Enterprise Car Hire
New Windsor, NY

The Enterprise rental desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Stewart International Airport (SWF). After you collect your luggage from baggage reclaim, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." The counters for all rental firms are grouped together in a designated area, making them easy to spot. Once you have completed the paperwork at the desk, a representative will direct you to the nearby car park where the vehicles are kept, which is just a short walk from the terminal.

Navigating from baggage reclaim to the Enterprise counter at Stewart International Airport is very straightforward. The terminal is compact and well signposted, designed for easy passenger flow. Once you have your bags, look for the prominent signs directing you towards the "Rental Car" counters. This area is located within the main terminal building, so you won't need to exit or take a shuttle. The walk is typically only a minute or two, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to your journey.

The vehicle pick-up process at this location requires a visit to the rental counter inside the airport terminal first. After completing the rental agreement, you will be directed to the designated rental car lot to collect your vehicle. This lot is a short and convenient walk from the terminal building. While it is not a curbside service, the process is efficient; it is wise to factor in a few extra minutes for the walk and for getting acquainted with your car before you depart.

Leaving the Stewart Airport area is quite simple, as the airport roads are designed to funnel traffic directly towards the major highways. Upon exiting the rental lot, follow the main airport road, International Boulevard, and watch for signs for Route 747. This connector road was built to provide easy access to the interstate system. Taking Route 747 will lead you directly to the interchanges for both I-84 (east and west) and I-87, the New York State Thruway (north and south), within just a few minutes.

For a straightforward drive to West Point, your best option is to take Route 9W South. After leaving the airport area you can use local roads like Route 207 to connect to Route 9W. This main road runs parallel to the Hudson River and will take you directly to the Highland Falls and West Point area. This route avoids the need to cross any bridges and keeps you on a primary, well signed road, minimising the chances of confusing turns as you approach the academy.

Under normal conditions, the drive from the New Windsor rental location to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is relatively short, typically about 15 to 20 minutes. The most direct route is via the New York State Thruway (I-87) South. Traffic is most stressful at weekends, particularly from late morning through the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as during major holiday sales events. To avoid the heaviest congestion, plan your visit for a weekday or arrive right at opening time on a weekend.

The simplest and most direct way to get to Beacon from New Windsor is by taking the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, which is part of Interstate 84 East. The drive is very short and offers fine views of the Hudson. Drivers sometimes get confused immediately after the bridge on the Beacon side; the exits for Route 9D and local streets come up very quickly. To avoid getting turned around, set your satnav specifically for Dia Beacon's address before you start your drive for clear, turn-by-turn guidance.

When driving in Newburgh for the first time, be mindful of the grid of one-way streets in the historic downtown area, particularly around Liberty Street and Grand Street. It's sensible to rely on a satnav to navigate this section. Additionally, the waterfront district along Front Street can be bustling and has its own traffic patterns that may be unfamiliar. Paying close attention to signage and pedestrian traffic is key to navigating the town centre smoothly and avoiding any surprises.

Storm King Art Center is located just south of Stewart Airport, making it an incredibly convenient first stop for your day. The easiest way to incorporate it is to visit right after picking up your rental car in the morning before heading to other destinations. This allows you to enjoy the park when it's often less crowded and avoids any backtracking later in the day. Alternatively, you could make it your final stop before returning your car, as its proximity to the airport makes for a quick and stress-free end to your trip.

To get a jump on weekend foliage traffic, a good strategy is to head north from New Windsor as your first leg. You can take the NYS Thruway (I-87) North towards New Paltz or Kingston, or cross the river to take Route 9 North towards Rhinebeck. This approach allows you to get ahead of the bulk of the traffic coming up from the New York City metro area. You can then loop back south later in the afternoon when some crowds may have started to disperse, creating a more relaxed and scenic drive.

One of the most accessible and rewarding overlooks is located in Newburgh at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site. It's easily reached via main local roads and offers a terrific panoramic view of the Hudson River and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Another simple option is to drive south on Route 9W from New Windsor, where you'll find several designated scenic pull-offs directly on the highway. These spots provide beautiful vistas without requiring you to navigate any complex or narrow side roads.

For a successful multi-stop day, sequence is key because parking is a major factor. Storm King Art Center's car park often fills up early, especially at weekends, so it is highly recommended to make that your first stop, arriving close to opening time. From there, proceed to Beacon, as parking near its Main Street can become competitive by midday. Cold Spring is often busiest in the afternoon, so while it can be your last stop, be prepared for a challenging parking situation and consider using slightly more distant car parks.

Driving in Cold Spring on a busy weekend requires patience, as the village's main street is narrow and attracts many pedestrians. The main issue for visitors is that satnavs can suggest shortcuts through extremely tight residential side streets to bypass traffic on Main Street. It's best to ignore those suggestions and stick to the main thoroughfare, Route 9D, to enter the village. Plan to use the municipal car park near the station, even if it means a short walk, to avoid getting stuck on streets not meant for through traffic.

