$61 Car Rental Syracuse, NY

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Syracuse

Renting a car in Syracuse, New York, offers travelers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore the region at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Syracuse University, located in the heart of the city, or the New York State Fairgrounds, which is perfect for family adventures. Armory Square, another vibrant part of Syracuse, is also accessible, allowing for a rich city experience. For those looking to venture just a bit further, East Syracuse is a mere 4 miles away and features additional sites like Le Moyne College and The Oncenter. Liverpool, 5 miles from Syracuse, is home to Onondaga Lake Park, alongside Syracuse University, providing an excellent blend of outdoor and urban activities. The convenience of a rental car means you can manage your luggage easily and adapt your travel plans to suit your needs. Whether you're an adventurous road tripper or a family traveler, having a car allows you to explore both city and outdoor experiences without the constraints of public transportation. Embrace the flexibility of a rental car and make the most of your trip to Syracuse and its surrounding areas.

Most popular car rentals in Syracuse

• Economy: The Economy car is a favorite among travelers looking for an affordable and efficient option. It comfortably fits 5 travelers along with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. This car type is perfect for navigating the city of Syracuse and its surroundings, allowing you to explore attractions at your own pace while managing luggage with ease.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a versatile choice that fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly popular among families, couples, or small groups who appreciate the extra space and comfort it provides. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, a Midsize SUV combines practicality with the freedom to explore the outdoor experiences Syracuse has to offer.
• Fullsize: For those traveling in larger groups or with more gear, the Fullsize car is an excellent option. It can fit up to 5 travelers with the capacity to hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for families and groups who need ample space for luggage and personal items. The Fullsize car allows for a comfortable journey while you discover the attractions in and around Syracuse without feeling cramped.

Top rated car suppliers in Syracuse

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers in Syracuse, thanks to its convenient rental location in the area. Known for their well-maintained fleet, the most booked vehicles are Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, providing flexibility and comfort for your journey. Customers appreciate Hertz for its efficient service and straightforward rental process, making it a reliable option for exploring the attractions around Syracuse.
• Enterprise: Enterprise is highly regarded for its exceptional customer service and wide selection of vehicles, with a rental location in Syracuse. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars for their spaciousness and comfort. The company is praised for its friendly staff and smooth check-in experience, ensuring that your rental process is seamless and enjoyable as you embark on your adventure in and around the city.
• Budget: Budget offers a solid option for car rentals in Syracuse, with a single rental location available. Their most popular choices include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, which cater well to both individuals and families. Customers appreciate Budget for its competitive pricing and straightforward rental process, making it an appealing choice for those looking to explore Syracuse and its surroundings at their own pace.

Where to go in and around Syracuse

• East Syracuse: Located 4 miles from Syracuse, East Syracuse offers a blend of outdoor, family, and city experiences. Visitors peak in April and July to August, drawn by attractions such as Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, and The Oncenter. You can explore educational venues and enjoy events at the local fairground, making it a great spot for both culture and recreation.
• Liverpool: Situated 5 miles from Syracuse, Liverpool is a vibrant city ideal for family and outdoor activities. Visitor numbers peak in April, July, and September. Key points of interest include the New York State Fairgrounds for outdoor fun, and Onondaga Lake Park for urban park experiences. Syracuse University also adds to the educational offerings in the area, making Liverpool a well-rounded choice for travelers.
• Eastside: This neighborhood around Syracuse is known for its cultural, city, and outdoor experiences. Visitor numbers peak from July to August and in October. Highlights include Syracuse University and The Oncenter, known for its cultural significance. Armory Square is a modern area where you can enjoy a variety of city experiences, making Eastside an attractive option for visitors.

10 tips to save on your Syracuse car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for warm weather, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well before your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides you with peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning to take long road trips, search for 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 Syracuse

The best value period to rent a car in and around Syracuse is January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. February and March also offer affordable options, maintaining average pricing with low demand. As spring approaches, April and May see average prices and demand levels, making them decent choices as well. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly higher rental rates, while June through August are also busy periods for rentals.

