How to find a cheap car hire deal in Buffalo
Searching for a cheap rental car in Buffalo? With an average price of $120 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after an economy ride, a spacious family car, or something in between, we round up all the top offers to get you more for your money.
$60 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Buffalo.
Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $236 and say yes to more adventures.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Buffalo car hire.
Hertz, Budget and Dollar are among the most trusted providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
The coverage Hertz or another company offers for your Buffalo car hire can vary, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Buffalo.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $108 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $135, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly $139 a day with this supplier.
If you're still weighing up which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Buffalo.
Flying to Buffalo? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Buffalo, get going faster by picking up a car hire at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 16 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Buffalo
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Buffalo is all about getting you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Buffalo car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Buffalo makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Buffalo car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Buffalo.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher fee, so always go over the policies before securing your ride.
Add a car seat to your Buffalo car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest choice.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in Buffalo for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time settling into the comfort of Residence Inn Buffalo Downtown. About 2 kilometres from central Buffalo, it comes with accessible parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk.
Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Aloft Buffalo Downtown. The city centre is roughly 0.80 kilometres from this stay, which also features an indoor swimming pool and a laundry.
Need more places to choose from? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Buffalo. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Buffalo and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to explore first. Start your trip with must-see attractions such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex, Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Forest Lawn.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Buffalo
Buckle up and make tracks to Niagara Falls. Around 27 kilometres northwest of central Buffalo, you'll find must-see sights like Niagara Falls State Park and Niagara Falls Observation Point.
You'll be well taken care of at Sheraton Niagara Falls and Holiday Inn Niagara Falls State Park Entry by IHG, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Niagara Falls.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Buffalo and then head out to North Tonawanda. About 18 kilometres north of Buffalo, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum and Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier are highlights that make the extra drive worth it.
North Tonawanda has some great accommodation options including Super 8 by Wyndham Kenmore/Buffalo/Niagara Falls Area and Days Inn by Wyndham Tonawanda/Buffalo. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Up for a bonus adventure? Rochester is a popular road trip destination that's about 105 kilometres east of Buffalo. Plan to make a few pit stops at George Eastman Museum and Strong National Museum Of Play.
Hit the hay in Rochester at either Wyndham Rochester Downtown or Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University and Medical Centre. They have a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
