Dollar Car Hire
New Jersey

The Dollar Car Rental counter at Newark Liberty International Airport is located within the consolidated Rental Car Centre. This facility is separate from the main airport terminals and houses multiple rental agencies in one place. Because it is a centralised location, it is equally convenient from all terminals—A, B, and C. Access is provided by the AirTrain Newark system, which connects all passenger terminals directly to the Rental Car Centre station. Simply follow the overhead signs for AirTrain upon your arrival.

Once you have collected your luggage from baggage reclaim, your next step is to find the AirTrain. Look for prominent overhead signs directing you to the AirTrain station within your terminal. Board the train and travel to the Rental Car Centre stop, which is clearly announced and signposted. After exiting the AirTrain at this station, you will enter the consolidated rental facility. From there, you can easily find the Dollar Car Rental counter to complete your paperwork and proceed to the vehicle pick-up area.

The process for reaching Dollar Car Rental is virtually identical whether you land at Terminal A, B, or C. Newark Airport is designed with a unified system to streamline access to rental vehicles. From any terminal's baggage reclaim, follow the signs for the AirTrain. This monorail system circles the airport, connecting all three terminals to the central Rental Car Centre. The AirTrain journey is the standard and most efficient method from any arrival point, ensuring a consistent experience for all travellers.

The most reliable and direct connection is the AirTrain Newark, which operates entirely indoors or under cover until you reach the Rental Car Centre. After collecting your bags, simply follow the airport's clear and frequent signage for "AirTrain". You will not need to go outside or look for a ground-level shuttle bus for rental car services. The AirTrain station is integrated into each terminal, making it a weather-protected and straightforward journey directly to the consolidated rental facility where Dollar is located.

Managing luggage and a pushchair is easiest if you use the airport's resources strategically. First, grab a complimentary luggage trolley from baggage reclaim to consolidate your belongings. The airport, including the lifts and escalators leading to the AirTrain, is designed to be accessible. Once you board the AirTrain, there is dedicated space for luggage and pushchairs. The ride to the Rental Car Centre is brief, and on arrival you can use lifts to reach the Dollar counter, making the entire process manageable even with a lot to carry.

If you find that your reserved vehicle is not suitable for your needs, the best course of action is to speak directly with the Dollar staff at the rental counter before you leave the facility. Explain your situation regarding luggage or passenger space. The customer service team is there to assist with such issues and can review available options within their fleet. They can help you explore potential upgrades or find a different vehicle that better accommodates your party and belongings for your trip.

After completing your rental agreement at the Dollar counter, the agent will provide you with the specific location of your vehicle. Typically, your contract will have a bay number, which corresponds to a clearly marked parking space in the garage. The rental car garage is organised into numbered or lettered rows, similar to any large car park. Pay close attention to the row and bay number provided, and follow the overhead directional signs within the garage to locate your assigned vehicle efficiently.

Before leaving the rental lot, it is wise to do a quick but thorough walk-around inspection of your vehicle. Use your smartphone to take photos of all four sides of the car, paying special attention to any existing scratches, dings, or dents. Also capture images of the wheels, windscreen, and interior condition. Check that the headlights and indicators are working and make a note of the starting mileage and fuel level. This personal record provides peace of mind and serves as a helpful reference when you return the car.

The key to a low-stress exit from EWR is to have your GPS or navigation app ready before you start driving. The airport road system is well signposted, directing you towards major motorways such as I-78 and the NJ Turnpike (I-95). For the simplest departure, follow the large green overhead signs for these main routes. Avoid last-minute lane changes and leave plenty of space. Following the primary signs for a major route will get you clear of the complex airport interchanges most effectively.

A great option for a quick stop is The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a large shopping mall located just a couple of minutes from the airport rental car exit. Its expansive car park offers a safe and low-pressure environment to pull over. Here, you can take a few moments to programme your navigation, adjust your mirrors and seat, and ensure your passengers are comfortable. Alternatively, look for a nearby petrol station or a chain coffee shop, which also provide convenient and safe places to pause before joining major New Jersey motorways.

