Avis Car Hire
Newark

At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Avis operates from the consolidated Rental Car Centre, which is a separate facility serving all terminals. After collecting your baggage, you will need to follow the signs for the AirTrain Newark. This convenient monorail system connects all passenger terminals to the rental car facility. Once you arrive at the designated station, you will find the Avis counter clearly marked inside the building, where you can complete your paperwork and proceed to your vehicle.

From Terminal A, the most direct way to reach the Avis pick-up location is by using the AirTrain Newark. After you claim your luggage, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to the AirTrain station, which is easily accessible from the arrivals level. Board any train, as they all travel in a loop that includes the Rental Car Centre. The ride is just a few minutes, and this method ensures you won't get lost navigating airport roadways or accidentally end up at another terminal.

To reach the Avis counter, you will need to take the AirTrain Newark to the stop specifically labelled "Rental Cars". This station is centrally located to serve all rental agencies at the airport. Once you exit the AirTrain at this stop, you will walk directly into the consolidated Rental Car Centre building. Inside, you'll find large directories and clear signage pointing you towards the Avis service desk, which is just a short walk from the AirTrain platform.

Planning your time after an international flight is wise, as the process can vary. It's realistic to budget between 60 to 90 minutes to clear immigration, wait for and collect your luggage, and clear customs. From there, the AirTrain ride to the Rental Car Centre is about 10–15 minutes. While peak times can be busy, giving yourself this buffer helps ensure a more relaxed experience at the Avis counter. Factoring in this timeline helps you arrive without feeling rushed, even if your flight encounters minor delays.

Newark Airport is well-equipped for late-night arrivals, with clear and well-lit signage throughout the terminals. You will follow the same process as a daytime arrival: look for signs directing you to the AirTrain Newark. The stations, walkways, and the Rental Car Centre itself are brightly lit for safety and visibility. The AirTrain runs 24/7, ensuring you can always get to the Avis location, where staff will be available to assist you with your rental pick-up regardless of the hour.

For the most straightforward drive to Manhattan, follow the signs from the rental car facility directly onto the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North. This major highway is the primary artery leading from the airport towards New York City. It minimises complex local turns and merges right after you've got into your car. Depending on your destination, you will then follow signs for either the Holland Tunnel (for Downtown Manhattan) or the Lincoln Tunnel (for Midtown), both of which are clearly marked exits from the Turnpike.

The most direct and least stressful route to Jersey City or Hoboken is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North from the airport. You will only be on the Turnpike for a short distance before taking Exit 14A-B-C towards the Holland Tunnel/Jersey City. From there, follow signs for Route 139 East, which leads you directly into the heart of the waterfront area. This path avoids going through Downtown Newark and keeps you on major, well-marked roads for the majority of the short drive.

When driving to Times Square with children, your best route is the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North towards the Lincoln Tunnel. A great feature of the Turnpike is its large, well-maintained service areas, such as the Vince Lombardi Service Area, located just before the tunnel exit. These plazas offer clean toilets, a variety of fast-food options, and petrol stations, making for a perfect, predictable stop. This allows you to take a break and refresh before navigating the final, busier stretch into Midtown Manhattan.

For a first-time visitor, the choice between tunnels depends on your Manhattan destination. The Lincoln Tunnel is generally better for reaching Midtown destinations like Times Square, Broadway theatres, and Penn Station, as it emerges on the west side around 40th Street. The Holland Tunnel is the superior choice for Downtown areas such as SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the Financial District. Both can experience significant traffic, but the Lincoln Tunnel approach from the NJ Turnpike often feels slightly more direct for those unfamiliar with the area.

For a more straightforward and often less congested drive to many parts of Brooklyn, taking the route through Staten Island is highly recommended. From the airport, you'll take the New Jersey Turnpike South to the Goethals Bridge, cross Staten Island via I-278 East, and then take the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. This path allows you to completely bypass the intense traffic and complex grid of Manhattan. While it may seem longer on a map, it is frequently the faster and much less stressful option for drivers.

