SUV Hire
Newark

A compact or mid‑size SUV usually provides the best balance for a trip that includes both driving around Newark and regional day trips. These vehicles offer enough boot space for luggage and shopping while still being manoeuvrable enough for narrower city streets and standard multi‑storey car park spaces. A full‑size SUV gives more passenger room but can be tricky to park in older, tighter car parks in areas like the Ironbound or downtown. A smaller SUV gives you highway comfort without adding unnecessary stress when looking for parking.

After clearing customs and collecting your bags at Newark Liberty International Airport, the most convenient route to the rental car centre is the AirTrain. Follow the overhead signs in the terminal for the AirTrain, a free monorail linking all terminals, car parks and the rental facility. Take the AirTrain to Station P3, the dedicated stop for the rental car centre. This avoids waiting for shuttle buses and makes it easier to manage luggage in a climate‑controlled environment.

On a typical weekday afternoon, it’s sensible to allow roughly 90 minutes to two hours from landing to driving away. That covers deplaning, walking through the terminal and possible immigration delays for international arrivals. You’ll also need time for baggage claim, taking the AirTrain to the rental car centre and completing the vehicle collection formalities. Rental counters can be busy in the afternoon, so this buffer helps ensure a less rushed start to your trip.

For a straightforward drive from the EWR rental car centre to Downtown Newark, the most direct route is generally via US‑1/9 North. As you leave the rental facility, follow signs for US‑1/9 N towards Newark. This is a main thoroughfare and is typically well signed, minimising complex junctions immediately after you pick up your vehicle. Keep your satnav active and stay in the middle or right lanes to avoid last‑minute merges for other highways like I‑78 or the New Jersey Turnpike until you are closer to your downtown exit.

A good place to get used to the size and handling of your SUV is the large car parks at nearby shopping centres, such as The Mills at Jersey Gardens. This area is only a few minutes’ drive from the rental centre and offers wide open spaces and clearly marked lanes. You can practise parking, turning and checking blind spots in a low‑stress setting before merging onto major roads like the New Jersey Turnpike or I‑78. The local roads around the airport hotels are also relatively quiet and suitable for a short practice drive.

Before driving off the rental lot, especially if you expect to be on the road after dark, do a quick but thorough check of the SUV’s lighting. Confirm the headlights, high beams, taillights and brake lights are all working correctly. It’s also wise to familiarise yourself with the dashboard controls for the lights, as well as the windscreen wipers and demister settings. Knowing how to operate these essential features will contribute to a safer and more confident drive on unfamiliar New Jersey roads at night.

Navigating New Jersey’s jughandles means paying close attention to road signs. To make a left turn from a main road you will often need to exit from the right lane onto a C‑shaped ramp, or jughandle, which then loops you around to cross the carriageway. The key is to anticipate your turn, stay in the right lane as you approach the junction, and follow the specific signs for your intended street. A satnav with lane‑assist visuals can be extremely helpful as it will often warn you about these unconventional turns ahead of time.

When dealing with tight parking garages, certain modern SUV features can be very helpful. Look for a vehicle with a 360‑degree or surround‑view camera system, which gives a top‑down view of your surroundings and makes it much easier to negotiate narrow ramps and park accurately. Rear‑view cameras with dynamic guidelines that bend as you turn the wheel are also useful. Additionally, parking sensors that give audible alerts as you approach an obstacle can prevent scrapes and bumps in confined spaces.

To reach Liberty State Park from Newark while avoiding traffic heading into New York City, take the New Jersey Turnpike Extension. From the EWR area, join the NJ Turnpike (I‑95) and take Exit 14B. This exit serves Liberty State Park and Jersey City, keeping you on the New Jersey side of the Hudson. Following signs for Exit 14B is important, as it directs you away from the Holland Tunnel and other Manhattan‑bound routes, offering a much less stressful drive.

