Car Rental
New Windsor, NY Airport

Navigating from the terminal to your rental car at Stewart International Airport (SWF) is typically a very straightforward process. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim carousels, look for overhead signs directing you toward "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." The rental company counters are conveniently located within the main terminal building, so you won't need to take a shuttle. Once you complete the paperwork at the counter, the staff will direct you to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are staged, just a short walk away.

For a late-night arrival at SWF, the most important step is to confirm the rental car counter's hours of operation when you make your reservation, ensuring they will be open for your flight. The airport itself is much quieter late at night, which makes navigating the terminal and roadways less stressful. Have your destination pre-loaded into your GPS before you start the car. This preparation allows for a smooth and confident departure, especially since lighting on surrounding rural roads can be limited.

The most efficient method is for the designated driver to proceed alone to the rental car counters after landing. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage in the public seating area near baggage claim or just outside the main arrivals doors. Once the driver has completed the rental process and retrieved the car from the nearby lot, they can simply drive to the passenger pickup curb at the front of the terminal to collect everyone and their bags.

Leaving SWF for nearby towns is quite simple. To get to the City of Newburgh, taking International Boulevard to Route 207 (Little Britain Road) is a direct and easy-to-follow surface road. If your destination is Beacon, the most straightforward path is to follow signs for Interstate 84 East. This route quickly gets you on the highway and leads directly over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, with clear signage for the Beacon exit right after you cross the river.

The most direct drive to the United States Military Academy at West Point is to take Route 9W South. The route is well-marked and offers scenic views of the Hudson River along the way. All visitors without a military ID must enter through the Thayer Gate in Highland Falls. Be prepared for a security checkpoint where you will need to present valid identification. It is highly recommended to check the official West Point visitor access website before your trip for the most current entry requirements.

The primary route to Woodbury Common is via the New York State Thruway (I-87) South. You should anticipate heavy traffic on this route, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak shopping seasons. The final approach is well-managed, with a dedicated exit (Exit 16) that funnels traffic directly into the outlet's extensive road network. Pay close attention to the signs within the complex that direct you to the various color-coded parking lots.

The most predictable drive to LEGOLAND New York in Goshen involves taking Route 17 West (future I-86). This is a major thoroughfare, but it can experience congestion, particularly during weekday commuter hours and on weekend mornings when many families are heading to the park. The exit for LEGOLAND is clearly marked, and the final approach on local roads is straightforward. To avoid the heaviest traffic, consider planning your arrival for slightly after the park opens.

To best enjoy a trip to Bear Mountain State Park, especially on a weekend, plan to arrive early in the morning. The drive itself, often via the scenic Palisades Interstate Parkway, is beautiful but can get very congested. Arriving before 10 a.m. gives you the best chance of securing a good parking spot and avoiding the longest lines at the park's entrance booths. During peak fall foliage season, the traffic can be significant, so building extra time into your schedule is essential.

Storm King Art Center is conveniently located just a few minutes' drive from SWF. The best strategy for a smooth arrival is to purchase your tickets online in advance for a specific entry time slot. This helps the center manage visitor flow and reduces wait times. When you arrive, have your digital ticket ready to show the attendants, who will guide you efficiently into the designated parking areas, minimizing any potential bottlenecks at the entrance.

A beautiful and uncomplicated route to Cold Spring is to take Route 9W South to the Bear Mountain Bridge, then cross the river and head north on Route 9D. This scenic drive takes you directly into the village. The main challenge for visitors is navigating Cold Spring's narrow Main Street, which is often busy with pedestrians. The best approach is to find parking in a municipal lot or on a side street and then explore the charming downtown area on foot.

Making a stop for supplies after leaving SWF is very convenient. Just a few minutes from the airport along Route 300 (Union Avenue) in Newburgh, you will find several large shopping plazas. These centers contain major grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers. This area is an ideal one-stop location to pick up any snacks, drinks, or forgotten necessities before you even check into your local hotel.

When driving in Newburgh for the first time, it's helpful to know that the historic waterfront district near Liberty Street has several one-way streets. Using a GPS is highly recommended to navigate this area confidently. Parking can be competitive, especially on weekend evenings, so you may need to use a public lot or find a spot on a side street. The areas further from the waterfront are generally easier to navigate with standard two-way streets.

