Landing at LGA is honestly a bit of a chaotic rite of passage. If you haven't been here lately, the "new" LaGuardia is a glass-and-steel marvel, but the ground transportation situation still feels like a puzzle designed by someone who hates luggage. You’ve got your bags, you’ve survived the terminal shuffle, and now you just want your wheels. But getting to the hertz rental car laguardia lot isn't as simple as walking across the street.
Most travelers assume they can just walk to a counter in the arrivals hall. Nope. Unless you're at the historic Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A), you’re going to be intimately acquainted with the shuttle system.
The Shuttle Shuffle: Getting to 22 Marine Terminal Road
Here is the thing about LaGuardia: it’s fragmented. Hertz is physically located at 22 Marine Terminal Rd, Queens, NY 11371. If you fly JetBlue or Alaska into Terminal A, you’re basically there. You walk out, look right, and the shuttle is right there to whisk you the short distance to the facility.
But most of us are flying Delta into Terminal C or American/United into Terminal B. That’s where it gets hairy.
- From Terminal B: Head to the HOV level (Level 1). You need to catch the Blue Line Port Authority shuttle. This takes you to Terminal A. Once you hop off at Terminal A, you then look for the specific Hertz shuttle.
- From Terminal C: Look for the Red Line shuttle at the west end of the Arrivals level. Same deal—it drops you at Terminal A, where you transfer to the Hertz-branded bus.
It’s a "shuttle to a shuttle" situation. It feels redundant. It is redundant. But since the massive airport renovation, this is the reality. Give yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes just for this transit leg. If you’re hauling three kids and six suitcases, this is the moment you’ll probably question every life choice that led you to NYC.
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Why Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is Actually Mandatory Here
I’m not usually one to shill for loyalty programs, but at this specific location, being a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member is the difference between a 5-minute "grab and go" and a 45-minute line behind a guy arguing about a $15 refueling fee.
The LaGuardia lot uses Ultimate Choice. Basically, if you’re a Gold member (which is free to join, seriously), you skip the counter entirely. You look for your name on the big electronic board, it tells you a zone (like "Gold" or "Five Star"), and you just walk to that area and pick any car in the row. The keys are already in it.
Honestly, the "Skip the Counter" feature at LGA is a lifesaver because the indoor waiting area at the Marine Air Terminal can get incredibly cramped during the Friday evening rush.
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The Fleet Reality
What are you actually going to drive? Most people end up in something like a Mazda 3 or a Chevy Malibu. If you’re lucky or have status, the "President’s Circle" lot at LGA often has some decent SUVs like the Ford Explorer or even a stray Polestar if you’re looking to go electric.
Pro tip: If you rent an EV at LGA, check your hotel’s charging situation first. Manhattan parking garages will charge you an arm and a leg for a "luxury" spot with a plug.
Returning the Car Without Losing Your Mind
Returning your hertz rental car laguardia is surprisingly easier than picking it up, provided you don't miss the exit. You want to follow signs for Exit 5 off the Grand Central Parkway.
The return address is the same: 22 Marine Terminal Road.
- Follow the "Rental Car Return" signs.
- If you’re a Platinum member, keep an eye out for the specific "Drive Back" service—sometimes they’ll actually have a staff member drive you to your terminal in your rental car so you don't have to lug bags onto the shuttle. It’s a rare perk but worth asking about.
- For everyone else, once you check in the car, you’re back on the shuttle bus to the terminals.
The After-Hours Trap: Hertz at LGA typically operates from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM. If your flight lands at 3:00 AM because of a typical NYC weather delay, you might find yourself in a bit of a ghost town. While there are "virtual kiosks," they can be finicky. Always call the local branch at 718-478-5300 if you know you’re going to be late.
The "Hidden" Costs of Queens
New York car rentals are notorious for fees. You’re going to see a "Facility Charge," "Airport Access Fee," and various state taxes that can easily add 30% to your base rate.
Also, tolls.
Hertz uses PlatePass. It’s convenient because you can blast through the E-ZPass lanes without thinking. The downside? They charge a daily service fee (usually around $5.95) plus the highest cash rate for the tolls. If you’re only crossing one bridge, it’s a rip-off. If you’re driving to Connecticut or Jersey, it’s a necessary evil. You can bring your own E-ZPass transponder from home to save money—just make sure it’s mounted correctly and the Hertz one is shielded in its little lead box.
Is It Worth It?
Look, renting a car at LaGuardia is rarely "fun." The traffic on the Grand Central Parkway is a literal nightmare 18 hours a day. But if you’re heading to Long Island, Westchester, or deep into Brooklyn where the subways don't reach, the hertz rental car laguardia location is one of the most reliable options on-site.
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Just remember:
- Join Gold Plus Rewards before you book.
- Pack your patience for the shuttle transfer.
- Check the car for "NYC character" (scratches) before you drive off the lot.
To get started, download the Hertz app and link your driver's license today. This allows you to use the Express Check-In feature, meaning you can head straight from the Terminal A shuttle to your car without ever speaking to a human at the desk.