How to find a cheap car hire deal in Albany
Searching for a cheap rental car in Albany? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging $141 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can search less, save more, and feel good about what you paid.
$79 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Albany.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from $335 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Albany car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
Dollar, Budget and Hertz are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage Dollar or another supplier includes with your Albany car hire can differ, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $151 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around $164.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $169 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're unsure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Albany.
Flying to Albany? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Albany, make tracks sooner by booking a car hire at Albany International Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Albany
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Albany gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Albany car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Albany that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Albany car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so always compare your options.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Albany.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Albany car hire booking.
Come prepared to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in Albany for drivers
Offering parking, TownePlace Suites Albany Downtown/Medical Centre gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Albany and also comes with a lounge and luggage storage.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Morgan State House Inn. The city centre is roughly 0.97 kilometres from this stay, which also features internet access and express check-in.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the lineup of hotels in Albany. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Albany and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Get things started with top attractions such as Erie Canal System, Hudson Valley and Albany Institute of History & Art.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Albany
Around 24 kilometres northwest of central Albany, Schenectady deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Museum of Innovation and Science and Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.
The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino & Resort and Executive Inn Schenectady Downtown are recommended accommodation options with parking in Schenectady.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Albany and travel roughly 48 kilometres southeast to Pittsfield. Featuring Berkshire Museum and Whitney Centre for the Arts, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Pittsfield has some great accommodation options including The Yankee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lenox. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Want to head even further out? Newark is a top road trip destination that's around 209 kilometres south of Albany. Plan to make a few pit stops at New Jersey Performing Arts Centre and Newark Symphony Hall.
Browse the room options at Holiday Inn Newark International Airport or Robert Treat Hotel. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Newark has to offer. They also offer parking.
