Avis Car Rental
New Windsor, NY

The Avis car rental counter at Stewart International Airport is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, you will find the rental car counters situated nearby in the arrivals hall. This central location means you do not need to take a shuttle bus or leave the terminal to complete your paperwork. Once your rental agreement is finalized, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are staged for pickup.

Stewart International Airport is designed for easy navigation, making the walk to the rental car area quite simple. Once you deplane, follow the signs toward Baggage Claim to retrieve your luggage. The Avis rental counter is located in the same main hall as the baggage carousels. You can easily use a luggage cart to manage your bags for the short walk across the arrivals area to the counter, which is clearly visible from baggage claim.

For late-night arrivals at Stewart International Airport, the pickup process is generally designed to be as smooth as possible. It is always a good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so the local staff can be aware of your arrival time, especially in case of delays. The rental counters are located inside the terminal, so you will be in a well-lit, secure area. Having your reservation details and driver's license ready will help expedite the process at the counter before you head out to the lot to find your vehicle.

The time it takes from deplaning to driving away can vary, but SWF's compact layout generally makes it an efficient process. You can typically expect the entire sequence to take between 30 to 60 minutes. This includes walking from the gate, waiting for and collecting checked bags, completing paperwork at the rental counter, and then locating your car in the nearby lot. The duration can be influenced by how many other passengers are renting cars from your flight and how much luggage you have.

A convenient and easy-to-find meeting point for your group at Stewart International Airport is the baggage claim area. It's a spacious, open part of the arrivals hall where everyone will naturally end up if they have checked luggage. This allows your entire party to gather with their belongings in one spot. From there, one or two people can approach the nearby Avis counter to handle the rental paperwork while the others wait comfortably with the bags.

The most convenient spot for a drop-off is the main departures curb, located on the upper level of the terminal. This area is designed for quick passenger drop-offs and provides direct access to the terminal entrance. From there, it is a very short walk inside to the escalators or elevators that will take you down to the arrivals level. The Avis rental counter is located on the arrivals level, just a few steps away from the bottom of the escalator.

Airport campuses can sometimes confuse GPS systems, so it's best to rely on the official airport signage as you get closer. When returning your vehicle, look for large, clear signs that say "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you to the correct entrance, which is separate from passenger drop-off and employee lots. If you do take a wrong turn, simply circle back to the main airport loop and follow the specific rental car return signs carefully.

Leaving Stewart International Airport and getting onto Interstate 84 is very straightforward. As you exit the rental car lot, follow the main airport exit road, International Boulevard. This road leads directly to a roundabout. Simply follow the clear overhead signs for I-84 East (towards Beacon and Connecticut) or I-84 West (towards Middletown and Pennsylvania). The on-ramps are well-marked and designed to prevent confusion with local traffic.

For a simple drive to the Newburgh waterfront, exit the airport and take Route 207 (Little Britain Road) heading east. Continue on this road for several miles until you can make a left turn onto Liberty Street. Liberty Street is a main north-south artery that will take you directly down the hill to the waterfront area. This route helps you bypass the more complex grid of one-way streets found in the heart of downtown Newburgh.

The drive from Stewart Airport to the United States Military Academy at West Point is quite manageable and scenic. The most common route involves taking Route 9W South, which is a major, well-maintained road that follows the Hudson River. While some sections are winding and hilly, the road is generally wide and clearly marked. First-time visitors should find the drive enjoyable, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape without being technically difficult.

All visitors to West Point who do not have a military ID must first stop at the Visitor Control Center. The most convenient place to park your rental car is in the large public parking lot located directly at the West Point Visitors Center in Highland Falls. This lot is easy to find and provides walking access to the center, where you can arrange for a guided tour or obtain a visitor pass. From there, you can either walk or drive onto the post as directed by security personnel.

The most direct and smoothest route from Stewart Airport to Woodbury Common is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) South. From the airport, follow signs for I-87 and head south for about 10-15 minutes to Exit 16. Once you arrive at the outlets, you'll find extensive parking available in large, color-coded lots surrounding the shopping center. It's a good idea to make a note of your parking section (e.g., Red, Blue) to easily find your car later.

From your starting point at SWF, several fantastic day trips are just a short drive away. You can cross the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to explore the vibrant city of Beacon, known for its Main Street shops and the Dia Beacon art museum. Alternatively, heading south along the river will take you to the charming village of Cold Spring or the impressive Storm King Art Center. Driving north on the Thruway quickly gets you to New Paltz, a lively college town with access to great hiking.

