Avis Car Hire
New Windsor, NY

The Avis desk at Stewart International Airport is conveniently situated inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, you will find the hire car desks nearby in the arrivals hall. This central location means you do not need to take a shuttle bus or leave the terminal to complete the paperwork. Once your rental agreement is finalised, you will be directed to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are staged for collection.

Stewart International Airport is designed for easy navigation, so the walk to the rental area is straightforward. Once you disembark, follow the signs to Baggage Reclaim to collect your luggage. The Avis desk is located in the same main hall as the baggage carousels. You can easily use a luggage trolley to manage your bags for the short walk across the arrivals area to the desk, which is clearly visible from baggage reclaim.

For late-night arrivals the pickup process is generally arranged to be as smooth as possible. It’s good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so staff can monitor your arrival time in case of delays. The rental desks are inside the terminal, so you will be in a well-lit, secure area. Having your reservation details and driving licence ready will help speed up the process at the desk before you head out to the car park to find your vehicle.

The time from disembarking to driving away can vary, but SWF’s compact layout generally makes for an efficient process. You can typically expect the whole sequence to take between 30 and 60 minutes. This includes walking from the gate, waiting for and collecting checked bags, completing paperwork at the rental desk, and then locating your car in the nearby lot. The duration can be influenced by how many other passengers from your flight are also renting cars and by how much luggage you have.

A convenient and easy-to-find meeting point at Stewart International Airport is the baggage reclaim area. It’s a spacious, open part of the arrivals hall where everyone with checked luggage will naturally gather. This allows your party to assemble with their belongings in one spot. From there, one or two people can approach the nearby Avis desk to handle the rental paperwork while the others wait comfortably with the bags.

The most convenient spot for a drop-off is the main departures kerb, located on the upper level of the terminal. This area is designed for quick passenger drop-offs and provides direct access to the terminal entrance. From there, it’s a very short walk to the escalators or lifts that will take you down to the arrivals level. The Avis desk is located on the arrivals level, just a few steps from the bottom of the escalator.

Airport campuses can sometimes confuse satnav systems, so it’s best to rely on the official airport signage as you get closer. When returning your vehicle, look for large, clear signs that say "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you to the correct entrance, which is separate from passenger drop-off and staff car parks. If you do take a wrong turn, simply circle back to the main airport loop and follow the specific rental car return signs carefully.

Leaving Stewart International Airport and joining Interstate 84 is very straightforward. As you exit the rental car lot, follow the main airport exit road, International Boulevard. This road leads directly to a roundabout. Simply follow the clear overhead signs for I-84 East (towards Beacon and Connecticut) or I-84 West (towards Middletown and Pennsylvania). The slip roads are well marked and designed to avoid confusion with local traffic.

For a simple drive to the Newburgh waterfront, exit the airport and take Route 207 (Little Britain Road) heading east. Continue on this road for several miles until you can turn left onto Liberty Street. Liberty Street is a main north–south route that will take you directly down the hill to the waterfront area. This route helps you bypass the more complex grid of one-way streets in downtown Newburgh.

The drive from Stewart Airport to the United States Military Academy at West Point is quite manageable and scenic. The common route involves taking Route 9W South, which is a major, well-maintained road that follows the Hudson. While some sections are winding and hilly, the carriageway is generally wide and clearly signposted. First-time visitors should find the drive enjoyable, offering pleasant views without being technically difficult.

All visitors to West Point who do not have a military ID must first stop at the Visitor Control Center. The most convenient place to park your rental car is in the large public car park located at the West Point Visitors Centre in Highland Falls. This lot is easy to find and provides walking access to the centre, where you can arrange a guided tour or obtain a visitor pass. From there, you can either walk or drive onto the post as directed by security staff.

The most direct and smooth route from Stewart Airport to Woodbury Common is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) South. From the airport, follow signs for I-87 and head south for about 10–15 minutes to Exit 16. Once you arrive at the outlets, you’ll find extensive parking available in large, colour-coded car parks surrounding the shopping centre. It’s a good idea to make a note of your parking section (e.g. Red, Blue) to easily find your car later.

From SWF several fantastic day trips are just a short drive away. You can cross the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge to explore the city of Beacon, known for its Main Street shops and the Dia Beacon art museum. Alternatively, head south along the river to the village of Cold Spring or the Storm King Art Center. Driving north on the Thruway quickly gets you to New Paltz, a lively college town with access to excellent hiking.