Immediately after leaving the airport, you will be driving near one of the busiest port complexes in the country, so expect significant lorry traffic. It's important to be patient, maintain a safe following distance, and be mindful of large vehicles' blind spots. The roadways here, particularly US-1&9, are wide and designed for commercial traffic, but lane changes can happen abruptly. Staying in the centre or left lanes can often help you avoid the heaviest merging traffic entering and exiting the port facilities.

A common mistake visitors make on motorways like the NJ Turnpike or I-78 is underestimating how quickly exits appear after being announced. Many exits have both local and express lanes, and being in the wrong one can force you to miss your turn. It's crucial to move into your exit lane well in advance. Also, be aware of "jughandle" turns on local roads like US-1&9, where you must exit to the right in order to make a left turn, which can be confusing for first-time drivers in New Jersey.

The area around Newark Penn Station is dense with one-way streets and dedicated bus lanes, making it tricky to stop. Your best strategy is to check if your hotel has a designated passenger loading zone on a side street rather than on major thoroughfares like Market Street or Raymond Boulevard. Many hotels in the area are accustomed to this and have specific instructions for guest arrivals. If not, look for short-term metered parking spots on adjacent streets to unload your luggage before proceeding to a more permanent parking garage.

For this itinerary, the most efficient plan is to drive from EWR directly to your Manhattan hotel's recommended parking garage first. Unload your luggage and check in without the pressure of navigating city streets multiple times. Once you're settled, you can leave the car parked and use public transport or walk for your city activities. Later, when you're ready to head to the New Jersey suburbs, you can retrieve your car from the garage and exit the city, which is often easier than trying to find street parking or circle blocks with your luggage.

To avoid the worst traffic heading to the Jersey Shore, plan to leave the Newark area either before 7:00 am or after 10:00 am on a weekday. The primary route, the Garden State Parkway South, becomes extremely congested during morning rush hour. At weekends, especially in the summer, traffic can be heavy all morning, so departing as early as possible is your best bet. For the return trip, aim to leave the shore before 3:00 pm or after 7:00 pm to miss the bulk of the traffic heading back north.

A popular and convenient option is to drive to Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The park has large, designated parking lots available for visitors taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This approach allows you to avoid driving into and parking in Manhattan altogether. From the EWR rental location, it's a relatively easy drive via the NJ Turnpike Extension. The ferry service from the New Jersey side is often less crowded than the one departing from Battery Park in Manhattan.

A practical approach is to group your driving days separately from your city exploration days. Use your rental car for the day trip south to Princeton and New Brunswick, which are easily accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike. For your Manhattan sightseeing, it's far more convenient to park your car at your hotel or a nearby garage and use public transport. Taking the NJ Transit train from Newark Penn Station into New York Penn Station is fast, efficient, and saves you the stress and expense of driving and parking in the city.

On event days, driving to MetLife Stadium requires extra planning. The primary route from EWR is the New Jersey Turnpike North to the sports complex exit. Expect heavy traffic and dynamic road management by state police, including dedicated lanes, ramp closures, and altered traffic patterns to manage the influx of vehicles. It is highly advisable to leave the airport much earlier than your sat-nav suggests to account for these delays. Following the specific electronic signs for the stadium parking lots is crucial, as they will direct you to the appropriate entrance.

An efficient plan is for the person arriving at EWR to pick up the rental car first. They can then drive to a pre-arranged, easy-to-access meeting point near New York Penn Station to pick up the other traveller. A less stressful alternative is for the person at Penn Station to take an NJ Transit train directly to the Newark Airport Rail Station. From there, they can take the AirTrain to the Rental Car Centre to meet the other traveller at the Avis counter, avoiding a drive into Manhattan altogether.

