Payless Car Hire
Newark

The most convenient way to reach the Payless rental desk is to use the AirTrain Newark. After you collect your luggage from baggage reclaim, simply follow the overhead signs for the AirTrain. This free monorail system connects all passenger terminals directly to the consolidated Rental Car Center at Station P3. The journey is quick and climate-controlled, making it comfortable even when handling multiple bags. Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center you will find the Payless desk clearly marked.

No, the pickup route to the Payless desk remains the same regardless of your arrival terminal. Terminal A and Terminal C, along with Terminal B, are all fully connected to the AirTrain system. You will follow the same process of heading to the AirTrain station within your terminal and taking it to the Rental Car Center at Station P3. The travel time on the AirTrain may vary by a few minutes depending on your starting point, but the overall procedure is identical and requires no special planning.

When travelling with children and extra luggage, it's sensible to add an additional 30 to 45 minutes to your pickup plan. This buffer accounts for navigating the airport with pushchairs, waiting for and boarding the AirTrain, and managing your belongings. The rental desk itself may have a queue, and completing the paperwork can take a little longer when you're also attending to your family's needs. Having this extra time helps ensure a relaxed and stress-free start to your journey from Newark Airport.

The most common point of confusion is locating the AirTrain station immediately after leaving the secure area or baggage reclaim. The airport is large and the signage can sometimes feel overwhelming amid the crowds. To avoid this, make it your first priority to look for the overhead signs specifically pointing to "AirTrain" rather than general ground transport. The stations are typically a short walk and may require going up an escalator or lift, so focusing on that specific sign will guide you correctly to the Rental Car Center.

A practical meeting point is at the baggage carousel of the last flight to arrive. This allows everyone to gather their luggage in one spot before moving on. Alternatively, you could choose a pre-security coffee shop or seating area on the arrivals level of one of the terminals. Meeting within a terminal is much easier than trying to coordinate a meet-up at the busy Rental Car Center, allowing your group to travel together on the AirTrain.

If your luggage is delayed, your first step should be to file a report with your airline's baggage service office, which is located in the arrivals area. Once you have completed the necessary paperwork with the airline, you can proceed to the Payless desk at the Rental Car Center to collect your vehicle. The rental process is separate from the airline's luggage handling. You can then leave the airport and arrange with the airline for future delivery of your bags to your hotel or local address.

A late-night pickup at Newark Airport is generally a quieter and quicker experience. The terminals and the AirTrain will have significantly fewer people, making navigation easier. The Rental Car Center is also less crowded, which can lead to shorter queues at the Payless desk. While the process remains the same, the overall atmosphere is much calmer, though you will see fewer airport staff around. It's always good practice to confirm the location's opening hours if you anticipate a very late arrival.

For an early-morning international flight, you should plan to return your rental car at least four hours before your departure time. This generous buffer accounts for the time needed to complete the vehicle return process and take the AirTrain back to your departure terminal. International flights require longer check-in times and security screening, which can be especially busy in the morning. Arriving at the terminal a full three hours before your flight provides a comfortable margin to avoid any last-minute stress.

For a smooth return, begin by following the main airport road signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach EWR. Avoid focusing on your specific departure terminal initially, as the rental return area is a separate, central location. As you get closer, the signage will become more specific, directing you to the Payless return lane. Once you have dropped off the car and completed the check-in, simply follow the signs inside the building to the AirTrain station to catch a ride to your terminal.

The least stressful sequence is to first follow the airport signs for "Departures" and drop your passengers and their luggage off at the kerbside of their specific airline terminal. After they are safely on their way, you can then loop back into the airport's road system by following the signs for "All Terminals." From there, pick up the signs that direct you to "Rental Car Return." This method prevents you from having to transport luggage from the rental centre back to the terminal.

Driving out of Newark Airport for the first time can feel complex due to the convergence of major motorways. The most critical immediate decision is choosing the correct motorway for your destination, typically between the NJ Turnpike (I-95), I-78, or US Routes 1 & 9. It is highly recommended to have your sat-nav set up and running before you leave the rental garage. Pay close attention to the overhead signs and be prepared for your lane choice well in advance to avoid sudden merges.

While the NJ Turnpike to the Lincoln Tunnel is often the most direct route to Midtown, it can be very intense for drivers new to the area. A slightly less overwhelming alternative can be taking I-78 East towards the Holland Tunnel, which serves downtown Manhattan. This route sometimes feels more manageable with fewer high-speed merges right after the airport. Regardless of the route, travelling during off-peak hours will significantly reduce traffic density and make for a more pleasant drive.

Drive times to these nearby cities can vary dramatically with traffic. In light, late-night traffic, you can reach downtown Newark in 15 minutes and Jersey City or Hoboken in about 25–30 minutes. However, during morning or evening rush hour (approximately 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM), these same trips can easily take 45 minutes to well over an hour. It's always best to check a real-time traffic app before you leave the rental car centre for the most accurate estimate.

