Car rental LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Once you’ve collected your hire car at LaGuardia Airport you’ll find yourself connected to the city via the Grand Central Parkway, which loops through Queens to the east and joins Interstate 278 to the west, towards Manhattan. The I-278 also runs south from the airport to Brooklyn and Staten Island.

If you’re travelling into Queens, you can join the I-495, which runs right through this part of the city and carries on through to Long Island. Head east of the Grand Central Parkway to reach the Bronx, carrying on north on the I-678 across Whitestone Bridge.

With car rental from LaGuardia Airport, you’ll also be able to head out of the city to explore other destinations nearby. Newark, New Jersey, is just 46km from the airport, while the state capital Albany is around 250km north on I-87. Philadelphia is around 180km from the airport along I-95 heading south.

The speed limit in most parts of New York City is 25mph (40km/h) unless otherwise signposted. If you’re driving around Manhattan during your stay, be sure to allow plenty of time for your journey, especially if travelling during the morning or evening rush hour, when the roads can become heavily congested.

The grid network of New York streets means that finding your way around is relatively easy, even if it is sometimes busy. You’ll find on-street parking available throughout New York, with maximum times varying from one hour to 14 hours. Be sure to follow the posted rules and meter instructions closely, as these are strictly enforced by the NYC Department of Transportation all across the city. 

New York City is bursting with life, from its high-end theatres to its grand architectural marvels, but just beyond this great city lies an abundance of attractions of its own. You’ll be able to easily explore New York City and beyond when you rent a car at LaGuardia Airport.

Art and culture

New York City is home to some of the world’s finest cultural institutions, so you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re an art or music lover. Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to take in works by Dali, Van Gogh, Warhol and many more, or head for the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) where you can see instantly-recognisable works such as the Madonna and Child and the Death of Socrates.

Broadway is another major cultural attraction. Spend a mesmerising evening in one of its many theatres to enjoy a dazzling show – from big-name blockbusters to cutting-edge productions, there’s something to suit all tastes. If you don’t have tickets, it’s still worth walking around Times Square to soak up the atmosphere and watch street performers entertain the crowds in their droves.

Architectural highlights

For outstanding views of the city, head to the Empire State Building. There’s an observatory on its 86^th floor where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and of course the Statue of Liberty. On the 80^th floor, you’ll find the Dare to Dream exhibit, showcasing how this magnificent skyscraper was built in the 1930s.

If you want a closer look at the Statue of Liberty, take the famous Staten Island Ferry or one of the dedicated boat tours for transport across to Liberty Island. Here you can explore the grounds, shop for merchandise or climb up to the observation pedestal at 10 storeys up. If you’ve really got a head for heights, you can reserve tickets to venture all the way up to Lady Liberty’s crown.

On the waterfront

Central Park might be the biggest and most famous park in the city but Hudson River Park, on Manhattan’s west side, is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Founded in 1998, it’s the second largest park in the city, spanning 550 acres of parkland and 400 water acres.

You’ll find scenic paths where you can walk or cycle along the river, and playgrounds to keep kids entertained. Enjoy the view with a meal at a stylish restaurant, take advantage of the sports facilities including volleyball and tennis courts, or just relax and watch the world go by.

Further afield

With Hertz car rental, you’ll be free to explore some of the wider parts of the city, such as Newark, which lies just a short distance from Manhattan across the Hudson River. It’s home to the Newark Museum, housing a diverse range of artefacts including one of the most important collections of Buddhist treasures anywhere in the world. 

Other sights not to be missed include the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an enormous Gothic-style structure on the edge of Branch Brook Park. Once you’ve explored the church, make sure you head into the park itself – famous for its Cherry Blossom Festival held every Spring - a beautiful space to visit for a stroll or a picnic.

With LaGuardia Airport car rental, you can explore all this and more during your time in New York.