Smaller vehicle selection • Few allow after-hours pickup |
| Syracuse Hancock Int'l (SYR) | • Larger selection of vehicles • More competitive pricing • Extended hours |
• 70 miles (113 km) from Watertown (approximately 1.25-hour drive) • Transportation needed to/from Watertown • Airport fees |
On average, car rentals in Watertown cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $48 per day.
Compare city vs. airport pickups. Downtown Watertown locations avoid the ~10% airport concession fee, so a short cab or rideshare from ART can pay for itself if the desk hours line up with your flight.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead only for the summer rush. June-August sees Fort Drum moves and Thousand Islands tourists, so early booking locks in stock and price. In fall or winter you can often score cheaper last-minute deals.
Check Syracuse (SYR) rates before committing. A 70-mile (113-km) drive might be worth it—larger fleets, frequent weekend specials and longer hours can offset the fuel cost if you're renting 4+ days.
Run the math on weekly pricing. A 7-day rate is frequently cheaper than 5 separate days in Watertown, even if you return early.
Ask for the military discount. With Fort Drum nearby, most counters shave dollars off daily rates or waive young-driver fees for service members, veterans and USAA cardholders.
Refuel on Arsenal Street, not at the desk. Skip prepaid fuel and top up at the town's cluster of gas stations two minutes from both the airport and city branches.
| Area | Street Parking | Garages/Lots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Watertown | • Metered spots • Some free spots with time limits |
• Public Square lot • Municipal garage • Daily max charges apply |
• Meters enforced Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM • Free evening and weekend parking in most areas |
| Salmon Run Mall | N/A | • Parking surrounding mall • Ample spaces available |
• Largest shopping center in the region • Located just off I-81 |
| Thousand Islands attractions | • Limited in peak season • Some metered in villages |
• Paid lots at major attractions | • Arrive early during summer weekends • Some hotels offer shuttle service to boat tours |
| Watertown Airport (ART) | N/A | • Short-term and long-term parking available | • Small facility with parking next to terminal • Rental car return clearly marked |
Watch for farm vehicles on rural roads
No toll roads in immediate Watertown area
Options for handling tolls:
Get a car so you can see:
Thousand Islands region – Alexandria Bay, Clayton
Lake Ontario shoreline – Sackets Harbor, beaches, marinas
Fort Drum – Memorial Park, visitor center
St. Lawrence River drive – lookout points, boat launches
Do I need an AWD vehicle when visiting Watertown?
From April through October, you'll find a standard 2WD vehicle is enough. However, during the winter months from November to March, you'll want an AWD/4WD vehicle because of frequent lake-effect snow. Watertown gets about 120 inches of snow a year, which makes winter driving a challenge if you don't have the right equipment.
Can I take my rental car into Canada?
Yes, most rental companies in Watertown let you drive into Canada, but you must tell them when you pick up the car. Make sure you have the right papers for crossing the border, like a passport for everyone in the car. You should also check on your insurance. Most rental insurance works in Canada, but it's best to ask the company to be sure.
Are there any restrictions when visiting Fort Drum with a rental car?
You can take a rental car onto Fort Drum, but you need a proper ID to get on the military base. All visitors must stop at the Visitor Control Center to get a pass and your vehicle may need to be inspected. During times of high security, staff might limit entry for visitors who don't have a Department of Defense ID card.
What is the best way to explore the Thousand Islands region?
A rental car gives you the freedom to visit different riverside towns like Alexandria Bay, Clayton and Cape Vincent. However, to really experience the islands, you should also take a boat tour from one of these towns. Many people stay in Watertown and take day trips to see different parts of the region.
Where can I find the best rental rates in Watertown?
Enterprise, Hertz and Budget/Avis have locations in Watertown. You should compare prices at both the airport and city locations. Many companies offer military discounts, so you should ask if you qualify. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance usually gets you better rates and more options, especially during the busy summer months.
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