Hertz Car Rental Introduce
Introduction / Overview
Hertz Car Rental is one of the most recognized and established names in the vehicle hire industry worldwide, and its location at the crucial Federal Circle hub in Jamaica, Queens, serves as a major gateway for mobility in the New York metropolitan area. This particular branch caters extensively to both air travelers arriving at JFK International Airport and local New Yorkers needing a reliable, temporary vehicle for business or leisure travel. As a long-standing car rental agency, Hertz is known for offering a diverse fleet, ranging from compact economy cars perfect for city parking to full-size SUVs and luxury vehicles suited for longer road trips out of the city.
The operation at Federal Circle is designed to handle the high volume of traffic associated with one of the busiest airports in the United States. Customers typically expect a professional service that is efficient and reliable, supported by a modern fleet of well-maintained vehicles. However, it is essential for New York customers, particularly those who are accustomed to high-speed transactions, to note that the very nature of such a busy airport location can occasionally lead to operational challenges, as reflected in customer feedback regarding potential queues and vehicle availability during peak demand periods. Hertz remains committed to providing a broad range of services, including accessibility features and multiple payment options, to accommodate all types of travelers.
Location and Accessibility
The Hertz Car Rental office is strategically located in the heart of the ground transportation complex for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The address is:
3-18 Federal Cir, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA
Accessibility to this location is streamlined for airport patrons. Travelers arriving at any of JFK's terminals are instructed to take the free AirTrain service. The AirTrain makes a dedicated stop at the Federal Circle station, which is the centralized hub for all major car rental agencies serving the airport. From the AirTrain station, clear signage directs customers to the Hertz counter and vehicle pickup area. The entire Federal Circle facility is designed for easy navigation, making the transition from air travel to road travel as smooth as possible.
For New York residents accessing the location by private vehicle or taxi, the Federal Circle area is directly connected to key arteries like the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678) and the Belt Parkway. This location in Queens is highly accessible from Brooklyn, Long Island, and other parts of the city. Notably, the facility explicitly promotes its accessibility features, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring ease of use for customers with mobility considerations.
Services Offered
Hertz Car Rental at JFK Federal Circle offers a suite of services typical of a major, high-volume car rental agency, designed to meet diverse customer needs:
- Extensive Fleet Selection: The agency provides a full range of car classes, from cost-effective compact and economy cars to full-size sedans, minivans, SUVs (including premium options like the Chevrolet Suburban or similar large models), and often specialty vehicles like convertibles and luxury cars.
- Loyalty Program Benefits: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and President’s Circle members can benefit from expedited service options, though customers should be aware of procedures like needing to obtain paperwork at the front desk before proceeding to vehicle pickup, as reported in customer feedback.
- Payment Flexibility: The location accepts major Credit cards for deposits and final payment, along with Debit cards, which are accepted under specific terms and conditions typically involving a credit check and/or a substantial hold amount.
- Toll Collection Programs: Essential for New York driving, the rental includes options for seamless electronic toll payment (e.g., PlatePass or similar service) to bypass the numerous cash toll points on bridges, tunnels, and highways in the Tri-State area.
- Optional Extras: Customers can rent additional items such as GPS navigation systems, child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster), and purchase various insurance coverages including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and liability protection.
- 24/7 Support: Given its airport location, the branch often operates with extended hours or 24/7 service (check specific, current hours as they can fluctuate), backed by national 24-hour roadside assistance.
Features / Highlights
The major advantages of choosing Hertz at the JFK Federal Circle are rooted in its brand presence and essential infrastructure, even when balancing against potential service issues:
- Global Brand Trust: Renting from a globally recognized brand like Hertz provides a baseline expectation of vehicle quality, maintenance standards, and a robust national customer service network (though local service can vary).
- Premier Accessibility: The presence of a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures that all travelers, regardless of mobility requirements, can utilize the facility comfortably.
- AirTrain Integration: Direct, efficient access from all JFK terminals via the free AirTrain to the Federal Circle station eliminates the need for lengthy, external shuttle bus rides common at other airports.
- Expedited Member Services: The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and President's Circle status offer members the potential for quicker transactions, although customers should confirm the current procedures for paperwork processing upon arrival.
- Extensive Fleet Availability: Due to the high-volume nature of the location, the branch consistently maintains a very large inventory, offering a high likelihood of securing the desired car class, from economical to luxury.
Contact Information
For reservations, questions, or to address concerns, customers can use the primary contact channels provided by Hertz, specifically for this high-profile location:
Address: 3-18 Federal Cir, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA
Toll-Free Phone (USA): (800) 654-3131
International Phone: +1 800-654-3131
Given the nature of airport operations, it is always recommended to use the official toll-free reservation or customer service number for general inquiries. For time-sensitive issues at the counter, customers should use the on-site agent or manager, while reserving more complex issues for the national customer service lines.
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Hertz Car Rental at the Federal Circle in Queens is an attractive option primarily for the seamless connection it offers to and from JFK Airport. For New Yorkers needing a vehicle immediately upon flying home, or for those starting a multi-state road trip, the convenience of the AirTrain connection is a significant time saver compared to navigating external, off-airport agencies. The brand's reputation for quality fleet and extensive vehicle types means you are likely to find a car that fits your specific needs, whether it's an economy car for quick errands or a large SUV for a family vacation.
