Avis Car Rental
New Jersey

The Avis rental car facility at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located at a central rental car center, not within the individual terminals. To reach it, you will need to take the AirTrain monorail system. From any terminal (A, B, or C), simply follow the overhead signs for "AirTrain." Board the train and get off at Station P3, which is designated for rental cars. The Avis counter and vehicle pickup area are located right there at the P3 station facility.

After collecting your luggage at the Terminal A baggage claim, look for the prominent signs directing you to the AirTrain. You will take an escalator or elevator up to the AirTrain station platform. Board any train, as they all travel in a loop connecting the terminals and parking areas. Your destination is Station P3, which is clearly marked as the stop for rental cars. Once you exit the AirTrain at P3, the Avis counter will be directly inside the building, and staff will guide you to your vehicle in the adjacent garage.

The pickup process for an Avis rental is virtually identical whether you land in Terminal B or Terminal C. In both terminals, after you retrieve your bags, you will follow the signs for the AirTrain. The AirTrain stations are well-integrated into both terminals, requiring a short walk to the platform. You will then board the monorail and travel to Station P3, the dedicated rental car center. The only minor difference is the physical location of the AirTrain station within each terminal, but the overall procedure remains the same.

A practical meeting point for parties arriving on different flights is directly at the Avis counter in the rental car center at Station P3. This avoids the confusion of trying to coordinate pickups at different, busy terminal curbsides. Have each person collect their luggage and independently take the AirTrain from their respective terminal to Station P3. Meeting at the rental counter ensures everyone is in the right place, and you can complete the rental process and head to the car together once all members have arrived.

During peak travel times, such as Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings, you should anticipate a higher volume of travelers at the EWR rental car center. This can translate to longer lines at the Avis counter and potentially a busier vehicle pickup area. To manage this, it's helpful to have all your information ready when you approach the counter. While the process is generally efficient, building an extra 20-30 minutes into your schedule for the pickup process during these times is a wise planning strategy to avoid feeling rushed.

For a smooth late-night pickup at EWR, the key is efficiency and knowing the steps beforehand. After getting your bags, head directly to the AirTrain and ride it to Station P3. At this hour, the airport is quieter, making navigation easier. Having your reservation details readily accessible on your phone or printed out will expedite the process at the Avis counter. Before leaving the lot, take a moment to adjust your mirrors and set your GPS to your first destination, ensuring a calm and focused start to your drive.

When traveling with family gear, using the airport's luggage carts is essential. Keep everything on a cart as you move from baggage claim to the AirTrain station. The AirTrain cars have designated areas for luggage and strollers, making the short ride to Station P3 manageable. Once at the rental car center, one adult can manage the children and luggage in the waiting area while the other completes the paperwork at the Avis counter. This divide-and-conquer approach minimizes stress and keeps everyone comfortable.

The most unique feature to understand is the "jughandle" turn, which replaces most direct left turns on major highways. To turn left, you'll exit to the right onto a C-shaped ramp that loops you around to cross the highway at a traffic light. Your GPS will guide you, but it can feel counterintuitive at first. Also, be aware that many local roads have a high traffic volume and drivers tend to be assertive. Always know your next turn well in advance, as last-minute lane changes can be challenging.

The most confusing point right after leaving the EWR rental center is the split for US Routes 1 & 9 and Interstate 78. These highways lead to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95). Drivers are often flustered by the quick succession of signs for North, South, East, and West. The key is to have your GPS set before you start driving and listen carefully. To simplify, remember that US 1/9 South and I-78 West are common routes to access the NJ Turnpike South, while US 1/9 North and I-78 East lead toward the Turnpike North, Jersey City, and the Holland Tunnel.

For a less stressful drive to Jersey City, take US Route 1/9 North directly from the airport area. This route is a multi-lane highway but generally more straightforward than immediately merging onto the larger interstates. Follow US-1/9 North, which will also be signed for the Holland Tunnel. As you approach Jersey City, this road becomes Tonnelle Avenue. From there, your GPS can guide you onto local streets to your final destination, avoiding the more complex interchanges of the NJ Turnpike extension.

