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 and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Buttermilk Falls State Park, renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures, located just a short drive away. Families can enjoy the Cornell Botanic Gardens, perfect for leisurely strolls and romantic experiences, also accessible with your rental car. For eco-friendly enthusiasts, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Exploring nearby areas like South Hill and Cayuga Heights is convenient with a car, allowing you to access popular destinations like Robert H. Treman State Park without the hassle of public transport. Whether you are travelling with family, seeking outdoor adventures, or enjoying a romantic getaway, a rental car simplifies luggage management and offers the flexibility to adapt your travel plans as you discover the beauty of Ithaca and its nearby attractions. This convenience enhances the overall experience of your trip, making it easier to create lasting memories.

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 operates one rental location in Ithaca and is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility during their trip. The most booked vehicles with Avis include Midsize SUVs and Midsize cars, making it an excellent option for those looking for comfort and space. Customers appreciate the convenience offered by Avis, allowing them to explore the attractions around Ithaca at their own pace. With a focus on maintaining a well-kept fleet, Avis ensures that travellers have a reliable vehicle for their journey.
• Budget: Budget also features a single rental location in Ithaca, providing travellers with a solid selection of vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize and Fullsize cars, catering to various needs whether it’s for a solo trip or a family getaway. Budget is recognized for offering competitive pricing, making it an appealing choice for those wishing to manage their travel expenses effectively. With a straightforward rental process, Budget allows visitors to enjoy their time in and around Ithaca without hassle.

Where to stay in and around Ithaca

• Lansing: Located 17 km from Ithaca, Lansing offers a picturesque experience for those seeking outdoor activities and romantic scenery. Key attractions include the stunning Salmon Creek Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy urban parks such as Lansing Park, ideal for family outings. The area also features nearby wineries and breweries, enhancing the local culinary experience.
• South Hill: Nestled around Ithaca, South Hill presents a blend of outdoor activities and city charm. Attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park provide breathtaking scenery and adventure opportunities. The neighbourhood is home to Butterfield Stadium, catering to sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also indulge in local wineries and coffee shops, making it a delightful place to stay.
• Newfield: Situated 13 km from Ithaca, Newfield is a haven for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. With attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, visitors can immerse themselves in nature's beauty. The Newfield Public Library adds a cultural touch to the area. Local wineries and distilleries offer a taste of regional flavours, making it an appealing choice for a stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary according to demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and have access to a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your 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 additional charges. This option is typically the most advantageous. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this might be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected costs and offers peace of mind if unforeseen events occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting 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