Albany car hire

Same drop-off
Driver's age: 26-65
Thu 5/10
Noon
Thu 12/10
Noon

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Albany car hire information

Pick-up locationAlbany
Car types
Hire locations16
Airport locations10

Cheap car rentals in Albany

Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
People mover
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pick-up truck

Top tips for hiring a car in Albany

  • Like many cities in the U.S., Albany is best explored with a car. There simply is no better way to get around town, especially if you plan on going out and taking in the sights. For instance, if you are staying outside of downtown Albany and you want to get downtown, it is a simple 10 to 15-minute drive, but via public transportation it can easily take 30 or 40 minutes. This is especially the case at night when bus service slows down.
  • Planning on beginning your trip in Albany with a stop at the hire car counter? For travelers with flights landing at Albany International Airport, you will find the hire car offices located next to Baggage Claim and the cars themselves in the airport parking garage.
  • Albany’s downtown area is chock full of pedestrians and bikers. This is particularly the case during evenings in the summer when the weather is especially pleasant. During such times, jaywalking can become very common and traffic has to slow down as a result. This is also because Albany has a high density of attractions in the downtown area, so people often walk between them.
  • Rush hour in Albany, while not as severe as it is in New York City, can still pack a punch. The morning rush hour usually starts up at 6:00 a.m. and lasts until 9:00 a.m. The afternoon rush hour is when the real traffic builds up, though, and drivers are advised to avoid many of the major avenues and highways from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., when traffic begins to die back down.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Albany for $193 or less
  • Book your rental car in Albany at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Albany are around 22% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Albany

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Albany?

    Albany’s streets are similar to many others in the Northeast in that many of them predate the automobile. As a result, the roads can often be winding and rather small, and because of this, smaller vehicles are recommended for would-be renters. Larger cars will fit on the roads, of course, but they may sometimes be tough to park, and you may have to stop to let others pass on the narrower roads.

  • What’s the speed limit in Albany?

    Drivers can expect speed limits ranging from 25 to 45 mph on residential streets and from 35 to 55 mph on larger urban roads. Highways and freeways in Albany, on the other hand, typically feature speed limits of 55 mph in urban areas and 65 mph in rural areas in between cities.

  • Where are the best places to park in Albany?

    Parking garages are plentifully available in Albany and drivers should have no issue finding spots in them. Additionally, parallel streetside parking is highly available throughout the city. In general, drivers will find that streetside parking is predominantly popular in the less dense urban areas and peripheral residential areas of Albany.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Albany?

    On average a hire car in Albany costs $204 per day.

  • What is the best car hire company in Albany?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Albany are Dollar (7.7, 74 reviews), Budget (7.2, 93 reviews), and Avis (6.5, 60 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Albany?

    The average price of fuel in Albany is $7.02 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $84 and $112, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Albany?

    Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Albany.

  • Which hire car agencies are at Albany Intl airport (ALB)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Albany Intl airport is Dollar.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Albany Intl airport (ALB)?

    The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Albany Intl airport to off-airport locations is Dollar.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Albany?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Albany?

    An Intermediate car hire in Albany costs $101 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Albany?

    A Compact car hire in Albany costs $100 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car hire cost in Albany?

    A Special car hire in Albany costs $103 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Albany?

    On average a car hire in Albany costs $1,430 per week ($204 per day).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Albany?

    On average a car hire in Albany costs $6,130 per month ($204 per day).

  • Which car hire companies in Albany have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    One car hire company which has updated their car hire health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected is Dollar

Albany car rental reviews and directory

Dollar

Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

7.6

Locations in Albany

737 Albany Shaker Road

+1 518 464 7601

Monday05:30 - 23:59
Tuesday05:30 - 23:59
Wednesday05:30 - 23:59
Thursday05:30 - 23:59
Friday05:30 - 23:59
Saturday05:30 - 23:59
Sunday05:30 - 23:59
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Reviews

7.9 Good

Jun 2021

KAYAK
Good customer service was given.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes!