Before heading deep into the Catskills, use the commercial corridors near SWF to prepare for your trip. Plan to stop at a gas station and a grocery store in Newburgh or along Route 17 before you get too far west. Cell service can become unreliable in the mountains, so it's wise to have a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and downloaded maps. This ensures your first hour is spent on preparation, setting you up for a relaxed journey into more remote areas.

A relaxed and common route is to take the NYS Thruway (I-87) North to Exit 18 in New Paltz, then follow Route 299 West through the town. From there, signs will guide you toward the parks. The final stretch of the drive involves climbing the Shawangunk Ridge on scenic but winding two-lane roads. Be prepared for slower speeds, sharp turns, and share the road with cyclists, especially on weekends.

When driving from the SWF area toward New York City or New Jersey, you will likely encounter toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, such as the NYS Thruway or the George Washington Bridge. Nearly all tolls are now collected electronically. Before leaving the airport, it's essential to discuss the rental company's tolling policy with the agent at the counter so you understand how your tolls will be processed and can travel without any worries.

Driving to Manhattan typically involves taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway or I-87 South to a crossing like the George Washington Bridge. A common challenge for visitors is navigating the complex lane assignments on the immediate approach to and exit from the bridge. It's crucial to know which level of the bridge you need and your very next turn after crossing. Set your GPS well in advance and pay close attention to overhead signs to avoid last-minute, stressful lane changes.

A highly practical plan is to use your rental car to explore the scenic Hudson Valley and then return it before heading into a major city. Many travelers choose to drop off their vehicle at a rental location in a town with a Metro-North train station, like Beacon or Poughkeepsie. From there, you can take a relaxing train ride into Manhattan, completely avoiding the stress and expense of city driving and parking.

To avoid the worst traffic when driving to New Jersey, try to schedule your travel outside of peak weekday commuter hours (typically 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.). A simple route that often bypasses the most congested areas near NYC is to take I-84 West from Newburgh into Pennsylvania, then connect to southbound routes like I-81 or Route 209. This can provide a more relaxed and predictable driving experience for your trip.

An excellent route for a day trip to Hyde Park and Rhinebeck is to take I-84 East across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and then head north on the Taconic State Parkway. The Taconic is a historic, scenic parkway that moves efficiently while offering beautiful views of the countryside. It provides direct exits for routes leading to both Hyde Park and Rhinebeck, making it a perfect blend of beauty and efficiency for your journey.

It's important for travelers to know that the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry is a passenger-only service and does not transport vehicles. If you wish to cross the Hudson River in your rental car, you must use the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge via Interstate 84. The ferry is a great option if you want to park your car on one side and explore the opposite waterfront town on foot, but it is not a substitute for the bridge for vehicle crossings.

On weekends, finding parking directly on Beacon's Main Street can be very difficult due to its popularity. The best strategy is a 'park once' approach. Look for a spot in one of the larger municipal lots, such as the one near the Metro-North train station or others located just off Main Street. Once you've parked, the entire vibrant downtown, with its shops, galleries, and restaurants, is easily and enjoyably explored on foot.

When driving back from an event late at night in the Hudson Valley, safety is key. Many local roads are poorly lit and winding, so it's crucial to drive at a cautious speed and use your high beams when there's no oncoming traffic. Be especially vigilant for deer, as they are most active at night. Always have your destination programmed in your GPS before you start your return trip to avoid getting lost on unfamiliar dark roads.

While a standard sedan is sufficient for most travel in the Hudson Valley, an SUV or a minivan is a more practical choice if your trip involves bulky items. The extra cargo space is invaluable for accommodating hiking backpacks, camping equipment, strollers, or multiple large suitcases. This ensures all your passengers have plenty of room to travel comfortably without feeling cramped by their gear.

For a calm and safe place to install car seats, drive to one of the large, nearby shopping center parking lots, such as those on Route 300. Find a parking spot in a less crowded section of the lot, away from the main entrance of a store. This will give you plenty of space and time to install the seats correctly and get your children settled without the pressure of airport traffic or other waiting drivers.

A very efficient and scenic loop can be made by first driving south from SWF on Route 9W to visit West Point. Afterward, continue south on 9W to the Bear Mountain Bridge and cross the Hudson River. From the bridge, take Route 9D North, a beautiful road that will lead you directly through Cold Spring and then into Beacon. To complete the loop, simply take I-84 West across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to return to the New Windsor area.

