Planning a trip to the United States? Chances are that one of the top options for your US flight destination is New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport also known as JFK. JFK is the busiest international airport in North America as well as the most well-used airport serving the New York City area and a primary transit hub for US airlines.

So, whether you’re travelling through JFK for work, taking time out to stop off in New York City, or planning a road trip around the Northeastern region of the United States, Avis has you covered with great JFK car rental options as soon as you step off the plane.

You’ll find our friendly Avis team at JFK Airport in the car rentals area which is reached by taking the Air Train to Terminal C. The Air Train will take you to the car rental facility once you have collected your luggage at the baggage reclaim.

At 18 miles from midtown, JFK may not be the closest airport to the centre of New York – that’s LaGuardia which is just 9.6 miles from midtown Manhattan. However, the drive from JFK to for example Times Square in Midtown should only take you around 35min depending on the time of day. JFK Airport is located in the neighbourhood of Jamaica, in the Queens District of New York. As you leave the airport, you’ll drive north on Interstate Highway I-678, going through the Queens Midtown Tunnel, then head west on I-495 as far as East 37th Street. Go along E 37th St until you reach 6th Avenue/ Avenue of the Americas and you’ll be right in the middle of New York’s Midtown district.

New York City is truly a bucket list destination with so many iconic sights and things to do. First off, head to Manhatten, the commercial and cultural heart of New York. Here you can ascend the Empire State Building and stroll in Central Park. Catch a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and make time to reflect at The 9/11 Memorial Museum.

Eat like a New Yorker and do brunch in Fraunces Tavern one of the city’s historic diners which is a museum as well as an eatery and, in the evening take in some theatre on Broadway in Times Square.

While many visit New York City for its vibrant metropolitan culture and famous cityscape, fewer are aware of the amazing countryside which is within easy reach of the city with an Avis rental car. Taking a road trip upstate to the beautiful Catskill Mountains is a highlight. Driving across New York State gives you the chance to take in the sights, stop off at lakes and waterfalls and perhaps do some hiking on your way to the Catskills.

Renting a car JFK airport car rental is your key to independent travel around New York and New York State. As well as Manhatten, Brooklyn, Queens, Rockaway Beach, and Long Beach are all close by.

If you are heading out on a New York State road trip from JFK Airport, our friendly Avis team is on hand to help on the best routes and ideal vehicle for your trip. We’d always advise familiarising yourself with common USA road rules.