Car Hire
New Windsor, NY Airport

Finding your way from the terminal to your hire car at Stewart International Airport (SWF) is usually straightforward. After you collect your baggage from the reclaim carousels, follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars". The car hire desks are conveniently located within the main terminal building, so a shuttle is not normally required. Once you have completed the paperwork at the desk, staff will point you to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are staged, a short walk away.

For a late-night arrival at SWF, the key step is to confirm the car hire desk's opening hours when you make your booking to ensure they will be open for your flight. The airport is much quieter at night, making the terminal and surrounding roads easier to negotiate. Have your destination pre-loaded into your sat-nav before you set off. This preparation enables a confident departure, particularly as lighting on surrounding rural roads can be limited.

The most efficient approach is for the designated driver to go alone to the car hire desks after landing. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage in the public seating area near baggage reclaim or just outside the main arrivals doors. Once the driver has completed the hire process and collected the vehicle from the nearby car park, they can drive to the passenger pickup curb at the front of the terminal to collect everyone and their bags.

Leaving SWF for nearby towns is straightforward. To reach the City of Newburgh, taking International Boulevard to Route 207 (Little Britain Road) is a direct and easy-to-follow surface route. If you are heading to Beacon, the most straightforward option is to follow signs for Interstate 84 East. This route quickly gets you onto the motorway and takes you directly over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, with clear signage for the Beacon exit shortly after crossing the river.

The most direct drive to the United States Military Academy at West Point is to take Route 9W South. The route is well signposted and offers scenic views of the Hudson River en route. Visitors without military ID must enter through the Thayer Gate in Highland Falls. Expect a security checkpoint where you will need to present valid identification. It’s advisable to check West Point’s official visitor access information before you travel for the latest entry requirements.

The primary route to Woodbury Common is via the New York State Thruway (I-87) South. Expect heavy traffic on this route, especially at weekends, on holidays and during peak shopping periods. The final approach is well managed, with a dedicated exit (Exit 16) that funnels traffic directly into the outlet’s extensive road network. Pay attention to the signage within the complex directing you to the various colour‑coded car parks.

The most predictable drive to LEGOLAND New York in Goshen is via Route 17 West (future I-86). It’s a major thoroughfare but can experience congestion, particularly during weekday commuter hours and on weekend mornings when families head to the park. The exit for LEGOLAND is clearly signed and the final approach along local roads is straightforward. To avoid the heaviest traffic, consider planning your arrival for shortly after the park opens.

To make the most of a trip to Bear Mountain State Park, especially at weekends, plan to arrive early in the morning. The drive, often via the scenic Palisades Interstate Parkway, is pleasant but can become very congested. Arriving before 10am gives you the best chance of securing a good parking spot and avoiding the longest queues at the park entrance booths. During peak fall foliage season, traffic can be significant, so build extra time into your schedule.

Storm King Art Center is conveniently located only a few minutes' drive from SWF. The best strategy for a smooth arrival is to purchase tickets online in advance for a specific entry time slot. This helps the centre manage visitor flow and reduces waiting. When you arrive, have your digital ticket ready to show the attendants, who will guide you efficiently into the designated parking areas, minimising any potential bottlenecks at the entrance.

A pleasant and uncomplicated route to Cold Spring is to take Route 9W South to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the river and head north on Route 9D. This scenic drive brings you directly into the village. The main challenge for visitors is navigating Cold Spring’s narrow Main Street, which is often busy with pedestrians. The best approach is to find parking in a municipal lot or on a side street and then explore the charming town on foot.

Stopping for supplies after picking up your car at SWF is very convenient. Just a few minutes from the airport along Route 300 (Union Avenue) in Newburgh you’ll find several large shopping plazas. These centres contain major supermarkets, pharmacies and big‑box retailers. This area is an ideal one‑stop location to pick up snacks, drinks or forgotten essentials before you check into your local hotel.

When driving in Newburgh for the first time, be aware that the historic waterfront district near Liberty Street has several one‑way streets. Using a sat‑nav is highly recommended to navigate this area confidently. Parking can be competitive, especially on weekend evenings, so you may need to use a public car park or find a spot on a side street. Areas further from the waterfront are generally easier to navigate with standard two‑way roads.

