Visiting New York City is a bucket list item for people from all around the world. With so many things to do, discover, and experience in NYC, it’s no wonder you’re looking to head right to the heart of it!
The most famous of the five boroughs in NYC is Manhattan, home to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Broadway, and the eternally iconic Central Park. Add in its diverse and vibrant food scene, trendy shopping districts, world-famous nightlife, and open, welcoming atmosphere, Manhattan is a melting pot of delight that has something to please everyone.
To make the most of your time in the “City That Never Sleeps,” SIXT is here to help! Yup, we know that renting a car in NYC sounds crazy. But armed with our comprehensive guide to navigating the city behind the wheel, not only will you get the chance to see parts of Manhattan that many other tourists never will, you’ll do it in style and comfort, too.
Before you hit the road, there are several things you’ll need to know about driving in Manhattan, like parking options, traffic patterns, and NY state laws. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with congestion pricing: A toll you’ll need to pay to drive through Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD) – or ‘midtown’, as the locals say!
Ready to take on the challenge? Read on to discover our recommendations to help your trip through Manhattan go smoothly.
Driving in New York for the first time
It’s no secret that driving in New York is not for the faint of heart. The chaos of NYC is famous the world over, with movies and TV shows depicting chaotic scenes of heavy traffic, honking horns, and pedestrians everywhere.
While this may be partly true, it’s not nearly as intimidating as it seems. Driving in New York is easy if you know what to expect! Sure, there are some key rules and regulations you’ll need to know, but once you’ve understood those, we’re confident you’ll find it to be a pleasant, enriching experience overall.
Top tips for driving in Manhattan
Manhattan is the most densely populated part of New York City, meaning both vehicle and pedestrian traffic is heavy, especially during rush hour. This is why the city will be implementing congestion pricing starting in the spring/summer of 2024. Rates will vary depending on what part of the city you’re driving through, but it could cost up to $15 for passenger vehicles to access midtown and lower Manhattan.
Aside from congestion pricing, you’ll want to be aware of the following when driving in Manhattan:
- No right on red: In most other areas of the US, you can turn right at a red light after checking to make sure it’s safe. This is not the case in Manhattan or NYC at large. When driving in New York, assume you can’t turn right on red unless there is a sign explicitly stating otherwise.
- Cell phone use: Using a cell phone while driving in Manhattan is strictly prohibited. If you must use one, it must be in hands-free mode; otherwise, you’re risking a costly ticket.
- Be aware of road signs: Manhattan is a vibrant and ever-changing area, and that includes its roads. Rules of certain roads can change based on the time of day, so be sure to watch for road signs indicating rules and regulations.
- “Blocking the box”: This is NY slang for sitting in the middle of an intersection after the light has changed. In Manhattan, “don’t block the box” is a rule to live by.
- Rush hours: As a hub of international business and culture, rush hours here can be intense. Try to avoid driving in Manhattan between early to mid-morning and again from high noon to early evening. The busiest areas are the Flatiron District and Union Square.
- Sharing the road: Aside from watching out for pedestrians, you also need to be aware of taxis and cyclists. Taxis often weave in and out of lanes and stop abruptly when picking up passengers, and cyclists typically move slower than other traffic.
Using an International Driver’s license in New York
Driving in New York may sometimes be a little chaotic, but figuring out its international driver’s license requirements isn’t. You can drive around Manhattan and the rest of NYC with a valid license from any country. The state of New York does not require foreign drivers to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). However, if your driver’s license from your home country is not written in English, it will be helpful to obtain an IDP anyway, as it will serve as verification for police officers or other authorities who can’t read your license.
It’s important to note that if you plan to rent a car in Manhattan, perhaps from the new SIXT branch in downtown NYC, your rental agency may require an IDP in addition to your valid license, even if the state of NY itself doesn’t require one. You must have an IDP as well as your valid license – an IDP is never valid on its own.
Driver’s license requirements in Manhattan
In Manhattan, you can drive using a valid driver’s license from any US state or even any country. You must have this driver’s license with you at all times. Aside from your license, if you are renting a car, you also need to carry proof of insurance and foreign drivers should carry their passport or visa.
Speed limits in Manhattan
Speed limits in Manhattan vary depending on what kind of road you’re on and what area you’re driving in. New York City has a maximum speed limit of 25 mph, though, so unless you see signs indicating otherwise, keep to that limit. Other speed limits are as follows:
- Urban highways surrounding NYC: 55 mph
- School zones in and around NYC: 25 mph
- Construction zones: 25 mph or lower as posted
- Rural interstate highways: 65 mph
Toll roads around Manhattan
If there’s one thing you won’t be able to avoid in New York, it’s toll roads. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the ones you’ll be using when driving in Manhattan.
And, as we mentioned already, there will be also congestion pricing in place. While it’s not technically a toll road, drivers entering Manhattan from below 60th Street during certain times of the day will be subject to a toll of about $15.
Payments for the toll roads are cashless, to be paid either by E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail. Ask SIXT about the prepaid tolls program to make your journey quick and easy.
