Alamo Car Rental
New Windsor, NY

Upon your arrival at Stewart International Airport, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. The car rental counters, including Alamo, are conveniently located together in the main arrivals hall of the terminal. Look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation," which will guide you to the correct section. After completing your paperwork at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking lot where the rental vehicles are staged, just a short walk from the terminal building.

Navigating Stewart International Airport late at night is typically a straightforward process due to its compact and user-friendly layout. Once you exit the secure area and enter baggage claim, you will see signs for the rental car desks in the main lobby. The area is well-lit and all services are consolidated in one main building, minimizing any chance of getting lost. The rental car lot is located just outside the terminal, requiring only a brief walk to reach your vehicle and begin your journey.

A practical meeting point at SWF is the main baggage claim area, as all arriving passengers must pass through it. Alternatively, the general seating area in the main terminal lobby, near the rental car counters, is another excellent option. This allows the designated driver to handle the rental paperwork with Alamo while the rest of the group comfortably waits with the luggage. Once the contract is complete, the entire group can proceed together to the nearby rental car lot to load the vehicle.

To ensure your GPS starts on a clear path away from the airport, it's wise to set your first destination to a major landmark just outside the airport grounds. A good strategy is to enter a nearby gas station or a large retail store on Route 300 (Union Avenue), which is the main commercial road just east of the airport. This simple step forces the navigation system to route you directly out of the airport complex and onto a primary road. From there, you can easily input your final destination without getting caught in airport-specific traffic loops.

The drive from Stewart Airport to most hotels in New Windsor is very short, typically taking only 5 to 15 minutes. The town is immediately adjacent to the airport property, making for a quick and easy transition after your flight. For the most convenient highway access, look for accommodations along Route 300 (Union Avenue) or Route 17K. These areas offer direct and rapid connections to both Interstate 84 (east-west) and the New York State Thruway/I-87 (north-south), perfect for starting your exploration of the Hudson Valley.

For a straightforward and scenic drive to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the most direct route is to take Route 9W South. From the airport, you will head east and connect with this major roadway, which runs along the western bank of the Hudson River. This route is well-marked and avoids the complexity of major highway interchanges, offering beautiful views as you approach the historic academy. It's a popular and easy-to-navigate choice for visitors unfamiliar with the region's roads.

The drive to Beacon from SWF is simple, primarily involving taking Interstate 84 East across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. On busy weekends, traffic can build up on the bridge and especially in the town of Beacon itself. To secure parking for Dia Beacon or along Main Street, it is highly advisable to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m. There are several municipal lots just off Main Street that provide good options if you can get there before the peak crowds arrive.

Visiting Storm King Art Center from the airport is exceptionally convenient, as it's only a few miles away. The simplest approach is typically via local roads like Route 207 and Route 32, with your GPS providing the most direct path. To avoid the largest crowds and ensure a smooth entry, plan to arrive either right at opening time or later in the afternoon, after 2 p.m. Many visitors find that booking their tickets online for a specific entry window helps streamline the arrival process significantly.

The most efficient route to Woodbury Common from SWF is taking the New York State Thruway (I-87) south to Exit 16. To minimize circling for parking, consult the outlet's online map before you go and choose a parking area near the stores you plan to visit first. For example, targeting the lots near major anchor stores or the Market Hall can be a good strategy. Arriving on a weekday morning is the best way to ensure you find a convenient spot quickly and avoid the heavy weekend traffic.

The most straightforward and fastest route to New Paltz is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north from the Newburgh area. You will travel to Exit 18, which is the designated exit for New Paltz. This highway route allows you to bypass the local traffic and stoplights in towns along the way. Once you exit the Thruway, Route 299 will take you directly into the village and towards the SUNY New Paltz campus, making for a simple and efficient journey.

To secure a parking spot at popular destinations like Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park, especially on a weekend or holiday, an early start is crucial. Plan to arrive at the park entrance well before 9:00 a.m., as the main lots often reach capacity shortly thereafter. Before you leave, it's a great idea to check the official park websites or their social media pages for any real-time updates on parking availability. Having a backup plan, such as visiting a nearby town, is also wise in case you find the lots are already full upon arrival.

The most direct and manageable route to Bear Mountain State Park is to take Route 9W South. This major road follows the Hudson River's western shore and leads you straight to the park's main entrances. This path avoids the more winding and sometimes narrow sections of the Palisades Interstate Parkway, making it a less stressful option for first-time visitors. The drive is scenic, well-paved, and clearly marked, ensuring a smooth journey to the park.

When visiting West Point, you will be directed to park at the official Visitors Center located outside the main gates in Highland Falls. Access to the academy grounds for the general public is typically restricted to official guided tours that depart from this center. Be prepared for a security checkpoint upon approaching the gates, where you may be asked for identification. Plan your visit around the tour schedule and allow ample time for parking and security procedures before your tour begins.

