Car hire in Ithaca, United States

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Choose from 8 pick-up spots

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There are 8 car hire providers in Ithaca. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Ithaca

Hiring a car in Ithaca: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carCompact, Crossover
Average daily price$111
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Ithaca

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Ithaca car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ithaca

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Ithaca and be on your way for around $111 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find the right home for your plans.

  • $81 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a home in Ithaca.

  • Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $563 is the best rate for a weekly home.

  • Land the best price on a Ithaca car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Check out the offers available from well-known providers like Avis and Budget.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Ithaca car hire policy, whether with Avis or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Ithaca.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find homes with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of $177 a day.

  • Coming in second is this provider, offering daily rates of around $185.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $186 a day with this supplier.

  • The Compact home category is a dependable pick if you're not sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Ithaca.

Flying to Ithaca? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Ithaca Airport. If you're flying to Ithaca through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 8 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Ithaca

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the home that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Ithaca car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Ithaca handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Ithaca car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between home providers, so always compare your options.

  • Level up your ride with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Ithaca.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • If the kids are coming with you, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Ithaca car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.

  • You'll need some documents when you get to the home desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.

  • Take a few moments to get used to your home. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.

  • Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.

  • Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.

  • The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.

Best hotels in Ithaca for drivers

  • Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time relaxing at The Springwater Inn Motel. Around 6 kilometres from central Ithaca, it comes with parking, express check-out and express check-in.

  • The Dorm Hotel keeps guests happy with parking and features such as Wi-Fi and a lobby bar. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Ithaca for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Ithaca and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Ithaca Falls Trail, Ithaca Falls and Ithaca Falls Natural Area are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Ithaca

  • Navigate your way to Syracuse. Around 72 kilometres northeast of central Ithaca, it's home to must-do sights like Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

  • You'll be well taken care of at Collegian Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Marriott Syracuse Downtown, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Syracuse.

  • Add Binghamton to your holiday plans too. Grab your cheap car hire in Ithaca and drive roughly 64 kilometres southeast to take in hot spots like Roberson Museum and Science Centre and Tri-Cities Opera.

  • Relax after a big day out in Binghamton at Red Roof Inn Binghamton - Johnson City or Residence Inn Binghamton. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Newark, around 274 kilometres southeast of Ithaca. First, swing past New Jersey Performing Arts Centre, then follow it up with Newark Symphony Hall.

  • Drift off to sleep in Newark at either Holiday Inn Newark International Airport by IHG or Robert Treat Hotel. They've got a room waiting for you and parking availability too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Ithaca will set you back around $111 per day or $774 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Ithaca is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Compact, Crossover.
The cheapest car hire companies in Ithaca are currently Budget and Avis.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Ithaca is currently February.
On average, around $774. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Ithaca is $563.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Ithaca for a whole month is $5,126. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Ithaca, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Ithaca that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Ithaca.
Most places – Ithaca included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $100 per day. The average price per day is around $189.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Hertz and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Budget as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Ithaca.