What is the best solution to return a car without entering Manhattan? Is there a branch maybe just outside Manhattan ( maybe in Jersey)

Hertz has plenty of locations at all three airports LaGuardia Kennedy and Newark as well as locations throughout the Barro's go to the website or call them and yes you don't want to go to Manhattan that could be a 2 and 1/2 hour drive

There is a branch in laguardia airport. Try there

Call customer service to confirm, but there is a location at JFK airport, and brooklyn