For a low-stress first stop, consider heading to a shopping centre a few miles away along US Route 1/9 South, such as the one in Linden. These areas offer familiar chain restaurants, supermarkets for essentials, and large parking lots that are easy to navigate. Another great option is the Ironbound district in Newark, famous for its Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants, which provides a more local flavour. Both options allow you to get your bearings before tackling a longer journey on major motorways.

To avoid restricted lanes, it's helpful to use a sat-nav app with real-time traffic and lane guidance features. Pay close attention to both the visual map and the audio prompts, which often warn you about upcoming turns or lane requirements. Also, be vigilant about reading road signs, which will indicate restrictions for buses, EZ-Pass only, or local traffic. Keeping a safe following distance from the car ahead gives you more time to see and react to these signs.

When driving from EWR towards New York City, encountering tolls is a certainty. The most effective way to plan is to discuss the available tolling options with the Payless agent when you pick up your car. Rental companies typically offer transponder devices or programmes that allow you to use electronic toll lanes for convenience. Understanding how your rental is equipped to handle tolls before you leave the lot will ensure a smooth journey through the various bridges and tunnels.

The approach to the Holland Tunnel from the NJ Turnpike can be confusing for visitors due to its multiple merging lanes and dense traffic. Once in Manhattan, navigating the city streets to get to the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridges can also be challenging. An alternative, often simpler route is to take the Goethals Bridge to Staten Island and then the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge directly into Brooklyn. While this may be longer, it bypasses Manhattan traffic entirely, which many drivers find less stressful.

Travellers driving from Newark typically find it much easier to park in New Jersey and take the ferry from there. The most convenient option is to drive to Liberty State Park in Jersey City, which has large, dedicated parking lots for ferry passengers. This allows you to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island while completely avoiding the stress and expense of driving into and parking in Lower Manhattan. The ferry ride itself also offers fantastic views of the city skyline.

On nights when there is a concert or sporting event at the Prudential Center, you should expect significant traffic congestion in and around downtown Newark. It is highly advisable to arrive early and consider pre-booking a space in a nearby parking garage online, as lots fill up quickly. Be prepared for road closures or altered traffic patterns immediately surrounding the arena. Plan for extra time when leaving after the event, as exiting the area can be slow.

The most direct route from EWR to MetLife Stadium is the NJ Turnpike North. For game day, the key is to leave several hours earlier than you think you need to, as traffic will be extremely heavy. Once you are near the stadium complex, ignore your sat-nav and follow the electronic signs and police directions, as they manage a specific traffic flow plan. For the exit, be patient, as it can often take an hour or more to clear the parking lots and get back on the main motorway.

The most straightforward route is to take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to the Western Spur and follow the signs for Route 3 West. The mall is located right off the motorway and is very well signed. American Dream has enormous parking decks that are clearly marked for different sections of the mall, such as retail, the water park, or the ski slope. Access is generally easy, but you should expect high traffic volumes on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.

For a same-day arrival, the most realistic destinations are the beach towns in the northern part of the Jersey Shore. Towns like Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Point Pleasant are typically a 60 to 90-minute drive from Newark Airport, assuming you avoid peak summer weekend traffic. This allows you to land, pick up your car, and still arrive with plenty of daylight to check into your hotel and enjoy the evening. Southern destinations like Cape May are a longer drive and might feel rushed.

The easiest and most direct drive to Cape May is to take the Garden State Parkway South until it ends. The journey is about 150 miles and typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours without significant traffic. It's a relatively scenic and low-stress motorway drive. For a break, travellers often stop at one of the Parkway's full-service rest areas, which have food, fuel, and restrooms. Others might take a short detour into a shore town like Asbury Park or Ocean City for a meal.

A day trip to Philadelphia is very manageable. Plan for a 90-minute to two-hour drive each way via the NJ Turnpike. To make the most of your day, aim to leave EWR by 8:30 AM to arrive before lunch. Park in a garage near the historic district, which allows you to explore the main sites on foot for about 5–6 hours. To avoid the worst return traffic, plan to leave Philadelphia either before 4 PM or after 6:30 PM.

A same-day drive to Washington, DC, is certainly doable but makes for a long day, as the trip takes about four to five hours one-way. To keep the drive from feeling overly rushed, it's best to be on the road from Newark Airport no later than 8 AM. This helps you pass through the heavy traffic areas around Baltimore before the afternoon rush begins. An early start ensures you arrive in DC with enough time to check into your hotel and relax before dinner.

The drive from EWR to Princeton is about 45–60 minutes. For easy parking, head to the public parking garages on Spring Street or Hulfish Street, right in the centre of town next to Palmer Square. These garages offer convenient hourly parking and are just a short, pleasant walk from the main Princeton University campus, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. This allows you to explore the heart of Princeton without worrying about finding on-street parking.

