Car Rental Laguardia Airport
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, since 1999.
Renting a car at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a convenient way to explore New York City and beyond. Major companies such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, Alamo, Sixt, and Thrifty all operate at LGA, offering a wide selection of vehicles from economy cars to luxury SUVs and minivans. Most car rental facilities are located off-site, but free shuttle buses run frequently from all terminals to the consolidated rental car center at 9501 Ditmars Blvd, Queens.
Most Popular Rental Cars
Compact and economy cars (like the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Ford Focus) are the most frequently rented, as they are practical for navigating city streets and finding parking in busy neighborhoods. For families or groups, SUVs (such as the Ford Explorer or Toyota RAV4) and minivans are also popular choices. Luxury vehicles are available for those seeking extra comfort.
Insurance Options
When renting a car, you’ll be offered several insurance options:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
- Liability Insurance: Covers damage or injury to others.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Personal Effects Coverage: Protects your belongings in the car.
If you have comprehensive coverage on your personal auto insurance or a credit card, you may not need to buy all the extras. Always check your existing coverage before purchasing additional insurance at the counter.
Common Destinations by Car
Many travelers use rental cars to visit popular destinations such as:
- Manhattan (about 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic)
- Long Island (beaches, wineries, and the Hamptons)
- The Hamptons (approx. 2 hours)
- Upstate New York (Hudson Valley, Catskills)
- New Jersey (about 30–60 minutes)
Traffic in and around New York can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Plan your routes in advance using a GPS app, and consider parking outside Manhattan and taking public transport into the city center.
Useful Tips for Renters
- Arrive early: Allow extra time for the shuttle bus and rental paperwork, especially during peak hours.
- Inspect the car: Check for scratches or dents before leaving the lot and take photos for documentation.
- Ask about tolls: New York uses electronic tolls (E-ZPass). Some companies offer rental E-ZPass transponders for a daily fee.
- Return procedures: Return your car to the rental facility and use the shuttle to get back to your terminal. Allow extra time for drop-off during busy periods.
- After-hours returns: Most companies allow after-hours drop-off at a designated location, but confirm details when picking up your car.
Check our search engine to find the best offer for your car.
Car rental companies
In LaGuardia Airport you can find the following car rental companies:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Enterprise
Hertz
National
Payless
Sixt
U Save
Location
The car rental agencies are located a bit far from the airport terminals, that is why they provide free shuttle bus to connect both places.
The shuttles are frequent and they set from the Rental Car Shuttle Transfer Point.