This is a very realistic and popular plan. The drive from SWF to Beacon is typically under 30 minutes, involving a scenic crossing of the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge. Given the airport’s efficient rental process, you can easily be on your way with plenty of time to explore Main Street’s boutiques and eateries, and then spend a few hours at the renowned Dia Beacon art museum.

The drive to Storm King Art Center from the airport is low-stress and takes about 15 minutes. The most straightforward route is to follow signs for the New York State Thruway (I-87) South to Exit 17, then follow signage for the art centre. When it’s busy, especially at weekends, parking attendants will be on site to direct you to available spaces in their large car parks. Arriving earlier in the day will improve your chances of a spot closer to the entrance.

Parking for popular trailheads like Breakneck Ridge is extremely limited and a significant challenge, particularly at weekends. Most parking comprises designated spots along the shoulder of Route 9D, a two-lane road that can be busy. It’s crucial to arrive very early to secure a legal space and to be extremely cautious of traffic when walking along the road. The access roads themselves are well paved, but the parking situation requires careful planning and patience.

Although New Windsor is very close to SWF, it’s wise to allow for weekday morning commuter traffic, which is heaviest between 07:00 and 09:00. Local roads such as Route 207 and Route 300 can become congested at this time. To be safe, plan to leave about 15–20 minutes earlier than you normally would for a short drive. This buffer will help you navigate any potential delays and ensure a stress-free arrival for your rental return and flight.

To avoid the network of one-way streets in downtown Newburgh, the simplest route back to the airport is to use Broadway (Route 9W). Head west on Broadway, away from the river, until you can turn right onto Route 207 (Little Britain Road). Route 207 is a main local road that leads directly to the main entrance of Stewart Airport. This path keeps you on primary thoroughfares and away from the more complex residential street grid.

The Newburgh–Beacon Bridge is a major Hudson River crossing and part of Interstate 84, so it’s well maintained and easy to navigate. Be aware it uses a cashless tolling system, so you will not stop to pay a toll; it is captured electronically. During peak commuter hours traffic can slow, so it’s sensible to build in extra time if your travel coincides with morning or evening rush. Otherwise, the drive across offers excellent views of the river and surrounding highlands.

From Fishkill or Wappingers Falls the most straightforward route back to Stewart Airport is via Interstate 84 West. This major motorway will take you directly across the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge. Shortly after crossing the bridge you will see the well-marked exit for Stewart International Airport (SWF). This route avoids local roads and is the most efficient way to return for your rental car drop-off.

As you approach Stewart International Airport, pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signage. The airport has dedicated lanes and a specific entrance for "Rental Car Return." This entrance is clearly marked and separate from the lanes for "Departures" and "Arrivals." By following these signs you will be guided directly into the Avis return area without any confusion or risk of entering the wrong traffic loop.

The most convenient method is to drive first to the departures kerb at the main terminal. You can drop off all passengers and luggage there, allowing them to proceed directly to the check-in desks. After they and the bags are safely at the kerb, the driver can then proceed alone to the rental car return lot. This eliminates the need to transport luggage from the return lot to the terminal, making the process much smoother for everyone.

Fortunately, the rental car return area at Stewart International Airport is located very close to the main terminal building. After you have returned your vehicle and completed the check-in with the Avis staff, it is just a short walk to the terminal entrance. The pathway is clearly marked and direct, allowing you to get from your car to the airline check-in desks or security in just a few minutes.

Winter driving in the Hudson Valley requires extra caution and planning. Interstate 84 is a priority for snow clearance, but it can still be snow-covered or icy during and after a storm. Local roads around New Windsor may take longer to be cleared. Always check the weather forecast before you travel, allow for significantly more travel time, reduce your speed, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles to ensure a safe journey to the airport.

Before leaving the rental lot in snowy conditions it’s sensible to do a quick vehicle inspection. First, ensure all windows, mirrors and lights are completely cleared of snow and ice for maximum visibility. Check that the windshield wipers are functioning properly. Take a look at the tyres to ensure they have good tread and that there isn’t excessive snow packed into the wheel arches, which could impede steering. This quick check helps ensure your vehicle is ready for the road conditions.

The primary feature that might be new to some drivers is the modern roundabout located on International Boulevard, the main road into and out of the airport. When entering the roundabout, remember to give way to traffic already circulating and proceed when there is a safe gap. Otherwise, the junctions for major motorways like I-84 and I-87 are generally well designed with standard-length slip roads and clear signage, making them easy to navigate for most visitors.

