VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car in Newark
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking in Newark include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Newark, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Newark.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I hire a car in Newark through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Newark are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Newark charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
How do I get from the Newark Airport terminal to the hire car counter?
At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), hire car counters are not inside the terminals. All major brands operate from the Consolidated Hire Centre, located in the Parking A Garage at levels 1 through 3.
To reach the Newark hire car facility, follow these steps after collecting your luggage:
- Follow Ground Transportation signs to the kerbside arrivals area outside baggage claim
- Locate the marked Hire Car Shuttle stop outside your terminal (Terminal A has lettered kerbside stops with provider directories on poles; Terminals B and C use signed shuttle zones along the arrivals kerb)
- Board the free airport-operated shuttle bus, which serves all three terminals (A, B, and C)
- Ride to the Consolidated Hire Centre and proceed to your brand's counter
Plan for 20 to 35 minutes from arrival to driving away under normal conditions. During peak travel times, allow additional time. The shuttle is the most direct option for most travellers arriving at Newark.
What extra fees and taxes apply to hire cars at Newark Airport?
Hiring a car at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) adds several layers of fees on top of the base rate. These charges are set by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and local tax authorities, not by the hire company alone.
Common surcharges on Newark Airport hires include:
- Airport concession recovery fee: approximately 10 to 12% of the base hire rate
- Customer facility charge (CFC): approximately US$5.95 to US$9.50 per day, capped at 14 days, covering Hire Centre maintenance
- New Jersey vehicle hire tax: 5% sales tax plus a 2.5% assessment fee on hires under 28 days
- New Jersey tourism assessment: up to US$1 per day
In total, these surcharges can add 25 to 35% above the base rate for Newark Airport pickups, which is higher than the national airport average of roughly 15 to 20%. Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the counter.
If your confirmation shows taxes and fees as included and you are still charged locally, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply. Keep all paperwork and contact support after your hire ends.
Is hiring a car off-airport in Newark cheaper than at EWR?
Yes, hiring a car at an off-airport location near Newark can be significantly cheaper than picking up at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Off-airport locations in the Newark area, including nearby Elizabeth and other suburbs within 5 to 15 miles of EWR, typically avoid the airport concession recovery fee, customer facility charge, and related Port Authority surcharges. This can result in daily rates that are 20 to 40% lower than comparable airport rates.
Brands such as Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, and Hertz operate off-airport locations in the Newark area. However, there are trade-offs to consider:
- You will need to arrange your own transport from the airport to the off-airport counter, such as a rideshare or NJ Transit train to Newark Penn Station
- Off-airport counters may have more limited hours than the 24-hour Consolidated Hire Centre at EWR
- Returning the car to an off-airport location before your flight requires additional travel time back to the terminal
If your Newark arrival is late at night or your schedule is tight, the convenience of the on-airport Hire Centre may outweigh the cost savings of an off-airport pick-up.
How do tolls work for hire cars in Newark and New Jersey?
Tolls are a significant part of driving in and around Newark. New Jersey operates a mostly cashless toll system, and hire cars come with a toll device installed by default.
Key toll roads near Newark include:
- New Jersey Turnpike (I-95): E-ZPass rates start at approximately US$0.95 and increase with distance; a 3% rate increase takes effect 1 January 2026
- Garden State Parkway: E-ZPass rates start at approximately US$1.90 for the full length
- NYC bridges and tunnels: approximately US$15 to US$25 or more per crossing
- NYC Congestion Relief Zone (Manhattan south of 60th Street): approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day if you drive into this area on local streets
At the Newark pickup counter, you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: approximately US$11 to US$26 per hire day, covering all tolls during the hire
- Pay per use: the hire company charges the actual toll amount plus daily or administrative processing fees after the hire ends
If you opt out of the hire company's toll programme and drive a cashless-only gantry without a personal transponder, you may be charged up to 3 times the toll amount (maximum US$5 per toll) in addition to the Toll-by-Plate rate. Toll charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle in Newark.
What documents do I need to pick up a hire car in Newark?
To pick up a hire car in Newark, you must present a set of physical documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Valid driver's licence (original, unexpired, physical card) in the main driver's name
- If your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold (debit and prepaid cards are not accepted)
- Passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors travelling internationally)
At the Newark counter, the hire agreement is with the partner brand (such as Avis, Hertz, Alamo, or Enterprise), and their desk requirements govern. All additional drivers must also be present at pickup with their own valid licence and ID.
A common mistake is arriving with only a debit or prepaid card. Even if you prepaid your reservation online, a physical major credit card is still required at the Newark counter for the security hold.
Can I get toll cashback for driving on New Jersey roads during my Newark hire?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Newark hire.
This benefit is especially valuable in Newark and the surrounding New Jersey and New York area, where toll exposure is among the highest in the United Kingdom. Between the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and NYC bridges and tunnels, daily toll costs can easily reach US$20 to US$40 or more depending on your route.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Newark hire:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the hire agreement signed at pickup, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit does not replace paying tolls during the hire; you pay normally and claim reimbursement afterwards.
What are the confusing highways and driving rules near Newark I should know about?
Driving in and around Newark involves several road features that frequently catch first-time visitors off guard.