When visiting during the peak fall foliage season, typically from late September through October, you must plan for significant traffic delays. Weekends are especially congested on scenic routes like the Palisades Parkway, Route 9W, and roads near popular state parks. To make the most of your trip, start your day trips early, allow much more travel time than your GPS suggests, and consider exploring some of the less-traveled back roads.

Before driving away from SWF in snowy conditions, do a quick safety check of your rental vehicle. Ensure all windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights are completely clear of snow and ice for maximum visibility. Confirm that the windshield wipers are working properly and that the washer fluid is topped off. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the car's defroster and traction control systems before you merge into traffic.

In winter, be extra cautious on certain types of roads around the SWF area. Steep hills and sharp curves on rural routes, like parts of Route 9W, can be treacherous. Bridge decks, including the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, often freeze before the road surfaces and require slower speeds. Additionally, be aware of shaded sections of back roads, which can remain icy long after sunny spots have cleared.

During periods of heavy rain, be mindful of potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas, particularly on smaller roads near streams and the Hudson River. Major highways like I-84 can experience significant water pooling and reduced visibility, leading to slowdowns. The best way to adjust is to reduce your speed, increase your following distance from other vehicles, and check local traffic or weather reports for any announced road closures before you depart.

Early morning drives to trailheads in the Hudson Valley require heightened awareness. Fog often settles in low-lying areas and river valleys, which can dramatically reduce visibility, so be prepared to slow down. This is also a prime time for deer to be active and crossing roads. Use your low-beam headlights in fog and constantly scan the shoulders of the road to stay safe on your way to the hike.

The primary river crossings near SWF are the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge (I-84) and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge is a major commuter route and experiences predictable rush hour delays on weekday mornings (eastbound) and evenings (westbound). On weekends, especially during tourist season or fall foliage, both bridges can have significant backups throughout the day. Planning your crossings for off-peak times can save you considerable delays.

For a college visit, plan to arrive on campus at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled tour or information session. This provides a comfortable buffer for any unexpected traffic and allows you to locate the designated visitor parking without feeling rushed. Before your trip, check the college's website for a campus map and specific instructions on where visitors are permitted to park, as this can vary greatly between institutions.

To simplify a day trip to wineries or farms, plan a route that clusters several destinations in one area, such as those along the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Most establishments have dedicated parking lots, but visiting on a weekday will help you avoid the largest weekend crowds. Most importantly, if your group plans on tasting, be sure to have a designated driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Both the Beacon and Poughkeepsie stations have well-marked parking lots available for travelers. You can typically find short-term spots near the station entrance to quickly unload your luggage with your group. Afterward, the driver can move the car to a designated daily or long-term parking area. Arrive with a little extra time to handle parking and walk to the platform without any last-minute stress.

Returning a car for an early-morning flight at SWF is usually a low-stress experience, as road traffic is minimal. The best strategy is to have the airport's address programmed into your GPS the night before. As you get close to the airport, follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return." These will guide you directly to the correct entrance, which is separate from the main passenger drop-off area.

When returning your rental car at night, it's important to slow down as you approach the airport terminal complex. Stay in the main airport approach lanes and look specifically for signs that say "Rental Car Return." These signs are typically illuminated and will direct you to a dedicated lane or turn-off. Paying close attention will ensure you don't accidentally end up in the passenger departure or arrival lanes.

During busy periods at SWF, it's a good practice to add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your rental car return schedule. This buffer accounts for potential lines of cars waiting to be checked in and the time it takes for an agent to inspect your vehicle. This small cushion of time ensures you can complete the return process, walk back to the terminal, and check in for your flight without feeling rushed.

For an efficient one-way trip, plan your route geographically to avoid backtracking. A logical progression from SWF could be to first explore the nearby Hudson Valley sights, then head west into the Catskills region. From the Catskills, you can then travel north towards Albany. Grouping your points of interest by region will create a natural flow and make your drive much more direct and enjoyable.

A frequent mistake when leaving SWF is underestimating how quickly the interchanges for major highways like I-84 and I-87 (the Thruway) appear. To avoid stressful, last-second lane changes, review your route on a map before you even start the car. As you drive, listen carefully to your GPS prompts, which will typically give you advance notice of which lane you need to be in for your upcoming turn onto the highway.