A manageable route to Hoboken involves taking US Route 1/9 North from the airport vicinity. Continue on this highway, following signs for the Holland Tunnel. Before you reach the tunnel entrance, you will see exits for Hoboken. This approach keeps you on a single main artery for the majority of the trip. It allows you to bypass some of the more intricate highway interchanges, providing a more linear path until you need to transition to local streets as you enter the city.

The most direct route to downtown Newark hotels is via US Route 22 East, which you can access shortly after leaving the airport. Transition from US-22 to Route 21 North (McCarter Highway), which is a major thoroughfare that runs directly through the heart of downtown Newark. While downtown does have one-way streets, staying on Route 21 until you are very close to your hotel simplifies the drive significantly. Set your GPS specifically to your hotel's address to handle the final few turns with confidence.

For the simplest navigation to Manhattan, the Holland Tunnel is often the most direct choice from EWR, especially for destinations in Lower Manhattan. You can reach it by following US Route 1/9 North. The Lincoln Tunnel, accessed via the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and Route 495, is better for Midtown destinations but involves more complex highway driving. The George Washington Bridge is furthest north and best for Upper Manhattan, but the approach can be intimidating for first-timers. For simplicity, the Holland Tunnel route is generally the most straightforward.

To minimize surprises when driving to the Meadowlands on an event day, leave EWR much earlier than you think you need to. The most direct route is the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to the sports complex exit. On event days, traffic will build up significantly on the Turnpike miles before the exit. Check traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time conditions before you depart. Following the specific electronic signs for stadium parking as you approach is crucial, as traffic patterns are often altered to manage the influx of vehicles.

Driving to the Prudential Center in downtown Newark from EWR is a short trip, but event traffic can be dense. The main route is typically Route 21 (McCarter Highway). Expect significant congestion on this road and the surrounding streets in the hour leading up to an event. Numerous parking garages and lots are available within a few blocks of the arena. It's wise to pick a garage from a map ahead of time and navigate directly to it, rather than circling and looking for the closest spot.

The easiest way to drive to Liberty State Park is by taking the NJ Turnpike Extension (I-78 East) from the airport area. Follow the signs for Exit 14B, which is specifically designated for Liberty State Park. This exit leads you directly to the park's entrance roads. Once inside, follow the signs for the ferry parking area (Lot #6 is a common one). This route is well-marked and avoids the complexities of driving through downtown Jersey City, making it a very straightforward trip for visitors.

The most straightforward drive to the American Dream mall is via the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North. It's the same route you would take toward MetLife Stadium, as they are adjacent. Take the western spur of the Turnpike if it splits, and follow signs for the sports complex and American Dream. The mall has massive, clearly marked parking decks (A, B, C, D). Simply follow the overhead signs for mall parking, which will direct you away from the stadium lots and into the appropriate deck for easy access to the complex.

Many major roadways in New Jersey, including the Garden State Parkway and bridges, use cashless tolling. This system works by taking a picture of the vehicle's license plate as it passes through the tolling point. The toll is then associated with the vehicle. For rental cars, this process is handled automatically. You can simply drive through the designated E-ZPass or toll-by-plate lanes without stopping, and the tolls are recorded electronically, making for a seamless driving experience without needing cash.

A common mistake is being in the wrong lane for the exit immediately after leaving the rental car area. The signage for major highways like US-1/9, I-78, and the NJ Turnpike appears very quickly. To avoid getting looped back toward the terminals, have your navigation set before you put the car in drive. Pay close attention to the overhead signs that explicitly say "Airport Exit." Following these signs will ensure you are on the correct path away from the airport, rather than on a road that circles back to the arrivals or departures levels.

To avoid the worst Jersey Shore traffic on a summer weekend, your departure time from EWR is critical. On a Friday, try to be on the road before 1 p.m. to get ahead of the main rush. For a Saturday or Sunday trip, leaving before 8 a.m. is your best strategy. The primary route, the Garden State Parkway South, becomes extremely congested as the day progresses. An early start can save you hours of sitting in traffic and allow you to enjoy more of your day at the beach.