Before heading into the Catskills, use the commercial corridors near SWF to prepare for your trip. Plan a stop at a petrol station and a supermarket in Newburgh or along Route 17 before you head too far west. Mobile reception can become unreliable in the mountains, so it’s wise to have a full tank, snacks, water and downloaded maps. This ensures your first hour is spent on preparation, setting you up for a relaxed journey into more remote areas.

A relaxed and common route is to take the NYS Thruway (I-87) North to Exit 18 at New Paltz, then follow Route 299 West through the town. From there, signs will direct you to the parks. The final stretch involves climbing the Shawangunk Ridge on scenic but winding two‑lane roads. Expect slower speeds, sharp bends and to share the road with cyclists, particularly at weekends.

When driving from the SWF area toward New York City or New Jersey, you are likely to encounter toll roads, bridges and tunnels, such as the NYS Thruway or the George Washington Bridge. Nearly all tolls are now collected electronically. Before leaving the airport, make sure you discuss the hire company’s tolling policy with the agent at the desk so you understand how tolls will be processed and can travel without concern.

Driving to Manhattan typically involves taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway or I‑87 South to a crossing such as the George Washington Bridge. A common challenge for visitors is navigating the complex lane assignments on the immediate approach to and exit from the bridge. It’s crucial to know which level of the bridge you need and your very next turn after crossing. Set your sat‑nav well in advance and pay close attention to the overhead signs to avoid last‑minute, stressful lane changes.

A practical plan is to use your hire car to explore the scenic Hudson Valley and then return it before heading into a major city. Many travellers choose to drop off their vehicle at a hire location in a town with a Metro‑North station, such as Beacon or Poughkeepsie. From there you can take a relaxing train ride into Manhattan, avoiding the stress and cost of city driving and parking.

To avoid the worst traffic when driving to New Jersey, try to travel outside peak weekday commuter hours (typically 07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00). A simple route that often bypasses the most congested areas near NYC is to take I‑84 West from Newburgh into Pennsylvania, then connect to southbound routes like I‑81 or Route 209. This can provide a more relaxed and predictable driving experience for your trip.

An excellent route for a day trip to Hyde Park and Rhinebeck is to take I‑84 East across the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge and then head north on the Taconic State Parkway. The Taconic is a historic, scenic parkway that flows efficiently while offering attractive countryside views. It provides direct exits for routes to both Hyde Park and Rhinebeck, making it a good blend of beauty and efficiency for your journey.

It’s important to note that the Newburgh–Beacon Ferry is a passenger‑only service and does not carry vehicles. If you wish to cross the Hudson in your hire car you must use the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge via Interstate 84. The ferry is a great option if you want to park your car on one side and explore the opposite waterfront town on foot, but it is not a substitute for the bridge for vehicle crossings.

On weekends, finding parking directly on Beacon’s Main Street can be very difficult due to the town’s popularity. The best strategy is a 'park once' approach. Look for a space in one of the larger municipal lots, such as the one near the Metro‑North station or others just off Main Street. Once you’ve parked, the whole vibrant downtown, with its shops, galleries and restaurants, is easily explored on foot.

When driving back from an event late at night in the Hudson Valley, safety is paramount. Many local roads are poorly lit and winding, so drive at a cautious speed and use your full beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Be especially vigilant for deer, which are most active at night. Always have your destination programmed into your sat‑nav before you start your return journey to avoid getting lost on unfamiliar dark roads.

While a standard saloon is adequate for most travel in the Hudson Valley, an SUV or a people‑carrier is a more practical choice if your trip involves bulky items. The extra boot space is invaluable for accommodating hiking backpacks, camping equipment, buggies or multiple large suitcases. This ensures all passengers have plenty of room to travel comfortably without feeling cramped by their gear.

For a calm and safe place to install car seats, drive to one of the large nearby shopping centre car parks, such as those on Route 300. Find a parking space in a less busy section of the lot, away from the main store entrances. This will give you plenty of space and time to fit the seats correctly and get your children settled without the pressure of airport traffic or other waiting drivers.

A very efficient and scenic loop can be made by first driving south from SWF on Route 9W to visit West Point. Afterwards continue south on 9W to the Bear Mountain Bridge and cross the Hudson. From the bridge take Route 9D north, a beautiful road that will lead you straight through Cold Spring and then into Beacon. To complete the loop, take I‑84 West across the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge to return to the New Windsor area.