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	Average	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	Slightly High	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

Car rental prices in Syracuse

Car rental prices in Syracuse, NY start around $61* per day in 2026. The cost of vehicle rental in Syracuse is influenced by several factors, such as the car itself, the rental period, and the time of year. Syracuse is known as a college town, so prices may increase around the fall as many students return to campus, or in spring when families and friends flock to the city to celebrate graduation. By booking early with Expedia, you can find some of the best car rental deals in Syracuse and enjoy exploring Downtown Syracuse, Westside, and more.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Syracuse

If you're looking for cheap rental cars in Syracuse, use Expedia search filters to find great offers. Filter by "Great deal" to show some of the lowest available prices for a Syracuse rental car. If you're certain nothing stands in the way between you and your next trip to Syracuse, paying in advance can net you cheaper car rental prices compared to paying later. The season also plays a role: by visiting Syracuse in the winter months when fewer tourists are heading to the city and nearby Lake Ontario and Lake Onondaga, you may find even better Expedia car rental deals. Customers who have a discount code or coupon can filter to see offers from the participating rental car company, and AARP members can apply their exclusive rates to search results and at check-out.

Best car rental companies in Syracuse

There are plenty of reputable car rental companies in Syracuse to choose from. Use Expedia to compare offers from providers like Dollar Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Enterprise, and more. You can view the most highly recommended companies or filter your search by brand or location. While there's no best rental car company for everyone, finding the best car rental company in Syracuse for your needs is easy with Expedia.

Best places to rent a car in Syracuse

If you're flying directly into Syracuse, you probably want a car rental in Syracuse Hancock International Airport, located about five miles from the city's center. You'll also be able to find excellent airport car rental deals by picking up your car there. Those heading towards Syracuse University might prefer convenient pick-up and drop-off for their car rental in Westside, Syracuse. Expedia also allows you to view convenient pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Syracuse on a map or to filter by distance and location, so finding a car hire in Syracuse that's nearby is a breeze.

Syracuse car rental types

The best type of car rental in Syracuse depends on you: vacationers spending time in the great outdoors around Lake Ontario might prefer a truck or an SUV car rental, whereas a small economy car rental is great for getting around and parking downtown. If Syracuse is your base for a romantic getaway to nearby Niagara Falls, consider a luxury car rental in Syracuse to increase the unique ambiance of the trip. Whether you need all-wheel drive or are looking for rental cars in Syracuse to transport the whole family around, with Expedia you can filter your rental car search results to fit the adventure you have planned, while comparing prices, features, and payment options from different companies.

Advice on car rental in Syracuse as an American

For a successful car rental in Syracuse, keep in mind that you will need a valid driver's license and credit card with the same name – you usually can't rent a car without a credit card. While Americans can normally start driving around 16 years of age, to rent a car in Syracuse you'll need to be at least 21 years old. Another thing to bear in mind is that a surcharge is typically applied to drivers under the age of 25. You'll also need to consider the level of insurance you want, and if you need to take out additional insurance. You can visit the detail page of the Expedia car rental deals you find in Syracuse for more information and to view the full terms, conditions, and policies of each offer.

Benefits of booking a car rental in Syracuse with Expedia

By using Expedia's search to compare offers and find Syracuse car rental deals that fit your chosen criteria, you can find great offers around $61*. If you rent a car in Syracuse, you can drive yourself around the city to experience Syracuse like a local and have more opportunities to explore downtown and get out in nature. See the waterfalls of Pratt's Falls or Chittenango Falls State Park or go golfing at nearby courses before you sample the many dining and entertainment options in the Syracuse area. Expedia makes it easy to find a Syracuse car rental with flexible cancellation policies and payment options. If you have the option to pay at pick-up or to reserve and check-in for the car rental online, that information is visible in your Expedia search results to make decision-making easier.