Payless Car Hire
New Jersey

The most straightforward way to reach the rental car facility from any terminal at Newark Airport is to use the AirTrain. After collecting your checked bags at baggage claim, simply follow the overhead signs for the AirTrain. This free monorail system is designed to accommodate travellers with luggage and stops frequently at all terminals and at the dedicated Rental Car Center. Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center station, you can go straight to the Payless counter to complete your pickup.

During the evening rush hour, typically from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays, you should plan for significant additional time. It’s sensible to add at least 45 to 60 minutes to your schedule for the whole process. This accounts for potential delays disembarking, longer waits for the AirTrain to the rental centre, and increased customer volume at the rental counter. Additionally, the highways around EWR, such as the NJ Turnpike and Route 1/9, experience heavy congestion, which will slow your departure from the airport complex.

A practical approach is for the designated driver to proceed alone on the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center to collect the vehicle. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage on the terminal’s arrivals level, usually near the passenger pickup areas outside baggage claim. Once the driver has the car, they can circle back to the terminal’s arrivals kerb to collect everyone. Be sure to coordinate by phone and be aware that kerbside waiting is often restricted.

The most efficient plan is to have one person collect all the checked luggage while the other heads directly to the Rental Car Center via the AirTrain to secure the vehicle. Alternatively, you can both meet at a pre-arranged spot in one of your arrival terminals before travelling to the rental centre together. The AirTrain links all terminals, making it straightforward to move between them. Once you have the car, you can then drive to the other terminal’s arrivals level for a kerbside pickup if required.

For international arrivals the process requires patience, so it’s important to allow a generous time buffer in your schedule. The correct sequence is to first clear immigration and passport control, then proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. After you have your bags you will go through customs. Only after clearing customs should you head to the AirTrain to travel to the Rental Car Center for your Payless pickup. This whole process can take a significant amount of time, so factor this in when making your reservation.

For a stress-free return, use a GPS and set your destination specifically to "Newark Airport Rental Car Return," not just the airport itself. Major arteries like the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) or US Route 1/9 provide direct access. As you approach the airport, pay close attention to the overhead signs, which are well marked for rental car returns. Staying in the designated lanes early will help you avoid confusing last-minute merges near the terminal exits.

A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the rental car return area at least three hours before a domestic flight and four hours before an international one. This allows ample time for the vehicle return process, which includes inspection and paperwork. From there, you'll need to take the AirTrain back to your departure terminal. Factoring in AirTrain travel time, airline check-in and potentially long security lines ensures a much more relaxed travel day.

The most convenient method is to first drive to the specific departure terminal and drop off your passengers and luggage at the kerb. This allows them to proceed to check-in while you handle the car. After the drop-off, follow the airport signs for "Rental Car Return" and complete the process alone. You can then take the AirTrain from the Rental Car Center back to the terminal to rejoin your party and go through security together.

The most predictable route is typically via the Holland Tunnel to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South. Once on the Turnpike, follow signs for Newark Airport. As you get closer your GPS will be crucial, but also watch for the large overhead signs directing you to Rental Car Return. The key is to get into the correct lanes for the airport exit well in advance, as traffic can be heavy and lane changes can be challenging if left to the last moment.

Before driving off, carry out a thorough walk-round inspection of the vehicle. Use your phone’s torch to check for any pre-existing scratches, dents or scuffs on the body and wheels, and ensure they are noted on your rental agreement. Inside the car, confirm that the headlights, indicators and windscreen wipers function correctly. It’s also sensible to adjust your mirrors, seat and steering wheel for comfort and familiarise yourself with the basic controls before joining airport traffic.

Should a warning light appear, avoid stopping on the busy airport roadways or highway hard shoulders. Instead, look for the first safe exit that leads to a commercial area. Exits for North Avenue or Routes 1 & 9 South in Elizabeth, just a few minutes from the airport, lead to areas with large car parks such as shopping centres or hotels. These locations provide a safe space to pull over, consult the vehicle’s handbook and contact the rental agency for guidance.

The best practice is to input your final destination and start navigation while you are still parked at the Payless rental lot. This lets you hear the first few instructions before you begin moving and get a preview of the route. Make sure your phone is securely mounted in a hands-free holder and connected to a power source. The initial exits from EWR can be complex, so having the GPS running ahead of time helps you anticipate lane changes for major routes like the NJ Turnpike or I-78.

The New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) and US Route 1/9 near the airport can be particularly intense for visitors due to high traffic volumes, frequent lane changes and aggressive drivers. For a slightly less stressful start, consider using local roads to connect to the Garden State Parkway if your destination is to the north or south. While potentially slower, the Parkway often feels more manageable than the Turnpike for those unfamiliar with the area’s driving style, especially outside peak commute times.