- The New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) interchange near Newark Airport, particularly exits 13A through 14, is known for left-hand exits, dual-numbered routes (I-78 and the Turnpike overlap), and sudden HOV lane merges
- I-78 through Newark has abrupt cashless E-ZPass-only toll gantries without advance warning; driving through without a transponder or hire toll programme can result in Toll-by-Plate charges and additional fees
- The Pulaski Skyway (US-1/9) features steep grades and no-shoulder merge zones typical of older industrial corridor roads
- Many arterial roads in Newark, including sections of Routes 1 and 9, prohibit left turns due to viaduct restrictions, requiring U-turns or alternate routes
Speed enforcement near Newark is conducted by mobile New Jersey State Police units in Turnpike breakdown lanes rather than fixed cameras. Construction zones near Newark Airport carry doubled fines, exceeding US$100 for speeds 10 mph or more over the limit.
Fuel prices in the Newark area typically run US$3.60 to US$3.90 per gallon for regular unleaded, which is 15 to 25% above the UK average, partly due to New Jersey's state and local fuel taxes. Plan to refuel before returning your Newark hire to avoid the partner's higher refuelling rate.
What is the security deposit amount for a hire car in Newark?
At Newark hire car counters, the partner brand places a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card at pickup. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until the bank releases it after you return the vehicle.
Typical security deposit holds in the United Kingdom, including Newark, are approximately US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicle classes. The exact amount varies by hire brand, vehicle class, and location. Premium or speciality vehicles may carry higher holds.
Important requirements for the Newark deposit:
- The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or similar) with the driver's name printed on the physical card
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual card numbers are not accepted for the deposit
- The card must be in the main driver's name and presented physically at the counter
- You must have sufficient available credit to cover both the hold and any expected charges
After you return the Newark hire, the hold is released by the partner desk, but your bank controls when it reappears in your available balance. This can take up to 15 business days. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined at the Newark counter.
Can I do a one-way hire from Newark to New York City or another city?
Yes, one-way hires from Newark to other cities, including New York City airports such as JFK and LGA, are available through partner brands at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Whether a drop-off fee applies depends on the specific route, the hire brand, the vehicle class, and the dates of travel. For routes between Newark and nearby New York City locations, some routes may carry no drop-off fee while others do. Longer distances or cross-state routes are more likely to include a one-way fee.
To check whether a drop-off fee applies to your Newark one-way hire:
- Select your different return location during the booking search
- Review the rate details page, which will show any drop-off fee under the section labelled as payable at destination
- Your booking confirmation will also list this fee if it applies
The drop-off fee cannot be prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed during booking. If the counter charges a different amount than shown on your Newark confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire ends.
Cross-border one-way hires (for example, Newark to Canada) are subject to partner-specific rules and may not be permitted or may carry significantly higher fees.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Newark?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always mandatory for hiring a car in Newark, but it is strongly recommended in certain situations and required in others.
- If your driver's licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic (Russian), an IDP is mandatory alongside your original licence at the Newark counter
- If your licence is in English or uses the Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required by most Newark hire partners
- The IDP is a translation document only; it is not a standalone licence and will not be accepted without your original licence
You must obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Newark. UK issuers such as AA do not issue IDPs to holders of non-UK licences.
At the Newark pickup counter, the hire agreement is with the partner brand (Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, or others), and their desk requirements govern. If your licence is not in English and you arrive without an IDP, the counter agent may refuse to complete the hire. To avoid this situation, obtain your IDP before departing for Newark.
How does the fuel policy work for hire cars in Newark?
Hires in Newark follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for your Newark hire:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Newark return location before dropping off the vehicle
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
Fuel prices near Newark Liberty International Airport typically range from US$3.60 to US$3.90 per gallon for regular unleaded, which is higher than the UK national average. Plan your refuelling stop in advance, as stations immediately adjacent to the airport may be limited.
If you return the Newark hire without a full tank, the partner brand may charge a fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. Keeping your receipt is the best way to dispute any incorrect fuel charge after your Newark hire ends.
Can I add an additional driver to my Newark hire car?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Newark hire at the counter when you pick up the vehicle.
Whether the additional driver is included at no cost or subject to a daily fee depends on the rate you booked. Check your booking confirmation for a line stating additional driver included or additional driver free of charge. If it is not included, the daily fees at Newark partner counters are approximately:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per hire day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
Requirements for adding a driver at the Newark counter:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid driver's licence
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for Newark (25 in most cases; a young-driver surcharge applies for ages 21 to 24)
- For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the Newark hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. Do not allow anyone not named on the contract to drive the vehicle.
Does travel assistance cover me if something goes wrong during my Newark hire?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if something goes wrong during your Newark hire or travel period.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident, which can be relevant given Newark's complex highway interchanges and high-volume truck traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This benefit does not cover damage to the hire vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability to others (handled by LIS/ALI/SLI). It also does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Important: this coverage applies only to travellers who are not residents of the United Kingdom or Canada. UK and Canadian residents do not qualify for this benefit.
If you need assistance during your Newark hire, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Always follow the coordinator's instructions before incurring expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorisation. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and limits that apply to your reservation.
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