However, it is crucial for customers to manage expectations regarding service speed. Public feedback indicates that, despite its top-tier status, this location experiences significant wait times and operational stress, sometimes affecting even loyalty program members. New York users should view this location as a high-convenience, high-volume hub that offers superior access to JFK and a quality vehicle, but which requires patience and planning. The key takeaway is to choose Hertz at this location for the *guaranteed* convenient location, the accessibility features, and the breadth of the fleet, but be prepared for potential delays in the actual pickup process, especially during peak travel times. Planning ahead, arriving with all documentation in order, and confirming policies for loyalty members are essential steps to ensure a smoother experience at this important New York car rental gateway.
Hertz Car Rental Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Hertz Car Rental Photos










Hertz Car Rental Location
Hertz Car Rental Reviews
moneyflightpricerudenessrespectcreditbehaviormanagementapp
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This is probably one of the handful of worst hertz rental locations at an airport in the US. If you have a reservation and are good star member you MUST stop by the desk up front and get paperwork before proceeding to pick up a vehicle.After getting your paperwork then you get to wait on another line which has an unknown wait because that line is now waiting for cars to be returned before they can be issued.This is typical overcommit of reservations and not enough cars to even come close to matching the reservation capacity.What a waste of passengers valuable timeThis is JFK of all places, one of the largest airports in the US and is behind in the Stone Age.
August 20 · Anil SinghTitle: Horrible Experience at Hertz JFK – Disgraceful Management BehaviorI am a Hertz President’s Circle member, renting a massive volume of vehicles across the U.S., and I have never experienced such treatment.At JFK, there is a morning manager who abuses customers — outright rudeness, hostility, and total disrespect.Instead of providing service, she creates a toxic environment and humiliates customers.She has no place dealing with people, let alone managing such an important location.This is not a one-time incident — it’s a serious ongoing issue that tarnishes the entire Hertz brand.If this is how loyal customers are treated, I am seriously considering ending my business with Hertz.Warning to anyone renting here:Prepare for disgusting treatment, zero respect, and a shockingly hostile attitude.
April 28 · Y ErrTitle: A Complete Scam and Absolutely Horrible Service at Hertz JFKI arrived at Hertz JFK yesterday morning at 7:00 AM, after a long and exhausting flight, eager to pick up my rental with a $250 per week contract that clearly stated I was covered for a 24-year-old driver and that the young driver fee was already included.However, the only female agent at the counter — who could not have been more rude and condescending — refused to honor my contract and insisted it was not valid. She then demanded I sign an outrageous new contract for $850, plus an additional $25 per day for the young driver fee!What kind of scam is this? To completely invalidate a valid contract and triple the price without any explanation or justification is beyond shocking.Her behavior was unbelievably unprofessional, and she acted like she had absolute power to manipulate the situation however she saw fit.It’s incredibly disappointing and frustrating to arrive after a long flight and be treated like this. Instead of receiving any kind of customer service, I was met with rudeness and exploitation.This was not just bad customer service — this was blatant price gouging and dishonest business practices.She treated me like I was an idiot and had zero respect for my time, money, or loyalty.I will never rent from Hertz JFK again, and I strongly advise everyone to stay far away from this location if you value your money and sanity.
April 28 · Zvi FisherI booked a car via Expedia. I showed up with the car paid for to pick it up. They wouldn’t let get it because their machine read my credit/debit card as a debit card. I could only get a smaller and cheaper car for more money with the same reservation or I could just cancel it via Expedia, not them.This took almost 2 hours so even though I showed up 30-45 mins early, it was past the pickup time so I couldn’t cancel the reservation without loosing all the money I already paid.I ended up paying more for a smaller car than I had booked while fighting them just to get any type of car for almost 3 hours before I actually got the car. Terrible experience, will never ever be back
September 28 · Simon Lauritsen LundahlI arrived in New York at night after a long flight and wanted to rent a car for just a few hours to get to my hotel. I requested to pick up the car at the airport and return it in the city. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of choosing Hertz, and I deeply regret it.The service was terrible. Their system wasn’t working, and they asked me to book through the app even though I was already at the counter. On top of that, because I didn’t fully understand the representative, she added extra services to my reservation without my knowledge, which made the total price significantly higher.I ended up paying $124 for just a few hours with a car that caused me a full day of hassle. I must have told the representative 20 times that I wanted to return the car in New York City and not go back to the airport. She kept assuring me that everything was fine, that I was paying for everything with her, and that I could return the car in the city the next day.In reality, due to system issues, she registered the return location as the airport, and told me it would all be fine. The next morning I discovered everything was different — Hertz wanted an additional $140 just to change the return location. Despite everything I explained, they refused to let me return the car at any of the hundreds of locations in New York or New Jersey.I was forced to drive all the way back to the airport. There, I spoke with the branch manager who showed zero empathy. She was amused by my situation, even laughing at the fact that I paid for services I didn’t need. Throughout the conversation, she made it clear she wasn’t interested in helping and simply dismissed me.I strongly advise against renting a car from Hertz. They take your money, their service is awful, and there’s no one to talk to when issues arise.Of course, I never got a refund for the unauthorized services. I even returned the car six hours earlier than required because the representative stressed I had to return it by 6 PM in the city — whereas at the airport I was told the actual return time was midnight.Horrible experience. I will never rent from you again!
April 12 · Elior Vaaknin
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