National Car Hire
New Windsor, NY

On arrival at Stewart International Airport you will find the National Car Rental desk located inside the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage from baggage reclaim, follow the prominent signs to the car hire desks. The counters are typically grouped together in a dedicated area, making them easy to spot. Once the hire process at the desk is complete, an agent will direct you to the nearby car park where your vehicle will be waiting.

Stewart International Airport is straightforward to navigate, even for late-night arrivals. The car hire desks are inside the main terminal, just beyond the baggage reclaim carousels, an area that remains well lit and clearly signed after hours. Once you have your keys, the walk to the hire car park is short and directly accessible from the terminal exits. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Pickup" to find your vehicle in the designated bays.

Planning for around 30 to 45 minutes from deplaning to driving away is a reasonable estimate for a smooth experience at SWF. This allows time to walk to baggage reclaim, collect your luggage and complete the hire paperwork at the desk. The duration can vary depending on how many flights have landed at the same time and how familiar you are with the hire process. To speed things up, have your reservation details and driving licence ready.

For a straightforward drive into downtown Newburgh, avoid major motorway interchanges. From the airport exit you will mainly use local roads such as Route 207 (Little Britain Road) heading east. Continue on this road as it becomes Broadway, which will take you directly into the heart of the city. This route is well signposted and takes you through commercial and residential areas, eventually bringing you to the Newburgh waterfront with minimal complex turns.

The most direct route to Beacon is to cross the Hudson via the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge. From SWF drive a short distance to join Interstate 84 East and follow the clear signs for the bridge. It is a large, modern bridge that is easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Once across, take the very first exit for Route 9D South which will lead you directly into Beacon and past the Dia:Beacon museum.

To reach Cold Spring, drive to Beacon by taking I-84 East across the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge. After the bridge take the exit for Route 9D South and enjoy a scenic, well signed drive along the river for about 10 miles. This road leads you directly into Cold Spring's historic Main Street. Visitor parking is mainly available in the large municipal car park next to the Metro‑North station at the bottom of Main Street, which is the most convenient spot for exploring the village on foot.

Immediately after leaving the airport area you'll find several convenient shopping options along Route 300 (Union Avenue), just a few minutes' drive away. Head north on Route 747 from the airport and turn onto Route 300. This corridor is home to major supermarkets, pharmacies and supercentres, making it an ideal one‑stop location for supplies. This route positions you well to then join major roads like I-84 or I-87 without significant backtracking.

The drive from SWF to the United States Military Academy at West Point typically takes about 30–40 minutes. The most scenic and direct route is to take Route 9W South, which offers pleasant views of the Hudson. For a timed tour, plan to arrive at the West Point Visitors Centre at least 30 minutes early. The Visitors Centre has a dedicated car park, which is the required starting point for all public tours and access to the campus.

For an excellent introduction to the Hudson Valley scenery, Route 9W South is a great choice. It is easily accessible just a few miles from the airport and runs parallel to the Hudson River, offering frequent, stunning vistas. The road is well maintained and straightforward to navigate while still feeling like a country drive. It provides a good balance of beautiful landscapes and efficient travel as you head towards destinations such as West Point or Bear Mountain State Park.

During typical weekday commuting hours, roughly 7–9am and 4–6pm, expect increased traffic volumes around New Windsor and Newburgh. The main congestion spots are usually on Route 300 near the shopping areas, on I-84 approaching the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge, and on Route 9W through Newburgh. While generally not as severe as a major city, it is sensible to add an extra 15–20 minutes to your travel time if driving during these peak periods.

When accessing I‑84 from the roads near SWF, be mindful of the interchange with the New York State Thruway (I‑87). Signage there can be complex, with lanes splitting for different directions in quick succession. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for I‑84 East (towards the bridge) and I‑84 West. A GPS is useful, but always cross‑check lane information with the actual road signs to avoid a last‑minute stressful merge.

For a visit to Storm King Art Center it is highly recommended to book a timed‑entry ticket online in advance, especially at weekends or on bank holidays. Arriving early, close to opening time, gives you the best choice of parking and fewer crowds. The centre has large, well organised car parks and staff will direct you where to park. On particularly busy days, if the main lots fill, you may be directed to overflow parking, so arriving early is key to a relaxed start.

A day trip to the Walkway Over the Hudson from SWF is an easy 30–40 minute drive. The most straightforward approach is to take I‑84 East across the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge and then head north on Route 9. For the easiest parking, aim for the Poughkeepsie side where there is a large dedicated car park right at the entrance on Parker Avenue. Arriving mid‑morning on a weekday is ideal to avoid the biggest crowds and secure a convenient spot.