Cons:

Not much!

2.0 Poor

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

dropoff esy

Cons:

provide me with the car i asked for

5.6 Fair

Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff remained professional and friendly in poor working conditions

Cons:

Leave the pick up inside the airport and have someone deliver the cars to the door or have a golf cart to take the customer out to the car, it is very difficult dragging all your luggage out to a garage not knowing where your going. A handicapped person (me) will not do it again because I have bad legs and was so sore and tired when I finally got in the car I should not have been driving especially a car I’m not used to. And no there was nobody around to offer help just a sign saying go outside where our staff is working in a dark dingy shack !

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

8.0 Very Good

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes to both the questions. Staff was freindly.

Cons:

Car check over could have been done better. The driver's side mirror would not stay in place and I had to rely on the yellow warning lights on the mirror that a vehicle was near me at times.

1 out of 19

Budget

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.4

2 locations in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

131 Colonie Center

+1 518 459 2609

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00
Sunday10:00 - 16:00
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737 Albany Shaker Road

+1 518 242 4450

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00
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Reviews

8.0 Very Good

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy pickup

Cons:

Signage for self drop off in the garage (keys in car or to drop box, space number or drop lane, etc.

4.0 Mediocre

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

I know there is shortage at current time, but car had close to 40,000 miles and noticeable damage on exterior

8.0 Very Good

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The e-z pass did not work consistently. I informed them of this at drop off and that I missed a toll due to that and not being able to back up to pay

4.0 Mediocre

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Car was rented to me with very low tire pressure. Was travelling on the highway stop at 2 gas stations to fix tires air machines with broken and each one had to complete my trip with low tire pressure using way too much gas

6.0 Okay

Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and helpful at pick-up. Process was relatively quick. Nobody there for drop off so hopefully that went ok. I just dropped the keys in a box.

Cons:

Car stunk like cigarettes and then I found a pack under the seat. I guess that was missed by whoever cleaned the car

6.0 Okay

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

car

Cons:

staff were gone when I arrived

1 out of 44

Hertz

Cleanliness

6.2

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.6

Value for money

6.3

3 locations in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

40 Lodge St

+1 518 434 6911

Monday08:00 - 18:0012:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:0012:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:0012:00 - 17:00
Thursday12:00 - 17:0008:00 - 18:00
Friday12:00 - 17:0008:00 - 18:00
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737 Albany Shaker Rd.

+1 518 456 1777

Monday05:30 - 23:59
Tuesday05:30 - 23:59
Wednesday05:30 - 23:59
Thursday05:30 - 23:59
Friday05:30 - 23:59
Saturday05:30 - 23:59
Sunday05:30 - 23:59
View deals

818 Central Avenue

+1 518 454 9701

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
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Reviews

6.0 Okay

Nov 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Location was closed and no one contacted me before. I had to take a $15 cab to another location to get the car with a promise of reimbursement that never materialized. A huge hassle.

6.0 Okay

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Newer vehicles, lots of extras

Cons:

Car had obviously not been cleaned or sanitized since previous person rented it. Nothing vacuumed or wiped down, garbage still in it. These things are a must, especially in today’s environment. I had to clean and sanitize it when I got it home before I would let any of my family get in it, not very happy about that...

2.0 Poor

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

You cancelled my reservation at the last minute! Thanks for wrecking my vacation plan.

2.0 Poor

Apr 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Consider working together with travel purveyors (travelocity, kayak, expedia, et al) to more fairly compensate customers for unavoidable changes in travel plans during a pandemic. By "more fairly," I mean don't leave them SOL.