The drive from EWR to the Delaware Water Gap via I-80 West takes about 90 minutes. With an afternoon arrival, your main consideration should be the amount of remaining daylight. Plan for a shorter, well-marked hike and check the sunset time before you go. Ensure you know the closing time for the specific trailhead parking you intend to use. It's also wise to have water and snacks in the car, as services are limited once you are in the park area.

A weekend trip to the Poconos is very realistic and a popular getaway from the area. The drive is typically under two hours via I-80 West. To avoid the worst outbound traffic, especially on a Friday, try to schedule your flight to arrive so you can leave EWR during an off-peak window. This would be either mid-day, between 10 AM and 2 PM, or later in the evening after 7:30 PM, once the main rush hour has subsided.

For a driver unfamiliar with the area, the simplest and most direct route to Atlantic City is taking the Garden State Parkway South. You will follow the Parkway for about 100 miles until you reach the exit for the Atlantic City Expressway, which takes you directly into the city. This route is very well signed and generally less complex than navigating the various interchanges and lorry traffic on the NJ Turnpike, making for a more relaxing two-hour drive.

The biggest surprise for many visitors is the "jughandle" turn, where you must exit to the right in order to make a left turn. These are common on multi-lane state highways. Additionally, be prepared for motorways that split into local and express lanes, requiring you to be in the correct set of lanes well in advance of your exit. Finally, some major roads like the Garden State Parkway do not permit left-hand exits, so all interchanges are on the right.

The key to navigating the NJ Turnpike is to pay close attention to the large overhead signs well in advance of any split. In the central part of the state, the Turnpike divides into an inner roadway for "Cars Only" and an outer roadway for "Cars, Trucks, Buses." Know which roadway your exit is on and merge into the correct lanes early. Using a sat-nav with lane assistance can be extremely helpful in providing advance warning for these major decisions.

If your hotel has a challenging parking situation, the easiest approach is to use the valet service. Valet attendants are experts at manoeuvring vehicles in tight spaces. Alternatively, you can pull up to the hotel entrance, unload your passengers and luggage with the help of a bellman, and then have one person take the car to a nearby public garage that might offer easier access. Pre-booking a spot in a commercial garage can often simplify this process.

A mid-size or standard SUV often provides the best balance for travellers with significant luggage. It offers ample cargo space to comfortably fit your bags without compromising passenger room. While a larger vehicle can be more challenging to park in tight city garages, a mid-size SUV is still manageable enough for most situations. It's a good compromise between the spaciousness needed for airport runs and the manoeuvrability required for city driving.

Before leaving the rental lot, take a moment for a few key checks. Do a quick walk-around of the exterior to ensure any existing scratches are noted on your rental agreement. Inside, confirm the fuel level matches what's on your paperwork and adjust your mirrors, seat, and steering wheel. It's also wise to locate the controls for headlights and windscreen wipers and pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth for hands-free navigation before you start driving.

If a warning light appears, your priority is to get off the busy motorway safely. Avoid stopping on the hard shoulder unless absolutely necessary. Instead, take the next available exit and look for a large, well-lit, public place like a petrol station, a fast-food restaurant car park, or a shopping centre. This provides a safe environment to park the car, consult the owner's manual, and call the roadside assistance number provided by Payless.

Should you need to exchange your vehicle, the first step is to call the roadside assistance or customer service number on your rental agreement. They will guide you to the nearest Payless location that can process a swap. To minimise disruption, it's best to handle this as early in the day as possible and build a buffer of at least two to three hours into your schedule for that day. This accounts for travel time to the new location and the time needed to complete the exchange paperwork.

The most reliable strategy is to use your sat-nav to find a petrol station that is two to three miles away from the airport, along your return route. Refuelling here allows you to avoid the often-congested and higher-priced stations immediately adjacent to the airport entrance. This approach prevents you from getting caught in the complex airport road system before you're ready to return the car, ensuring a more direct and less stressful final approach to the Rental Car Center.

During adverse weather like heavy rain or snow, it's wise to add an extra 45 to 60 minutes to your total return time. Your drive to the airport will likely be much slower and more stressful than anticipated. The vehicle check-in process itself can also take longer as staff and other customers move more cautiously in the elements. This extra buffer ensures that weather-related delays on the road or at the rental centre don't jeopardise your ability to catch your flight.

If you realise you've left an item in the car, the best course of action is to go immediately back to the Payless rental desk in the Rental Car Center. Do not leave the airport if you can avoid it. Provide the agent with your rental agreement details and a description of the lost item. Acting quickly is crucial, as it gives you the best chance of retrieving your belongings before the vehicle is cleaned and prepared for the next customer.