To ease into New Jersey driving, plan to stay in the right-hand lanes as much as possible after leaving the airport. This allows faster traffic to pass on your left and gives you more time to react to upcoming exits. Focus on maintaining a steady speed and leaving ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead. If your GPS offers multiple routes, selecting one that prioritises local roads over major highways for the first few miles can provide a calmer transition.

The most direct route is to follow signs from the rental car centre toward US Route 1/9 North. This main road will take you directly toward downtown Newark. Pay close attention to your GPS, as there are several key exits for downtown landmarks and hotel districts, such as the exit for Route 21 (McCarter Highway). Using a navigation app is essential to avoid accidentally re-entering the airport road system or getting onto the Turnpike by mistake.

During weekday commute times, a drive that might take 25 minutes in light traffic can easily stretch to an hour or more. The most common route involves taking the NJ Turnpike Extension (I-78 East) toward the Holland Tunnel. Expect significant congestion, especially on the approach to the tunnel. A realistic plan is to depart well before or after the peak rush hours (07:00–09:30 and 16:00–19:00) if your schedule allows, as this will make the journey far more predictable and less stressful.

Driving and parking in Manhattan can be challenging and expensive, so it’s wise to use New Jersey’s public transport. Excellent options include parking at a PATH station in Jersey City (like Journal Square) or Hoboken, which offer direct service into Manhattan. Another good choice is the Secaucus Junction station, which has ample parking and provides a quick NJ Transit train into Penn Station. This approach saves you the stress of city driving and the high cost of parking garages.

For reaching Midtown Manhattan, the Lincoln Tunnel is generally the most direct and convenient crossing from the EWR area. From the airport, you would take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North and follow the clear signage for the Lincoln Tunnel (Route 495). While it can experience heavy traffic, it deposits you directly into the heart of Midtown, close to Times Square and numerous hotels. The Holland Tunnel is a better option for destinations in Lower Manhattan.

To avoid the notorious shore traffic, timing is everything. On a Friday, try to leave EWR either before 1pm or after 8pm to miss the peak exodus from the metropolitan area. On Saturdays, the heaviest southbound traffic on the Garden State Parkway is typically between 8am and 1pm. For your return trip on a Sunday, the Parkway northbound becomes very congested from early afternoon until late evening. An early morning or late evening departure will usually be your best bet for a smoother drive.

The most direct and well signed route for a first-time driver is to take the Garden State Parkway South. From EWR you will have a short drive on the NJ Turnpike (I-95) South to connect with the Parkway at Exit 11. Once on the Garden State Parkway, it is a straight shot south for nearly its entire length. The Parkway ends and becomes Route 109, which leads directly into the heart of Cape May, making it very simple to navigate.

A same-day drive to Atlantic City is very feasible. Assuming you clear the airport and pick up your car by early afternoon, the drive itself typically takes about two hours in normal traffic. The most common route is the Garden State Parkway South to the Atlantic City Expressway. Even with some moderate congestion, you should comfortably arrive in Atlantic City with time to check in and be ready for evening activities.

The simplest and most efficient route is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South from the airport. Stay on the Turnpike for about 30–40 minutes until you reach Exit 9 for Route 18 North, which you take briefly to connect to US Route 1 South. Route 1 will then take you directly toward Princeton. This path avoids more complex local roads and relies on major, well signed highways for the majority of the journey, making it easy to follow with a GPS.

For a scenic and efficient loop, start by taking Interstate 78 West from the EWR area directly toward the southern part of the region. After exploring, you can drive north along the Delaware River on scenic roads like Old Mine Road. For your return, take Interstate 80 East, which offers a different perspective and is a direct route back toward the metropolitan area. This creates a large loop, preventing you from driving the same highway twice and helping you manage traffic by returning on a different major artery.

A great option for a relaxed fall foliage tour is to head north-west from EWR. Take Interstate 287 North into Morris and Passaic counties. From there you can exit onto smaller state highways like Route 23 or Route 202. These roads will lead you through charming towns and into areas like the Wanaque Reservoir or High Point State Park, which offer beautiful scenery without the intensity of major commuter highways. This creates a manageable and scenic loop for a day trip.

The drive to Washington, D.C. is straightforward, primarily following the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South, which becomes I-95 all the way down. The route is well equipped with large service areas directly on the highway in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, offering food, fuel and restrooms. A popular and convenient halfway point for a longer break is the area around Baltimore’s Inner Harbour, which is just a short detour off the interstate and offers numerous dining and sightseeing options before you complete the final leg of your journey.

The drive to Philadelphia from EWR is simple, primarily down the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South. To avoid downtown driving stress, identify a parking garage near the edge of the Centre City district or near your hotel before you even start your drive. Program the garage’s address directly into your GPS. This allows you to drive straight to your parking spot, secure the car, and then explore the city’s historic and compact downtown area on foot or by using its excellent public transport system.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the airport’s rental car facility, you’ll find major shopping centres in the adjacent city of Elizabeth. By navigating to the Jersey Gardens mall or the retail areas along US Route 1/9 South, you can easily access large stores like Target or Walmart. These locations offer a wide variety of travel essentials, from snacks and drinks to any forgotten toiletries or electronics, and have large car parks that are easy to navigate.