Jughandles can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with New Jersey roads. Instead of making a direct left turn from the main road, you exit from the right-hand lane onto a C-shaped ramp, or "jughandle". This ramp then loops around and merges you with the cross street you intended to turn onto. Your GPS will typically announce these manoeuvres, but the key is to remember that to turn left, you must first exit to the right. Always look for signs indicating the jughandle exit for your desired street.

Many older New Jersey traffic circles, unlike modern roundabouts, often require you to merge directly into high-speed traffic. The primary rule is that vehicles already in the circle have right of way, so you must give way before entering. Pay close attention to road signs as you approach, as they indicate which lane you need for your intended exit. Drive defensively, use your indicators, and be prepared for other drivers to merge or exit, sometimes with little warning.

For a relatively straightforward drive to Jersey City or Hoboken, the best route is typically via the NJ Turnpike Extension (I-78 East). After leaving the EWR rental facility, follow signs for I-78 East towards the Holland Tunnel. This is a major, well signposted route that leads you directly to the waterfront cities. While traffic can be heavy, it avoids many complex local road networks. Your GPS will guide you, but aiming for the I-78 East / Holland Tunnel corridor is the most direct path.

Driving from EWR to the Prudential Centre is a short trip, usually about 15–20 minutes without heavy traffic. The most direct route is to follow signs for US-1/9 North towards Newark. As you approach the city centre, your navigation app will guide you onto local streets such as Broad Street or Lafayette Street. For parking, there are numerous public car parks and garages surrounding the arena. It is often easiest to choose a well-lit, signposted garage a few blocks away and walk, rather than trying to park immediately adjacent to the venue.

This depends on your itinerary. If you plan to explore outside the city straight away, picking up your car on arrival at EWR is most convenient. However, if you are only staying in downtown Newark for the first day or two, you might consider taking a taxi or rideshare to your hotel first. This lets you avoid navigating city traffic after a flight and saves you dealing with overnight parking. You could then pick up a rental car from a non-airport location in or near the city when you are ready for your road trip.

In densely populated areas like Jersey City and Hoboken, on-street parking is often hard to find and subject to complex regulations. The least stressful option is to book a hotel that offers guest parking, even if it comes with a daily fee. If your accommodation does not have parking, your next best option is to use a public parking garage. You can find garages that offer 24-hour or overnight rates, providing a secure place to leave your car without worrying about street cleaning rules or time limits.

Driving into Manhattan is generally not recommended for visitors due to severe traffic and extremely expensive parking. A much better plan is to use New Jersey's excellent public transport system. Drive your rental car to a transport hub with a large parking facility, such as Secaucus Junction rail station or a PATH station in Jersey City or Hoboken with an associated public garage. From there, you can take a train or the PATH directly into various parts of Manhattan, enjoying a faster and more relaxed journey.

Traffic approaching the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels is notoriously heavy, especially during morning and evening rush hours. To time your entry, use a real-time traffic app such as Google Maps or Waze right before you depart. Generally, the best times to cross are mid-day (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) or later in the evening (after 8 p.m.). Be prepared for significant delays regardless of the time, and note that electronic tolling is in effect, which will be handled through your rental agreement.

The drive from EWR to Liberty State Park is quite direct. Take the NJ Turnpike Extension (I-78 East) and follow signs for Exit 14B. This exit is specifically designated for Liberty State Park and the Liberty Science Centre, making it very hard to miss. Once off the motorway, clear signage will guide you into the park itself. There are several large, paid car parks conveniently located near the main attractions, such as the ferry terminal to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, making parking straightforward for visitors.

Driving from EWR to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port is a relatively easy trip, taking about 20–30 minutes. The most common route is to take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) to Exit 14A. After the toll plaza, follow signs for Route 440 South. The cruise port is well signposted from Route 440, guiding you directly to the passenger drop-off and parking areas. Having a rental car is ideal for managing cruise luggage, as you can drive straight to the terminal drop-off zone to unload bags with porters before parking the car.

