Though New York City is best explored by foot, subway, bus, and taxi, New York State is best traversed by car. Outside the downstate metropolitan region, public transportation is limited and infrequent.

I-87 is the principal highway running north-south from New York City to Canada. I-90 is the main highway running east-west, from Buffalo to Albany and Massachusetts.

The statewide speed limit for open highway driving is 65 miles per hour. Speed limits for cities, towns, villages, and smaller roads are considerably slower. It is against the law to drive without using seatbelts in the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. Unless otherwise stated, a right turn on red is permitted almost everywhere except New York City.

If renting a car, try to do so outside Manhattan. Rates are considerably lower at the airports, in the boroughs, and elsewhere in the state. Major car-rental companies operating in New York State include Avis (800/331-1212), Budget (800/527-0700), Hertz (800/654-3131), and National (800/328-4567).