When visiting during peak fall foliage season, typically from late September through October, plan for significant traffic delays. Weekends are particularly congested on scenic routes such as the Palisades Parkway, Route 9W and roads near popular state parks. To make the most of your trip, start day trips early, allow considerably more travel time than your sat‑nav suggests, and consider exploring some of the less‑travelled back roads.

Before driving away from SWF in snowy conditions, perform a quick safety check of your hire vehicle. Ensure all windows, mirrors, headlights and taillights are completely clear of snow and ice for maximum visibility. Confirm that the windscreen wipers are working properly and that the washer fluid is topped up. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the car’s demister and traction control systems before you merge into traffic.

In winter, take extra care on certain roads around the SWF area. Steep hills and sharp bends on rural routes, such as parts of Route 9W, can be treacherous. Bridge decks, including the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge, often freeze before the road surfaces and require reduced speed. Also be aware of shaded sections of back roads, which can remain icy long after sunny spots have cleared.

During heavy rain, watch for localised flooding in low‑lying areas, particularly on smaller roads near streams and the Hudson River. Major routes like I‑84 can experience significant water pooling and reduced visibility, leading to slowdowns. Adjust by reducing your speed, increasing your following distance and checking local traffic or weather reports for any announced road closures before you depart.

Early morning drives to trailheads in the Hudson Valley require heightened awareness. Fog often settles in low‑lying areas and river valleys, which can dramatically reduce visibility, so be prepared to slow down. This is also a prime time for deer to be active and cross roads. Use your low beams in fog and constantly scan the road shoulders to stay safe on your way to the walk.

The main river crossings near SWF are the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge (I‑84) and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge is a major commuter route and experiences predictable rush‑hour delays on weekday mornings (eastbound) and evenings (westbound). At weekends, especially during the tourist season or fall foliage, both bridges can have significant backups during the day. Scheduling crossings for off‑peak times can save you considerable delays.

For a college visit, aim to arrive on campus at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled tour or information session. This gives a comfortable buffer for any unexpected traffic and allows you to find designated visitor parking without feeling rushed. Check the college’s website beforehand for a campus map and specific visitor parking instructions, as these can vary widely between institutions.

To simplify a day trip to wineries or farms, plan a route that clusters several destinations in one area, such as those along the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Most establishments have dedicated car parks, but visiting on a weekday will help you avoid the biggest weekend crowds. Most importantly, if your group plans to taste, be sure to have a designated driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Both Beacon and Poughkeepsie stations have well‑marked car parks available for travellers. You can typically find short‑term spaces near the station entrance to quickly unload your luggage with your group. Afterwards the driver can move the car to a designated daily or long‑stay area. Allow a little extra time to handle parking and walk to the platform without last‑minute stress.

Returning a car for an early‑morning flight at SWF is usually low‑stress as road traffic is minimal. The best strategy is to have the airport address programmed into your sat‑nav the night before. As you approach, follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return". These will direct you straight to the correct entrance, which is separate from the main passenger drop‑off area.

When returning your hire car at night, slow down as you approach the terminal complex. Stay in the main airport approach lanes and look specifically for illuminated signs that say "Rental Car Return". These signs will direct you to a dedicated lane or turn‑off. Paying close attention will ensure you don't accidentally end up in the passenger departure or arrival lanes.

During busy periods at SWF it’s good practice to add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your hire car return schedule. This buffer accounts for potential queues of cars waiting to be checked in and the time it takes for an agent to inspect your vehicle. This small cushion ensures you can complete the return, walk back to the terminal and check in for your flight without feeling rushed.

For an efficient one‑way trip, plan your route geographically to avoid backtracking. A logical progression from SWF would be to explore nearby Hudson Valley sights first, then head west into the Catskills region. From the Catskills you can travel north towards Albany. Grouping points of interest by region creates a natural flow and makes the drive more direct and enjoyable.

A frequent mistake when leaving SWF is underestimating how quickly the interchanges for major routes like I‑84 and I‑87 (the Thruway) appear. To avoid stressful last‑second lane changes, review your route on a map before you start the car. As you drive, listen carefully to your sat‑nav prompts, which will typically give you advance notice of which lane you need to be in for your upcoming turn onto the motorway.