The Hudson Valley is home to many lovely wineries and cideries, often situated on scenic rural roads. While these roads are generally well paved, they can be narrow, winding and poorly lit after dark. When driving at night, it's important to be extra cautious, reduce your speed, and be vigilant for wildlife, particularly deer, which are common in the area. Using your full beam where appropriate can greatly improve visibility on these charming but challenging back roads.

A straightforward and enjoyable day trip to the Catskills can be achieved by using the New York State Thruway (I-87) as your primary artery. From New Windsor, take I-87 North to Exit 19 for Kingston. This interchange is simple and leads you directly onto Route 28, known as the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway. This route takes you into the heart of the region, offering access to towns like Phoenicia and trailheads for walking. Sticking to this main route minimises complex navigation and maximises your time enjoying the scenery.

For drivers who are apprehensive about navigating dense city traffic, taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway is often the least stressful route into Manhattan. From New Windsor you would head south on I-87 and then connect to the Palisades Parkway. This scenic road prohibits commercial traffic, generally has fewer lanes than other major highways, and offers a more relaxed driving experience. It leads directly to the George Washington Bridge, providing a straightforward approach into Upper Manhattan.

The most convenient and popular option for taking the train into New York City is the Beacon station on the Metro-North Hudson Line. It's a simple drive from New Windsor across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge (I-84 East). The station has a large, dedicated car park and offers frequent and direct service to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. This park-and-ride strategy is an excellent way to enjoy the city without the stress of driving and parking there.

The most direct route to Poughkeepsie is to take I-84 East from the New Windsor area across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Once across the river, take the exit for Route 9 North, which leads straight into Poughkeepsie. The primary bottleneck on this route typically occurs on the approach to and across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge itself, especially during weekday rush hours. The interchange connecting I-84 to Route 9 can also experience congestion, so allow extra travel time during peak periods.

During peak travel times, drivers should anticipate significant slowdowns on the I-84 approaches to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. The most critical area for lane discipline is on the eastbound (Beacon) side, immediately after the tolling gantry. The exits for Route 9D and Route 52 appear very quickly, and lanes split abruptly. To handle this smoothly, it's essential to know which exit you need well in advance and position your vehicle in the correct lane before you even start crossing the bridge.

When driving in the Hudson Valley and surrounding regions, you will encounter several cashless tolling systems on major highways and bridges, such as the NYS Thruway (I-87) and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. These systems automatically capture an image of the vehicle's licence plate without requiring you to stop and pay. It is important to be aware that these tolls will be applied to your rental. For a clear understanding of how these charges are processed, it's best to discuss the rental company's specific tolling programmes with the Enterprise agent at the desk when you pick up your car.

On days with major events like football matches or graduation, you should expect significant delays at the security checkpoints to enter West Point. It is crucial to arrive much earlier than you think you need to, often several hours in advance. The nearby village of Highland Falls serves as the primary staging area. Many visitors find it easier to park in designated lots in the village and walk onto the post, which can sometimes be faster than waiting in the long line of cars at the gate.

Yes, finding a petrol station to refuel before your return is very convenient. The area surrounding the airport has numerous options. The commercial corridors along Route 17K and Route 300 (Union Avenue), just a five-minute drive from the airport entrance, are lined with major brand filling stations. You can easily build a quick stop at one of these locations into your return trip without going out of your way, ensuring a hassle-free refuelling process.

For a calm place to get organised after picking up your car, head to one of the large shopping centres located along Route 300 or Route 17K, just a few minutes from the airport. These plazas, which host supermarkets and large retailers, offer expansive car parks where you can safely pull into a space. This gives you plenty of room and time to adjust your mirrors, set up your satnav, secure children in their seats, and stow your luggage before merging onto a busy motorway.

For ski destinations in the Catskills like Hunter or Windham, the most convenient and manageable route is the New York State Thruway (I-87) North. This major interstate is well maintained and ploughed in winter, providing a direct path to the key exits for mountain access roads. While the final miles to the resorts involve climbing on state routes, taking the Thruway for the majority of the journey allows you to avoid steeper and more winding secondary roads for as long as possible.

When planning a late-night return, the first step is to confirm the specific after-hours drop-off procedures with the Enterprise staff when you initially rent the vehicle. Before you start your drive back, set your satnav directly to the "Rental Car Return" at Stewart Airport to ensure you follow the correct, well-lit signage. Always allow a little extra time in your schedule for the final steps, such as gathering your belongings, locking the vehicle, and depositing the keys in the secure drop-box.

For a stress-free early morning departure, a good rule is to plan to arrive at the airport's rental car return lot at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. This timeline typically allows about 15–20 minutes for the vehicle return process and the short walk to the terminal. This leaves you with plenty of time to check your bags, pass through security, and get to your gate without feeling rushed, even accounting for potential morning queues.