5.2 Fair

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was ok

Cons:

Car not very clean inside and out. Pick up location not very convenient. Check in cumbersome with unexpected additional charges. Drop off very strange; it so happened car was dropped off two days earlier. Attendant said he would take care of necessary paperwork and I would receive the proper credit. I requested a receipt attendant was adamant that I did not needed he would take care of all the needs. This is the first time I dealt with rentals at Albany NY and with Hertz. Since I was pressed for time I moved on. Btw I still do not have correspondence from Hertz

2.0 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Initial staff was rude. Unable to obtain rental since we did not have the original credit card on us that was used at the time the rental was booked. Had my credit card for the same MasterCard on me but was unable to use this even though reservation was for 9/9 and my card was charged 7/25.

1 out of 27

Alamo

10.0

Wonderful

46 reviews

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

9.3

One location in Albany

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Locations in Albany

737 Albany Shaker Rd

+1 844 366 2649

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59
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Reviews

6.0 Okay

May 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was well equipped with blind spot detection, especially useful driving in Boston.

Cons:

I had reserved a sedan but only SUVs and Mini-vans were available. When I said that I would not drive one of those types of vehicles, I was told that I would have to wait about half an hour. When I said that I would wait, within one minute a sedan was available. Interesting! This is similar to being seated at the worst table in a restaurant when there are no other people there. Is this common practice?

9.6 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

No issues on pick up or drop off. Albany is on site. I had to wait for attendant to show but only a couple of minutes

Cons:

No signs for car rental returns at LaGuardia so you have to look up yourself.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Price + Ease of Pick-up + Clean Car + Modern Amenities

Cons:

Nothing.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

From the time I picked up to the time I left with the car was all of 15-20 minutes. No long drawn out process.

Cons:

Having to supply two phone numbers at the counter. I only have one number.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very helpful and accommodating.price was reasonable and vehicle was in good condition and fully met our needs.

9.6 Wonderful

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was clean and I enjoyed driving it.

Cons:

Initial prepaid reservation was for Jeep SUV for 9 days at 449.00. When I called to change reservation to 7 days I was informed new cost would be approx. 1200.00. It took 2 more calls before someone suggested I change car to mid size which would result in price increase of approx. 100.00.

1 out of 8

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.8

Wonderful

32 reviews

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

9.3

3 locations in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

51 S Pearl St

+1 518 472 1111

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00
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737 Albany Shaker Rd

+1 844 934 1076

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59
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900 Central Ave

+1 518 453 6222

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Loved this car. Friendly staff

8.4 Very Good

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The personalized service, along with Enterprise allowing their employees to make decisions,rather than being robots Absolutely fantastic!!!!!

7.2 Good

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The car worked well. The staff were nice and made pick up and drop off easy.

Cons:

There were a lot of charges beyond the advertised daily price that were either disproportionately high or didn't make sense. Dropping a car off at a different location results in a $130+ fee (this is if you tell enterprise before hand. It is probably higher if you don't). It was cheaper for me to rent from Thursday to Monday than from Saturday to Monday.'

6.8 Okay

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

I liked the final price and the choice of car.

Cons:

The pickup location listed on the itinerary was not the pickup location. It was the Enterprise gated lot where the inventory is kept, a mile away. The literal hike back to where I knew the Enterprise booth was at the airport (at a completely different address than was listed on my itinerary), was a complete waste of my time. I have had to take shuttles about a mile away from the airport in different locations to pickup rental cars in the past, so the initial directions taking me past the airport did not seem out of the ordinary for pickup at first. Once finally at the counter, the sales rep tried to tell me the insurance I could opt for at $9/day was $14/day. I had it right on the paper print out but he acted "surprised." I am smart enough to know that this was an attempted upsell. I am also aware that you do not even need this insurance, so I asked him to forget it all together. Then I was told that the car rate was going up because of this. Which annoys me. 1.) Because my rate was booked independent of the insurance I hadn't opted into yet, and 2.) Because this was Saturday morning. I was taking a car off his hands for the weekend that would otherwise badly affect his numbers. I almost cancelled all together because of this until miraculously I rented an upgraded car for a discounted rate (that was still an upsell for him) after explaining I know how this works. Way too much BS to go through especially when surrounded by other car rental services in the airport who are also trying to get rid of cars over the weekend. The lines at the other desks were the sole reason I rented with Enterprise.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Received a free upgrade as my vehicle class was sold out Free pick-up to the agency Personable staff that actually treat you like a 'person' not solely a 'customer'

Cons:

N/A

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were great. Helpful and professional.

