Enterprise Car Hire
New Jersey

At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), all major car hire companies, including Enterprise, are located at a consolidated rental car centre. This facility is situated away from the main terminal buildings. To reach it, you will need to take the AirTrain, the airport's free monorail system. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the overhead signs for "AirTrain" and then look for the signs directing you to the "Rental Car Centre" stop, which is typically Station P3.

Upon arriving at Terminal A and collecting your checked bags from the baggage reclaim area, your next step is to find the AirTrain. Look for the prominent overhead signs that guide you towards the AirTrain station, which is easily accessible from the terminal. Once you board, you will take a short ride to the Rental Car Centre at Station P3. The entire journey is designed to be seamless, with lifts and escalators available to help you manage your luggage.

From Terminal C, after you've picked up your luggage, the process is very direct. The airport is well signed, so you should look for the overhead directional signs for the AirTrain. Follow these signs to the AirTrain station connected to the terminal. Board the train and listen for the announcement for the Rental Car Centre, which is located at Station P3. This monorail system is the designated transport method and eliminates any confusion about finding shuttles or walking.

On a typical weekday afternoon, a realistic timeline from deplaning to driving your hire car away can vary. Factoring in time to walk to baggage reclaim, wait for your luggage, take the AirTrain to the rental centre, and complete the rental paperwork, you should budget approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This can be influenced by how many other flights have landed at the same time and the subsequent queue at the rental counter. Planning for this buffer helps ensure a low-stress start to your trip.

A practical meeting point for a group arriving on different flights is the main lobby of the Rental Car Centre itself. This centralises your group at the final step before getting the vehicle. Alternatively, you could designate a specific baggage reclaim carousel in the terminal where the last person is scheduled to arrive. However, meeting at the rental centre lobby is often more efficient, as everyone can converge there via the AirTrain from their respective terminals without extra coordination.

The most convenient place for the rest of the group to wait is in the main lobby of the Rental Car Centre. This area typically has seating and is climate-controlled, offering a comfortable space to wait with luggage. Once the driver has completed the paperwork and collected the car, they can often drive to a designated passenger pick-up area right outside the centre's doors. This avoids the hassle of trying to coordinate a pick-up back at the busy terminal kerbs.

After you complete your rental agreement at the Enterprise counter, your paperwork will clearly state the specific parking bay or row number where your vehicle is located. The rental car garage is well organised with large, clear signage for each row, usually marked with letters and numbers. Simply follow these signs to your designated section. This system is designed to be very efficient, helping you locate your car quickly and get on your way without confusion.

Immediately after exiting the rental car facility, it's wise to get your navigation and vehicle settings in order. A great option is to head to the airport's cell phone lot, which is a safe and designated area to park for a few minutes. Alternatively, many major motorways leading from EWR, like the New Jersey Turnpike, have service plazas just a few miles down the road. These plazas offer ample parking and are an excellent spot to safely programme your sat nav and adjust your mirrors before merging into heavy traffic.

When leaving the EWR rental car centre, the airport's internal road system is designed to guide you towards major motorways. To reach the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), you should follow the large, green overhead signs that explicitly say "NJ Turnpike / I-95". The signage is very clear and will direct you whether you need to go North (towards New York City) or South (towards Philadelphia). Keeping your GPS active from the start will help confirm you are in the correct lane for your intended direction.

A common point of confusion for drivers leaving EWR is navigating the complex series of ramps and splits that connect to US Routes 1 & 9, I-78, and the NJ Turnpike (I-95). Many travellers accidentally follow signs for local Newark or Elizabeth exits instead of staying on the main motorway connector. It is crucial to get into your target lane early and pay close attention to the large overhead signs. Using a GPS and listening to the turn-by-turn directions can significantly reduce the risk of taking a wrong exit in this busy interchange.

Driving to downtown Newark from EWR is a very short trip. The most direct route is to follow signs for US Route 1/9 North. This major road runs right alongside the airport and will take you directly into the city centre in just a few minutes, depending on traffic. For overnight parking, visitors often use the parking garages attached to their hotels. If that's not an option, there are numerous public parking garages and lots around the Prudential Centre and the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre that offer secure overnight rates.

For a straightforward drive to Jersey City, the best route is to take the NJ Turnpike Extension. From the airport, follow signs for the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North. After the toll plaza, stay to the right and take the exit for I-78 East, also marked as the "Holland Tunnel / Jersey City" exit. This route is a direct motorway path that minimises travel on local streets until you are very close to your destination, making it much easier for a first-time visitor to navigate.

To reach Hoboken with minimal confusion, your best bet is to take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North towards the Lincoln Tunnel, but exit before you reach the tunnel itself. You will take Exit 16E towards Weehawken/Lincoln Tunnel, and then follow local signs for Hoboken. Once you exit the motorway, rely heavily on your GPS to navigate the final approach, as Hoboken is known for its grid of one-way streets. Entering the city from the north or west sides can often be less congested than coming up from the Jersey City border.

Driving from EWR to the Prudential Centre is very convenient, as it's only a few miles away in downtown Newark. The simplest route is to take US Route 1/9 North directly to the downtown area. For parking, it's highly recommended to pre-book a spot in one of the many official lots and garages surrounding the arena. This guarantees you a space and can save you from circling in event traffic. Numerous lots are located within a short walk of the venue, and signage on event days is typically clear.

On an event day, expect significant traffic driving from EWR to MetLife Stadium. The most common route is the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to the sports complex exit. State Police will direct traffic flow on the final approach roads, so follow their instructions and the electronic signs rather than relying solely on your GPS. The car parks are vast and well marked; your parking pass will usually direct you to a specific lot. Arriving several hours early is essential to navigate the congestion and find your space without stress.

The most direct route to the American Dream complex from EWR is via the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North. You will take Exit 16W, which is specifically signed for the Meadowlands Sports Complex, where the mall is located. For first-time visitors, following the signs to Parking Decks A or B is often the least confusing option. These decks provide direct access to the main entrances of the mall, making it easy to get your bearings once you've parked your car.

To drive to Liberty State Park from EWR, the most straightforward route is taking the NJ Turnpike Extension (I-78 East). Follow the signs for the exit to Liberty State Park/Jersey City, which will lead you directly to the park's entrance. Once inside, the park has several large, designated paid car parks available for visitors. The most popular lots are located near the ferry terminal for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as well as near the Liberty Science Centre, providing convenient access to the main attractions.

A highly practical plan is to drive from EWR to your New Jersey hotel, park the car there, and use public transport for your trips into New York City. Many hotels in places like Jersey City, Hoboken, or Secaucus are located near PATH train stations or NJ Transit rail and bus lines. This strategy allows you to avoid the stress and high cost of driving and parking in Manhattan. The PATH train, in particular, offers quick and frequent service to various locations in Lower and Midtown Manhattan.

Your choice between the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels depends on your Manhattan destination. The Holland Tunnel, accessed via I-78 East, is best for reaching downtown areas like SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the Financial District. The Lincoln Tunnel, accessed via Route 495 from the NJ Turnpike, is better for Midtown destinations like Times Square and the Theatre District. Both tunnels experience heavy congestion, especially during rush hours, so it's crucial to check traffic conditions before you commit to a route and be prepared for significant delays.

After exiting the Holland Tunnel into Manhattan, the drive to Brooklyn can be tricky. You'll immediately be on busy city streets with complex intersections and aggressive drivers. The key is to have your GPS ready and know which bridge you're aiming for, typically the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge. Be prepared for sudden lane changes and one-way streets. Staying in the correct lane for the bridge approach is critical, as a wrong turn can easily lead you deep into Lower Manhattan's confusing street grid.

To get to Queens from EWR while avoiding Manhattan traffic, the best route is to take the Goethals Bridge to Staten Island. From there, you will take the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. Continue on I-278, also known as the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), which will lead you directly into Queens. While this route may seem longer in miles, it is often faster and significantly less stressful than attempting to drive through the heart of Manhattan.

If you are driving a larger vehicle like a full-size SUV or van, be particularly mindful of parkway restrictions. Many older parkways in the region, such as the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey or the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York, have low overpasses that may not accommodate taller vehicles. Always look for posted height-restriction signs before entering any parkway or tunnel. Sticking to major interstate motorways like I-95 or I-78 is generally the safest option for larger rental vehicles.

New Jersey is famous for its "jughandle" junctions, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. To make a left turn on many multi-lane roads, you must exit to the right onto a C-shaped ramp. This ramp then loops you around and positions you to cross the road or merge onto the cross-street. The key is to watch for signs that say "All turns from right lane" well in advance of your junction. Your GPS will typically announce these manoeuvres, so listen carefully to the instructions.

Many major crossings and some motorways in the northern New Jersey and New York area use all-electronic, or cashless, tolling. This means there are no cash lanes; a camera simply captures the vehicle's number plate. Car hire companies have programmes in place to manage these tolls for their customers. It's good practice to discuss the specific tolling options and administrative process with the Enterprise agent at the rental counter to understand how these charges will be handled for your hire.

The most direct and simplest route to Princeton is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South from the airport. You will stay on the Turnpike for about 35 miles until you reach Exit 8A. After exiting, you will follow signs for Route 32 West, which then connects you to Route 130 and eventually leads you onto local roads into Princeton. This route primarily uses one major motorway for the bulk of the journey, minimising complex interchanges and making for a relatively stress-free drive.

Driving to the Jersey Shore on a summer Friday is a classic test of patience. The primary bottleneck will be the Garden State Parkway South. To mitigate the traffic, try to pick up your car and leave EWR either before 1 p.m. or wait until after 7 p.m. The afternoon hours are when traffic is at its absolute peak. Major congestion points often occur around the Driscoll Bridge and the Toms River area. Using a real-time traffic app is essential for finding the least congested route.