For events at the Prudential Center, SUV drivers often prefer larger surface lots or newer car parks that clearly state height clearances. Many official and independent lots are within a few blocks of the arena. Using a parking reservation app to book a space in advance is highly recommended as it guarantees a spot and can save you from circling in heavy event traffic. Aim to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before the event starts to allow ample time for parking and walking to the venue.

For a comfortable day trip from Newark in an SUV, pick destinations that mostly involve motorway driving and have ample parking. Princeton is an excellent choice — much of the route is on US‑1 South and the town has several car parks. Another good option is the coast at Asbury Park or Long Branch via the Garden State Parkway, a wide, well‑maintained route. These destinations offer a scenic change without forcing you to navigate the complex, dense road networks closer to New York City.

The most direct and least complicated route from Newark to many Jersey Shore destinations is the Garden State Parkway South. This toll road is generally wide, well signed and designed for straightforward, long‑distance travel, making it ideal for larger vehicles. To minimise stress, try to travel outside peak Friday afternoon or Saturday morning summer traffic. Set your satnav before you leave the rental lot; the Parkway provides a relatively straight shot down the coast with clearly marked exits for various shore towns.

Driving to The Mills at Jersey Gardens from the EWR rental centre is one of the easiest first trips. The mall is only a few minutes from the airport. As you exit the rental facility, follow the prominent signs for Jersey Gardens Boulevard. The route is direct and uses local roads with low speed limits, allowing you to get comfortable with your SUV before you have to merge onto a major highway. It’s an ideal first stop for supplies or a bite to eat.

To manage drop‑offs at EWR’s busy departures curb, have a plan. Before you pull up, make sure all luggage is organised and easily accessible from the rear of the SUV. Have passengers ready to exit as soon as you stop. The driver should remain in the vehicle while passengers unload luggage onto the kerb to avoid leaving the car unattended. This efficient two‑person approach helps you comply with airport rules that prohibit parking or waiting at the active curbside.

When selecting an SUV, consider both the vehicle’s class and its specific configuration. A mid‑size or full‑size SUV will generally have sufficient cargo length for items such as golf clubs or ski bags, especially if a rear seat can be folded down. Before leaving the rental lot, do a test fit of your gear. The goal is to lay long items flat on the cargo floor or a folded seat so the rear window remains clear — crucial for safe driving and full rear visibility.

For drivers new to the area in a larger vehicle, stick to major thoroughfares. Main arteries like Broad Street and Market Street in downtown Newark are wide, though they can be busy. Areas around University Heights and the suburban towns along Route 22 tend to have more modern road layouts and larger car parks. It’s generally wise to avoid the dense, narrow one‑way streets of the Ironbound neighbourhood until you’re more comfortable with the SUV.

Visiting Hoboken and Jersey City in an SUV requires careful planning, as both cities are known for narrow streets and very limited on‑street parking. Your best approach is to identify a public car park near your destination beforehand and enter its address directly into your satnav. Be aware that many older car parks have low clearance heights and tight turns, so look for newer facilities or open‑air lots. Drive slowly and be highly aware of pedestrians and double‑parked vehicles when navigating these dense urban areas.

The most straightforward route from Newark to MetLife Stadium is via the New Jersey Turnpike (I‑95) North. Take the Turnpike to the sports complex exit, typically Exit 16W. On event days traffic will be heavy, so leave several hours earlier than you think you need to. Follow the electronic signage and directions from traffic officers as you approach the stadium; they will guide you to the appropriate parking areas for your ticket section. Pre‑purchasing a parking pass online is highly recommended.

A day trip from Newark to New Brunswick and Princeton is very manageable. Allow about 45–60 minutes driving to New Brunswick via the NJ Turnpike South. After a couple of hours there, the drive to Princeton is another 30 minutes. To explore both towns without feeling rushed, allocate a full day — around 8 to 10 hours including driving and activities. Starting mid‑morning after the rush hour will make for a more pleasant drive.

