North America > United States > New York (JFK)
The Car or no Car advice for New York can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in New York ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in New York ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in New York?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
New York is a city that moves — not with cars, but with subways, yellow cabs, ferries, and pure energy. Streets are crowded, parking costs a fortune, and traffic is practically a spectator sport.
🚫 Do NOT rent a car if you’re staying in New York City.
✅ Only consider a car if you are leaving the city to explore upstate New York or surrounding states.
Let’s break it down so you can make the right call on the question of should you rent a car in New York.
🚆 Why You Should Skip the Car in NYC
New York’s public transport system is one of the best in the world — and it’s faster than driving for almost every city journey.
🚇 Benefits of Going Car-Free:
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The subway runs 24/7 and connects all major attractions
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Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are everywhere
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Walking is often faster than driving in central Manhattan
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Parking garages cost $50–$80 per day
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Hotels often don’t include parking
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Tolls and traffic congestion charges add up quickly
➡ In NYC, the car isn’t a convenience — it’s a burden.
🚶 Perfectly Car-Free Activities
You can easily reach everything without a car:
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Times Square
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Central Park
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Broadway theatres
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9/11 Memorial & Financial District
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Statue of Liberty Ferry
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Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo
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Museums (Met, MoMA, Guggenheim)
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Hudson Yards & The High Line
Just use the subway, walk, or hop in a cab.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A car only becomes useful if you’re leaving the city and exploring outside New York.
✅ Consider a Car If You’re Heading To:
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Hudson Valley (wine country, hiking, fall foliage)
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The Hamptons or Montauk (beaches)
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Niagara Falls (multi-day trip)
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New England road trip (Boston, Vermont, Maine)
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Upstate towns like Woodstock, Lake Placid, or the Catskills
➡ Once you exit NYC, driving becomes a pleasure—not a problem.
🧭 Quick Decision Table
| Your Trip Style | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Manhattan sightseeing | ❌ No |
| Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx exploration | ❌ No |
| Business trip in the city | ❌ No |
| Staying near Times Square or Central Park | ❌ No |
| Upstate NY road trip | ✅ Yes |
| Driving to Boston, Hamptons, Niagara | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Final Verdict
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🚫 Skip the car if you’re staying within the five boroughs. You’ll travel faster by subway and save a lot of money and stress.
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✅ Rent a car if you’re using New York City as a launchpad for a road trip beyond the city.
🗽 In New York, the real power move isn’t driving — it’s not needing a car at all.
