$135 Car Rental Cornell University, NY

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Top Car Deals in Cornell University

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What you need to know for your Cornell University car rental

Reasons to book a car rental around Cornell University

Renting a car around Cornell University offers visitors the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. For campus visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and family explorers, a rental car provides an ideal way to manage luggage and create flexible travel plans. You can easily visit key attractions such as Ithaca College, located just 2 miles away, or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Buttermilk Falls State Park, a mere 3 miles from campus. The Cornell Botanic Gardens, only 0.8 miles away, is perfect for family outings and romantic strolls.

Additionally, a rental car allows for convenient day trips to popular destinations. Explore the vibrant Downtown Ithaca, just 1 mile from Cornell University, or visit the charming neighborhood of Fall Creek, also 1 mile away. For those looking to venture a bit further, Lansing is 11 miles away and features Taughannock Falls State Park and Dutch Harvest Farm. With a rental car, you can navigate the beautiful surroundings effortlessly, making your trip to Cornell University both enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car rentals near Cornell University

  • Midsize SUV: This car option is a popular choice for those visiting Cornell University, accommodating up to 5 travelers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are perfect for families, couples, or small groups, allowing for comfortable travel while exploring the campus and surrounding areas at your own pace.
  • Fullsize: Offering ample room for up to 5 travelers and 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is ideal for families and groups. This option provides flexibility for managing luggage while ensuring a spacious interior, making it a favored choice for those looking to enjoy their time around Cornell University without the hassle of cramped quarters.
  • Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or smaller families, the economy car fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates 2 medium suitcases. This option is budget-friendly and allows for easy navigation around Cornell University and its surroundings, making it a practical choice for those looking to explore without compromising on comfort.

Top rated car suppliers near Cornell University

  • Enterprise: Situated just 2 miles away from Cornell University, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers for its friendly service and minimal wait times. Known for its diverse vehicle selection, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it a convenient choice for those looking to explore the area comfortably.
  • Budget: Located 3 miles from Cornell University, Budget is recognized for providing great value rentals. With Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles being the most popular choices, Budget makes it easy for travelers to find the right vehicle to fit their needs while enjoying competitive rental rates.
  • Avis: Also 3 miles away from Cornell University, Avis offers a reliable rental experience with a focus on customer satisfaction. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are the top choices among renters, allowing travelers to navigate the beautiful surroundings of Ithaca with ease and comfort.

Where to go near Cornell University

  • Lansing: Located 11 miles away from Cornell University, Lansing attracts visitors with its scenic outdoor experiences and romantic settings. Key attractions include the stunning Taughannock Falls State Park, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, and the educational environment of Cornell University itself. Travelers can also enjoy local shopping centers and recreational areas, making Lansing a versatile choice for different vacation styles.
  • Downtown Ithaca: Just 1 mile from Cornell University, Downtown Ithaca is a vibrant neighborhood known for its city atmosphere and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore the modern Cornell University, shop at local malls, or spend time at the Sciencenter, a great spot for culture enthusiasts. Buttermilk Falls State Park, located nearby, offers beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures, especially appealing during peak visitor months from July to August and October.
  • Fall Creek: Also situated 1 mile from Cornell University, Fall Creek is an inviting neighborhood for those seeking outdoor and romantic experiences. It boasts access to Buttermilk Falls State Park, ideal for scenic views and adventures. The neighborhood is also home to the educational Cornell University and offers a quaint atmosphere with recreational areas and local theaters, making it a great option for diverse traveler interests.

10 tips to save on your Cornell University car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, 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 travel date. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This is also applicable to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most cost-effective option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional fees.
  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 around Cornell University

The best value period to rent a car around Cornell University is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. March and April also offer good rental conditions, maintaining low prices with average demand. However, things heat up in July, which is the most expensive month, coinciding with high demand as summer activities ramp up. June and August follow closely behind with their own elevated prices and demand levels.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January23.2°F (-4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
February24.8°F (-4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December30.2°F (-1.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$135
 
Our second best deal of the day
$140
 
Our third best deal of the day
$147
 
From the airport to your hotel
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From popular domestic and international airports
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Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a car near Cornell University?
Yes, you'll find at least one car rental supplier near Cornell University. Ithaca College, Ithaca Commons and State Theatre of Ithaca are a few other attractions just a short drive from Cornell University. Rent a car from Expedia and get ready to explore all of Ithaca, including its lesser-known gems!
How much is car rental near Cornell University?
You can pick up a cheap $135 car rental near Cornell University, but a few things will determine the cost of your wheels. Among these are your travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations and any extras like a ski rack. Finding a vehicle that suits your budget and needs is simple with Expedia. Browse our exclusive offers from a variety of car rental companies, and then prepare to explore Cornell University and beyond from behind the wheel.
Which car rental companies have a drop off near Cornell University?
Enterprise has a rental car return depot close to Cornell University. Most car rental companies will charge an additional fee to drop your ride off at a different location to where you picked it up from, so take that into consideration when making your plans. Drop your rental car at Cornell University then spend your remaining time touring on foot.
How much is parking near Cornell University?
Research your options for parking at Cornell University by looking up the attraction's official website. Parking apps are also good tools to use when renting a vehicle in an unfamiliar destination. Find out if they have any free parking at Cornell University or see if it's possible to secure a spot beforehand to save time when you arrive.
Are there electric car charging stations near Cornell University?
With online search tools and apps, you can quickly see if there are electric car charging stations near Cornell University. To make things as convenient as possible, look into Expedia's selection of hotels with electric car charging stations.
What is the closest airport to Cornell University?
Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) is the closest major airport near Cornell University in Ithaca, approximately 5 mi to the northeast. Elmira - Corning Regional Airport (ELM) is an alternative option. It's around 45 mi southwest of this famous attraction. If you're itching to get going as soon as possible, find out if you can rent a car at these airports or close by.
Where is Cornell University in Ithaca?
From Ithaca's center, you'll need to travel around 2 mi southwest to visit Cornell University.
What else is there to do near Cornell University?
Make the most of your Ithaca break by planning a few day trips. Once you've explored Cornell University, put on some driving tunes and head toward Cornell University, Ithaca College or Buttermilk Falls State Park.
What time does Cornell University open and close?
Browse Cornell University's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date visitor information, including opening and closing hours. Special events, public holidays and seasonality can impact an attraction's operating hours, so a little planning goes a long way to ensuring your visit goes off without a hitch.

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