Some of the tunnel roads you will find in Manhattan are:
- Holland Tunnel: This toll road is a section of I-78 running from Lower Manhattan to Jersey City in NJ. You’ll likely only be using this 1.6-mile stretch of road if you plan on visiting New Jersey.
- George Washington Bridge: This bridge crossing the Hudson River is the world’s busiest when it comes to automobile traffic. It stretches for a little more than half a mile, connecting Fort Lee, NJ, to the Washington Heights neighborhood in Upper Manhattan.
- Lincoln Tunnel: This tunnel is about 1.5 miles long, spanning an area beneath the Hudson River. It stretches between Midtown Manhattan and Weehawken, NJ.
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel: The Queens-Midtown Tunnel also takes you below the East River. Connecting Queens and Midtown Manhattan, it stretches for 1.6 miles.
- Robert F. Kennedy Bridge: Previously known as the Triborough Bridge, the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge connects Manhattan with the other NYC boroughs of Queens and The Bronx. It stretches for about 3.5 miles.
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel: Snaking beneath the East River, the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel stretches for about 1.7 miles, making it the longest driveable underwater tunnel in the country. Also known as the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, it connects Brooklyn with Manhattan.
- Henry Hudson Bridge: This bridge crosses the Spuyten Duyvil Creek to connect Inwood in Upper Manhattan to The Bronx. It is 0.2 miles long.
Driving in Manhattan with an electric car
The electric vehicle (EV) industry has exploded recently, and it’s easy to see why. The cars are quieter, charging them is cheaper than buying gas and they’re better for the environment.
As a progressive and modern city, NYC has embraced the EV trend. That means more and more electric cars are available from rental agencies like SIXT, and more and more charging points are popping up. In addition, they perform more efficiently in the stop-and-go traffic common in NYC than regular vehicles do.
Where to charge your car
One thing to keep in mind is your EV’s range, or how far your car can go between charges. Luckily, new EV charging stations are constantly popping up around Manhattan. In fact, Manhattan currently has more than 45 EV charging stations, and almost all of them are free to use. Mainly operated by EVConnect and Flo, these are all Level 2 stations, which will have you topped up in no time. Find some of the most popular below:
- Icon Parking on East 63rd Street
- Icon Parking on West 48th Street
- Delancey and Essex Municipal Parking Garage
- 4320 Broadway-PARK-It
- GMC 127 East 83rd
Parking in Manhattan
Since Manhattan is no stranger to traffic, you may have already guessed that finding parking spots can also be challenging. Whilst this can definitely be the case, never fear: There are plenty of parking spots available if you know where to look!
There is some street parking available, but you need to be sure of any restrictions relating to time limits, street cleaning, and more. It’s usually metered with payment either at the machine or on the Park NYC mobile app. Metered parking spots can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $9 per hour. On Sundays, metered spots are free.
Garage parking is more common in Manhattan than street parking. Most garages in this area have valet services, so you to just drop your car off without the hassle of parking, and continue your adventures on foot. One popular option is GMC Parking, an underground garage in Manhattan near Columbus Circle. Due to high demand, we recommend booking a time slot online ahead of time. Other parking garages in the area include:
- MPG: Manhattan Plaza Parking
- NYC Parking Manhattan Avenue
- Vic Mar Parking.
Garage rates can range from $12 to $18 per hour or between $35 and $55 per day.
Ready to book your adventure in the heart of the Big Apple? Secure your rental car from our centrally located SIXT branch in Manhattan.
FAQS
Is there a charge to drive into Manhattan?
Yes, if you enter Manhattan from below 60th Street between the hours of 5 am and 9 pm Monday through Friday or between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm on weekends, you will be subject to a toll. SIXT offers a range of simple, hassle-free toll-payment services to see you through without a hitch––just chat with your pick-up branch representative.
What is the best time of day to drive in Manhattan?
When jumping behind the wheel in Manhattan, heading out early in the morning, around lunchtime, or in the late evening is your best bet for a smooth driving experience. This will help you avoid rush hour traffic, saving you precious time better spent on all that NYC has to offer!
How much are the tolls to get into Manhattan?
The tolls to get into Manhattan will vary depending on the toll road you’re using, and where you want to go. The congestion toll will cost $15 during the day and $3.75 at night, while other toll roads leading into Manhattan can cost between $6.50 and $20.
Where are the best places to park in Manhattan?
The best and most reliable places to park in Manhattan are in commercial garages such as the GMC Parking garage near Central Park.
Can I drive to Staten Island?
Yes, you can drive Staten Island from Manhattan, but this route will likely involve tolls. You can either take the Lincoln Tunnel to I-95 S or take the Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan. The trip will take about an hour.
What’s it like driving in New York City?
Driving in New York City can be challenging at times, as there is a lot of traffic, many pedestrians to watch out for, and unfamiliar rules and regulations to take into account. However, if you know what to expect, you’ll be at ease behind the wheel and enjoying your Manhattan experience in no time.
