Rensselaer car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Rensselaer

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Rensselaer

  • Car rentals in Rensselaer are a superior transport option due to their greater convenience and flexibility compared to public buses or taxis. With a rental car, you control your schedule and can explore the city at your convenience. This proves especially advantageous when visiting major attractions like the Times Union Center, a prominent stadium hosting thrilling sports events and entertainment shows. Navigating to the stadium becomes seamless with a rental car, ensuring a comfortable and timely arrival. Enjoy the freedom to explore beyond fixed routes and timetables, enhancing your travel experience while accessing key destinations like the Times Union Center effortlessly.
  • At airports serving Rensselaer, NY, like Albany International Airport (ALB), accessing car rentals is straightforward. Upon arrival, follow signs to the designated car rental area, typically located on the lower level of the terminal. Major car rental agencies, such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, are commonly found there. Simply complete reservations online or in person, pick up your chosen vehicle, and embark on your journey with ease. ALB is the primary airport serving Rensselaer, ensuring seamless access to rental cars and a hassle-free way to explore the city and its attractions conveniently.
  • When driving car rentals in Rensselaer, remember that the city generally has a mix of driving styles, ranging from calm to moderate. While many drivers adhere to traffic regulations, exercise caution as some can be assertive. Obey speed limits, use indicators, and yield appropriately. Parking might be tight in urban areas. Familiarize yourself with local parking rules. Overall, drive defensively, respect pedestrian crossings, and stay attentive to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Rensselaer.
  • The convenience of using car rentals in Rensselaer declines when you have to deal with traffic congestion during rush hours, which generally occur around 7:30 am to 9 am and 4:30 pm to 6 pm on weekdays. Traffic usually intensifies on major routes such as I-90, I-787, and US Route 4, leading to delays in your travels. Navigating these roads during peak times might be challenging. To mitigate these difficulties, plan your trips outside of peak hours when possible, use navigation apps for real-time traffic updates, and allow extra travel time to reach your destinations comfortably.
  • Book your car hire in Rensselaer at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard hire cars in Rensselaer are around 57% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about hiring a car in Rensselaer

  • How much is the price of fuel in Rensselaer?

    The average price of fuel in Rensselaer is R64,99 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R780 and R1 040, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Rensselaer?

    Standard (Ford Edge or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Rensselaer.

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

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

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Rensselaer?

    A Standard car hire in Rensselaer costs R1 808 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Rensselaer?

    A Full Size car hire in Rensselaer costs R5 364 per day, on average.

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

    A Special car hire in Rensselaer costs R6 056 per day, on average.

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

    One of the highly recommended types of cars for renting in Rensselaer is a compact car. The small size of these vehicles is well-suited for the city's mostly urban and suburban terrains. The roads are generally of average width, so smaller cars offer easier maneuverability and parking in tight spaces. They're efficient for navigating both the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, providing a comfortable driving experience while efficiently tackling the city's roadways. However, the volume of your luggage and/or the number of people you are traveling with can determine the ideal type of car for you. For instance, an economy car will be a good option if you’re traveling alone with just one bag.

  • What’s the speed limit in Rensselaer?

    Observe a speed limit of 25 mph in residential areas to ensure safety for pedestrians and residents. On main roads like US Route 9 and State Route 20, speeds are usually around 35 to 45 mph. On highways like I-90 and I-787, limits can range from 55 to 65 mph. Always adhere to posted signs, as regulations might differ based on specific zones.

  • Where are the best places to park in Rensselaer?

    Some of the convenient parking options at your disposal when using Rensselaer car rentals are popular lots like the Quackenbush Garage, offering hourly rates around $1 or $2. Street parking is available, but check signage for regulations. Downtown areas might have meters with rates of around $0.25 to $1.50 per hour, typically enforced from 9 am to 5 pm. Many hotels offer parking for guests, some with complimentary options. Additionally, the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station provides parking facilities. While parking can be competitive in busier zones, these choices ensure hassle-free access to attractions and city exploration.