When you get to your assigned vehicle, it's a good idea to do a quick assessment before you leave the car park. Open the boot to gauge its depth and width against your largest bags. If you have skis, check if the rear seats have a pass-through or can be folded down to accommodate the length. Also, consider the vehicle's height; an SUV might offer more vertical space but requires lifting heavy items higher. Taking a moment to confirm this ensures a comfortable and secure fit for all your gear.

For a winter drive to mountainous areas like the Poconos or Catskills, prioritising a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) is a smart choice for better traction in potentially snowy or icy conditions. When you're at the Avis car park, look for SUVs or saloons that are designated as AWD models. It's also wise to check the tyre condition to ensure they have good tread. A vehicle with these features will provide greater stability and confidence when navigating the hilly and winding roads common in those regions during winter.

A great option for an early stop is one of the service areas on the New Jersey Turnpike North, like the Vince Lombardi or Joyce Kilmer plazas. These are located within the first hour of your drive and are directly accessible from the motorway. They offer a variety of coffee shops, food options, and clean toilets, allowing you to get organised without navigating local roads. Making a quick stop here lets you settle in for the longer journey through New York and Connecticut towards Boston.

The drive from Newark to Philadelphia is straightforward via the New Jersey Turnpike South to the Walt Whitman Bridge. To avoid downtown driving stress, identify a parking garage near the historic district ahead of time and set your sat-nav directly to that address. Garages around Independence National Historical Park are plentiful and well-signed. By parking the car upon arrival, you can explore the compact, walkable area including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall on foot, which is far more enjoyable than navigating the narrow, one-way streets.

A sensible first stop on the drive to Washington, D.C. is the Delaware House Welcome Centre and Travel Plaza on I-95 South. It's located just over the Delaware Memorial Bridge, about 90 minutes to two hours from Newark. This marks a good psychological halfway point and is one of the largest and most modern service plazas on the route. Stopping here for a break, a meal, or fuel allows you to recharge before tackling the second half of the drive through Maryland and into the D.C. area.

For a long-haul trip to Niagara Falls, plan to break up the drive into manageable segments. A common and scenic route is to take I-80 West from the Newark area across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, then head north on I-390 in New York. Consider an overnight stop in a city like Scranton, PA, or Binghamton, NY, to rest and avoid fatigue. This turns a demanding seven-hour drive into two more relaxed days, allowing you to arrive at the falls feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

To avoid driving in NYC, several excellent park-and-ride options are easily accessible from Newark. The Metropark station in Iselin and the Secaucus Junction station are both great choices. Metropark is a short drive south on the Garden State Parkway and offers ample parking with frequent NJ Transit and Amtrak services to Manhattan. Secaucus Junction is even closer, just off the NJ Turnpike, and serves as a major hub where you can park and catch a train for the final 10-minute ride into Penn Station.

The key to a smooth drive to Liberty State Park is to use the New Jersey Turnpike Extension (I-78 East). Follow signs for Exit 14B, which is specifically designated for the park. As you exit, pay close attention to the signs for "Liberty State Park" and avoid the exits for Downtown Jersey City. The local roads near the waterfront can be confusing, but following the dedicated park signage from the Turnpike exit will lead you directly to the main entrance and parking areas without unnecessary detours.

The region is heavily reliant on toll roads like the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, plus tolled crossings into NYC like the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels. Most rental cars from Avis are equipped with an electronic tolling device (like E-ZPass) that automatically pays the tolls as you drive through designated lanes. This is the most convenient way to travel, as many crossings are now cashless. It's a good idea to ask the Avis agent at pick-up how their specific tolling programme is billed for your rental.

At toll plazas, you will see signs for different types of lanes. Lanes marked "E-ZPass Only" are for vehicles with an electronic transponder and do not require you to stop. Since most rental cars are equipped with one, this is typically the lane you will use. Other lanes might be marked "Cash" or "Tolls by Mail", but many facilities are moving to all-electronic tolling. Using the E-ZPass lanes is the simplest method, as the system automatically handles the payment process for you.

