Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant attractions make it a great place to explore by car, especially if you’re traveling with family or venturing beyond Manhattan. However, with so many rental companies and pricing variations, it helps to know what to expect before you book. This guide breaks down major players, independent firms and moneysaving strategies so you can find the right vehicle for your itinerary – whether you’re searching for cheap car rentals Brooklyn NY or simply want to compare options. 

Major Companies With Brooklyn Locations 

National chains like Enterprise, Hertz and Budget have numerous neighborhood offices throughout Brooklyn. Kayak’s price analysis shows that small cars (e.g., Ford Focus or similar) are the most popular category for rentals in Brooklyn, and they’re about 61 % cheaper than larger vehicle classes. Booking about a week in advance usually secures rates below the average. Kayak’s data also highlights Ace, Sixt and Avis as some of the cheapest rental options, with daily rates starting around $17.44 to $33. If you want a strong customerservice reputation, Hertz, Enterprise and Ace are among the toprated companies based on user reviews. Enterprise operates the most locations in Brooklyn (12), which can be useful if you prefer picking up near your hotel rather than at an airport. 

A broader look at New York City confirms that airport rentals at JFK are generally cheaper than those at Newark or LaGuardia. However, UpgradedPoints notes that neighborhood offices outside Manhattan tend to offer lower rates than those in downtown Manhattan. This means renting in Brooklyn can be more budgetfriendly than picking up a vehicle in Midtown, though it’s worth comparing prices with airport locations and factoring in transport costs. 

Independent and Local Providers 

Beyond the national chains, several locally owned rental companies serve Brooklyn residents and visitors. Here are a few noteworthy options: 

• Empire Rent A Car – Established in 1970, this familyrun company operates 11 locations across New York City, including one at 835 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn. Empire provides cars, SUVs, vans, trucks and specialty vehicles, offers airport pickup, curbside delivery and accepts cash and debit payments. Their motto, “Making renting easy,” reflects their focus on customer service and transparent pricing. 
• AAMCAR – Serving the Upper West Side and Manhattan for more than 25 years, AAMCAR operates two locations (96th Street and 181st Street). They offer sedans, SUVs, cargo vans, minivans and 15passenger vans without hidden fees. AAMCAR accepts debit cards and cash, delivers 15seat vans to all New York airports, guarantees reservations, maintains vehicles on site and prides itself on answering phones quickly. 
• Drivo Rent A Car – Drivo has a branch at 3221 Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn and focuses on flexible rentals for both leisure and business. Their blog offers detailed tips, including selecting smaller cars to navigate narrow streets, booking early to avoid peakseason queues and checking for hidden toll fees. 
• Ez Rental – Located at 4919 20th Avenue in Brooklyn, Ez Rental provides cars, SUVs, vans and luxury vehicles. Details on pricing are limited, but being a neighborhood company, rates may be competitive compared to airport counters. 

Other companies listed by CarRentalExpress include Drive Tristate (based at LaGuardia Airport), A & M Car Rental and AllCar Rent A Car. These smaller firms often cater to specific neighborhoods and may offer lower rates for local drivers. It’s worth checking their websites or calling directly to compare deals. 

What Affects Prices? 

New York’s rental rates fluctuate by season. January tends to be the cheapest month to rent in Brooklyn (averaging around $45 per day), while August is the most expensive (about $85 per day). According to Kayak, 25 % of users found rentals for $59 or less. These averages help set expectations, but your final price will also depend on vehicle class, rental duration, pickup location and whether you’re under age 25 (younger drivers often face surcharges). Overall average for New York City rentals is around $50 per day, though smaller cars can cost much less. 

Neighborhood offices outside Manhattan may offer better deals, particularly if you’re willing to pick up in Brooklyn rather than at an airport. However, some travelers prefer airport rentals for convenience; UpgradedPoints found JFK to be the cheapest of the three major NYC airports. 

Tips for Affordable Car Rentals in Brooklyn 

1. Book Early and Choose the Right Size: Both Kayak and Drivo emphasize booking about a week ahead to secure belowaverage prices. Drivo also notes that smaller cars are easier to park and often cheaper. 
2. Compare Neighborhood vs. Airport Rates: Check rates at neighborhood offices outside Manhattan. If you’re flying into JFK and plan to explore Long Island or upstate, an airport rental can still be costeffective. 
3. Check for Hidden Fees: Ask rental companies about toll programs and additional driver fees. Drivo points out that tolls are frequent on New York highways and can add up. Some companies offer prepaid fuel options to avoid latereturn penalties. 
4. Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving off, inspect the car for scratches or damage and ensure the airconditioning, heat and audio systems work properly. Take photos of any issues to avoid being charged later. 
5. Know the Minimum Age and Payment Policies: Empire Rent A Car allows drivers as young as 18 and accepts cash, while AAMCAR requires drivers to be at least 23. Major chains often require drivers to be 21 or 25 and place holds on credit cards. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license; international visitors may need an International Driving Permit. 
6. Consider Membership Discounts and LongTerm Rentals: Drivo suggests checking memberships (credit card benefits, alumni associations, professional groups) for discounts. Longterm rentals often come with lower daily rates, so if you need a car for a week or more, look for extendedhire specials. 
7. Avoid Manhattan’s Congestion if Possible: UpgradedPoints notes that if you’re staying in Manhattan, you might not need a car at all. Traffic and parking are stressful, so many visitors prefer to base themselves in Brooklyn only when planning day trips to other boroughs or upstate. 

Making the Most of Your Rental 

When you pick up the car, bring your driver’s license, a credit card for the deposit and any booking confirmation documents. Record the fuel level and any damage, adjust your mirrors and connect your smartphone to the vehicle’s audio system. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws—many Brooklyn streets are oneway, and alternateside parking rules change frequently. 

If you’re venturing beyond the city, consider toll passes like EZPass to avoid manual toll booths, and factor in toll costs when planning your budget. For drivers with young families, bring your own child seats or confirm that the rental agency provides them. 

Finally, keep an eye on seasonal promotions. Empire Rent A Car occasionally offers discounted rates and pickups during holiday periods. AAMCAR provides special deals on 15passenger vans and longweekend rentals, which can make a big difference for group travel.