New York has three major airports, but depending on your plans, car hire at Newark Airport (EWR) can be the smart move. If you’re staying in New Jersey, heading to the Jersey Shore, or road‑tripping the Hudson Valley, EWR’s location and highway access make pick‑up and drop‑off straightforward.
When Newark beats JFK
- Faster to New Jersey hotels: Many business districts and suburban stays sit west of the Hudson—skip the cross‑city drive.
- Coastal weekends: For Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, or Cape May, you’re already on the west side of the harbor.
- Upstate escapes: Easy connections to I‑78, I‑280, and the Parkway mean a smooth start to the Hudson Valley.
Pick‑up basics at EWR
Follow signs to the Rental Car Center after baggage claim. Have licence, passport (if applicable), and payment card ready. If you plan city parking garages or day trips with friends, consider an SUV hire in Newark for visibility or a minivan for maximum seating. For brand loyalists, compare Enterprise Newark and Hertz Newark EWR rates in a couple of taps.
Driving into Manhattan (or skipping it)
If your hotel is in Manhattan, check whether you actually need a car for your in‑city days—public transport is excellent and parking can be pricey. Many travellers hire at EWR only for the days they’ll drive outside the city, then return the vehicle before purely urban days.
Tolls, timing & returns
Set your navigation before leaving the garage and watch for real‑time tunnel and bridge traffic. Allow a buffer at drop‑off to refuel and photograph the car. Choosing flexible rates makes it easy to adjust if your plans change.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals shows transparent pricing, lets you add All‑Inclusive+ coverage, and offers Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up. You can also get cashback on tolls—handy when your itinerary mixes city and coastal driving.
FAQs
- Is Newark cheaper than JFK? Prices vary by date and demand. Compare live options for Newark Airport car hire and pick what fits your route.
- Is it hard to drive into NYC? Plan around rush hours and use turn‑by‑turn lane guidance. Consider returning the car for purely urban days.
- Which size should I book? City travellers prefer compact cars; families often choose vans for comfort.
Ready to compare? Book Newark Airport car hire with Hola Car Rentals and pick the route that makes the most sense for your NYC plan.
EWR vs. LGA vs. JFK—quick decision guide
- Staying in Midtown Manhattan only? Consider public transport or short‑term hire for day trips only.
- Meetings in Newark, Jersey City, or Hoboken? EWR puts you close to the action with minimal river crossings.
- Jersey Shore or Pennsylvania countryside? Starting at EWR saves time and backtracking.
Parking & hotel strategies
Book parking with your hotel when possible and confirm in‑out privileges to avoid unexpected charges. For quick city visits, use a garage just outside the busiest core and walk or rideshare the last few blocks.
One‑way rentals and open‑jaw trips
Flying into EWR and out of another airport? Hola Car Rentals can help you compare one‑way options. This is popular for leaf‑peeping loops, coastal drives, or college move‑ins across New Jersey and New York.
Fuel, tolls & EV considerations
Refuel a few miles before the airport to avoid premium on‑airport prices; keep the receipt with your paperwork. Most major crossings use electronic tolling—add the option at checkout for a smoother drive. If you’re considering an EV, check hotel charging availability before you book.
Brands & classes
Compare rates with trusted suppliers in seconds—Enterprise, Hertz, or value choices like Budget car hire Newark. Compact cars are easiest to park; SUVs handle luggage and winter conditions better.
Whatever you choose, take a quick walk‑around, photograph wheels and fuel, and note the return lane hours so drop‑off is quick on departure day.