A comfortable and scenic route from Newark to the Delaware Water Gap is to take I‑280 West to I‑80 West. This avoids the more congested parts of the NJ Turnpike and takes you directly to the park area. The drive is roughly 60–90 minutes. Along I‑80 there are several large, well‑equipped service areas with fuel, food and clean restrooms — ideal for a break. These stops have ample parking, making them easy to use even with a large SUV.

A frequent mistake travellers make when leaving EWR is getting into the wrong lane too early for the US‑1/9 split. The highway divides and lanes for local destinations, other major roads like I‑78 and the NJ Turnpike can be confusing. It’s easy to end up on an express lane when you need a local exit. Best advice is to use a satnav, pay attention to the overhead signs that appear well in advance of the split, and avoid abrupt last‑minute lane changes.

For a quick and easy stop after picking up your SUV, the stretch along US‑1/9 South in Elizabeth, just past the airport, is an excellent choice. This area features numerous large shopping centres with supermarkets, pharmacies and big‑box stores. These locations are designed for suburban car traffic and have large, spacious car parks that are easy to navigate with an SUV. You can stock up on supplies without venturing into denser urban neighbourhoods.

To avoid the heaviest traffic when driving from Newark, plan travel outside peak weekday rush hours. Congestion is typically worst from 07:00 to 09:30 and again from 16:00 to 19:00. If possible, schedule departures for mid‑morning between 10:00 and 14:00, or after 19:30. Always check a real‑time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you leave, as it will give the most accurate travel times and suggest alternate routes to avoid unexpected delays.

For a less intimidating Hudson River crossing in an SUV, the George Washington Bridge (GWB) is often a better choice than the tunnels. The GWB’s upper level feels more open and has wider lanes, which can be more comfortable for drivers in larger vehicles. To minimise stress, try to cross during off‑peak hours, such as mid‑day or later in the evening. Using a satnav with lane guidance is essential to help you navigate the complex approaches to the bridge on the New Jersey side.

When travelling with passengers who have mobility considerations, look for an SUV with features that aid easy entry and exit. A model with a lower step‑in height is preferable, and factory‑fitted running boards or side steps can make a significant difference. Grab handles on the interior pillars provide a stable support when getting in and out. The higher seating position of an SUV can also be beneficial, as it often allows passengers to slide onto the seat rather than lowering themselves into it.

The choice between a two‑row and three‑row SUV depends entirely on your passenger‑to‑luggage ratio. A standard two‑row, five‑passenger SUV is usually sufficient for a family of four with one suitcase per person. However, if you have five passengers or bulky items like prams and cool boxes, a three‑row SUV is the better choice. Bear in mind that with the third row in use, cargo space is often limited, so you may need a larger full‑size model to accommodate both passengers and all their luggage.

When leaving the EWR rental car centre late at night, take a moment in the well‑lit car park to set your satnav and familiarise yourself with the initial directions. The airport roadways are generally well lit, but signage can feel overwhelming in the dark. Drive cautiously and pay attention to the large overhead signs directing you to major roads like US‑1/9, I‑78 or the NJ Turnpike. Keeping your dashboard illumination at a moderate brightness can help improve your forward visibility.

After leaving the rental centre, a great spot for a quick break is a large park such as Weequahic Park, located very close to the airport. It offers ample parking where you can safely pull over, adjust mirrors and seating, and organise your luggage without pressure. Alternatively, the car park of a nearby suburban shopping centre in Elizabeth provides a safe, well‑lit space to get your bearings. These locations let you double‑check your satnav route and settle in before tackling main highway traffic.

To drive from Newark to Philadelphia, the most direct route is the New Jersey Turnpike (I‑95) South. The main bottleneck is typically the bridge crossing into Pennsylvania, such as the Walt Whitman or Ben Franklin Bridge. To avoid the worst traffic, plan to cross the bridge before 07:00 or between 10:00 and 15:00 on a weekday. Always check a real‑time traffic app before you set off, as it may suggest an alternate bridge with less congestion, like the Commodore Barry Bridge, depending on conditions.