Many of the region’s popular wineries lie west of the Hudson River, making for a convenient loop from SWF. A common plan is to follow Route 9W South towards Marlboro and Milton, an area known as the heart of local wine country. You can visit several wineries within a few miles of each other along this route. To ensure a safe, low‑stress day, have a designated driver, pace your tastings and plan your route in advance so you’re not rushing between locations.

Driving your hire car to the Beacon Metro‑North station is a popular and convenient option for a day trip to New York City. The drive from the SWF area is simple: take I‑84 East directly to Beacon. The station has large commuter car parks where you can leave your vehicle for the day. Arrive around 20–30 minutes before your train departs to allow time to park, buy your ticket and reach the platform.

The most common route to Midtown Manhattan is via the Palisades Interstate Parkway South, which offers a scenic drive before connecting to the George Washington Bridge. Alternatively, you can take the New York State Thruway (I‑87) South. The most stressful parts tend to be the approach to the George Washington Bridge and navigating the local expressways such as the Major Deegan or FDR Drive once in the city. Use a GPS with real‑time traffic for these congested sections.

The drive to Woodbury Common from SWF is short, but traffic can be heavy, especially at weekends and on holidays. The main approach via Route 17 West can become significantly backed up. For a potentially easier experience, consider using your GPS to navigate to less‑used entrances accessible from local roads such as Route 32. Arriving at opening time or later in the afternoon can also help you avoid the peak midday rush and find more convenient parking.

For a smooth drive to the Catskills take the New York State Thruway (I‑87) North from the Newburgh area. This is the most direct and well‑maintained route to major Catskills access points like Kingston (Exit 19) or Saugerties (Exit 20). The towns of New Paltz (Exit 18) or Kingston are your best bets for last‑minute supplies. Both have large supermarkets, petrol stations and shops conveniently located just off the Thruway exits before you head into more remote mountain roads.

In Beacon the main challenge is finding parking on Main Street which can be very limited, especially at weekends. The simplest plan is to park in the large municipal lot by the station and enjoy a short walk up the street. In Newburgh, particularly along the waterfront’s Liberty Street, parking can also be competitive. Look for on‑street parking on adjacent side streets or use the designated public car parks, and be sure to check signs for time limits or restrictions.

Once you have your hire vehicle, the airport’s cell phone lot is an excellent place to pull over for a few minutes. It’s typically quiet, out of the main traffic flow, and provides the space you need to fit a car seat and organise luggage without feeling rushed. Alternatively, many of the large shopping centre car parks on Route 300, just a few minutes from the airport, have ample space where you can park in a quiet corner to get everything settled before starting your journey.

Driving across the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge on I‑84 is very straightforward. It’s a wide, modern bridge with multiple lanes in each direction and clear overhead signage. As you approach, signs will direct you into the correct lanes well in advance. The speed limit is consistent and the lanes are well marked, making it a low‑stress crossing. Be aware it can get windy, but otherwise it’s a smooth ride with spectacular views of the Hudson.

To visit Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park, especially at weekends or on holidays, arriving early is critical as car parks fill up and may close. Plan to leave the SWF area to arrive at the park entrance before 9:00am. The drive is about 30–40 minutes via I‑87 North to New Paltz. Check the park’s official website or social channels before you set off for real‑time updates on car park capacity, as this can save you from a disappointing trip.

Towns such as Rhinebeck and Hyde Park on the east side of the river are generally easy to navigate by car with ample public parking. Rhinebeck has a large municipal lot just off Market Street, and Hyde Park’s historic sites all have dedicated, spacious car parks. On the west side, New Paltz is very walkable once you park in one of the several municipal lots near Main Street. These towns are well equipped for visitors arriving by car, making for a stress‑free experience.

The most direct route to Fishkill or Wappingers Falls involves using only major, well signposted roads. From SWF join Interstate 84 East and cross the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge. For Fishkill take the exit for Route 9 North. For Wappingers Falls continue a little further north on Route 9. This entire route is on multi‑lane highways and is easy to follow with a standard GPS or road signs.

Many event venues in the Hudson Valley are located on scenic but rural roads. When driving at night bear in mind these roads are often narrow, winding and may lack street lighting. Drive cautiously and watch for deer, which are common in the area. Before heading out make sure your phone is fully charged and your GPS is set, as mobile reception can sometimes be patchy in more remote locations.

The drive to Albany is mainly on the New York State Thruway (I‑87 North). Convenient service plazas with food, toilets and fuel are located directly on the Thruway, with the New Baltimore plaza being a popular halfway point. The stretch between Saugerties (Exit 20) and Albany (Exit 23) can often feel the longest as the scenery becomes less varied. Stopping in a town like Saugerties or Catskill for a short break can be a pleasant way to break up the final leg.

A straightforward route to the Berkshires is to take I‑84 East from the New Windsor area into Connecticut. From there transition onto Route 8 North, which is a smaller but well maintained road that takes you into the heart of the Berkshires. This route avoids the more complex interchanges of the Taconic State Parkway and I‑90 (Mass Pike) until you are further along your journey, offering a more scenic and less stressful drive for first‑time visitors.