If you are heading south on the New Jersey Turnpike, the first service area you will encounter is the Grover Cleveland Service Area, located just a few miles from the airport. If travelling north on the Turnpike, the Vince Lombardi Service Area is a convenient first stop. For those taking the Garden State Parkway south, the first stop is the Jon Bon Jovi Service Area. These are large, well lit facilities with restrooms, food and fuel, making them perfect for a quick and easy break.

Most major highways in New Jersey, including the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, use the E-ZPass electronic tolling system. Many toll plazas are now cashless, meaning you cannot pay with cash as you pass through. It is important to discuss the toll payment options for your rental vehicle with the Payless staff at the counter before you leave. They can explain how tolls are processed to ensure you can travel on these roads without any issues or unexpected fees.

Driving into New York State involves crossing bridges or tunnels, such as the George Washington Bridge or the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, all of which have significant tolls. These crossings are entirely cashless, so you will need an electronic payment method set up through your rental. During peak commute hours, expect major delays and congestion, which can add an hour or more to your travel time. Planning your crossing for mid-day or later in the evening can result in a much smoother experience.

There are numerous petrol stations located along US Route 1/9, which runs parallel to the airport. When returning your car, it's best to use your GPS to find a station on the side of the road that corresponds with your direction of travel toward the airport return. This avoids having to make difficult left turns across heavy traffic. Many stations in this area are large and open 24/7, accustomed to serving airport travellers in a hurry.

A great option is to head to a nearby park, such as Warinanco Park in Roselle, which is a short drive from the airport. It offers ample parking, open space for kids to stretch their legs, and restrooms. Alternatively, a large shopping centre car park, like the one at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, provides a safe and spacious area to pull over. This allows you to adjust car seats, organise snacks, and get everyone comfortable before embarking on a longer drive.

To manage bulky items, it's helpful to have one adult stay with the children and luggage at the terminal’s arrivals kerb while the other takes the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center. Once the driver has the car, they can drive back to the terminal for pickup. This minimises the need to transport everything on the AirTrain. When loading the car at the terminal, work efficiently to avoid lingering too long in the active kerbside pickup zone.

Once you are assigned your vehicle, pull it into a designated parking bay rather than trying to load it in the main traffic lane of the rental lot. This gives you the space and time to organise and load all your luggage without rushing or obstructing other customers. Have your group gather all the bags in one spot on the kerb near your assigned bay. This makes the loading process much more organised and efficient, ensuring a smooth start to your trip.

For a late-night arrival, preparation is key to a safe and easy departure. Before you leave home, ensure your hotel's address is saved in your phone’s GPS and that your phone is fully charged. Once you have the car, take a few minutes in the well-lit rental lot to adjust your mirrors and familiarise yourself with the controls. Drive cautiously as you leave the airport, as traffic will be lighter but may be moving faster, and be extra attentive to road signs.

Driving in snow or freezing rain dramatically changes conditions around EWR. Visibility is reduced and stopping distances increase significantly, so you must drive much slower and leave several car lengths of space between you and other vehicles. Overpasses and bridges, which are common on airport access roads and highways, freeze first and can be especially slick. It is crucial to allow for significant extra travel time for both picking up and returning your vehicle in winter weather.

A frequent mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough for the Turnpike entrance. The signage can be complex with multiple highway options appearing at once. To avoid this, have your GPS running before you start driving and listen carefully to the lane guidance. The key is to anticipate your turn well in advance. If you do miss an exit, do not make a sudden or unsafe lane change; it’s much safer to proceed to the next exit and let your GPS reroute you.

The safest and most convenient places to swap drivers are the large, well-lit service areas located directly on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. These plazas offer ample parking away from the flow of traffic, allowing you to switch seats safely. If you are not yet on a major motorway, any large retail car park, such as a supermarket or shopping centre in a nearby town like Elizabeth or Linden, provides a low-stress environment to make the change.

Before your trip, it’s a good idea to call your hotel directly to ask about their parking situation. Ask about the daily parking fee so you can budget for it, and specifically mention the type of vehicle you plan to rent, such as an SUV or people carrier. You can ask if they have any vehicle height or size restrictions for their garage. Knowing this information in advance can help you select an appropriate vehicle and avoid any surprises on arrival.

When planning a one-way rental, it is essential to confirm the drop-off policy with the rental company. Check whether one-way rentals are permitted between your pickup location at EWR and your desired drop-off airport, such as JFK or LaGuardia. Be aware that one-way rentals can sometimes involve different rates or specific fees. Clarifying these details when booking ensures your travel plans are feasible and helps you understand the full cost of your rental.