See more FAQs

Rensselaer car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Dollar

5,9

Fair

Best rated

One location in Rensselaer

Show locations

Locations in Rensselaer

818 Central Avenue

+1 315 426 0936

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5,9

Fair

One location in Rensselaer

Show locations

Locations in Rensselaer

818 Central Avenue

+1 315 426 0936

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

4 locations in Rensselaer

Show locations

Locations in Rensselaer

51 S Pearl St

+1 518 472 1111

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

525 East St

+1 518 427 3893

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

745 Columbia Turnpike

+1 518 479 0606

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

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

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2024

Economy

KAYAK
I would recommend the Hoosick St Troy, NY location. Customer Service was awesome for pickup and drop off.

1 out of 1

Hertz

No score available yet

2 locations in Rensselaer

Show locations

Locations in Rensselaer

40 Lodge St

+1 518 434 6911

Monday12:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:0012:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0012:00 - 17:00
Thursday12:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0012:00 - 17:00

818 Central Avenue

+1 315 426 0936

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
Good. Quick.

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, 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

Anonymous, Sept 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

Scott, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

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

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, 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.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Kia Soul was uncomfortable to drive.

1 out of 10

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Rensselaer

Show locations

Locations in Rensselaer

131 Colonie Center

+1 518 459 3179

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

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

4,4 Mediocre

Geoff, 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

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
When dropping off they told me not to wait in line just that they’ll email me my receipt, but I still don’t have it or know how much I was charged. When I picked up car they made it seem like there were a lot of extra fees.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2022

KAYAK
Nothing

6,0 Okay

Rick, Oct 2021

KAYAK
I meant to pick this up at the airport, but somehow, I had to pick it up at a mall. I took an Uber there, and couldn't find the place, so I walked through the mall, asked questions, and finally found it. Had to drag my luggage around with me. The car was parked quite a distance from the actual office in a sketchy parking area. The car smelled of skunk - apparently the previous driver had run one over. Also, there was a loud sound coming from the tailpipe. Usually my experiences with Avis have been great.

1,9 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2021

KAYAK
Arrived in Albany and went to Avis counter to get car. He flatly stated that I did not have a reservation. I asked him to look again as I had made reservation in June and had called Avis just that week to verify. He then said oh you are at the Colonie Mall. I was confused as I thought my pickup was at the airport. I asked where the shuttle was and he pointed to a phone and said I would need to call for a taxi or uber. We took a taxi (25.00) and when we got to the mall around 4:30..it was CLOSED! No courtesy call, text or email from them! Our taxi took us to a motel around the corner (85.00+) walked over the next morning at 10. Muhammad was cool, aloof and had no apologies for our trouble..adjusted our charges by 25.00..no offer to et us back at end of trip. We missed precious time with family, lost a night at our time share, spent 85+ extra for hotel, taxi 25.00 and uber 12.50.

1 out of 4

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Rensselaer

Show locations

Locations in Rensselaer

131 Colonie Center

+1 518 459 2609

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Nicholas, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
I reserved a large sedan for a trip cross country. When I arrived my only option was a truck. Obviously not happy with it and the additional fuel cost that I would occur during the trip. I kindly asked for a discount and they wouldn’t offer me one, not even 10%. And was told if they charged me for a truck the cost would be double, so be happy

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, 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

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, 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

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

car

Cons:

staff were gone when I arrived

2,8 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was helpful but pretty impossible to find at the Albany location.

Cons:

The car was not what I signed up for - I had requested a smaller car and it was a huge jeep. The previous driver smoked cigarettes and the car reaked. I didn't get the sense that it was ever cleaned and it made me feel really uneasy.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff at both ends did an excellent job!

Cons:

It went totally smooth, I can't offer any improvements because it was seamless.

1 out of 6

1139 travellers who hired a car in Rensselaer gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.9

Car hire locations in or near Rensselaer

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Rensselaer

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

Rensselaer car hire information

Pick-up locationRensselaer
Car types
Hire locations1
Airport locations0

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