Compare car hire at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with Rhino Car Hire and find the right vehicle for your trip to New York City, Long Island or beyond.

LaGuardia's location in Queens makes it particularly convenient if your journey takes you outside central Manhattan. Collecting a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Long Island, the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, Connecticut and the wider north-eastern United States without having to return to Manhattan between journeys.

Choose from economy cars for shorter trips, comfortable saloons, family-sized SUVs and larger vehicles for longer USA road trips.

Enter your travel dates to compare LaGuardia Airport car rental prices, vehicle types and rental conditions.

Why Hire a Car at LaGuardia Airport?

Whether you need a rental car at LaGuardia depends heavily on where you're going.

If your entire visit will be spent sightseeing in Manhattan, public transport or taxis will often be more practical than keeping a car in the city.

However, car hire becomes considerably more useful if you're:

• Staying in Queens or elsewhere outside central Manhattan

• Visiting family or friends across the New York metropolitan area

• Travelling for business between multiple locations

• Heading east onto Long Island

• Visiting the Hamptons

• Exploring the Hudson Valley

• Travelling into Connecticut

• Planning a road trip beyond New York City

Rather than treating the rental car simply as transport into Manhattan, LaGuardia can be an excellent starting point for exploring the wider region.

Where Are the Car Rental Companies at LaGuardia Airport?

Car rental at LaGuardia works slightly differently from airports where every rental desk is inside the terminal.

Most rental companies serving LGA are located away from the passenger terminals. Airport shuttle services connect the terminals with the rental-car area.

After collecting your luggage, follow the airport signs for Rental Cars and the appropriate shuttle or transfer service.

Allow additional time for this transfer when both collecting your vehicle and returning it before your flight.

Always check the collection instructions on your Rhino Car Hire booking voucher, as the exact procedure can vary between rental companies.

About New York LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport is located in Queens, New York City, making it the closest of New York's major commercial airports to much of Manhattan.

Airport code: LGA

Location: Queens, New York

Terminals: A, B and C

The airport's position also provides good road access towards Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long Island and destinations north and east of New York City.

For travellers beginning a driving holiday, this can make LGA a particularly useful alternative to travelling into Manhattan before collecting a vehicle.

Where Can You Drive from LaGuardia Airport?

Queens

You're already in Queens when you land at LaGuardia.

With a rental car you can explore neighbourhoods such as Flushing and Astoria or travel to attractions including Flushing Meadows-Corona Park without first heading into Manhattan.

Manhattan

Manhattan is only a relatively short distance from LaGuardia, although journey times can vary significantly according to traffic.

If you're staying in Manhattan, check your hotel's parking arrangements before travelling. Parking can be expensive and driving is not always the easiest way to explore central New York.

Brooklyn

Having a car can be useful if you're staying in the outer parts of Brooklyn or combining the borough with destinations elsewhere in New York State.

Long Island

LaGuardia is particularly well positioned for beginning a Long Island road trip.

Head east from Queens to explore beaches, coastal communities, vineyards and historic towns without having to drive through Manhattan first.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons are among the most popular escapes from New York City.

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore destinations including Southampton, East Hampton and Montauk at your own pace.

Hudson Valley

Drive north from New York City to discover historic towns, walking trails, wineries, countryside and spectacular scenery along the Hudson River.

Road Trips from LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia to the Hamptons and Montauk

Head east through Long Island towards the Atlantic coast.

You can stop at towns and beaches along the way before continuing through the Hamptons to Montauk at the eastern end of Long Island.

LaGuardia to the Hudson Valley

Leave the city behind and head north for a very different side of New York State.

The Hudson Valley combines small towns, historic estates, hiking, food, wineries and beautiful river scenery.

LaGuardia to Connecticut

LaGuardia provides convenient access towards southern Connecticut, including Stamford and New Haven.

Continue along the coast for a longer New England road trip.

LaGuardia to Philadelphia

Philadelphia can be incorporated into a multi-city driving holiday from New York, providing an opportunity to combine two of America's most historic cities.

New York and New England Road Trip

For a longer journey, collect your car at LaGuardia and travel through Connecticut towards Rhode Island, Massachusetts and beyond.

A one-way rental may also allow you to return the vehicle at another airport or city rather than driving back to New York.

Approximate Driving Distances from LaGuardia Airport

Popular destinations include:

• Manhattan – around 8 miles

• Bronx – around 10 miles

• Brooklyn – around 15 miles

• Stamford, Connecticut – around 35 miles

• Hudson Valley – from around 60 miles

• New Haven, Connecticut – around 70 miles

• The Hamptons – from around 80 miles

• Philadelphia – around 100 miles

Traffic around New York can add considerably to journey times, particularly during weekday rush hours, weekends and holiday periods.

Always allow plenty of time when returning your rental car for a departing flight.

Driving from LaGuardia Airport into Manhattan

Driving in New York can be very different from driving elsewhere in the United States.

Traffic around LaGuardia, Queens and Manhattan can be heavy, while parking in central Manhattan is limited and expensive.

New York also operates a Congestion Relief Zone covering much of central and lower Manhattan. Vehicles entering the zone may incur an additional toll.

If you're collecting a car at LGA specifically to leave New York City, it can make sense to plan a route that avoids driving through central Manhattan altogether.

Your navigation app can help with traffic, tolls and alternative routes, but check your rental company's policy for how toll charges are processed.

Tolls When Hiring a Car in New York

New York and the surrounding states have numerous toll roads, bridges and tunnels.

Many toll facilities use electronic or cashless payment systems.