When returning your car from the NJ Turnpike, whether you're coming from the north or south, take the exit specifically marked for Newark Airport (Exits 13A or 14). Once you exit the Turnpike, immediately look for and follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return". Avoid following signs for specific terminals or car parks. Sticking to the dedicated rental car return route will guide you directly to the facility and prevent you from getting caught in the confusing loops of the passenger terminal roadways.

The most efficient process is to drop off your passengers and their luggage at their departure terminal first. Follow the airport signs for "Departures" and the specific terminal (A, B, or C). After your passengers are on the kerb, simply follow the airport road signs for "Rental Car Return". This route is designed to loop you from the terminals directly to the rental car facility without having to exit and re-enter the airport complex, saving you significant time and preventing confusion.

A convenient place to stop just before returning your car is The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a large shopping centre located right next to the airport. It has a massive car park where you can safely pull over to reorganise your belongings. Another option is the nearby IKEA in Elizabeth, which also has a large, easy-to-navigate parking area. Both locations provide a low-stress environment to do a final check for personal items and prepare for your return, and they are only a five-minute drive from the rental facility.

During morning rush hour, allow at least 30–45 minutes of extra travel time for potential traffic on approach roads like the NJ Turnpike or US-1&9. As you get close to the airport, move into the right-hand lanes earlier than you think you need to. Pay very close attention to the overhead signs for "Rental Car Return", as traffic can obscure your view until the last moment. Using a sat-nav is helpful, but the official airport signage should be your primary guide for the final turns into the return facility.

A smart plan is to take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit 142A for I-78 East. Then, take I-78 East for a short distance and follow the signs for US-1&9 North towards Newark Airport. This route is generally less complex than navigating the interchange with the NJ Turnpike. As you approach the airport on US-1&9, the signs for "Rental Car Return" are very prominent and lead you directly into the airport complex, minimising the chance of last-minute lane changes or confusing turns.

A great last-day plan is to visit attractions in Newark's Ironbound district, famous for its Portuguese and Spanish restaurants, or explore the Newark Museum of Art. These locations are relatively close to the airport and offer a great cultural experience. Plan to finish your sightseeing at least two to three hours before you need to be at your terminal. This provides ample time to refuel the car if needed, drive the short distance to the rental return centre, and check in for your flight without any stress.

Visitors are often surprised by the prevalence of one-way streets and streets with restricted access, such as dedicated bus lanes, in downtown Newark. Parking can also be challenging, with many on-street spaces having specific time limits or residential permit requirements. For peace of mind, it's almost always easier to use a paid parking garage or car park, especially near popular venues. Always read parking signs carefully to avoid a ticket, as enforcement can be strict, particularly during business hours.

For events at NJPAC or the Prudential Centre, using one of the official, well-lit parking garages affiliated with the venues is the most convenient and secure option. While they may seem busy, they are designed to handle event crowds, with staff directing traffic for a more orderly exit. Parking a few blocks away in a non-affiliated car park might seem quicker, but navigating unfamiliar, crowded side streets after a show can be more chaotic. Pre-booking your parking online can often streamline your arrival and departure.

While GPS is invaluable, the dense network of multi-level roads and ramps immediately surrounding EWR can sometimes confuse it. The most common issue is a slight lag in directions, causing it to announce a turn after you've already passed the ramp. It's crucial to supplement your GPS with the large overhead airport signs, especially when following directions for "Rental Car Return" or a specific terminal. These signs are often more accurate for the final 150 metres of your journey within the airport complex.

During periods of construction, the best source of real-time information is the official Newark Liberty International Airport website, which posts alerts about diversions and service changes. Additionally, the airport will place temporary digital message boards and physical diversion signs along the roadways. Always follow these official on-site instructions, as they will provide the most current and accurate route to the consolidated Rental Car Centre for your Avis pick-up or return, overriding what your standard GPS might suggest.