While the drive from Newark to Cape May can be done in about three hours, breaking it up can make for a more relaxed trip. A practical halfway point for an overnight stay is the area around Toms River or Manahawkin. These towns are directly off the Garden State Parkway and offer a variety of hotels and restaurants. Stopping here lets you complete the busiest part of the drive on the first day, leaving a shorter, more scenic coastal drive for the following morning.

In heavy rain, visibility on New Jersey highways can be severely reduced by spray from other vehicles, especially lorries. It’s crucial to reduce your speed, increase your following distance and ensure your headlights are on. An SUV’s higher ground clearance can help avoid aquaplaning, but it does not make you immune. Be particularly cautious in the outer lanes where water tends to pool and watch for warning signs about flooded areas, which are common near Newark.

In snowy or slushy conditions, smaller local roads, hilly areas and bridges or overpasses can be the most treacherous. These surfaces freeze first and are often the last to be ploughed or treated. While an SUV, especially with all‑wheel drive, offers better traction, it’s still best to stick to major, well‑travelled routes like the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and I‑280. These roads are priorities for snow clearance crews, making them the safest option in winter weather.

When navigating Newark’s one‑way streets to drop off luggage, it’s best to have a passenger ready to help. Pull into the designated hotel loading zone if available, even if it means waiting briefly. If there’s no zone, have one person stay with the vehicle while the other unloads the bags quickly onto the pavement. Using your hazard lights is essential to alert other drivers. It’s often a good idea to circle the block once to understand the traffic flow and spot the best place to pull over.

The Turtle Back Zoo and South Mountain Reservation are very accessible for SUVs. The zoo has a large, dedicated car park and several surface lots designed to accommodate a high volume of family vehicles. Roads within the reservation are generally wide and well paved, though some scenic drives can be winding. Car parks at trailheads and picnic areas are typically open lots, making it easy to find a spot for a larger vehicle without issues.

For a smooth early morning return, consider a two‑stop approach. First, drive to your airline’s departures terminal and drop off all passengers and luggage at the kerb. This lets them proceed to check‑in while you handle the vehicle. After drop‑off, follow signs for "Rental Car Return" to take the SUV back to the consolidated facility. From there you can take a quick, unburdened AirTrain ride back to the terminal to meet your party.

When returning your rental from the Jersey Shore, add at least 20–30 minutes to your planned travel time specifically for navigating the airport area. As you approach EWR on routes like the NJ Turnpike or US‑1/9, signage for "Rental Car Return" becomes frequent and prominent. However, the airport road system can be complex, and this extra buffer accounts for potential traffic near the airport and ensures you have time to find the correct entrance for your rental company without rushing.

To avoid getting trapped at a crowded EWR kerb, stay in the leftmost lane of the drop‑off area as you approach. This allows you to survey the scene and pull into a less congested spot further down the terminal. Communicate with your group beforehand so they’re ready for a quick exit. If the kerb is completely full, it’s often better to do a slow loop around the terminal roadway than to stop in a position that blocks traffic, which can lead to stress and pressure from airport staff.

To efficiently park in multiple North Jersey towns, focus on municipal car parks or multi‑storey garages rather than searching for on‑street parking. Towns like Montclair, Summit and Morristown have central garages that are well signed and offer hourly rates. Before you leave for the day, identify the addresses of these central parking locations in each town and save them in your satnav. This proactive approach saves significant time and is much easier with an SUV than trying to parallel park on busy main streets.

If you miss an exit and find yourself heading towards a bridge or tunnel you didn’t intend to take, don’t panic or attempt an unsafe manoeuvre. Continue driving safely and take the very next exit available, even if it puts you on the other side of the river. Your satnav will recalculate a route back. Missing a turn in this area is common; a calm, safe correction is far better than a risky, last‑second lane change on these busy and complex roads.