Ithaca Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ithaca

Renting a car in Ithaca offers the freedom to explore the city and its stunning surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Buttermilk Falls State Park, known for its outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, as well as the Cornell Botanic Gardens, ideal for family outings and romantic strolls. The convenience of having a car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, which is particularly beneficial for families or those with specific itineraries. You can also explore different neighbourhoods like South Hill and Northwest Ithaca, both featuring numerous parks and the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Whether you're seeking adventure in nature or a peaceful retreat in a botanical garden, a rental car provides the means to access these experiences without the constraints of public transport. Moreover, visiting nearby areas like Cayuga Heights becomes effortless, allowing you to immerse yourself in Ithaca's picturesque landscapes and local culture. Overall, a rental car enhances your travel experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Ithaca

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for those travelling in groups or with family. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV offers a balance of comfort and practicality. It is ideal for navigating both urban settings and scenic drives, allowing you the freedom to explore Ithaca and its surroundings with ease.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is perfect for families or larger groups seeking ample space. It comfortably accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it a versatile option for those with more luggage. This option ensures you can travel together without feeling cramped, all while enjoying the flexibility of your itinerary in and around Ithaca.
• Compact: For solo travellers or couples, the compact car is an excellent choice. It accommodates 5 travellers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it a practical option for those who prefer a smaller vehicle. Compact cars are particularly well-suited for city driving and parking, providing a convenient way to navigate Ithaca while keeping your travel plans flexible.

Top rated car suppliers in Ithaca

• Avis: Avis has established a solid presence in Ithaca with one rental location, making it a convenient choice for travellers. The most booked vehicles from Avis include Midsize SUVs and Midsize cars, providing options that balance comfort and practicality for your journey. With Avis, you can enjoy the flexibility to explore the beautiful attractions in and around Ithaca at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget also features a single rental location in Ithaca, offering an excellent selection of vehicles at competitive rates. The most popular choices with Budget are Midsize and Fullsize cars, ideal for those looking for spacious options to accommodate luggage and passengers. Renting from Budget ensures you can comfortably navigate your itinerary while discovering the picturesque surroundings of Ithaca.

Where to stay in and around Ithaca

• Lansing: Located 17 km from Ithaca, Lansing is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic scenery. You can explore attractions such as the stunning Salmon Creek Falls and the breathtaking Taughannock Falls State Park, both perfect for adventure holidays. Lansing Park offers a lovely urban escape for families and city enthusiasts. There are also excellent options for food and drink, including local wineries and breweries to enjoy.
• South Hill: This charming neighbourhood around Ithaca is known for its picturesque scenery and vibrant city atmosphere. Within proximity, you’ll find the impressive Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, both offering outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. South Hill also has a thriving local scene, with shops, cafes, and a stadium for sports enthusiasts, making it a lively place to stay.
• Newfield: Situated 13 km from Ithaca, Newfield is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor experiences and captivating scenery. Explore the local attractions like the Newfield Public Library for family and cultural activities, alongside the scenic Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, ideal for adventure seekers. The area also features delightful wineries and distilleries for those looking to unwind with a drink.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Ithaca

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to assist you in locating the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally less expensive to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may be unavailable. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides additional peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ithaca

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ithaca is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. Following closely, July stands out as a quiet month with low demand and moderately low prices. February tends to be the busiest month, with higher demand and moderately low prices. However, June usually sees the highest prices amid moderately high demand, making it the most expensive time for rentals. The months of October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.2°F (-4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
February	24.8°F (-4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately Low
March	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
June	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
August	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
December	30.2°F (-1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average