For easier navigation and parking, consider shore towns like Asbury Park or Long Branch. These towns have a more organized grid layout and offer a mix of street parking and large public lots or garages near the boardwalk, which reduces the stress of searching. Towns like Belmar and Point Pleasant Beach are also popular but can be more challenging for parking during peak season. Focusing on destinations with dedicated public parking infrastructure can make your first visit much more enjoyable.

A realistic plan for a day trip to Atlantic City involves taking the Garden State Parkway South to the Atlantic City Expressway. The main traffic pinch point is often the Parkway itself, especially on a weekend, so an early departure from EWR is recommended. Once you arrive in Atlantic City, the easiest parking solution is to use the large self-park garages attached to any of the major casinos. They are easy to find, offer ample space, and provide direct access to the boardwalk and attractions, eliminating the hassle of searching for street parking.

To ensure a daylight arrival in Cape May, plan to leave EWR no later than 10 a.m., especially outside of peak summer months when days are shorter. The drive itself takes about 2.5 to 3 hours without significant traffic. This timing allows for a lunch stop along the Garden State Parkway and gets you to Cape May by early afternoon. This gives you several hours of daylight to check into your lodging, take a walk through the historic district, and get oriented before sunset.

A practical plan is to drive directly from EWR to Princeton via the NJ Turnpike South, which takes about an hour. Spend the morning exploring the university campus and town. For an afternoon stop, consider the Grounds For Sculpture in nearby Hamilton Township, which is a unique and relaxing outdoor art park. Alternatively, you could visit the historic Washington Crossing State Park along the Delaware River. Both are a short drive from Princeton and allow you to add another experience before heading back without excessive driving time.

When driving from the Newark area to the Delaware Water Gap on a weekend, expect heavy traffic on Interstate 80 West, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The drive can take significantly longer than the typical 1.5 hours. Trailhead parking lots, particularly for popular hikes like Mount Tammany, fill up extremely early, often before 9 a.m. on a nice day. To secure a spot, you must plan to leave the Newark area before 7 a.m. or consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

To avoid the biggest backups at Six Flags Great Adventure, plan to arrive about 30-45 minutes before the park's official opening time. The drive from EWR via the NJ Turnpike South takes just over an hour without traffic. Arriving early allows you to get through the toll plaza for parking and find a good spot before the main crowds descend. This strategy also positions you near the entrance gates, ready to go in as soon as they open, maximizing your time on the rides.

A workable plan for a Philadelphia day trip is to take the NJ Turnpike South to the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76 West). The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once in the city, avoid the stress of street parking by heading directly to a parking garage in the Old City or Center City area, near the historic attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Parking here allows you to leave the car for the day and explore the most popular sights on foot, which is the easiest way to see Philadelphia.

To reduce congestion, plan your drives into NYC for off-peak hours. This means avoiding the 7-10 a.m. inbound rush and the 4-7 p.m. outbound rush on weekdays. A good strategy is to drive into the city after 10 a.m. or for an evening visit after 7 p.m. For your New Jersey-based activities, try to schedule them during those peak NYC commute times. Using a traffic app to check real-time conditions at the bridges and tunnels before you leave is essential for making smart, last-minute timing decisions.

Evening driving in Hoboken and Jersey City can be challenging due to narrow streets, one-way systems, and heavy pedestrian traffic. Street parking is extremely limited and often restricted to residents, so it's not a reliable option for visitors. The most manageable approach is to identify a public parking garage near your destination ahead of time and navigate directly to it. While this involves a fee, it saves you the significant frustration of circling crowded streets looking for a spot.

During a New Jersey winter, the major highways like the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are typically well-plowed and salted, making them drivable shortly after a storm. However, you should always check the weather forecast before heading out. Plan for potentially slower travel times and leave extra space between vehicles. Be cautious on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze first. Secondary roads and parking lots may not be cleared as quickly, so take extra care when exiting the main arteries.