On event days, expect significant traffic delays on the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and Route 3, the main arteries serving the stadium. It is crucial to leave EWR much earlier than your GPS suggests. As you approach the Meadowlands Sports Complex, electronic signs and police will direct you to the appropriate car parks. The car parks are vast and designated by letter, so make a note of where you park. Having cash on hand for parking can sometimes be useful, though electronic payments are common.

The drive to American Dream from EWR is very straightforward, as it is located right next to MetLife Stadium. Take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to the Meadowlands Sports Complex exit. For first-time visitors, the easiest approach is to follow the main signs for American Dream, which will lead you to one of the main parking decks (often Decks A, B, or C). These decks offer direct, covered access to the mall, making them convenient in any weather and easy to navigate.

The drive to Princeton is primarily along the NJ Turnpike (I-95) South, which is a simple route. A common mistake occurs when exiting the Turnpike at Exit 9 for Route 18. The interchange can be confusing, so it is important to stay in the correct lane for Route 1 South. Another potential issue is navigating the final few miles on local roads such as Route 1 and Washington Road. Trust your GPS but pay close attention to signs, as some turns can come up quickly after traffic lights.

Driving to the Jersey Shore on a summer Friday requires strategic planning. The primary route, the Garden State Parkway South, becomes extremely congested, especially from late morning through the evening. To avoid the worst of it, plan to leave EWR either very early in the morning (before 7 a.m.) or later at night (after 9 p.m.). Major choke points include the Driscoll Bridge over the Raritan River and the area where the Parkway narrows near the Asbury Park tolls. Pack your patience, as even with planning, delays are likely.

For a visitor, the least complicated route to Atlantic City is to take the Garden State Parkway South. After leaving EWR, you will connect to the Parkway and stay on it for approximately 100 miles. The Parkway is a direct, well-maintained route that bypasses most local traffic. Your final turn will be onto the Atlantic City Expressway, which is clearly signposted and leads directly into the heart of the city. This route minimises complex interchanges and local road navigation for the majority of your journey.

A simple and scenic route for a day trip to the Delaware Water Gap is to take I-78 West from the Newark area. This major motorway will take you through the rolling hills of central and western New Jersey. As you get closer to the Pennsylvania border, you will transition to Route 22 West and then follow signs for I-80 West, which runs directly through the Water Gap. This route relies on major interstates for most of the drive, making it easy to navigate for visitors unfamiliar with the region.

The New Jersey Turnpike is well equipped with large service plazas located every 20–30 miles. These are accessible directly from the motorway and are clearly signposted well in advance. Each offers a variety of fast-food restaurants, convenience shops, clean toilets, and petrol stations. They are excellent, safe places to take a break, grab a coffee, or refuel without needing to leave the motorway and navigate local roads. The plazas are named after notable New Jersey residents, such as the Vince Lombardi or Grover Cleveland Service Areas.

The most direct route to Philadelphia is the NJ Turnpike (I-95) South. To avoid difficult city traffic, stay on the Turnpike until you cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge into Delaware, then take I-95 North towards Philadelphia. Alternatively, you can cross the Delaware River on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge via I-676. As you approach the city, set your GPS to a specific destination, such as a parking garage near your hotel or attraction. This helps prevent routing through narrow, one-way residential streets in the city centre.

The interchanges connecting EWR to the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and I-78 are notoriously complex. A common point of confusion is the split between I-78 Express and Local lanes; for most exits, you will want to be in the local lanes. Another tricky area is the multi-lane toll plaza for the Turnpike, where you need to be in the correct lane for your intended direction (North or South) well in advance. The best advice is to reduce your speed, read signs carefully, and keep your GPS active with voice guidance.