This is a very realistic and popular plan for visitors arriving at Stewart Airport. The drive from SWF to Beacon is typically less than 30 minutes, involving a scenic trip across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Given the airport's efficient rental process, you can easily be on your way with plenty of time to explore Main Street's boutiques and restaurants. You can then spend a few hours at the world-renowned Dia Beacon art museum before enjoying the rest of your day.

The drive to Storm King Art Center from the airport is very low-stress, taking only about 15 minutes. The most straightforward route is to follow signs for the New York State Thruway (I-87) South to Exit 17, then follow the clear signage for the art center. When it's busy, especially on weekends, parking attendants will be on-site to guide you to available spots in their large lots. Arriving earlier in the day can help you secure a spot closer to the entrance.

Parking for popular trailheads like Breakneck Ridge is extremely limited and a significant challenge, especially on weekends. Most parking consists of designated spots along the shoulder of Route 9D, a two-lane road that can be busy. It is critical to arrive very early in the morning to secure a legal spot and to be extremely cautious of traffic when walking along the road. The access roads themselves are well-paved, but the parking situation requires careful planning and patience.

While New Windsor is very close to SWF, it's wise to account for weekday morning commuter traffic, which is heaviest between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Local roads like Route 207 and Route 300 can become congested during this time. To be safe, plan to leave about 15-20 minutes earlier than you normally would for a short drive. This buffer will help you navigate any potential delays and ensure a stress-free arrival for your rental return and flight.

To avoid the network of one-way streets in downtown Newburgh, the simplest route back to the airport is to use Broadway (Route 9W). Head west on Broadway, away from the river, until you can make a right turn onto Route 207 (Little Britain Road). Route 207 is a major local road that leads directly to the main entrance of Stewart Airport. This path keeps you on primary thoroughfares and away from the more complex residential street grid.

The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge is a major Hudson River crossing and a part of Interstate 84, so it is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Be aware that it utilizes a cashless tolling system, so you will not stop to pay a toll; it is captured electronically. During peak commuter hours, traffic can slow down, so it's wise to build in extra time if your travel coincides with morning or evening rush. Otherwise, the drive across offers fantastic views of the river and surrounding highlands.

From Fishkill or Wappingers Falls, the most straightforward route back to Stewart Airport is via Interstate 84 West. This major highway will take you directly across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Shortly after crossing the bridge, you will see the well-marked exit for Stewart International Airport (SWF). This route avoids local traffic on smaller roads and is the most efficient way to get back for your rental car return.

As you approach Stewart International Airport, pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signs. The airport has dedicated lanes and a specific entrance for "Rental Car Return." This entrance is clearly marked and separate from the lanes for "Departures" and "Arrivals." By following these specific signs, you will be guided directly into the Avis return area without any confusion or risk of entering the wrong traffic loop.

The most convenient method is to first drive to the departures curb at the main terminal. You can drop off all your passengers and luggage there, allowing them to proceed directly to the check-in counters. After they and the bags are safely at the curb, the driver can then proceed alone to the rental car return lot. This eliminates the need to transport luggage from the return lot to the terminal, making the process much smoother for everyone.

Fortunately, the rental car return area at Stewart International Airport is located very close to the main terminal building. After you have returned your vehicle and completed the check-in process with the Avis staff, it is just a short walk to the terminal entrance. The pathway is clearly marked and direct, allowing you to get from your car to the airline check-in counters or security line in just a few minutes.

Winter driving in the Hudson Valley requires extra caution and planning. Interstate 84 is a priority for snow removal, but it can still be snow-covered or icy during and after a storm. Local roads around New Windsor may take longer to be cleared. Always check the weather forecast before you travel, allow for significantly more travel time, reduce your speed, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles to ensure a safe journey to the airport.

Before leaving the rental lot in snowy conditions, it's wise to do a quick vehicle inspection. First, ensure all windows, mirrors, and lights are completely cleared of snow and ice for maximum visibility. Check that the windshield wipers are functioning properly. Take a look at the tires to ensure they have good tread and that there isn't excessive snow packed into the wheel wells, which could impede steering. This quick check helps ensure your vehicle is ready for the road conditions.

The primary feature that might be new to some drivers is the modern roundabout located on International Boulevard, the main road into and out of the airport. When entering the roundabout, remember to yield to traffic already circulating and proceed when there is a safe gap. Otherwise, the interchanges for major highways like I-84 and I-87 are generally well-designed with standard-length ramps and clear signage, making them easy to navigate for most visitors.