A compact or mid-size sedan is often the easiest and most versatile vehicle for a typical New Jersey trip. These cars are comfortable and efficient for highway driving on the Turnpike or Parkway. Their smaller footprint makes them much easier to maneuver and park in the tight spaces of urban parking garages in places like Hoboken or Jersey City. They are also well-suited for navigating the narrower streets commonly found in historic towns or coastal communities along the Jersey Shore.

Before you drive away from the Avis lot, it's crucial to do a test fit of your bulky items. Open the trunk and ensure all your luggage, golf clubs, or other gear fits comfortably without obstructing your view or requiring a seat to be folded down unexpectedly. Check for a spare tire, as its location can sometimes impact usable trunk depth. Confirming that everything fits properly at the start prevents a frustrating situation where you have to return to the counter to request a different vehicle.

Phone navigation is generally reliable, but the complex, multi-level road system immediately outside EWR can sometimes cause a momentary GPS lag. A smart strategy is to set your first destination to a major, easy-to-find landmark just a few miles away, like a specific gas station on US-1/9 or the entrance to the NJ Turnpike. This gives the GPS time to lock in your position accurately before you need to make a critical, high-speed highway decision. Once you're on a main artery, you can then update the navigation to your final destination.

There are several convenient gas stations located on US Route 1/9, which runs parallel to the airport. Whether you are traveling north or south on this highway, you will find multiple well-known brands like Wawa, Shell, and BP within a five-minute drive of the airport exit. These stations are large, easy to enter and exit, and accustomed to serving airport travelers. Refueling at one of these locations before following signs for "Rental Car Return" is a very straightforward process.

The simplest way to return your car is to pay close attention to the road signs as you approach the airport. Regardless of which direction you're coming from, there will be large, clear overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return." It's crucial to get into the correct lane early and follow only these signs. Avoid the signs for "Terminals A, B, C" or "Departures/Arrivals," as those will lead you into the passenger drop-off loops. The rental return has its own dedicated entrance, which keeps you separate from terminal traffic.

For an early-morning flight, a safe timeline is to arrive at the rental car return center at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight's departure time. This budget allows for about 15 minutes to complete the vehicle return process. Then, factor in about 15-20 minutes for the AirTrain ride from Station P3 to your specific departure terminal. This schedule provides a comfortable buffer to account for potential queues at the rental return or security, ensuring you reach your gate without feeling stressed.

To minimize backtracking, the best order is to drop off your passengers and their luggage first. Follow the airport signs for your specific departure terminal (A, B, or C) and use the upper-level departures curb. After your passengers are safely out of the car, simply follow the airport road signs that direct you from the terminals to the "Rental Car Return." This route is designed to loop you back to the rental facility without having to leave and re-enter the main airport road system.

If you miss the entrance, do not panic or try to make an unsafe maneuver. The airport road system is designed as a continuous loop. Simply continue following the main airport roadway, which will eventually circle you back around toward the signs for "Rental Car Return." It may take a few extra minutes, but it's the safest and most reliable way to get another chance at the entrance. Pay close attention to the signage on your second approach to ensure you're in the correct lane.

For a quick and safe stop, consider The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a large outlet mall located just a few minutes from the airport entrance. It's very easy to access from US-1/9 and has ample parking, allowing for a predictable visit. Another option is to drive through the historic Ironbound district in Newark for a quick coffee or pastry, which is also a short drive from the airport. These options are close enough that you can easily manage your time and avoid the risk of getting stuck in traffic far from EWR.

The most noticeable difference is the assertive, fast-paced nature of driving, especially on major highways. Drivers expect you to keep up with the flow of traffic and merge decisively. The prevalence of "jughandles" for left turns instead of dedicated left-turn lanes is another major adjustment. Additionally, drivers rely heavily on exit numbers rather than just town names for navigation on the Turnpike and Parkway. Knowing your exit number in advance is a key local habit to adopt for smoother travel.