The easiest way to reach the Poughkeepsie Waterfront is by taking Interstate 84 East across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. After crossing the bridge, take the exit for Route 9 North and follow it directly into Poughkeepsie. There are clear signs directing you to the waterfront, the train station, and the dedicated parking lots for the Walkway Over the Hudson. This route primarily uses major highways and is the most direct path from the New Windsor area.

For an efficient day trip, it's best to visit Beacon first after leaving the New Windsor area. You can reach it easily by taking I-84 East over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. After exploring Beacon, you can then drive south on Route 9D, a scenic road that runs along the Hudson River, directly to Cold Spring. This north-to-south progression allows you to see both towns without any backtracking or needing to cross the river a second time, making for a logical and enjoyable journey.

The primary crossing in the immediate area is the Hamilton Fish Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, which carries Interstate 84 and is your main east-west artery. For sightseeing loops, this is the most central option. To the south, the Bear Mountain Bridge offers a more scenic, park-like crossing, ideal for a southern loop that includes Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. To the north, the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie is perfect for loops exploring destinations like Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, and the Walkway Over the Hudson.

During peak fall foliage season, typically in October, you should expect a dramatic increase in traffic on scenic routes like Route 9W, Route 9D, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Parking at popular destinations such as Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, and various trailheads becomes extremely limited and can fill up very early in the day. To have a more enjoyable experience, plan to start your day as early as possible, consider visiting on a weekday if you can, and have patience for slower-moving traffic.

During winter weather events, your safest bet is to stick to the major highways, as they are the first priority for state and local road crews. Interstate 87 (NYS Thruway) and Interstate 84 are the most reliably plowed and treated roads in the region. Main local arteries like Route 300 and Route 17K are also generally well-maintained. It's best to avoid smaller, hilly, or more rural backroads until conditions have significantly improved.

Just a few minutes from the airport exit, Route 300 (Union Avenue) in Newburgh offers numerous large shopping centers with spacious, open parking lots. Pulling into the lot of a major grocery store or a shopping plaza provides a safe and stress-free environment to get organized. Here you can adjust your mirrors, set up your GPS, secure children in their seats, and arrange luggage without the pressure of being on a busy road. This quick stop can help ensure a comfortable and safe start to your journey.

A frequent mistake for drivers leaving SWF is accidentally following signs for "Departures" or "Long-Term Parking" instead of the main airport exit. Another is missing the immediate turn for a major highway like I-84 or I-87. If this happens, the best course of action is to remain calm and continue following the road you are on. Airport road systems are designed to loop back to main arteries, so your GPS will quickly recalculate a safe and legal route to get you back on track without needing a risky maneuver.

The most direct route north is the New York State Thruway (I-87). The drive to Albany typically takes about 90 minutes, while Saratoga Springs is just over two hours, depending on traffic. For convenient breaks, the Thruway has several well-equipped service areas with restrooms, food options, and gas stations. The Plattekill and New Baltimore service plazas are perfectly spaced along this route to offer a comfortable place to stop, stretch your legs, and grab a coffee before continuing your journey north.

A great way to plan a winery tour is to focus on the Shawangunk Wine Trail, which has many members located west of the Hudson River and relatively close to SWF. You can create a simple loop using well-traveled roads like Route 17K, Route 208, and Route 300 to connect several wineries. This approach keeps you on more established routes, which is especially helpful if your tour extends into the evening. Always confirm the operating hours for each winery and ensure you have a designated driver for your group.

The most efficient way to drive to Kingston is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north to Exit 19. This is a direct highway route that avoids local traffic. At the exit, a traffic circle will guide you onto the arterial road that leads straight into the city. For visiting the historic Stockade District, follow signs for Uptown Kingston and look for the municipal parking lots, which are centrally located and allow you to easily park once and explore the entire neighborhood on foot.

To get to Rhinebeck, you can take I-84 East to the Taconic State Parkway North, which is a scenic and direct route. When you arrive in the village of Rhinebeck, the best place to park is the large municipal lot located just off East Market Street (Route 308). This lot provides ample space and saves you from the challenge of finding a parallel parking spot on the busy main streets. For visitors heading to the Omega Institute, they have their own dedicated parking areas available on their campus.

Before you head deep into the Catskills, it's essential to prepare in a town with full services. Plan a stop in a place like New Paltz, Woodstock, or Kingston to fill up your gas tank and buy any necessary food, water, or supplies. Critically, download your maps for offline use, as cell service is often spotty or nonexistent in many mountain areas. Research your specific trailhead in advance to understand the parking situation, as lots can be small and fill up early.

For a straightforward drive to Harriman State Park, take the New York State Thruway (I-87) south to Exit 16, then follow signs for Route 17. This route uses major highways for most of the trip, making it easy to navigate. A good entrance for first-time visitors is near Sloatsburg, where you can access Seven Lakes Drive, the park's main scenic road. This entrance leads you quickly to popular areas like Sebago Beach and Lake Tiorati, which have visitor facilities and well-marked trails.

