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Car rental Albany
At a glance
Locations: Find all Hertz pick-up locations in Albany, including at Albany International Airport.
Fleet: Browse the full range of rental cars in Albany and find the right one for your trip.
Things to do: Discover the best restaurant for seasonal dining in Albany and where to find incredible views of the Capital Region.
FAQs: Everything you need to know about driving your rental car in Albany, from one-way options to long-term rental and the best places to park for free.
Renting a car at Albany
Get around Albany, New York, with a Hertz car rental. From the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza to Washington Park, there's plenty to see in New York State's historic Capital City.
Renting a car makes it easy to experience Albany and the surrounding Capital Region. You can pick up your vehicle from Albany International Airport, just a short drive from downtown, making it convenient to start your trip as soon as you arrive.
Whether you're visiting Albany for business, touring local colleges, or exploring upstate New York, a rental car gives you the freedom to travel on your schedule. Browse the fleet and book your Albany car rental today.
Albany rental car options
Popular vehicles to rent in Albany
Things to do in Albany
John Boyd Thacher State Park
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186
John Boyd Thacher State Park, about a half-hour from downtown Albany, is worth a look for its amazing fossil-bearing rock formations and special Indian Ladder Trail. The overlook along the Helderberg Escarpment has one of the best views in the Capital Region, especially around sunset, and there are easy trails if you just want to stretch your legs or longer hikes if you’re up for it. Locals go for the scenery, picnics, and fresh air, not because it’s a tourist checklist stop. It feels like getting out of the city without going very far.
Josie’s Table
1475 Western Avenue in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY 12203
Make the most of your rental car in Albany and head to Josie's Table on Western Avenue. It's a little removed from downtown, parking is easy, and the understated monochrome interior means the locally sourced ingredients take center stage. The farm-to-table menu is ever-changing with the seasons, but firm favorites like burgers and steaks are available year-round. Save room for whatever seasonal dessert they're running – it rarely misses.
Hampton Inn Albany-Western Ave/University Area
1442 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
This spacious hotel is minutes from the highways, meaning you won’t have to deal with downtown traffic every time you head out. Free parking is a big plus, and the included breakfast makes early starts easy. The Hampton Inn’s rooms are consistently comfortable, and there's an indoor pool and fitness center if you want to unwind after a day on the road. This practical, reliable hotel puts you in a better spot for exploring the area by car.
Long term car rental
Reserve a long-term car rental in Albany if you're planning to be in the Capital Region for a while. It's a practical option if you're in town for a temporary work assignment, a college semester, or an extended stay with family. It also comes in handy if you're waiting for a new car to arrive or your own vehicle is in the shop. A long-term rental gives you the flexibility to get around Albany without the commitment of buying or leasing a car.
One-way car rental
A one-way car rental is a convenient option if you're planning a road trip from Albany without returning to where you started. Whether you're heading to New York City, the Adirondacks, Boston, or beyond, you can simply drop your rental off at your final destination and continue your journey. Hertz offers flexible one-way rentals, making it easy to travel on your schedule without the hassle of driving back.
Business rental
Book a business car rental for your work trip to Albany. Whether you're visiting government offices, meeting clients, or travelling between business parks across the Capital Region, having your own vehicle makes getting around straightforward. Choose from our wide range of cars, SUVs, and premium models to suit your schedule and travel needs. Reserve your business car rental with Hertz today and enjoy the flexibility to travel on your terms.
Popular road trips from Albany
Albany to Saratoga Springs
37 miles & 40 minutes
Take I-87 North through Clifton Park and Malta before arriving in Saratoga Springs. Spend the day exploring Broadway's boutiques and restaurants, stroll through Congress Park, tour Saratoga Race Course during the racing season, or unwind at the city's famous mineral springs.
Albany to Lake Placid
141 miles & two hours and 30 minutes
Follow I-87 North through the Adirondacks, passing Glens Falls, Lake George and Keene Valley. Once in Lake Placid, ride the Olympic gondola at Whiteface Mountain, visit the Olympic Center, paddle Mirror Lake, or browse the shops and cafés along Main Street.
Albany to Burlington, Vermont
155 miles & two hours and 45 minutes
Travel north on I-87 before crossing Lake Champlain by bridge or seasonal ferry into Vermont. Continue through Middlebury before reaching Burlington. Explore the Church Street Marketplace, walk the Lake Champlain waterfront, or catch sunset views from Waterfront Park.
FAQs when renting a car in Albany
How much is it to rent a car in Albany, New York?
Car rental prices in Albany vary depending on the time of year, vehicle type, and how far you book in advance. Economy cars are typically the most affordable option, while SUVs and premium models can cost more. Booking early and remaining flexible with your dates can often help you secure a better rate.
Do I need a car in Albany, NY?
A car is highly recommended if you want to explore beyond just the city center and experience all that Albany has to offer. Popular destinations like Thacher State Park, Saratoga Springs, and the Adirondacks are much easier to reach by car than by public transport.
How easy is it to drive in New York?
Driving in Albany is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads and lighter traffic than larger cities such as New York City. Highways including I-87 and I-90 make it easy to travel throughout the Capital Region. Winter weather can bring snow and ice, so extra care is needed during colder months.
Is street parking free in Albany, NY?
Some residential streets in Albany offer free parking, but much of downtown has metered parking or time restrictions during the day. Free parking is often available during evenings, weekends, or on certain holidays. Always check posted signs carefully, as rules vary by street and neighborhood.
How to pay for parking in Albany, NY?
Parking in Albany can be paid for using parking meters, pay stations, or mobile payment apps in many downtown locations. Most meters accept credit or debit cards, and many also allow payment through smartphone apps, making it easy to extend your parking session without returning to your vehicle.
