$36 Car Rental Long Island City, NY

These Long Island City insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 28, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Long Island City

Renting a car in Long Island City offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families, business travelers, or anyone looking to experience the city. You can visit attractions like the serene Gantry Plaza State Park, located right in Long Island City, perfect for outdoor family experiences. Just two miles away, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, or explore the artistic offerings at MoMA PS1, also in the area. Additionally, a rental car allows easy access to nearby destinations such as New York City, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, each offering unique sights. For example, Manhattan is only three miles away and features iconic locations like Central Park and Grand Central Terminal, while Brooklyn, five miles out, boasts attractions such as the Brooklyn Bridge. Whether you're on a family trip, a business excursion, or simply exploring the city, a car rental in Long Island City enhances your travel experience with convenience, making it easier to visit a variety of attractions.

Most popular car rentals in Long Island City

• Standard SportsCar: This option accommodates 4 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. It's perfect for adventure travelers, solo explorers, or couples looking to enjoy the vibrant surroundings of Long Island City. With its sporty design, this car type adds a fun twist to your travel experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize both style and maneuverability.
• Luxury: Ideal for business travelers, couples, or small groups, this car type can accommodate up to 5 travelers and up to 4 large suitcases. Renting a luxury car offers a premium experience, allowing you to navigate Long Island City in comfort and elegance. This option is perfect for those who want to make a statement while enjoying their trip.
• Fullsize: This spacious option accommodates up to 5 travelers with room for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it ideal for families or groups. The Fullsize car provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring that everyone can travel comfortably. It’s a reliable choice for those planning to explore Long Island City together.

Top rated car suppliers in Long Island City

• Avis: Avis operates 1 rental location in Long Island City, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for reliability, Avis offers a range of vehicles, with Midsize and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. This supplier provides flexibility for exploring the local attractions at your own pace, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable rental experience.
• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in Long Island City, Enterprise is another popular choice among travelers. This supplier is particularly favored for its Midsize SUV and Standard SUV offerings, ideal for those needing extra space for passengers or luggage. Enterprise is committed to customer satisfaction, making it a notable option for your rental needs.
• Hertz: Hertz also features 1 rental location in Long Island City, providing easy access to quality vehicles. Their most booked options include Midsize and Fullsize cars, perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort and convenience. Hertz’s presence in the area allows for a hassle-free rental process, making it a strong candidate for your car rental plans.

Where to stay around Long Island City

• Long Island City: A vibrant neighborhood in the heart of New York, Long Island City offers a mix of artistic culture and modern urban living. It is conveniently located near attractions such as Times Square and Central Park, both perfect for family outings and city-themed vacations. With numerous restaurants and pubs nearby, you can enjoy a variety of dining options while soaking in the city's atmosphere.
• Jersey City: Located 5 miles from Long Island City, Jersey City is known for its shopping centers and beautiful parks. Key points of interest include the American Dream, ideal for family and outdoor activities, and the historic Statue of Liberty, a cultural landmark. The area also offers a selection of wineries and restaurants, making it a great spot for food enthusiasts.
• Fairview: Situated 5 miles from Long Island City, Fairview is a charming city that provides a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore notable attractions like Times Square and Central Park, both suited for leisurely outings. The neighborhood features a variety of dining options, including local restaurants and wineries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Long Island City

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal 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 car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle types—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 rentals operate on 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 favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs an additional surcharge, but the convenience might make it worthwhile.
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 costs and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Long Island City

The best time to rent a car in and around Long Island City is July, when prices tend to be slightly low despite high demand. June through August usually see moderate prices, making them solid options as well. On the other hand, May is typically the most expensive month, with demand also high. April and October show slightly high prices with average demand, while February is often the quietest month, offering average prices and lower demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	32.0°F (0.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	33.4°F (0.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
March	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	70.2°F (21.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
August	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Long Island City

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Long Island City

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $36.

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