While driving directly into Manhattan is possible, most travellers prefer to avoid the stress of city traffic and parking. A very popular and efficient strategy is to drive to a Metro-North station. The station at Beacon is a common choice, as it’s a short drive from SWF and has ample parking. From there you can take a relaxing and scenic train ride along the Hudson River directly into Grand Central Terminal in the heart of Manhattan.

For a day trip to see a Broadway show, the Beacon Metro-North station is an excellent place to park your hire car. It’s located just across the river from Newburgh and offers a large car park designed for commuters and day-trippers. After parking, you can purchase a return ticket and enjoy the train ride into Grand Central. This approach is far less stressful and often more economical than driving into and parking in the Theatre District.

Driving from Stewart Airport to other major New York-area airports like Newark (EWR) or JFK is entirely doable, but requires careful planning. The drive can take anywhere from 90 minutes to over three hours, depending heavily on traffic conditions around New York City. It is crucial to check real-time traffic using a navigation app before you depart and to allow a very generous time buffer, especially if you are catching a connecting flight.

For a first-time visitor, towns that are close to main motorways and have straightforward layouts are excellent choices for a base. On the west side of the river, New Paltz is convenient to the Thruway (I-87) and has a simple street grid. On the east side, Fishkill sits on the I-84 and offers easy access to both the river towns and destinations further east. Both towns provide a great starting point for exploring the wider Hudson Valley region.

The most direct route to the Catskills from SWF is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) North. Depending on your destination you might exit at New Paltz, Kingston, or Saugerties. These towns are excellent places to stop for groceries, fuel and any other supplies you might need before heading onto the more rural mountain roads. That ensures you’re prepared, as services can be sparse once you get deeper into the mountains.

For a beautiful and easy-to-navigate autumn drive you have several great options. Route 9W on the west side of the Hudson and Route 9D on the east side both offer stunning river views and are well-maintained state highways. The Palisades Interstate Parkway, accessible south of the airport, is another famed scenic route known for its vistas. These routes provide the classic Hudson Valley autumn experience without requiring difficult back roads.

The safest place to get your navigation and vehicle settings in order is before you even leave the rental car parking spot. Take a few minutes after starting the car to input your destination, connect your phone, and adjust your mirrors and seat. If you forget something, you can pull over briefly in the airport’s short-stay car park, which is located near the terminal exit. This allows you to get organised without feeling rushed or obstructing traffic flow.

When you pick up your vehicle, try to find a parking space in the rental lot that has some open space around it, such as a corner spot. This will give you plenty of room to open all the doors and the boot fully without being too close to other vehicles. It allows you to take your time organising and securing your bulky gear properly. The rental lots at SWF are generally spacious enough to accommodate this without causing an obstruction.

The best and safest place to install car seats is in your assigned parking space within the Avis rental lot. This area has very low-speed traffic, allowing you to focus on the installation without pressure or distraction. You can take all the time you need to ensure the seats are secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Doing this before you merge into any airport traffic ensures your youngest passengers are safe from the very start of your journey.

For international visitors it’s important to know that speed limits are strictly enforced, so always adhere to the posted signs. On multi-lane motorways like the I-84, the general rule is to keep to the right lane except when overtaking. Be aware that traffic can be fast-paced, and it’s important to signal well in advance of changing lanes or exiting. Maintaining a safe following distance is key to adapting to local driving rhythms.

Many major bridges and highways in the New York area, including the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge on I-84, use all-electronic or cashless tolling. This means there are no toll booths where you can pay cash. Instead, gantries over the highway electronically register the vehicle as it passes. To ensure a seamless experience, it is highly recommended to ask the Avis staff at the rental desk how tolls are managed for your specific hire vehicle before you leave the airport.

A great strategy for an efficient Hudson Valley trip is to plan your itinerary by dedicating separate days to each side of the river. For example, spend one day exploring destinations on the west side, like New Paltz and the Shawangunk Mountains, and the next day focus on the east side, visiting places like Beacon and Cold Spring. This approach creates a logical loop and minimises time spent crossing bridges, allowing more time at each destination.

If you encounter a mechanical issue with your rental vehicle, the first step is to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Then contact the 24/7 roadside assistance number provided in your Avis rental agreement paperwork. The customer service representative will assess the situation with you and provide instructions. They will direct you to the nearest Avis location to exchange the vehicle, ensuring you can get back on your trip with minimal disruption.