A highly recommended strategy is to drive to a Metro-North Railroad station and take the train into Manhattan. The Beacon station is an excellent choice; it's a short drive from SWF via I-84 East, has ample parking, and offers a beautiful train ride along the Hudson River into Grand Central Terminal. Another option is the Salisbury Mills-Cornwall station on the Port Jervis Line, which is even closer to the airport. This park-and-ride approach combines the convenience of your rental car with the stress-free efficiency of public transportation.

The main artery for traveling south from the New Windsor area into New Jersey is the New York State Thruway (I-87). This highway will take you over the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (formerly the Tappan Zee) and connects to major New Jersey highways like the Garden State Parkway and I-287. Be mindful that this corridor is a major commuter route, so traffic can be extremely heavy during morning and evening rush hours. Whenever possible, plan your drive during off-peak, mid-day hours for a smoother trip.

To safely account for unpredictable traffic, you should plan to leave the New Windsor area at least two to two-and-a-half hours before a morning appointment in White Plains or Stamford. The drive involves several major commuter choke points, including I-87 south and the I-287 corridor. Traffic volume can change rapidly, so it's always best to build a significant buffer into your schedule. Checking a real-time traffic app right before you depart will give you the most accurate estimate for your travel time.

Many event venues in the Hudson Valley are located on rural roads that can be dark and unfamiliar at night. Before leaving the venue, program your destination into your GPS while you are in a well-lit area with a good signal. When driving, be especially vigilant for deer, which are frequently on the roads after dusk. For the safest journey back, try to use major, well-lit roads like Route 9W, I-84, or I-87 for as much of the trip as possible.

The most convenient area for stocking up is along Route 300 (Union Avenue) in the town of Newburgh, located just a few minutes' drive from the airport terminal. This commercial corridor features several major grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retail outlets, all with easy-to-access parking lots. You can quickly and efficiently gather all the supplies you need for your trip in this one area before heading to your final destination. It's the perfect first stop after picking up your rental car.

Yes, parking in the New Windsor and Newburgh area is generally very accommodating for all vehicle sizes. Most destinations, including hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and attractions like the Newburgh Waterfront, feature large surface parking lots with ample space. Unlike a dense urban center, you will rarely struggle to find a spot that can fit a larger SUV or minivan. While some historic streets might be narrower, there is almost always a spacious lot just a short walk away.

Major local events can have a significant impact on traffic patterns in the area. West Point home football games in the fall, for example, cause considerable congestion on Route 9W and the roads leading to the academy. Large concerts or festivals can slow traffic on major highways like I-84 and I-87. It's a wise practice to check a local event calendar for your travel dates and plan to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes if your trip coincides with a major gathering.

The ideal places for a mid-trip reorganization are the large, open parking lots of shopping centers along Route 300 in Newburgh. These plazas offer plenty of space to pull over safely, away from moving traffic. You can easily swap drivers, adjust luggage, or just take a break without the stress of navigating a confined or busy area. This provides a calm and convenient environment to reset before you get back on the road.

Stewart is a smaller, efficient airport, which makes the process relatively quick. For an early morning flight, plan to arrive at the rental car return lot approximately 90 minutes to two hours before your scheduled departure. This allows plenty of time to complete the vehicle return process, walk the short distance to the terminal, check any bags with your airline, and pass through security without feeling rushed. The proximity of the rental lot to the terminal is a major convenience.

As you approach the airport terminal complex, it is crucial to look for and follow the signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance for the return lots, separate from the lanes for passenger drop-offs ("Departures") or general parking. By focusing on these specific signs as soon as you see them, you can avoid taking a wrong turn and having to circle the airport road system. The signage is clear and designed to guide you directly to the correct location.

If you realize you've left an item in your rental car, acting quickly with the right information is key. The most helpful details to have ready are the vehicle's license plate number, its make and model, and the exact date and approximate time you returned it. When you contact the Alamo counter at SWF, providing this specific information will enable the staff to locate the vehicle and your belongings much more efficiently. Keeping a copy of your rental agreement handy can also be very useful.

When driving in the Hudson Valley, be aware that speed limits can decrease abruptly as you enter villages and towns. These lower limits, especially in school zones during active hours, are strictly enforced. On the charming but often narrow main streets of towns like Beacon or Cold Spring, be courteous and watchful for pedestrians. The region's scenic roads, like the Palisades Parkway, often have their own specific regulations, so it's always best to drive attentively and follow posted signage.

A fantastic and easy-to-navigate scenic loop starts by taking Route 9W south from Newburgh down to the Bear Mountain Bridge. After crossing the historic bridge, head north on Route 9D, which will take you through the picturesque towns of Cold Spring and Beacon. This route offers numerous designated scenic overlooks and state parks with proper parking lots, eliminating the stress of finding a safe place to pull over. You can complete the loop by taking I-84 West across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge back toward SWF.

To minimize traffic stress when driving between SWF and the major NYC-area airports, timing is everything. The best strategy is to schedule your drive during off-peak hours, which are typically between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. Driving late in the evening, after 8:00 p.m., is also a good option. Avoid the morning and evening commuter rush hours at all costs, as traffic around the bridges and major highways like I-87 and I-287 can be extremely heavy.