Complete Guide to Driving in New York City
Your Guide to Driving in New York City
As the City That Never Sleeps, New York City has a personality all its own. Our vibrant streets pulse with the rhythm of activity—but our city streets also present a potentially challenging environment for drivers.
With NYC’s intricate network of roadways, driving here takes some preparation. In this insightful guide, we’ll teach you how to drive in NYC and provide invaluable resources for the journey ahead.
Here on business? Be sure to check out our NYC Business Travel Guide. Otherwise, see our NYC Leisure Travel Guide.
- Important Driving Rules in New York City
- Major Roads and Toll Roads
- Driving Conditions in New York City
- Best NYC Driving Resources
- New York City Driving FAQs
Important Driving Rules in New York City
Driving in NYC for the first time? Here are some essential driving rules and tips to be aware of before venturing into the city:
- International drivers aren’t required to carry an international driver’s permit; they may use a valid driver’s license from another country. (Source)
- Never block an intersection, and don’t attempt to cross an intersection after a traffic light has changed from green.
- It is illegal to use hand-held devices—including cell phones—while driving in New York except in an emergency. (Source)
- You can’t turn right on red unless a sign specifically tells you that you can. (Source)
Major Roads and Toll Roads
Major roads and toll roads in New York City include:
- Holland Tunnel: Part of I-78, this toll road connects Lower Manhattan and Hudson Square with New Jersey.
- George Washington Bridge: One of the busiest bridges in the world, this toll bridge connects Manhattan with Fort Lee, New Jersey.
- Robert F. Kennedy Bridge: This prominent toll bridge connects three of NYC’s biggest boroughs: Queens, Manhattan, and The Bronx.
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel: This tunnel system connects Queens to Midtown Manhattan. (Source)
- Congestion Relief Zone*: Cars entering the area below 60th Street in Manhattan are subject to a toll. Learn more on the MTA website.
While NYC has many tolls, you can save time and money by using one of our e-toll services.
*Congestion Relief Zone tolls are not included in Avis e-toll services and will be billed separately.
Driving Conditions in New York City
Driving in New York City can be very different depending on the time of year you visit. Here’s a look at what driving in NYC is like throughout the year:
- Winter: Expect snowy weather conditions, with average temperatures falling between the 20s and 30s.
- Spring: As snow is put in the rearview mirror, temperatures gradually warm up to around the high 50s. April is generally the rainiest month in the city.
- Summer: Expect higher amounts of traffic due to peak tourist season, with temperatures ranging between the high 60s and mid-80s.
- Fall: Temperatures begin to fall again in September and October, with an average of low 60s to mid-70s. (Source)
All temperatures in Fahrenheit unless otherwise noted.
NYC Driving Resources
- Avis App: The Avis App does more than provide you with faster pickup and drop-off services and effortless reservations. You can also use the app to find and reserve a parking spot, locate nearby gas stations, and more.
- 511NY: 511NY is an essential driving tool providing abundant information about current traffic and road conditions—including closures, winter road warnings, incidents, and more.
- Waze: Waze is a popular navigation app that lets you view and share real-time information, including road hazards, traffic conditions, blocked roads, accidents, weather conditions, and more. Waze is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
New York City Driving FAQs
Note: Information on this page provided as helpful hints only. Driving conditions and laws are subject to change.
Driving in NYC for the first time can be a challenge to many drivers. However, it’s definitely doable, and having access to a rental car helps you get to the Big Apple’s best attractions. In addition to reviewing this guide, we recommend using the Avis App and other driving resources to help you navigate NYC comfortably. (Source)
Yes, there are fees to drive into Manhattan. These fees are based on the type of vehicle you’re driving and the time of day. These fees are only accessed when entering Manhattan, not when leaving or driving around. (Source)
Drive time through New York City depends on quite a few factors. Assuming you want to drive east to west across Manhattan (or vice versa), the travel time could be as short as 20 minutes—or much longer, depending on traffic and your chosen route. Traveling from Manhattan’s southern tip near Battery Park to Harlem and Upper Manhattan will likely take about an hour. If you have time-sensitive plans, consult a navigation app for estimated travel times based on current conditions.