$76 Car Rental Amherst, NY

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Amherst

Renting a car in and around Amherst, New York, offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant area at your own pace. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family traveler, or a cultural explorer, having a rental car allows for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. You can conveniently visit the University at Buffalo - North Campus, located right in Amherst, or take a short drive to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, just 5 miles away, to immerse yourself in local culture. If you're interested in health and research, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute is a mere 7 miles from Amherst. Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to venture into nearby cities like Getzville, only 4 miles away, or North Tonawanda, located 6 miles away, each offering their own unique attractions. With the convenience of a vehicle, you can easily explore the bustling metropolis of Buffalo, which features highlights such as KeyBank Center and Canalside. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience by providing the flexibility to discover everything that Amherst and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Amherst

• Midsize SUV: This car option fits 5 travelers comfortably and can accommodate up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV provides ample space for passengers and luggage, allowing you to explore the outdoor attractions around Amherst with ease. With its versatility, it suits various travel plans, whether you're heading out for a day trip or a longer adventure.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option also accommodates 5 travelers and can hold either up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it perfect for families and larger groups. This spacious vehicle provides extra room for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable journey as you navigate through the sights and experiences in and around Amherst. The fullsize car is a reliable choice if you value comfort and capacity.
• Economy: For those traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small family, the economy car option is a practical choice. It fits 5 travelers and can carry up to 2 medium suitcases, offering a budget-friendly solution without sacrificing comfort. The economy option is well-suited for city driving and short trips, allowing you to explore Amherst and its surroundings while maintaining a flexible travel plan.

Top rated car suppliers in Amherst

• Hertz: Hertz stands out in Amherst with 2 rental locations, making it easily accessible for travelers. Known for its reliable fleet, the most booked vehicles are Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, catering to different needs and preferences. Customers appreciate the convenience and flexibility that Hertz provides, allowing for an enjoyable driving experience while exploring the area at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in Amherst and is favored for its competitive pricing and efficient service. Travelers often prefer Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles from Budget, which offer ample space for luggage and comfort during road trips. The straightforward rental process and value for money make Budget a popular choice among visitors looking to explore the region with ease.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Amherst, Enterprise is recognized for its strong customer service and a diverse selection of vehicles. Midsize and Mini Vans are among the most popular choices, appealing to families and larger groups. Enterprise is praised for its friendly staff and hassle-free rental experience, ensuring that your journey around Amherst is smooth and enjoyable.

Where to go in Amherst

• Buffalo: As a vibrant metropolis, Buffalo offers a variety of attractions for travelers. Key points of interest include the University At Buffalo - North Campus, suitable for those interested in culture and education. The KeyBank Center provides arena entertainment for families, while Canalside is a historic site perfect for cultural experiences. With visitor numbers peaking in July to September, this is an ideal time for family, outdoor, or city experiences in Buffalo.
• Getzville: Located only 4 miles from Amherst, Getzville is perfect for those seeking outdoor, cultural, and family experiences. The University At Buffalo - North Campus is accessible for educational pursuits. Nature lovers can enjoy Glen Falls, a beautiful natural feature, or explore the Great Baehre Conservation Park, a serene reserve. The peak visitation months are March and July to August, making these times great for enjoying the local outdoor parks and cultural venues.
• North Tonawanda: Just 6 miles from Amherst, North Tonawanda provides a charming blend of outdoor adventure and romance. Visitors can explore the University At Buffalo - North Campus for its educational offerings. Gratwick Waterfront Park is an urban park suited for family outings and outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum offers a unique cultural experience. The best months to visit are June to July and September, ideal for those looking to engage in outdoor activities.

10 tips to save on your Amherst car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types, such as SUVs or luxury models, might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure that you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Amherst

The best value period to rent a car in and around Amherst is February, as prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January also offers a quiet experience with slightly low prices. Following these months, March presents average prices and moderately low demand, making it another good option. However, rental costs begin to rise in July, which is the most expensive month, along with August, when demand peaks and prices remain high.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.5°F (-3.6°C)	Light Rain	Very Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	26.1°F (-3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
April	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
May	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.0°F (18.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
December	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Amherst

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Amherst into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Amherst and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Amherst

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Amherst. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Amherst

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $76.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals