Hertz Car Hire
New Jersey

After arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport, you will proceed to a dedicated rental car facility rather than a counter inside the terminal. To get there, follow the signs for the AirTrain Newark, which is the airport's free monorail system. The AirTrain conveniently connects all passenger terminals to Station P3, which is where the consolidated rental car centre is located. Once you disembark at Station P3, you will find the Hertz counter inside the building to complete your paperwork and pick up your vehicle.

The most convenient method for reaching the Hertz pickup area with family and luggage is by using the AirTrain Newark. This monorail system is easily accessible from all terminals and is designed to accommodate travellers with baggage trolleys and pushchairs. The ride is fully enclosed, protecting you from the elements, and offers a smooth, quick transfer directly to Station P3. This eliminates the need to navigate airport roadways or wait for a shuttle bus, making it a low-stress option for families.

On a typical weekday afternoon, it's wise to budget a generous amount of time from landing to driving away in your rental. You should account for several factors, including the time it takes to deplane, walk to baggage reclaim, and wait for your luggage. From there, the AirTrain ride to the rental car centre is usually efficient, but you should also anticipate potential queues at the rental counter. Factoring in these variables, allowing for at least 60 to 90 minutes from touchdown provides a comfortable buffer for a smooth start to your trip.

For late-night arrivals at EWR, the process of reaching the Hertz rental facility remains straightforward, as the AirTrain typically operates 24 hours a day. While the airport terminals may be quieter, signage for the AirTrain will still be clearly visible to guide you. The rental car centre at Station P3 is also designed for continuous operation, so you can expect the Hertz counter to be staffed and ready for your arrival. The facility is well lit, and the process is the same as it would be during the day, ensuring a secure and efficient pickup experience.

To drive from EWR to Manhattan with minimal confusion, your most direct path is to follow the signs for I-78 East towards the Holland Tunnel. As you exit the rental facility, pay close attention to the overhead signs for US-1/9 North, which will lead you to the I-78 interchange. This route avoids the more complex interchanges of the New Jersey Turnpike further north. Once you are on I-78, it provides a direct approach to the Holland Tunnel, which takes you into Lower Manhattan.

For a first-time visitor driving from EWR to Jersey City or Hoboken, the Holland Tunnel approach is generally the most direct and simplest option. After leaving the airport, you'll want to get on I-78 East, which leads you straight to the tunnel entrance. This route is well marked and avoids the need to navigate the more complex road networks leading to the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge. Jersey City is located immediately on the New Jersey side of the Holland Tunnel, making it an especially easy destination to reach.

To minimise immediate exposure to midtown traffic when driving from EWR to Times Square, consider taking the Lincoln Tunnel. Follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North and take the exit for the Lincoln Tunnel (Route 495 East). Once you exit the tunnel in Manhattan, you will be on the west side, relatively close to your destination. To further reduce stress, try to plan your arrival for off-peak hours, such as late in the evening, to avoid the heaviest congestion.

If you're staying in the Newark area, consider neighbourhoods like the Ironbound or the area around Newark Penn Station, which often have hotels with dedicated parking. These locations provide excellent access to NJ Transit trains or the PATH system for a quick trip into Manhattan without your car. In Elizabeth, look for accommodation near the North Elizabeth or Elizabeth train stations on the Northeast Corridor line. This strategy allows you to securely park your rental and rely on public transport for your New York City excursions.

Driving in the Ironbound district and around Newark Penn Station during dinner hours can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited street parking. The area is known for its popular restaurants, which draw significant crowds, and many streets are narrow or one way. It's advisable to use a GPS and identify a specific parking garage or car park as your destination before you arrive. Allowing extra time and exercising patience will be key to navigating the bustling streets and finding a place to park your rental car.

When driving into NYC through either the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel for the first time, it's important to stay alert and follow signs carefully. The approaches can have multiple lanes that split for different destinations, so having your GPS destination set ahead of time is crucial. Be prepared for traffic to slow down or stop completely as you near the toll plaza and tunnel entrance. Inside the tunnels, maintain a consistent speed, stay in your lane, and be aware of the low ceiling height and narrow lanes, which can be surprising for first-time drivers.

Liberty State Park offers ample parking for visitors, making it a convenient destination for a rental car. As you drive into the park, you will see clear signage directing you to large, designated visitor parking areas. These are situated near the main points of interest, including the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and the ferry ticket offices for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Arriving earlier in the day, especially at weekends, is a good strategy to secure a spot closer to the ferry departure point.

To have a smooth visit to the American Dream Mall, plan your trip for a weekday and check the MetLife Stadium schedule to avoid arriving during a major game or concert. The mall is located directly off the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3, and your GPS will guide you effectively. The parking decks are colour coded and well marked, so making a note of your section (e.g., Deck A, Level 3) is helpful. Following the overhead electronic signs for available parking upon arrival will direct you to the least congested areas.

The smartest strategy for driving a rental to MetLife Stadium is to arrive several hours before the event starts to avoid the worst traffic on Route 3 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Use a navigation app to guide you to the specific car park designated on your event ticket, as this will streamline your entry. For departure, exercising patience is key; consider waiting for about an hour after the event concludes for traffic to clear out. Alternatively, park closer to the exits of the stadium car park to facilitate a quicker getaway once the main rush subsides.

The most straightforward route from the EWR area to the Jersey Shore is via the Garden State Parkway South. After leaving the airport, follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike South for a very short distance to Exit 11, which provides direct access to the Parkway. Once you are on the Garden State Parkway, it's a direct and well-marked motorway that runs parallel to the coastline. Simply find the exit number corresponding to your destination shore town, as most major towns have their own dedicated exit.

To avoid the heaviest beach-bound traffic from the EWR area, especially at a summer weekend, you should plan to be on the road very early. Leaving your hotel before 07:00 is highly recommended to get ahead of the main rush that builds on the Garden State Parkway. An alternative is to travel during off-peak times, such as on a weekday or by waiting until early afternoon when the morning surge has subsided. This proactive timing can significantly cut down on your travel time and reduce driving stress.

Major motorways around Newark, like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, primarily use an electronic tolling system called E-ZPass. Before leaving the rental lot, it's a great idea to ask the Hertz staff how your specific vehicle is equipped to handle these tolls. Many rental cars come with a transponder that automatically records the tolls, ensuring you can use the express lanes without stopping. Understanding this process beforehand will help you travel more efficiently and avoid any confusion at toll plazas.

Yes, the complex network of motorways around EWR, including the New Jersey Turnpike and Routes 1 & 9, can be unforgiving if you miss an exit. The interchanges are often large and intricate, and a missed turn can easily lead to a multi-mile detour. To reduce this risk, use a reliable GPS navigation app and review your route before you start driving. Having a passenger act as a co-pilot to watch for signs and announce turns can also be extremely helpful in this fast-paced driving environment.

The best time to pick up your rental car depends on your itinerary's structure. If your first few days are focused exclusively on Manhattan, it often makes more sense to delay the rental pickup. You can use public transport or ride-hailing to get from EWR to your city hotel and avoid the challenges and expense of parking in NYC. Then, when you're ready to explore New Jersey or other areas, you can pick up a car from a city location. Conversely, if your trip starts in New Jersey, picking up the car upon arrival at EWR is the most efficient choice.

For a low-stress hotel drop-off in Manhattan, planning is essential. Before you arrive, call the hotel to ask about their loading zone policy and the best approach to their entrance. It's often helpful for one person to stay with the car while another unloads the luggage and begins the check-in process. Try to time your arrival for mid-day, between check-out and check-in rushes, to find less congestion. Having a clear plan prevents you from having to circle busy city blocks with a car full of bags.

When staying in Jersey City, the best strategy is to choose a hotel that offers guest parking or is located near a public car park. Once you've parked your rental car, you can leave it there and use the PATH train system for all your trips into Manhattan. The PATH provides fast and frequent service from stations like Journal Square, Grove Street, and Exchange Place directly into Lower and Midtown Manhattan. This approach gives you the flexibility of having a car for New Jersey excursions while avoiding the stress of driving and parking in New York City.

When driving near Port Newark, it is crucial to be highly aware of the large commercial lorries that frequent the area. These vehicles make wide turns and may change lanes with less visibility than a standard car, so it's important to give them plenty of space and avoid lingering in their blind spots. Be prepared for sudden stops and be extra cautious at intersections and motorway slip roads. Staying in the leftmost lanes when possible on roads like the Turnpike can help you avoid merging traffic from the port.

Finding a petrol station near EWR is quite easy, as there are numerous options located along the main access roads. The stretch of US Route 1 & 9, both north and south of the airport exit, is lined with familiar petrol station brands. This makes it very convenient to refuel either right after you pick up your car or just before you return it. Setting your GPS for a petrol station on this route before you get on a major motorway like the Turnpike is a simple way to ensure a quick and stress-free stop.

A safe and convenient place to pull over shortly after leaving the EWR rental facility is The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a large shopping mall located just a minute or two from the airport. You can easily navigate to its expansive car park, find a quiet spot, and take all the time you need to programme your GPS, adjust your seats, and organise your luggage. This is a much safer alternative to stopping on a busy hard shoulder and allows you to begin your journey feeling prepared and relaxed.

When booking your rental, selecting a larger vehicle class like an SUV or a people carrier is the best first step to accommodate bulky items like skis or extra luggage. Upon arrival at the Hertz counter at EWR, you can mention your specific needs to the agent to ensure the assigned vehicle is suitable. Before you drive away from the pickup spot, it's always a good idea to do a test fit with your largest bags or equipment. This final check confirms that everything fits securely for a safe and comfortable trip.

For winter trips from EWR to mountainous areas like the Poconos or upstate New York, vehicle choice is an important safety consideration. Opting for an SUV, particularly one with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), can provide better traction and stability in snowy or icy conditions. While vehicle features can vary, selecting a class of car known for good winter performance is a wise decision. It gives you added confidence when navigating potentially challenging mountain roads and unpredictable weather.

First-time drivers in New Jersey are often surprised by a few local traffic patterns. The most famous is the "jughandle," a ramp on the right side of the road used to make a left turn, which can be counterintuitive. Additionally, some motorways, like the Garden State Parkway, feature left-lane exits, so it's important to pay attention to signs well in advance. Finally, be prepared for many roads to have traffic circles or roundabouts instead of traditional intersections, requiring you to give way to traffic already inside the circle.

When visiting Princeton University, the most convenient places to park your rental car are the public parking garages located in the town on streets like Spring Street, Hulfish Street, and Chambers Street. These garages are just a short walk from the main campus and the popular shops and restaurants on Nassau Street. Using one of these garages is much simpler than searching for limited on-street metered parking. Arriving in the morning on a weekday can also improve your chances of finding a spot easily.

The most direct and smoothest route from EWR to Atlantic City is to take the Garden State Parkway South to the Atlantic City Expressway East. After leaving the airport area, you'll connect with the Parkway and travel south for approximately 100 miles. Look for Exit 38A, which is a dedicated exit for the Atlantic City Expressway. This expressway will then lead you directly into the heart of the city, with clear signs for the casino and boardwalk areas, making for a very straightforward drive.

To minimise your wait time entering Six Flags Great Adventure, plan to arrive with your rental car well before the park's official opening time. Aim to be at the park entrance about 45 to 60 minutes early, as this allows you to get through the parking toll booths and find a good spot before the main crowds descend. Alternatively, arriving in the mid-afternoon, around 2:00 or 3:00 pm, can also be a good strategy, as the initial morning rush will have completely subsided by then.

A day trip to the Delaware Water Gap from EWR is best planned with an early start to maximise your time. The drive itself will take approximately 90 minutes each way via I-80 West, but you should add extra time for potential traffic. Plan to leave the EWR area by 8:00 am. For your itinerary, choose one or two key areas to explore, such as a hike to a waterfall like Buttermilk Falls and a visit to the Millbrook Village historic site, to avoid rushing. This focused approach makes for a more enjoyable and realistic day trip.

For an easy and scenic fall foliage drive from EWR, consider heading towards the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding towns of Morristown and Basking Ridge. You can reach this area by taking I-78 West, which is a major motorway without complex mountain terrain. The local roads around the refuge and through these historic towns offer beautiful autumn colours and a relaxed driving experience. This route provides a classic New England feel without the challenge of navigating steep or winding roads.

When parking your rental car at any tourist destination, it's always best to practise smart security habits. Always lock your doors and ensure all windows are closed completely. The most important rule is to never leave valuables, such as luggage, shopping bags, or electronics, visible inside the car. Store any belongings in the boot before you arrive at your destination. Whenever possible, choose to park in well-lit, official car parks or garages rather than on isolated side streets.

To avoid restricted lanes when approaching the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels, pay very close attention to road signs and road markings. As you get closer to the tunnel entrances, dedicated bus-only lanes will be clearly marked with overhead signs and often painted red on the road surface. Using a GPS app can be helpful, but always prioritise the official road signs, as they provide the most current and accurate lane restrictions. Staying in the general traffic lanes will ensure you don't receive a violation.

When planning a multi-city trip, confirming the feasibility and terms of a one-way rental is the most important step. Check during the booking process to ensure you can pick up your vehicle at EWR and drop it off at a Hertz location in your final destination city, like Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. You should also consider the driving route, as the I-95 corridor connects all three cities but can have heavy traffic and tolls. Planning your travel between cities for off-peak hours can make the drive significantly more pleasant.

The most straightforward route from EWR to Philadelphia is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South. This is a direct, major interstate motorway that will take you almost the entire way. While the Turnpike is a busy road, it allows you to bypass the complex local interchanges of northern New Jersey. Once you are south of the Trenton area, you will follow signs to cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, with clear directions leading you into central Philadelphia.

A great rendezvous point at EWR is the Welcome Centre located in the baggage reclaim area of a pre-determined terminal, such as Terminal C. These areas have seating and are easy to find, allowing your group to gather comfortably after everyone has collected their luggage. Once everyone is together, you can all proceed to the AirTrain station within that terminal to ride to the rental car centre as a group. This is much simpler than trying to co-ordinate a meeting at the rental facility itself.

For a reliable and timely return on an early morning, allow more time than you think you'll need. Use your GPS and follow the airport signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach EWR. These signs will guide you directly to the entrance of the consolidated rental facility. After you drop off the car and complete the return process, you will take the AirTrain from the facility (Station P3) back to your departure terminal. Budgeting at least 30–40 minutes for this entire process, from car drop-off to arriving at your terminal, is a safe bet.

The smoothest sequence is to first drive to the departures level of the specific terminal your passengers are using. Pull up to the kerb, unload all passengers and their luggage, and then say your goodbyes. After they have safely entered the terminal, you can then follow the airport road signs for "Rental Car Return". This approach prevents you from having to transport luggage from the rental facility back to the terminal and allows your passengers to proceed directly to check-in while you handle the vehicle return.

If you lose your GPS signal near EWR, the best strategy is to immediately start looking for the official airport road signs. The highway system around the airport is well signed with clear directions for "Rental Car Return". These signs are designed to be visible and easy to follow, even in complex interchanges. It's also helpful to have a general idea of your route beforehand, knowing that you'll be heading towards the central airport area to find the consolidated rental facility at Station P3.