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Hire a car in Albany with Hertz
The capital of New York, Albany, stands at the heart of the state and is brimming with outdoor adventures. Situated midway between New York City and Niagara Falls, this historic city has an air of grandeur and is surrounded by inspiring landscapes. The best way of getting around to see them all is with a hire car.
Our car hire branches are conveniently located across the city, including the International Airport, rail station and downtown. If you need to, you can pick up a car at one of our locations and drop it off at another.
If you hire a car with us in Albany, you'll get to enjoy all of the benefits of Hertz car hire, including no hidden fees and no charge for changing or cancelling your booking up to two days before collection.
*When cancellation/amend is made seven days prior to arrival.
Pickup locations in Albany
- Albany - Million Air Albany (Private Flights Only)
- Albany- Niskayuna - General Electric Delivery Location
- Albany - Central Avenue HLE
- Albany - Hilton Albany HLE
- Albany International Airport
- Albany- Scotia - Richmor Aviation (Private Flights Only)
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Albany car rental driving guide
Driving in and around Albany
Albany’s proud history as the decision-making centre of the state means there are grand examples of architecture all around its riverside location. Hire a car in Albany so you can explore this intriguing mix of old landmarks and scenic outdoor locations.
Thankfully, the city and its surroundings are very easy to drive around. In the inner-city area, there’s a simple grid pattern of streets forming numbered blocks that help you navigate your way around. Away from the urban area the roads are more European in style, winding between the hills. If you're wanting to explore the Hudson River waterfront, look out for the I-787. Highway 20 is the ideal route to find your bearings when driving in central Albany, as it runs through the heart of the city and offers travel options in all directions.
You’ll also find an efficient system of major arterial roads around Albany. The I-87 is one of the major routes, running south to New York City, 135 miles away - it also heads north all the way to Montreal in Canada, a 220-mile drive. Meanwhile, the I-90 heads east into New England or west towards Niagara Falls.
The rules and regulations about driving in New York State are very similar to the neighbouring states. Note that there are special laws about turning right at a red traffic light in upstate New York - you must stop first and check it’s clear.
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Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
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Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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A quick guide to Albany
Take a step back in time
Steeped in heritage, the city is one of the oldest surviving European settlements in North America. The site on the west bank of the Hudson River was first occupied by fur traders in 1614 and later named after the Duke of Albany and the future James II of England. It has been a centre for politics and trade ever since. You’ll find the oldest district is the downtown area, centred on State Street and it’s fascinating to see the old terraces of Victorian houses in the ‘Mansion District’ and Arbor Hill.
Albany’s Institute of History and Art is a good place to start tracing the story of the city, the museum itself is the oldest in the state and dates back to the 18th century. The collection covers the history of the Hudson Valley region, with exhibits ranging from dugout canoes to fine landscape paintings.
You’ll find the distinctive Victorian Gothic State Capitol standing among the glossy skyscrapers of the Empire State Plaza area. As a National Historic Landmark, you can take a tour inside and wander this beautiful building, learning all about its history on your way around.
21st century Albany
The architecture in modern day Albany is striking and the wide, open pedestrian spaces between the towers make it easy to walk round. The modern skyscrapers and government institutions cluster around the Empire State Plaza area, including the Justice Department, The Egg Theatre and the Legislative Office Building.
Perhaps the best one to visit is the New York State Museum, in yet another impressive modern building, homing exhibits about the ancient history of the region for you to take in, including fossils and skeletons.
The best place to appreciate the layout of the Plaza is from a spectacular observation deck on the 42nd floor of the Corning Tower, the tallest building in the state outside of New York.
Relaxing here isn't hard either – find the best of the city’s restaurants and chic cafes along Lark Street and Pearl Street.
Exploring Albany's wider limits
Albany stands on the west bank of the Hudson River, just south of its junction with the Mohawk River. To the west are the Helderberg Mountains and the John Boyd Thatcher State Park, where you'll find areas covered in forests and rocky cliffs, with long views back across Albany and the Hudson Valley.
To the north, it’s a short drive to Schenectady and the remarkable National Historic Monument of the Nott Memorial, a 16-sided, domed Victorian building with 288 stained glass windows that forms the centrepiece of Union College.
With an eclectic mix of rich history, a vibrant atmosphere and a beautiful backdrop, Albany is one of New York's go-to cities.
