$58 Car Rental Ithaca, NY

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ithaca

Renting a car in Ithaca offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, scenic views, or romantic experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit Buttermilk Falls State Park, known for its stunning nature and adventure opportunities, or take a stroll through the Cornell Botanic Gardens, perfect for families and couples alike. You can also explore the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an excellent spot for eco-friendly interests.

Having a car allows you to conveniently navigate popular neighborhoods such as Downtown Ithaca, where you can find attractions like The History Center, and South Hill, which features Butterfield Stadium and Robert H. Treman State Park. Additionally, Northwest Ithaca offers access to EcoVillage at Ithaca and more scenic areas. With a rental car, managing luggage is easier, and you can create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary, making it an ideal choice for any traveler visiting Ithaca.

Most popular car rentals in Ithaca

• Midsize SUV: This car type accommodates 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and versatility on their travels. With ample storage and a comfortable interior, they provide the ideal option for exploring Ithaca and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
• Compact: A compact car also accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families who prefer a smaller vehicle that is easy to maneuver and park. Compact cars are a great choice for navigating the streets of Ithaca while still having enough room for your luggage.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car accommodates 5 travelers and can carry either up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for families or groups needing more space for both passengers and their belongings. With a fullsize car, you can comfortably embark on your journey around Ithaca with all the luggage you need.

Top rated car suppliers in Ithaca

• Budget: Budget has a rental location conveniently situated in Ithaca, making it an accessible choice for travelers. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles, which are ideal for exploring the scenic attractions around Ithaca. Budget is known for offering a good balance of value and comfort, enhancing your travel experience while allowing you to manage your luggage with ease.
• Avis: Avis also features a rental location in Ithaca, catering to those seeking reliable transportation. This supplier is favored for its Midsize SUV and Fullsize options, providing ample space for families or groups. Avis is recognized for its commitment to customer service, ensuring a smooth rental process that allows you to focus on enjoying your trip without unnecessary hassle.
• Enterprise: With a presence in Ithaca, Enterprise stands out for its excellent customer service and diverse vehicle selection. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Compact cars from this supplier, which are well-suited for navigating the city's roads and surrounding areas. Enterprise is praised for its friendly staff and efficient rental procedures, making it a convenient option for both leisure and business travelers.

Where to stay in and around Ithaca

• Lansing: Located 11 miles away from Ithaca, Lansing offers a scenic getaway ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and couples. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sights at Salmon Creek Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park, both perfect for adventure and romance. Lansing Park provides a family-friendly urban space for relaxation. The area features nearby food and drink options, including local wineries and breweries, enhancing your stay with delightful culinary experiences.
• Downtown Ithaca: Situated in the heart of Ithaca, Downtown Ithaca is a bustling neighborhood known for its vibrant city atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for families and business travelers alike, offering access to shopping centers and educational venues. Key highlights include The History Center for culture enthusiasts and Buttermilk Falls State Park for those seeking outdoor adventures. Dewitt Park also provides a lovely space for families to unwind amidst the city energy.
• South Hill: This charming neighborhood, located around Ithaca, is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor activities and scenic views. South Hill is home to attractions like Butterfield Stadium for sports fans and the serene Buttermilk Falls State Park, ideal for nature lovers. Additionally, Robert H. Treman State Park offers further opportunities for outdoor exploration. With local wineries and coffee shops nearby, South Hill is a delightful area to relax after a day of adventure.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Ithaca

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting specific vehicle types 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 reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure better rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance 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 luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions 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 charges. This is generally the most cost-effective option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be convenient too—just be sure to return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many 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 in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra 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 in and around Ithaca

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ithaca is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. March and April also offer decent rental conditions, as prices remain fairly low with average demand. However, as summer approaches, June through August see higher prices and increased demand, particularly in August, which is typically the most expensive month for rentals. Meanwhile, September and October revert to average pricing with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.2°F (-4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
February	24.8°F (-4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	30.2°F (-1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Ithaca

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Ithaca

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $58.

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.

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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