Quick Summary:
- Follow AirTrain and Rental Cars signs from Terminal A arrivals.
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes from baggage claim to counters.
- Collect keys at the Rental Car Station, then walk to bays.
- Bring licence and card, then check fuel level and damage.
If you land at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Terminal A and need car hire for New York, you do not collect the car in the terminal itself. The simplest route is to follow airport signs to the AirTrain, ride it to the dedicated Rental Car Station, then complete the counter or kiosk process and pick up your vehicle in the adjacent garage area.
This guide focuses on the most straightforward terminal to counter route from Terminal A, what to look for on the signs, typical walking times, and a few practical checks so you can get onto the road with less guesswork.
Step-by-step: Terminal A to the Rental Car Station
1) Exit the aircraft and head towards baggage claim. On arrival, follow the standard “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation” signs. If you have checked bags, collect them first, because you will be moving out of the arrivals level flow and it is easier to have everything with you before heading to transport.
Typical walking time: gate to baggage claim varies by gate, but a common range is 5 to 12 minutes inside Terminal A, plus waiting time at the carousel.
2) Follow signs for rental cars and the AirTrain. At EWR, the rental car facilities are accessed via the airport’s people mover system, the AirTrain. In Terminal A, you should see directional signage for “AirTrain” and “Rental Cars” as you move through arrivals and ground transport areas. The exact wording can differ by sign, but the key is to keep following the AirTrain and rental car directions rather than looking for a brand counter within the terminal.
3) Walk to the AirTrain station from Terminal A. Terminal A has a direct connection to the AirTrain station via clearly signposted walkways. The walk is mostly indoors or covered and designed for passengers with luggage trolleys, although it can feel long at peak times due to crowding.
Typical walking distance and time: allow about 7 to 15 minutes from baggage claim to the AirTrain platform, depending on your location within the terminal and how busy it is.
4) Take AirTrain to the Rental Car Station. Once on the platform, board the AirTrain and ride to the stop for the Rental Car Station. Trains run frequently. The in-train announcements and platform signs make it clear which stop you need, so you can simply stay alert for “Rental Car Station”.
Typical ride time: around 5 to 10 minutes from Terminal A, with a little extra time for waiting on the platform.
5) Enter the Rental Car Station and find your provider. The Rental Car Station is the hub where multiple rental providers are located. Inside, you will see counters and wayfinding to specific brands. If you arranged car hire through Hola Car Rentals for EWR, your confirmation details help you match the provider name at the station, then join the appropriate queue or kiosk line.
For more orientation on the airport setup and what to expect at EWR, the Hola Car Rentals page for car hire airport New Jersey EWR is a useful starting point for understanding where pickups happen.
How long does it take, door to counter?
As a practical rule, from Terminal A baggage claim to standing at your rental counter, allow 15 to 30 minutes including the AirTrain wait. That can stretch to 40 minutes in heavy traffic periods, during weather disruption, or when queues are long at the station.
If you want a buffer for a first visit, plan on 30 minutes after you have your bags. This helps if you need an ATM stop, a loo break, or a quick call, without feeling rushed.
For an overview that stays focused on EWR rather than New York City airports, see Hola’s car hire New Jersey EWR page, which aligns with the same pickup location at Newark.
At the counter: what happens next
Once you locate your provider’s counter or self-service kiosks, you will typically confirm the booking and driver details, review insurance and deposit terms, then receive keys and bay location instructions. Have your driving licence, passport or ID, and a payment card ready, and ensure any additional drivers have their documentation with them.
If you prefer to compare supplier options that commonly operate from EWR, Hola’s pages for budget car hire New Jersey EWR and Hertz car hire Newark EWR can help you understand what to expect at the Rental Car Station.
From the counter to the car: garage pickup and checks
After the paperwork, you will walk into the adjacent parking structure to pick up the vehicle. The walk is usually short, but you may need to take a lift or follow coloured zone signage to your assigned aisle.
Before you drive off, take two minutes for a practical inspection. Check the exterior for unrecorded damage, confirm the fuel policy and current level match your agreement, and set your navigation while parked before joining airport traffic.
FAQ
Where exactly do I pick up the rental car after landing at Newark Terminal A? You pick it up at the EWR Rental Car Station, reached by walking to the AirTrain in Terminal A and riding to the “Rental Car Station” stop, then going to your provider’s counter and garage bays.
How long should I allow from Terminal A to the rental counter? A typical range is 15 to 30 minutes from baggage claim to the counter, including the walk to AirTrain, waiting time, and the short ride. In busy periods, allow closer to 40 minutes.
Do I need to take a shuttle bus from Terminal A for car hire? Usually no. The standard route is via the AirTrain to the Rental Car Station. Follow the AirTrain and rental car signs rather than looking for a separate kerbside shuttle.
Can I collect the car if my flight is delayed and I arrive late? Many providers can handle late arrivals, but policies differ by supplier and rate type. Check your confirmation details and, if possible, notify the provider if you expect to arrive well after the scheduled pickup time.
What should I check before driving out of the rental garage? Verify the car’s recorded condition and fuel level, and confirm you understand toll and payment arrangements. Set your navigation while parked, then leave the garage only when you are ready to merge safely.
