Car rental in Ithaca, United States

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Find cheap car rentals in Ithaca

These are the cheapest Ithaca car rental prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

When's the cheapest time to rent a car in Ithaca?

Our data shows that May is the cheapest month to rent a car in Ithaca. It's around $56 per day in May, compared to the yearly average of $72 per day.
Cheapest month avgMay • $56
Yearly average price$72

Select your Ithaca pickup location

There are 10 car rental providers in Ithaca. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

Car rental pickup spots in Ithaca

Compare car rental prices at airports, train stations, and in different neighborhoods across Ithaca. You might find a better price, or the perfect pickup point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Ithaca

Budget
Avis
Enterprise
Hertz
Surprice
Turo

What's the most popular car to rent in Ithaca?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Chevrolet Equinox is the most popular car to rent in Ithaca, with prices starting from $64 per day. The Mazda CX-50 and similar models are also popular choices in Ithaca.
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox29% chose this
Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-5029% chose this
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry15% chose this
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla15% chose this
Most popular carChevrolet Equinox
Why?Spacious, practical, good for families

Ithaca's cheapest car rental providers

Hertz has the cheapest car rental in Ithaca right now, with prices from $64 per day. You'll save an average of per day when you book with them.
Hertzfrom $64 per day
Avisfrom $64 per day
Budgetfrom $64 per day
Cheapest providerHertz

Renting a car in Ithaca: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyBudget
Most popular carLarge, fullsize
Average daily price$134
Best time to book1 week 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 rental 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 rental deal in Ithaca

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Ithaca and be on your way for around $134 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.

  • $64 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Ithaca.

  • Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $445 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • 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 rental 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 rental. 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 rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.

Best value car rental options right now

  • Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of $95 a day.

  • Coming in second is this provider, offering daily rates of around $90.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $108 a day with this supplier.

  • The Large rental 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 rental 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 center is about 8 kilometers and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car rental 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 rental 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 rental 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 rental 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 rental 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 rental 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 rental. 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 kilometers 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 kilometers from the city center.

  • 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 rental 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 kilometers 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 vacation plans too. Grab your cheap car rental in Ithaca and drive roughly 64 kilometers southeast to take in hot spots like Roberson Museum and Science Center 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 kilometers southeast of Ithaca. First, swing past New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 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

The average car rental cost in Ithaca is $134 per day, or $932 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a great deal, the lowest price we found is $64 per day for Small rental from Avis. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: $106 per day.
Cheapest price found: $64 per day.
SUV
Average price: $170 per day.
Cheapest price found: $89 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: $167 per day.
Cheapest price found: $131 per day.
The cheapest car to rent in Ithaca is Small, economy. The most popular is Large, fullsize.
The cheapest car rental companies in Ithaca are currently Budget and Hertz.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Ithaca is currently March.
On average, around $932. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Ithaca is $445.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Ithaca for a whole month is $3,317. 

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 rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Ithaca that have free cancellation
If you’ve booked a car rental with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the rental company, but it’s typically around 48 hours before pickup. If you cancel after that, you may be charged. If your booking doesn’t include free cancellation, you’ll need to check the rental company’s cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.
Yes. Most car rental companies in Ithaca offer same-day car rentals. If you're looking for a last-minute rental car in Ithaca, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.
The best time to book a rental car in Ithaca is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed, and last-minute availability is often more limited.
A good deal for a rental car in Ithaca is usually around $100 per day or less. That’s about 25% cheaper than the average price in Ithaca, which is $134 per day. The lowest price we’ve found in Ithaca is $64 per day with Avis for Small rental.
It depends on the car rental company. Some companies in Ithaca will let you drive your rental car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it. If you're planning to cross a border, check with the car rental company before you travel. Driving your rental car abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.
It depends on the rental company. Some accept debit cards, others require a credit card. Either way, you’ll need enough money on your card to cover a security deposit, which you’ll get back when you return the car.
Electric cars aren't currently available to rent in Ithaca. More electric cars are becoming available, so that could change in the future. If you're still looking for a lower-emission option, you can compare hybrid cars on Skyscanner.
The easiest way to compare rental car prices in Ithaca is to look at lots of companies at once rather than checking each one individually. Skyscanner searches 7 rental companies and compares prices across 84 available cars so you don’t have to.
Public transportation 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, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Ithaca.
Yes, you can rent a car in Ithaca from the age of 21. You'll need a valid driver's license and the usual ID. If you're under 25, you might need to pay a young driver fee, and some car rental companies only let you book certain vehicle types. When you search on Skyscanner, just enter your age and we'll show you the options available.
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $64 per day. The average price per day is around $106.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Budget, Avis and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
The best car rental company depends on what's most important to you. If customer ratings are your priority, here are some of the highest-rated car rental companies in Ithaca based on Skyscanner reviews. We've also included their average daily prices to help you compare your options.
Avis
1.0/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: $95
Turo
1.0/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: $90
Budget
1.0/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: $108
Large rentals—like the Chevrolet Malibu—average $134 per day in Ithaca. According to our data, the lowest price for Large rentals in Ithaca right now is $77 per day with Enterprise.
Luxury car rental, like the Ford F-150, costs an average of $167 per day in Ithaca. The cheapest price we could find is $131 per day with Enterprise.
Medium car rental, which is usually something like the Kia Soul, averages $87 per day in Ithaca. The lowest price we found for Medium car rental in Ithaca is $64 per day with Avis.
Yes. Most car rental companies in Ithaca let you add an extra driver. You usually need to pay an additional driver fee, which costs around $13 per day. Some companies include an additional driver at no extra cost, so check the details before you book.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Ithaca.