While driving directly into Manhattan is possible, most travelers prefer to avoid the stress of city traffic and parking. A very popular and efficient strategy is to drive your rental car to a Metro-North Railroad station. The station in Beacon is a common choice, as it's a short drive from SWF and has ample parking. From there, you can take a relaxing and scenic train ride along the Hudson River directly into Grand Central Terminal in the heart of Manhattan.

For a day trip to see a Broadway show, the Beacon Metro-North station is an excellent place to park your rental car. It is located just across the river from Newburgh and offers a large parking lot designed for commuters and day-trippers. After parking, you can purchase a round-trip ticket and enjoy the train ride into Grand Central. This approach is far less stressful and often more economical than driving into and parking in the Theater District.

Driving from Stewart Airport to other major New York City area airports like Newark (EWR) or JFK is entirely doable, but requires careful planning. The drive can take anywhere from 90 minutes to over three hours, depending heavily on traffic conditions around New York City. It is crucial to check real-time traffic using a navigation app before you depart and to allow a very generous time buffer, especially if you are catching a connecting flight.

For a first-time visitor, towns that are close to major highways and have straightforward layouts are excellent choices for a home base. On the west side of the river, New Paltz is convenient to the Thruway (I-87) and has a simple grid. On the east side, Fishkill is located right on I-84 and offers easy access to both the river towns and destinations further east. Both towns provide a great starting point for exploring the wider Hudson Valley region.

The most direct route to the Catskills from SWF is to take the New York State Thruway (I-87) North. Depending on your destination, you might exit at New Paltz, Kingston, or Saugerties. These towns are excellent places to stop for groceries, gas, and any other supplies you might need before heading up into the more rural mountain roads. This ensures you are fully prepared for your cabin stay, as services can be sparse once you get deeper into the mountains.

For a beautiful and easy-to-navigate fall foliage drive, you have several great options. Route 9W on the west side of the Hudson and Route 9D on the east side both offer stunning river views and are well-maintained state highways. The Palisades Interstate Parkway, accessible south of the airport, is another famous scenic drive known for its beautiful vistas. These routes provide the classic Hudson Valley autumn experience without requiring you to navigate difficult back roads.

The safest place to get your navigation and vehicle settings in order is before you even leave the rental car parking spot. Take a few minutes after starting the car to input your destination, connect your phone, and adjust your mirrors and seat. If you forget something, you can pull over briefly in the airport's short-term parking lot, which is located near the terminal exit. This allows you to get organized without feeling rushed or obstructing traffic flow.

When you pick up your vehicle, try to find a parking space in the rental lot that has some open space around it, such as a corner spot. This will give you plenty of room to open all the doors and the trunk fully without being too close to other vehicles. It allows you to take your time organizing and securing your bulky gear properly. The rental lots at SWF are generally spacious enough to accommodate this without causing an obstruction.

The best and safest place to install car seats is in your assigned parking space within the Avis rental lot. This area has very low-speed traffic, allowing you to focus on the installation without pressure or distraction. You can take all the time you need to ensure the seats are secured according to the manufacturer's instructions. Doing this before you merge into any airport traffic ensures your youngest passengers are safe from the very start of your journey.

For international visitors, it's important to know that speed limits are strictly enforced, and you should always adhere to the posted signs. On multi-lane highways like I-84, the general rule is to keep to the right lane except when you are actively passing another vehicle. Be aware that traffic can be fast-paced, and it's important to use your turn signals well in advance of changing lanes or exiting. Maintaining a safe following distance is key to adapting to the local driving rhythm.

Many major bridges and highways in the New York area, including the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge on I-84, use all-electronic or cashless tolling. This means there are no tollbooths where you can pay with cash. Instead, gantries over the highway electronically register the vehicle as it passes. To ensure a seamless experience, it is highly recommended to ask the Avis staff at the rental counter how tolls are managed for your specific rental vehicle before you leave the airport.

A great strategy for an efficient Hudson Valley trip is to plan your itinerary by dedicating separate days to each side of the river. For example, you could spend one day exploring destinations on the west side, like New Paltz and the Shawangunk Mountains. The next day, you can focus on the east side, visiting places like Beacon and Cold Spring. This approach creates a logical loop and minimizes your time spent crossing the bridges, allowing for more time at your destinations.

If you encounter a mechanical issue with your rental vehicle, the first step is to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Then, contact the 24/7 roadside assistance number provided in your Avis rental agreement paperwork. The customer service representative will assess the situation with you and provide instructions. They will direct you to the nearest Avis location to exchange the vehicle, ensuring you can get back on your trip with minimal disruption.