Most major roads, bridges, and tunnels in this region use electronic tolling. Rental cars are typically fitted with a toll transponder, often mounted on the windscreen. When you drive through a designated toll lane, the device registers the toll automatically. The rental company then bills the accumulated toll charges to the payment method you have on file for your hire. This system lets you use the faster electronic lanes without needing to stop or carry cash.

Most navigation apps such as Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps include an option to avoid tolls. Before you start your journey, open the app settings or route options. You will find a toggle or tick-box labelled "Avoid tolls" or "Avoid toll roads". When enabled, the app will calculate a route using only non-tolled public roads. Be aware these routes will almost always take significantly longer and may involve more complicated navigation on local streets.

These are major multi-lane roads characterised by heavy traffic volumes and fast-moving vehicles. The NJ Turnpike (I-95) is used heavily by commercial and long-distance traffic, while the Garden State Parkway is more commuter- and shore-traffic focused. I-78 is a key east–west corridor. For visitors, driving can feel intense, especially at peak times. It is essential to drive defensively, keep a safe following distance, and be aware that local drivers can be assertive. Staying in the centre or left lanes is not necessary; remaining in the centre or right lanes often feels less stressful.

Winter travel requires extra caution. Before leaving the airport, check the local weather forecast and road conditions. Allow significantly more time to reach your destination. When driving, reduce your speed, increase your following distance dramatically, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Major routes are usually prioritised for ploughing and salting, but bridges and flyovers can freeze first. Ensure your rental car has adequate screenwash and that you know how to operate the demister/defroster.

New Jersey is one of the few states where self-service petrol is not permitted by law. When you pull up to a pump, you must wait for an attendant to assist you. Stay in your car, and when the attendant arrives, tell them which fuel you need and how much you would like (for example, "Fill it with regular, please"). They will handle the entire process. You can then pay the attendant by card or cash at your window.

To ensure you reach the correct location, enter "Newark Airport Rental Car Return" or the specific address of the rental facility into your sat nav, rather than just "EWR" or "Newark Airport". The airport has extensive, clear signage for "Rental Car Return" as you approach. Following these signs will take you directly to the consolidated return centre, separate from the airline terminal drop-off lanes, avoiding a stressful and time-consuming detour.

The most efficient approach is to keep all passengers and luggage in the vehicle and drive straight to the Dollar rental car return area. After you return the car and complete the check-in, your entire party can then proceed together to the AirTrain station inside the Rental Car Centre. The AirTrain provides a quick, direct connection to all terminals. This avoids the hassle of navigating the congested terminal drop-off roads and keeps everyone and their luggage together.

The process is the reverse of your arrival. Once you have returned your vehicle and received your receipt, walk from the return area into the main lobby of the Rental Car Centre. From there, follow the prominent signs for the AirTrain. Board the train and listen for the announcement for your departure terminal (A, B, or C). The AirTrain is the official and most direct method, designed to move travellers and luggage efficiently from the rental facility to the airline check-in areas.

Your departure terminal does not affect the car return process, as all returns go to the same central facility. However, you should know your departure terminal (A, B, or C) before boarding the AirTrain at the Rental Car Centre. The AirTrain stops at each terminal separately, so you simply exit at the correct one. Always allow plenty of time for the return process, the AirTrain ride, and the walk to your airline's check-in desks, especially during busy travel periods.

The most effective plan is for everyone to meet at one pre-arranged location before heading to collect the car. A good meeting point is the baggage reclaim area of the flight that lands last. This prevents anyone from waiting at the Rental Car Centre, which can be busy. Once the whole group has assembled and collected all luggage, you can travel together on the AirTrain to the Dollar counter, ensuring a smooth and organised start to your trip.

For a long layover, the most convenient destination is The Mills at Jersey Gardens. This large outlet mall is right next to the airport and requires only a few minutes of simple driving on local roads. You can easily spend several hours shopping or dining there without worrying about complex navigation or motorway traffic. Another simple option is a nearby park such as Warinanco Park in Roselle, which offers pleasant green space to relax just a short drive from the airport.