Winter driving in the Hudson Valley requires caution, as conditions can change quickly. Major highways like I-87 and I-84 are typically well ploughed, but elevated surfaces like the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge are particularly susceptible to icing, even when other roads seem clear. It is essential to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden manoeuvres, especially on bridges and overpasses. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out during the winter months.

In heavy rain, visibility can be significantly reduced on high-speed highways like I-84 and the NYS Thruway (I-87), making it important to slow down. Some lower-lying sections of local roads, such as parts of Route 9W or smaller county routes, can be prone to water ponding or pooling after a downpour. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, the safest approach is to stick to major routes if possible and exercise extra caution, especially at night or during the most intense periods of rain.

While beautiful, scenic routes like Route 9D on the east side of the river (through towns like Cold Spring and Beacon) and Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park will take significantly longer than a map might suggest. These roads feature lower speed limits, pass through busy village centres, and have winding sections that require slower, more attentive driving. When planning your itinerary, be sure to budget generous travel time for these routes to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

At weekends, expect significant traffic congestion on the roads leading to and from Woodbury Common, especially on Route 32 and at NYS Thruway (I-87) Exit 16. The least stressful approach is to arrive either at opening time (around 10:00) or in the late afternoon when the initial crowds begin to thin. When leaving, consider using your satnav to check for alternate routes, as sometimes local roads can offer a quicker escape than waiting in long lines for the motorway sliproad.

To avoid circling the airport's arrivals and departures loop, the easiest place to meet is at one of the large shopping plazas on Route 17K or Route 300, just a minute or two from the airport entrance. You can arrange to meet in the car park of a coffee shop, fast-food restaurant, or supermarket. This provides a low-stress spot to wait, allows your friends to call you once they have their bags, and makes for a simple pickup before you head to your destination.

The most direct drive to Legoland New York in Goshen is to take Route 17 West (also known as I-86). The route is almost entirely on the motorway and is well signposted for the theme park. First-time visitors can sometimes become confused on the local roads immediately after taking Exit 125. It's helpful to keep your satnav active for the final mile, as it will guide you through the last few turns directly to the park's main entrance and car parks.

Parking at popular areas within Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, such as the lots near Bear Mountain Inn or major trailheads, can reach full capacity very early on weekends. This is especially true during the fall foliage season and on warm summer days. To secure a parking spot and avoid being turned away, it is highly advisable to plan your arrival for before 10:00. Arriving early ensures a more relaxed start to your visit before the largest crowds descend on the parks.

For standard rental cars and SUVs, low clearances are generally not an issue on main roads in the Hudson Valley. However, if you are driving a larger passenger van, you should be cautious when entering older parking garages in towns like Poughkeepsie or Newburgh, and always check for posted height limits. Some scenic parkways in the greater region have low stone-arch bridges, but the primary routes around New Windsor are free of such obstacles.

When navigating to a location on smaller, rural roads where mobile signal can be unreliable, preparation is key. The best strategy is to use a satnav app that allows you to download maps of the region for offline use before you leave the airport. It's also a good idea to take a screenshot of the final few turns of your route while you still have a strong signal. This provides a reliable visual backup to guide you for the last leg of your journey if your live navigation drops out.

During major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or Labour Day, expect significantly increased traffic volume throughout the region. The New York State Thruway (I-87) and Interstate 84 are the first motorways to experience major backups, particularly for northbound traffic on Friday afternoons and southbound traffic on Sunday or Monday evenings. The approaches to river crossings like the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge also become major choke points, so planning travel for off-peak hours is highly recommended.

To successfully visit both New Paltz and Minnewaska, timing is crucial as the park's car parks frequently close due to capacity by mid-morning at weekends. The best plan is to drive directly to Minnewaska State Park first thing in the morning, aiming to arrive shortly after it opens to secure a parking spot. After enjoying the park, you can then drive down to the village of New Paltz for lunch and to explore the shops, when parking there may be more readily available as the early crowds disperse.

A one-day loop to Kingston and Rhinebeck is very manageable and makes for a great trip. The most efficient way to travel between the two is by using the NYS Thruway (I-87) and crossing the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Drivers typically lose the most time navigating the local streets within Kingston's historic Stockade District or searching for on-street parking in Rhinebeck's bustling village centre on a weekend. Using public car parks and exploring on foot is often the best use of your time in both locations.

The most direct and straightforward route north to Albany and Saratoga is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) directly from the Newburgh area. The motorway is well signposted and easy to follow for the entire journey. Common slowdowns can occur around major interchanges like Kingston (Exit 19) and especially in the Albany Capital Region (Exits 23–24), where traffic volume is higher. Be aware of seasonal construction projects, which are frequent in the summer and can cause lane closures and delays.

As you approach Stewart International Airport, initially follow the large green signs for the airport itself. Once you are on the airport property, pay close attention to the smaller signs that specifically direct you to "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you to a dedicated roadway and entrance for the return lots, which is separate from the loops for passenger drop-off (Departures) and pick-up (Arrivals). Following the "Rental Car Return" signage is the key to a smooth and direct final approach.