1 out of 6

Avis

6.5

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

6.2

2 locations in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

131 Colonie Center

+1 518 459 3179

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00
Sunday10:00 - 16:00
View deals

737 Albany Shaker Road

+1 518 242 4440

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00
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Reviews

6.0 Okay

May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Staff needs to clean the cars inside and out before renting. I went inside a vehicle and it wreaked of cigarette smoke. It was disgusting. Another vehicle wasn’t clean on the outside.

2.0 Poor

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They did not honor the price that I reserved it for. I had to pay more

2.4 Poor

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff at counter was friendly

Cons:

--Staff at counter was unable to be reached by phone. Drove 3 1/2 hours each way (NYC --> Albany) to drop off old rental and pick up a new one, then was told at counter that I needn't have made the drive in the first place and I could've just kept the original rental. --Car smelled of cigarettes. Was told to just write down the issue on my rental agreement. --Staff at counter was unable to be reached by phone a second time (and I called over 20 times). This became an issue when I had to extend my new rental. --Toll-free customer service was completely useless when I contacted them to voice my concerns. --In a word, Avis = terrible. I've been an Enterprise customer for 12 years, and I'm kicking myself for using Avis this time.

4.4 Mediocre

May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Price

Cons:

No ability to contact local agent, no store front or signage indicating pickup location, only a guy in a car with a sign. My rental was given away to someone else because I was late getting my car because I couldnt find the location, despite calling the national number they assured me everything was OK

6.0 Okay

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Cons:

We had a reservation but there wasn't a car available. We had one option. A 15 passenger van.

9.6 Wonderful

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

staff fine at both locations I appreciate that they do not try to push me to take insurance

Cons:

car is far from office at pickup site and I had trouble finding the Albany office

1 out of 16

Thrifty

5.7

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

5.3

One location in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

851 Old Albany Shaker Road

+1 877 283 0898

Monday00:00 - 00:0005:30 - 23:59
Tuesday05:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Wednesday05:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Thursday05:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Friday05:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
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Reviews

2.8 Poor

Jan 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Car was not ready upon pick up. Snow was not cleared and the customer should not have to do this upon pick up. Also drop off location was not at or near the airport as described. Nor was there A sign on the building except for a banner. Poorly lit area.

4.8 Mediocre

Nov 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

I waited 2 hours for a car. Missed a service for my uncle.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Loved the selection of vehicles, loved short walk to pick up

Cons:

Line at the checkout, little disorganization out in the lot.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

The shuttle was quick and efficient. No issues getting back and forth from the airport. The cost savings over picking up at the airport was with it.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

It was a very good car , w 5000 miles , 2018 car , we was very happy and we enjoyed our trip , very happy w the car

8.8 Very Good

Feb 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly employees, selections within my car class,easy pickup/drop off process.

Cons:

Car could be a little cleaner, found earlier renters take out Chinese receipt.

1 out of 11

Easirent

4.7

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

Albany County Airport

Opening times not available

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No reviews available

National

No score available yet

One location in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

737 Albany Shaker Rd

+1 844 366 2648

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59
View deals

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Albany

Show locations

Locations in Albany

737 Albany Shaker Road

Opening times not available

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Filters

No reviews available

668 travellers who rented a car in Albany gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.0

Car hire locations in or near Albany

Good to know

Most popular agency

Dollar

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

$204/day

Good deal

$193/day

When to book a car hire in Albany

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches