How to Choose Your Pickup Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Airport?

When you rent a car in New York City, one of the first questions you’ll face is: where should you pick it up? For some travelers, the answer is obvious – if you land at JFK, why not start there? But for others, especially those staying in Manhattan or Brooklyn, the choice is trickier.

The truth is, the right pickup spot depends on your trip. Renting in Manhattan may save time if you’re staying in the city center, but you’ll deal with heavy traffic and expensive parking. Brooklyn can be a smart middle ground with easier driving and slightly better rates. Airport rentals are convenient if you’re flying in, and Drivo makes them even easier with free shuttle service from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option so you can choose the one that fits your plans.

Renting in Manhattan

There’s no denying the convenience of a Manhattan rental. If your hotel is in Midtown or Downtown, the car is just blocks away. You can pick it up in the morning and head straight out for a day trip without worrying about subways or taxis. But that convenience comes with some trade-offs.

Pros

• Central location: if your plans are mostly in Manhattan, picking up nearby is the easiest option.
• Time saver: you don’t need to travel to another borough or the airport just to start your rental.
• Walkable pickup: for short stays, you can grab the car, take your trip, and return it all within walking distance of your hotel.

Cons

• Traffic: driving in Manhattan can be painfully slow. During rush hours, average speeds crawl to just a few miles per hour.
• Parking costs: garages can run $40-75 per day, and street spots are almost impossible to find in central neighborhoods.
• Tolls: most tunnels and some bridges into Manhattan charge $10-15, adding to your total cost.
• Rates: daily and weekly rental prices in Manhattan are often higher than in Brooklyn or at airports.

Best for: visitors staying in Midtown or Downtown who need a car for a short trip and don’t plan to drive much in the city itself.

Renting in Brooklyn

Brooklyn gives you a bit more breathing room. Traffic is lighter than in Manhattan, and parking is a little less painful. It’s also a great option if you’re staying outside Manhattan but still want to stay close to the city.

Drivo offers two convenient Brooklyn offices:

• Brooklyn Sheepshead Bay office – 3221 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
• Downtown Brooklyn office – 106 York Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Both locations are near subway stations, so you can reach them easily from Manhattan or other boroughs.

Pros 

• Easier driving: once you’re out of Manhattan, getting on highways like the Belt Parkway or Brooklyn–Queens Expressway is much faster.
• Slightly cheaper parking: garages are still expensive, but often $10-20 less per day compared to Midtown.
• Toll-free bridges: depending on your route, you can drive into Manhattan using bridges like the Williamsburg or Manhattan without paying tolls.
• Convenient for locals: many Brooklyn residents prefer to start here instead of battling Manhattan traffic.

Cons

• Same NYC taxes: rental taxes are the same as Manhattan, so the savings aren’t huge.
• Extra travel time: if your hotel is in Manhattan, you’ll need to take the subway, a taxi, or rideshare to Brooklyn to pick up your car.
• Busy neighborhoods: areas like Downtown Brooklyn or Williamsburg can still be crowded, with pricey garages.

Best for: travelers staying in Brooklyn, or anyone who wants to avoid Manhattan gridlock but still start close to the city.

Airport Rentals: JFK, LGA, and EWR

For many travelers, the airport is the easiest pickup point. If you’re flying in with luggage or planning to leave the city right away, it makes sense to grab the car as soon as you land. Drivo has offices near all three major airports, and each one offers a free shuttle to and from the terminals:

• JFK – 124-10 South Conduit Ave, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
• LaGuardia (LGA) – 2261 94th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11369
• Newark (EWR) – 408 Route 1 & 9 South, Newark, NJ 07114

All you need to do is call when you land, and a Drivo driver will pick you up curbside. It’s quick, convenient, and saves you the hassle of arranging a taxi.

Pros 

• No city transfer: you avoid hauling luggage on the subway or paying for a ride into town before you even start your rental.
• Great for road trips: if you’re heading upstate or out of the city, starting at the airport means you’re already close to major highways.
• Bigger fleets: airport locations usually have the widest choice of cars, from economy models to SUVs and vans.
• Free shuttle: Drivo’s complimentary service makes airport rentals smoother than most competitors.

Cons 

• Airport surcharges: rentals at airports often come with extra fees, making them slightly pricier than off-airport locations.
• Shuttle time: while Drivo’s shuttles are fast, it’s still a short ride from the terminal to the rental office.
• Traffic near airports: JFK and LGA are notorious for highway congestion, especially during peak travel times.

Best for: travelers flying in with luggage, families, and anyone planning to leave the city right away.

Choosing the right pickup spot really depends on your trip:

• Manhattan: best if you’re staying in the city center and only need a car for short day trips.
• Brooklyn: great for locals, longer stays, or those who want to avoid the chaos of Manhattan traffic.
• Airports: perfect for travelers flying in, families with luggage, and anyone heading out of the city immediately.

Drivo makes all three options easy, with convenient locations and free shuttles at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Wherever your trip takes you, start with the pickup point that saves you the most time and stress – and let the road trip begin.