Rental companies may provide an electronic toll-payment programme, but the charges and administration fees differ between suppliers.

Before leaving the rental location, check:

• Whether your vehicle has a toll transponder

• How tolls will be charged

• Whether daily or administrative fees apply

• Whether you can use your own payment method

Understanding the toll policy before your journey can help prevent unexpected charges after the rental.

Choosing the Right Car at LaGuardia Airport

Economy Cars

A sensible choice for one or two travellers, particularly if you'll be navigating busy urban roads or paying for parking.

Compact and Intermediate Cars

Offer additional luggage and passenger space without becoming difficult to manoeuvre around New York.

SUVs

Popular for families, groups and longer journeys through New York State or New England.

7-Seater and Larger Vehicles

Useful for larger families and groups travelling with substantial luggage.

Premium Cars

Suitable for business trips or travellers looking for additional comfort on longer journeys.

Automatic Cars

Automatic transmission is standard on many US rental vehicles, making them easy to drive for visitors accustomed to automatic cars.

One-Way Car Hire from LaGuardia Airport

One-way rentals can be particularly useful in the United States.

Rather than returning to New York at the end of your holiday, you may be able to collect your vehicle at LaGuardia and return it elsewhere.

Possible routes include:

• LaGuardia to Boston

• LaGuardia to Philadelphia

• LaGuardia to Washington DC

• LaGuardia to Newark Airport

• LaGuardia to JFK Airport

Longer interstate one-way rentals may also be available.

Availability and one-way fees depend on the rental company, vehicle and return location, so compare the complete rental price before booking.

Returning Your Rental Car to LaGuardia Airport

Do not simply enter the passenger terminal into your navigation system when returning a rental vehicle.

Your rental company may have a separate return location away from the terminal.

Use the return address provided by your rental supplier and follow the signs for rental car returns as you approach the airport.

After returning your vehicle, allow time for the transfer back to your departure terminal.

Because New York traffic can be unpredictable, leave a generous margin before your flight.

Driving in New York – What Visitors Should Know

If you're hiring a car at LaGuardia for the first time:

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

• Distances and speed limits are shown in miles.

• Seatbelts must be worn.

• Never use a handheld mobile phone while driving.

• Expect heavy traffic around New York City.

• Watch carefully for cyclists, pedestrians and changing traffic lanes.

• Check parking signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.

• Allow extra time for bridges, tunnels and toll roads.

Visitors from the UK should remember that traffic approaches from the opposite direction when crossing roads and navigating junctions.

Do I Need a Rental Car for New York City?

Not necessarily.

If you're spending several days entirely within Manhattan, the subway, buses and taxis may be more convenient than hiring a car.

The real advantage of LaGuardia Airport car hire is the freedom it provides outside central Manhattan.

If your itinerary includes Long Island, the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, Connecticut or a wider USA road trip, collecting a car at the airport can save you from returning to a downtown rental location later in your holiday.

Why Book LaGuardia Airport Car Hire with Rhino Car Hire?

Rhino Car Hire lets you compare rental vehicles from leading car hire companies serving LaGuardia Airport in one search.

Compare:

• Rental prices

• Vehicle sizes and categories

• Pick-up arrangements

• Insurance and excess conditions

• Fuel policies

• Mileage allowances

• Additional driver options

• One-way rental availability

Don't compare on headline price alone. Check the complete rental conditions to find the vehicle and package that best suits your New York trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I collect a rental car at LaGuardia Airport?

Most rental car companies serving LaGuardia operate away from the passenger terminals. Shuttle transportation is available between the terminals and rental-car locations. Check your booking voucher for the instructions for your specific supplier.

Is LaGuardia Airport in Manhattan?

No. LaGuardia Airport is located in Queens, one of New York City's five boroughs.

How far is LaGuardia Airport from Manhattan?

LaGuardia is approximately 8 miles from parts of Manhattan, although the exact distance and journey time depend on your destination and traffic.

Should I hire a car at LaGuardia if I'm staying in Manhattan?

If you're only visiting central Manhattan, you may not need one. Public transport and taxis are often easier than driving and parking. A rental car becomes much more useful if you're travelling beyond central New York City.

Is LaGuardia Airport good for hiring a car to visit Long Island?

Yes. Because LaGuardia is already in Queens, it is well positioned for driving east onto Long Island without first travelling through Manhattan.

Can I drive a LaGuardia rental car to the Hamptons?

Yes, subject to your rental agreement. Hiring a car provides the flexibility to explore Southampton, East Hampton, Montauk and other destinations along Long Island.

Are there toll roads around LaGuardia Airport?

Yes. New York has numerous tolled bridges, tunnels and roads, with many using electronic payment. Check how your rental company processes tolls before starting your journey.

Does New York's congestion charge apply to rental cars?

Vehicles entering New York's Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan may be subject to a toll. Check the current rules and your rental company's toll-payment arrangements before driving into the zone.

Can I return my LaGuardia rental car somewhere else?

Often, yes. One-way rentals may be available to other New York locations and cities such as Boston, Philadelphia or Washington DC. Availability and fees vary by supplier.

How early should I return my rental car at LaGuardia?

Allow additional time beyond your normal airport arrival allowance. You need time to return the vehicle, complete the rental handover and transfer from the rental location to your departure terminal.

Compare Car Hire at LaGuardia Airport

Planning to explore beyond Manhattan?

Compare LaGuardia Airport car hire with Rhino Car Hire, find the vehicle that suits your journey and book in advance for your trip to New York, Long Island or beyond.