During peak fall foliage expect heavy traffic on Route 9D through Beacon and Cold Spring, as well as around Bear Mountain State Park and West Point on Route 9W. To avoid the worst congestion plan scenic drives for weekdays if possible. If travelling at the weekend start very early to get ahead of the crowds, or consider exploring less‑travelled roads away from the immediate riverfront. Visiting popular towns in the late afternoon can also work well as morning visitors begin to depart.

Around SWF, Newburgh and along major highways such as I‑84 and I‑87 cell service is generally strong and reliable for all major carriers. However, as you drive into more rugged areas like Harriman State Park or the Hudson Highlands along Route 9W you may encounter intermittent dead zones. It’s sensible to download maps for offline use in your navigation app before heading into these more remote or mountainous areas.

The major Hudson River crossings near SWF, such as the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge, are high‑span bridges that do not open for river traffic, so you won’t encounter drawbridge delays there. However, local roads can occasionally close due to accidents, construction or special events in towns like Cold Spring or Beacon. It’s always a good idea to check a real‑time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you depart for your day trip to get the most current road conditions.

To avoid driving after dark, start with the destination furthest from SWF and work your way back. For instance, if visiting towns on the east side of the river you might drive to Hyde Park first in the morning, then visit Poughkeepsie and finish in Beacon before crossing the bridge back towards New Windsor. This ensures your final leg is the shortest. Always check the sunset time for the season and plan to leave your last stop with a comfortable buffer.

When driving in the Hudson Valley be prepared for speed limits to change quickly as you move from highways to small towns. Main streets in villages like Beacon, Cold Spring and New Paltz are very pedestrian‑heavy, so drive slowly and be vigilant. On two‑lane country roads be patient as passing opportunities can be infrequent. Drivers are generally courteous, but it’s best to drive defensively, especially on winding roads or in unfamiliar areas.

A good way to structure the day is to start at Storm King Art Center in the morning when you have the most energy for walking. From there drive north on Route 9W and take I‑84 East across the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge to Beacon for lunch and to explore its Main Street. Afterwards take the scenic Route 9D South along the river to Cold Spring. From Cold Spring you can easily get back on I‑84 West to return to the New Windsor area, completing a logical and efficient loop.

When parking on residential streets read all posted signs carefully. Look for information about street cleaning days, resident‑only permit zones or time limits. A common seasonal restriction in New York is alternate‑side parking during winter months to allow for snow removal, which is usually indicated by signs. If unsure, ask your Airbnb host for specific guidance for their neighbourhood.

Navigating toll roads in the region is generally seamless with a hire car. Most vehicles are equipped with an electronic tolling transponder which automatically records tolls as you pass through gantries on roads like the NYS Thruway or across bridges. This allows you to use the express E‑ZPass lanes without stopping. Be sure to ask the hire agent at the desk how their specific tolling programme works so you are clear on the process before you set off.

The easiest way to coordinate a pickup is to use the airport’s cell phone waiting lot. This is a designated free waiting area where you can park until your party has landed, collected their bags and is standing at the arrivals curb. Once they call you it’s just a short drive from the cell phone lot to the terminal’s passenger pickup area, which helps reduce congestion and makes for a quick and stress‑free meeting.

For a stress‑free early morning return, plan to arrive at the airport a little earlier than usual. As you approach SWF follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return" which will guide you to the correct lanes. Before you arrive ensure you have gathered all personal belongings from the vehicle. The return process is typically efficient, but allowing an extra buffer of time ensures you can walk to your airline’s check‑in counter feeling calm and prepared.

During holiday weekends it is wise to add at least 30 extra minutes to your planned rental car return time. Airport access roads can become more congested and there may be a queue of other travellers returning vehicles at the same time. Arriving with this additional buffer helps absorb any unexpected delays on the road or at the return facility, ensuring you have plenty of time to complete the return process and get to your flight without feeling rushed.

In snowy or icy conditions major routes such as I‑84 and the New York State Thruway (I‑87) are your safest bet as they are prioritised for ploughing and gritting. Stick to these main arteries where possible. Smaller, more scenic roads like Route 9D or rural county routes can become tricky quickly as they are often hilly, winding and receive less frequent treatment. Always reduce your speed significantly and allow much greater stopping distances in winter weather.

A good plan for a final sightseeing day is to visit attractions that are naturally on the way back towards New Windsor. For instance, spend the day at Bear Mountain State Park or West Point, both south of the airport along Route 9W. Another option is Storm King Art Center, which is very close to SWF. By choosing a final destination near the airport you can enjoy your last hours without worrying about a long, stressful drive back to return your car.