Quick Summary:
- Follow AirTrain signs from the concourse, using lifts if needed.
- Ride AirTrain to P3 Station, the consolidated rental car centre.
- Allow 15 to 25 minutes overall, depending on queues and waits.
- Keep your rail ticket accessible for AirTrain gates and inspections.
If you are arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport and plan to start driving soon after, the key connection is between the Newark Airport train station (the NJ Transit and Amtrak stop) and the airport’s consolidated rental car centre. The transfer is straightforward once you know which level to use, what the signs look like, and how ticketing works. This guide explains the step-by-step route, typical timings, and practical tips so your car hire pick-up runs smoothly.
For travellers comparing providers and pick-up points, Hola Car Rentals maintains dedicated airport pages such as car hire at Newark (EWR) and car hire at New Jersey airport (EWR), which can help you confirm the correct airport location before you travel.
Know what “Newark Airport train station” means
Newark Airport train station is not inside the terminal buildings. It sits on the Northeast Corridor rail line and connects to the airport via the AirTrain Newark people-mover. Whether you arrive on NJ Transit from New York Penn Station or on an Amtrak service, you will step off onto platforms that lead to a concourse with escalators, lifts, ticket machines, and clear overhead signage for “AirTrain”.
Because it is a separate station, it helps to think of the journey in two legs: rail to Newark Airport station, then AirTrain to the rental car centre.
Step-by-step: Newark Airport train station to the rental car centre
Step 1: Leave the rail platform and follow AirTrain signs. After getting off your train, walk towards the station concourse. Look for overhead signs reading “AirTrain” with arrows. You will typically go up from the platform to the main concourse, then across to the AirTrain access points. If you have luggage, use the lifts rather than escalators, especially at peak times when escalators can be congested.
Step 2: Enter the AirTrain area using your ticket. The AirTrain Newark system uses fare gates. If you arrived on NJ Transit with a ticket marked “Newark Liberty International Airport”, the AirTrain segment is included and your ticket is used to exit the gate at the airport end. If you used Amtrak, your itinerary may include the AirTrain connection as well, depending on how it was issued. If your rail ticket does not include the AirTrain portion, you can buy an AirTrain fare at station machines.
Step 3: Board AirTrain towards the rental car centre. AirTrain trains arrive frequently. You do not need a seat reservation, you just board when the train arrives. Check the platform screens and announcements for stops. The consolidated rental car centre is served by AirTrain at P3 Station. Stay alert for the stop name, because the system also serves terminals and parking stops.
Step 4: Get off at P3 (rental car centre) and follow the wayfinding. At P3, you will see signs for “Rental Car Center” and individual car rental brands. Follow the indoor walkways and escalators or lifts down into the rental car facility. From there, you proceed to your supplier’s counter or the assigned area for your booking confirmation.
If you want to cross-check that you are heading for the correct airport facility for your car hire, the Hola Car Rentals pages car hire in New Jersey (EWR) and Hertz at Newark (EWR) are useful references for the Newark airport rental context.
How long does it take?
Most travellers can get from the Newark Airport train station concourse to the rental car centre in about 15 to 25 minutes, broken down roughly like this:
Walking within the station: 3 to 7 minutes, depending on which platform you arrive at and whether you use lifts.
Waiting for AirTrain: commonly 2 to 8 minutes. At busy periods, you may wait longer for space with luggage.
AirTrain ride to P3: often 5 to 10 minutes.
Walking from P3 to the counters: 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the exact office location and queue lengths.
Add buffer time if you are collecting a vehicle at a busy time, such as Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, or late evenings when staffing can be reduced. If you are arriving on a delayed train, it is wise to factor in the rental desk closing time shown on your confirmation.
Tickets and fares: what you actually need
The most common point of confusion is whether you need a separate ticket for AirTrain. In many cases, you do not, but it depends on how your rail journey was ticketed.
If you arrived on NJ Transit from New York Penn Station: buy a ticket to “Newark Liberty International Airport” (not just “Newark”). That product includes the AirTrain access fee. Keep your ticket, because you will need it at the gates.
If you arrived on Amtrak: some itineraries include the AirTrain connection, particularly if the origin or destination was specified as the airport. If you booked only to “Newark” or another nearby station, you may need to purchase AirTrain access separately at the station machines.
Practical tip: keep your ticket somewhere accessible before you reach the gates. Searching through bags while people queue behind you is one of the easiest ways to add stress to the transfer.
What to do when you arrive at the rental car centre
Once inside the rental car centre, focus on three things to keep the car hire pick-up quick.
First, find your brand zone. There is usually overhead signage listing rental companies and directions. If your confirmation is through a broker, the supplier name on the voucher is what you follow.
Second, have documents ready. Typical requirements include a driving licence, a passport, and a payment card in the main driver’s name. Some travellers from the UK also carry an International Driving Permit where applicable, depending on licence format and supplier rules.
Third, check the vehicle before leaving. At the pick-up bay, do a quick walkaround, note existing marks, confirm fuel policy, and check that you understand toll payment options for New Jersey and New York crossings. This is especially relevant if you are driving into New York City, where bridges, tunnels, and some routes use cashless tolling.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Mistaking Newark Penn Station for the airport station. Newark Penn Station is in Newark city and is not the airport stop. If your train journey ends at Newark Penn Station, you will need a different transfer (often NJ Transit or a taxi) to reach EWR. When planning car hire at the airport, ensure your rail ticket is for Newark Liberty International Airport station.
Heading to terminals instead of P3. AirTrain serves terminals and parking. If you board without checking, you may end up circling terminals first. Look for signage and platform screens, and stay on until P3 for the rental car centre.
Underestimating late-night timing. AirTrain runs frequently, but rental desks may not. If your arrival is late, confirm supplier hours on your documents so you do not arrive after closing.
Driving into New York after pick-up: quick orientation
Although your car hire is collected in New Jersey, many travellers are using it for a New York itinerary. Expect tolls if you drive into Manhattan via tunnels, and remember that traffic can be heavy at most times of day. If you are heading straight into the city, consider programming your sat nav before leaving the rental facility car park, and double-check your toll payment arrangement with the supplier so you do not get unexpected admin fees later.
If your trip involves a larger vehicle later in the journey, Hola Car Rentals also has a New York area page for larger rentals at another major airport, van hire at New York JFK, which can be useful for comparing options across the region.
FAQ
Q: Which AirTrain stop is the rental car centre at Newark Airport?
A: Get off at P3 Station, which is signed for the consolidated rental car centre.
Q: Do I need to buy a separate AirTrain ticket from Newark Airport train station?
A: Often no, because NJ Transit tickets to “Newark Liberty International Airport” include the AirTrain portion. If your ticket does not include it, buy access at station machines.
Q: How much time should I allow from the train station to the rental desk?
A: Plan for 15 to 25 minutes, then add extra time for queues, late arrivals, or collecting child seats.
Q: Is the route step-free with luggage?
A: Yes, there are lifts and ramps, but lifts can be busy. Allow extra minutes if you need step-free access throughout.
Q: Can I pick up a car hire at Newark and drive to New York City?
A: Yes, many travellers do. Expect tolls and heavy traffic, and confirm toll payment options before leaving the rental car centre.