A low-stress drive to Atlantic City involves taking the Garden State Parkway South. This route is generally more scenic and less industrial than the NJ Turnpike. The Parkway has several convenient service plazas with food, toilets, and fuel, making it easy to take a break. Once you arrive in Atlantic City, the simplest parking solution is to use the large self-park garages attached to the major casino resorts. They are easy to find and offer direct, covered access to the casinos and boardwalk.

A day trip to the Delaware Water Gap is very manageable from EWR. The drive is straightforward, primarily taking Interstate 80 West for about an hour and a half. This motorway leads you directly to the heart of the recreation area. For short hikes, the best strategy is to head to the Kittatinny Point Visitor Centre on the New Jersey side. It offers ample parking, toilets, and direct access to trailheads for popular, shorter hikes with stunning views of the gap.

The drive to Philadelphia is simple: take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South directly to the city. The journey typically takes about 90 minutes without heavy traffic. For a first-time visitor, the most practical plan is to park your car in a central parking garage for the day and explore the historic areas on foot. The garage at the Independence Visitor Centre is an excellent choice, as it places you right at the start of most major attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

The service plazas on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are large, modern, and very convenient. They are essentially one-stop shops located directly on the motorway, so you don't have to exit. You can expect to find multiple fast-food options, clean toilets, convenience stores, and a petrol station at each one. The first plazas are located just a short drive from EWR, making them a perfect place to stop for a coffee or snack after picking up your car.

New Jersey is one of the few states where it is illegal to pump your own petrol. All petrol stations are full-service, which can be a surprise for out-of-state visitors. When you pull up to a pump, simply remain in your car and an attendant will come to your window. You just need to tell them which type of fuel you need and how you'll be paying. It's a simple and convenient process, but it's good to be aware of it beforehand.

The best place to install car seats and get your children settled is in the designated parking bay where you pick up your vehicle. Before loading your luggage, take the time to properly install the car seats without feeling rushed. The rental garage provides a safe, covered environment away from active traffic. This allows you to focus on getting the seats secured correctly and the kids buckled in comfortably before you even think about starting the engine and navigating out of the airport.

For a trip that blends motorway driving with city exploration, a compact or mid-size saloon is often the ideal choice. These vehicles are comfortable and stable enough for motorway travel to destinations like the Jersey Shore or Philadelphia. At the same time, they are manoeuvrable and small enough to navigate the narrow streets and tight parking garages you'll encounter in places like Hoboken, Jersey City, or even Manhattan. This balance provides the most versatility and the least amount of stress for a varied New Jersey itinerary.

During winter, the most surprising hazard for out-of-state drivers near EWR is often black ice, especially on the many elevated ramps and bridges that make up the airport interchanges. These surfaces freeze much faster than the ground-level roads. Even if the main roads appear clear, exercise extreme caution on slip roads and exit ramps. Additionally, be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, as a sudden snow squall can quickly reduce visibility and make roads slick in this coastal area.

For easy access, look for petrol stations along US Route 1/9, which runs parallel to the airport. As you exit the main airport complex and head either north or south on US-1/9, you will find several major brand petrol stations that are simple to pull into from the right lane. These are far more convenient than trying to access the stations located within the airport's confusing internal loop roads. Using your phone's map application to search for "petrol station" once you're on this main road will show you the closest options.

As you approach Newark Airport, the overhead signage is designed to separate different types of traffic early. You must pay close attention and get into the correct lane for "Rental Car Return". These signs are distinct from the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals" for each terminal. The rental return area is a consolidated facility, so you will follow signs for that specific destination, not for a particular airline or terminal building. Following these dedicated signs is the key to avoiding a wrong turn into the busy terminal loops.

The smoothest sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" and your specific airline's terminal. Drop off your passengers and luggage at the kerbside. After they are safely on their way, you will need to loop back around the airport's main road system. As you circle back, begin following the signs for "Rental Car Return". This will guide you away from the terminal loops and towards the separate, consolidated return facility, ensuring a logical and efficient process.

The simplest and official way to get from the Rental Car Centre to your departure terminal is by using the AirTrain. After you have returned your vehicle and completed the check-in process, you will walk into the rental centre lobby and take a lift or escalator up to the AirTrain platform. The monorail runs frequently and makes stops at all terminals (A, B, and C). Simply board the train and exit at the station corresponding to your airline's terminal.

The process remains the same regardless of your departure terminal. After returning your car, you will take the AirTrain from the Rental Car Centre. The train travels in a loop, stopping at each terminal, so you just need to stay on until you reach your designated departure terminal. The travel time on the AirTrain between the rental centre and any of the terminals is typically less than 10-15 minutes. It's wise to budget about 30 minutes total for the entire process from car drop-off to arriving at your terminal check-in desk.

For a long layover, a great option is visiting The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a large outlet mall located just minutes from the airport with very simple road access. Another easy trip is to drive to the historic Ironbound district in Newark for some excellent Portuguese or Brazilian food. Both destinations are close by and don't require navigating complex motorways, making them realistic to visit. Always be sure to allow at least two to three hours buffer time for returning the car and getting through airport security.