$88 Car Rental Downtown Syracuse, NY

These Downtown Syracuse insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 17, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Syracuse

Renting a car in Downtown Syracuse offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Armory Square, a modern square perfect for urban experiences, or the Museum of Science and Technology, which caters to family and cultural interests. Both of these attractions are conveniently located within Downtown Syracuse. If you're looking to enjoy some outdoor activities, the New York State Fairgrounds, only 4 miles away, is ideal for family outings. Additionally, the nearby cities of Liverpool and East Syracuse, just 5 and 4 miles away respectively, provide more options for exploration, including Onondaga Lake Park and Green Lakes State Park. Having a rental car allows for easy luggage management and helps create flexible travel plans, making it an excellent choice for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to visit local parks or experience the vibrant life of Downtown Syracuse, a car rental simplifies your journey and enhances your sightseeing experience.

Most popular car rentals around Downtown Syracuse

• Midsize SUV: This option is a favorite among travelers in Downtown Syracuse, accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the area with ample space for luggage. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the freedom of road travel while having enough room for everyone and their belongings.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is another popular choice, comfortably seating 5 travelers and fitting up to 2 medium suitcases. It’s ideal for couples, families, or groups who seek a balance of space and efficiency. With its slightly smaller size, this option offers a more maneuverable driving experience, making it a practical selection for navigating the streets of Downtown Syracuse while still providing adequate room for your essentials.
• Fullsize: For those needing extra capacity, the fullsize car is highly booked, accommodating 5 travelers with enough space for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is especially well-suited for families or larger groups that require additional storage for their travel needs. With comfort and space in mind, the fullsize car ensures a pleasant journey as you explore the sights and sounds of Downtown Syracuse.

Top rated car suppliers around Downtown Syracuse

• Hertz: Located 2 miles away from Downtown Syracuse, Hertz provides a solid option for travelers seeking reliable transportation. Known for their popular Midsize SUV and Economy models, they offer flexibility for exploring the diverse attractions in the area. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a solid fleet, Hertz ensures you have the freedom to manage your itinerary comfortably.
• Enterprise: Situated less than 1 mile from Downtown Syracuse, Enterprise makes renting a car exceptionally convenient. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to a variety of travel needs. With a commitment to quality service and a customer-friendly approach, Enterprise is an excellent choice for those looking to explore Syracuse and its surroundings with ease.
• Budget: Also less than 1 mile from Downtown Syracuse, Budget is an attractive option for cost-conscious travelers. Their fleet features Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, ensuring you have access to spacious and comfortable options. Budget focuses on providing great value without compromising on service, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting to make the most of their trip.

Where to stay around Downtown Syracuse

• Downtown Syracuse: A vibrant hub for family and city-themed experiences, Downtown Syracuse offers convenient access to notable attractions such as the New York State Fairgrounds and Armory Square. With a variety of nearby restaurants and wineries, visitors can indulge in local cuisine and beverages. Onondaga Lake Park, perfect for outdoor activities, is also within reach, making this area an excellent base for exploring city life and nature alike.
• East Syracuse: Located 4 miles away from Downtown Syracuse, East Syracuse is a great choice for travelers seeking outdoor and family activities. Visitors can explore Green Lakes State Park for some scenic adventures or check out the Museum of Science and Technology for a cultural experience. With an array of dining options nearby, including wineries and restaurants, East Syracuse offers a delightful blend of city charm and outdoor enjoyment.
• Liverpool: Just 5 miles from Downtown Syracuse, Liverpool is another fantastic option for those looking to enjoy family and outdoor activities. Highlights in the area include Onondaga Lake Park and the New York State Fairgrounds, both ideal for family outings. Armory Square is also nearby, providing access to city-themed experiences. With various dining and winery options, Liverpool is well-suited for travelers who appreciate both nature and urban conveniences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Syracuse

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and have a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you evade unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid additional 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 Downtown Syracuse

The best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Syracuse is January, when prices and demand are both slightly low. This period tends to offer the best value for travelers. February and March also present good options with average prices and slightly low demand. However, from June through August, prices and demand tend to rise, making July the busiest and most expensive month for rentals. This trend continues into August, where rental rates remain elevated.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	33.4°F (0.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	39.7°F (4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	31.5°F (-0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average