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Exploring New York by Hire Car

New York, covering an area of more than 1200 square kilometres, is not only the largest city in the state of the same name, but also the largest metropolis in the entire USA.

Currently, about eight million people live in the cosmopolitan city on the American east coast.

The “Big Apple”, as New Yorkers also call their city, is divided into the five boroughs of Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and last but not least Brooklyn.

Many tourists who visit New York only get to see central Manhattan. They miss out on a whole lot, because there are also exciting museums, innovative theaters and excellent restaurants to discover in the surrounding neighborhoods.

And there are also many worthwhile places waiting in the city’s wider environs that are great to explore by hire car. For rental and travel we have compiled a few tips.

Receiving the hire car

Most travelers arrive in New York through John F. Kennedy International Airport. Many hire car companies have their stations right inside the arrival terminal. Others have installed phones that you can use to reach your rental agent. In this case, however, you may have to wait longer for a shuttle to take you to the hire car station. Rather, book with an operator located directly in the terminal.

Renting the right car

Even though it is great fun to drive a fat limousine over the American highways, you should still take a smaller car for New York. That way, you’ll have an easier time finding a parking spot.

Insuring the car properly

An accident can happen quickly, especially in big city traffic. Protect yourself by booking a fully comprehensive insurance without deductible. And make sure that the liability coverage is at least one million euros.

This way you are reasonably covered if people are injured in an accident or several vehicles are involved. If the amount of cover provided by your rental company does not seem sufficient, you can take out a so-called traveller policy for additional protection. Talk to your insurance company.

Hire car prices

Hire car prices in New York tend to be on the higher end. And during major events, trade shows, or the holiday season, you can get even more expensive.

Most of the time you will get a good deal if you book the hire car well in advance of your trip. Also, use our handy price comparison.

hire car price comparison New York

age limit

If you’re under 21, you’ll find few rental companies in New York will rent you the car at a horrendous extra fee. And drivers under the age of 25 are usually charged an extra fee as well. Check out the terms and conditions of your rental company before booking.

Accessories

A navigation device can serve you well in the street canyons of New York. And if you’re traveling with kids, a suitable child seat is essential. Reserve your desired accessories well in advance so they’re available when you pick up your hire car.

Free kilometers

Surely you want to not only conquer New York with your hire car, but also enjoy the vastness of the USA. Reserve a car with free miles to reach distant destinations without worrying looks at your mileage.

Bail

Make sure you rent from a rental company that only blocks the deposit on the credit card and does not actually charge it. Otherwise, you may have to wait longer for the refund after you return the car.

Customer reviews hire car companies

Most customers are satisfied with the rental companies in New York. However, some complain that they tried to sell you additional insurance. Insure your car adequately right at the time of booking and you will be on the safe side.

Safety hire car

In most cases, you can expect to get a safe hire car in New York. Still, just in case, test the lights before your first drive and do a little brake test while still in the parking lot.

Sights in New York

Liberty Helicopters Tour: Unforgettable Sightseeing Flight
High up is your first impression of New York when you board one of Liberty Helicopters Tour’s helicopters. The flight takes about 15 minutes along the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty. The unforgettable experience costs $150 per person.

Staten Island: Admire the skyline
It will be much cheaper if you then board the ferry to Staten Island. It was set up to take Staten Island residents to and from their jobs in Manhattan for free. Tourists can also take advantage of this free offer and enjoy the spectacular views of the New York skyline during the ride. And while you’re on Staten Island, you might as well check out the Snug Harbour

Cultural Center. The buildings were built in the 19th century and were once a retirement home for sailors. Today, it hosts changing exhibitions and has a pretty botanical garden to admire.

Tickets to the gallery and garden cost eight dollars. Part of the botanical garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Chinese garden, which is worth seeing, can be visited from can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and the exhibitions are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Queens: Multicultural Neighborhood
Back in the city, you may feel like visiting Queens. This borough, with over two million residents from all over the world, is one of New York’s most vibrant. There you can discover innovative galleries and taste the cuisines of the world in the many restaurants. The Queens Historical Society often offers guided tours of the neighborhood. Call 718-939-0647 to find out about current tours.

Also in Queens is the Museum of Modern Arts’ sister museum, PS 1 MoMA. There you can admire experimental art by masters such as Janet Cardiff and David Hammons. The museum is open Thursday through Monday from noon to 6pm. A ticket costs ten dollars.

Bronx Zoo: wildlife in the urban jungle
A visit to the Bronx Zoo could round out your visit. At this beautifully designed facility, you can feel like you’re in the wild in the middle of the big city among zebras and giraffes. The zoo is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on weekends from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Opening hours may change from the beginning of November. It’s best to inquire before visiting. A ticket costs $33.95.

Find a good restaurant

If you’ve always wanted to try Peking duck, Peking Duck House in Chinatown is the place to go. This place is all about the delicious preparation of the feathered fowl.

Discover a good hotel

Most of the nice hotels are in Manhattan, but you can find good ones in other parts of the city as well. You might move to Harlem and book your room at 102Brownstone. You’ll stay in an old neoclassical-style house and enjoy individually decorated rooms with plenty of comfort and warm service.

A worthwhile destination in the area

Perhaps steer the hire car to Philadelphia. The 156 kilometres will take you less than two hours. In Philadelphia, you can stroll through the historic Old City, visit numerous museums and enjoy a cool drink in one of the beautiful bars. On the drive back to New York, you will have time to think about where to go next with your hire car.

Suggestion of a round trip

Hamptons: Retreat of the super-rich
A round trip could take you to the Hamptons first. In just under two hours, you’ll be there. The scenically beautiful stretch of land right by the sea is the retreat for those who have made it in New York. They spend their weekends here in stately mansions before returning to the Big Apple to make even more money out of a lot of money. But ordinary mortals can also enjoy the beautiful beaches and refresh themselves in the sea during the summer months.

New Haven: Experience a Famous University
The next stop on your first trip by hire car could take you to New Haven. It will take you about three hours to drive there. Quiet New Haven is home to Yale, one of the most prestigious universities in the US. As you stroll around the university campus, you’ll feel like you’re on a campus in England. Perhaps you’ll direct your steps to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library where you’ll find a Gutenberg Bible among nearly half a million books. The library is open from Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 19:00. On Friday it is already closed from 17:00. And on Saturday you can visit the world of books from 12:00 to 17:00.

Bridgeport: In the footsteps of the circus founder Barnum
Before you park the hire car back in New York you can still make a stop in Bridgeport. The drive takes half an hour. In Bridgeport, you can learn all about the famous circus founder Phinea Taylor Barnum at the Barnum Museum. The museum is only open on Thursday and Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, as parts of the actual museum were affected by a storm. Admission is free.

Conclusion

Not only in New York, also in the surrounding area there is a lot to discover. And the places are all easily accessible by hire car. With our handy price comparison, you’ll always find a suitable car at a great price.

Hire car New York