Car Rental
Newark

All terminals at Newark Airport are equally convenient for accessing the rental car facility because they are all connected by the AirTrain system. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim carousel, look for the overhead signs directing you to the AirTrain. You will typically take an escalator or elevator up to the station platform. The AirTrain is the sole method of transport to the consolidated rental car center, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of your arrival terminal.

The most efficient way to manage a lot of luggage is to use the complimentary Smarte Carte luggage carts available in the baggage claim area. Once you've loaded your bags, follow the airport signage for the AirTrain. The path is direct and designed to be accessible, leading you via elevators or ramps to the AirTrain platform. You can take the luggage cart directly onto the train for the short ride to Station P3, where the rental car center is located, making the process smooth and manageable.

When traveling with young children, a little planning makes the process much smoother. After baggage claim, place your child in the stroller and use a luggage cart for your bags and the car seat. Follow the signs to the AirTrain, which is fully accessible with strollers. Once you arrive at the rental car center, one adult can manage the check-in process at the counter while the other stays with the child and belongings in the waiting area. This division of tasks helps keep the process moving without added stress.

The rental car pickup process at Newark Airport is standardized across all terminals, so your experience will be the same whether you arrive at Terminal A, B, or C. All passengers must take the AirTrain to the central rental car facility, which is located at Station P3. After collecting your bags, simply follow the signs for the AirTrain from your arrival terminal. The train provides a quick and direct connection, ensuring every traveler follows the same simple procedure to reach the rental counters.

During peak travel times such as major holidays, long weekends, or large local events, you should anticipate higher-than-usual crowds at the EWR rental car facility. This can translate to longer lines at the rental counters and a busier AirTrain. It's a good practice to build some extra time into your schedule to account for these potential delays. Being a member of your rental company's loyalty program can sometimes provide access to expedited service lines, which can be particularly helpful during these busy periods.

Coordinating a pickup with a group arriving on different flights is best handled by establishing a clear meeting point. The most logical place to meet is directly at the counter of your chosen rental car company inside the consolidated rental facility at Station P3. Alternatively, the person who is listed as the primary driver can proceed to the rental center to complete the paperwork and pick up the vehicle. They can then drive to the arrivals curb of the other terminals to pick up the rest of the group.

For a first-time driver, the most straightforward route to Jersey City is typically via the I-78 extension, also known as the New Jersey Turnpike Extension. After leaving the rental facility, follow signs for I-78 East toward the Holland Tunnel. Before reaching the tunnel, you will see well-marked exits for Jersey City, such as 14A, 14B, and 14C. Using a GPS is highly recommended to guide you to the specific exit for your hotel, as this will help you navigate the local streets upon leaving the highway.

The most direct path to Hoboken involves taking I-78 East from the airport, following the signs for the Holland Tunnel. As you get closer to the tunnel entrance in Jersey City, you will see local exits for Hoboken. Once you exit the highway, it is crucial to rely on a GPS navigation app, as Hoboken's street grid, especially near the waterfront, consists of many one-way streets and can be confusing for newcomers. The navigation app will provide the turn-by-turn directions needed to reach your destination without unnecessary circling.

The best choice depends on your immediate needs. Renting at EWR upon arrival offers the widest selection of vehicles and the convenience of having transportation right away. However, if you don't need a car for your first day, it might be simpler to take a short taxi or train ride to your hotel near Penn Station. You can then rent from a downtown or neighborhood location the next day, which allows you to avoid navigating out of the airport complex immediately after your flight.

Driving to the Prudential Center from EWR on an event night requires extra planning. Expect significant traffic delays on all approach roads, particularly Route 21 (McCarter Highway). Local police often implement road closures and detours around the arena to manage traffic flow, so your GPS route may change in real-time. It is essential to leave the airport much earlier than you normally would and consider pre-booking parking in a designated garage to avoid the stress of searching for a spot.

Your destination will be Liberty State Park in Jersey City, where the ferry departs. The most direct driving route from EWR is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) to the I-78 extension, and then follow the signs for Exit 14B. After the exit, clear signage will guide you directly into Liberty State Park. The park has large, designated paid parking lots conveniently located near the ferry terminal, making it a straightforward trip for visitors.

To avoid confusion, program your GPS for Liberty State Park before you start driving. From the airport, follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) and then take the I-78 East extension. The key is to stay in the lanes for Exit 14B. This exit is specifically for Liberty State Park and the cruise port, so following these signs will keep you on the correct path and prevent you from accidentally continuing toward the Holland Tunnel or other Jersey City exits.

This is a very effective strategy for exploring the region. Use your rental car for destinations within New Jersey, such as the Jersey Shore, Princeton, or the Delaware Water Gap. For visiting New York City, drive to a transit hub like Secaucus Junction or a PATH station in Hoboken or Jersey City. You can park your car there for the day and take a train or ferry directly into Manhattan, completely avoiding the stress and expense of driving and parking in the city.

The most common route to Midtown is taking the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North to the Lincoln Tunnel. While any route into Manhattan involves complex traffic, the approach to the Lincoln Tunnel can feel more direct for some drivers than the Holland Tunnel. The key is to get into the dedicated tunnel lanes as early as possible, following the overhead signs for Route 495 East. Using a GPS and paying close attention to the signage will be your best tools for a smooth approach.

For reaching Lower Manhattan, the Holland Tunnel is by far the most direct and least stressful option. From EWR, you would take I-78 East, which feeds directly into the tunnel. A bridge route, such as the George Washington Bridge, would place you in Upper Manhattan, requiring a long and often heavily congested drive south through the city streets. The Holland Tunnel emerges right in the area you want to be, making it the clear choice for this destination.

The biggest challenge when driving to Brooklyn via the Holland Tunnel is the immediate and complex navigation required upon exiting into Manhattan. You'll face heavy traffic, multi-lane turns, and quick decisions to get onto Canal Street and head toward the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridges. An alternative that bypasses Manhattan entirely is to take the Goethals Bridge to Staten Island, then the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. This route is longer but can be significantly less stressful for drivers unfamiliar with Manhattan.

To get to Queens while completely avoiding Manhattan traffic, your best option is to use the bridge route through Staten Island. From EWR, take I-95 South to the Goethals Bridge, cross Staten Island on I-278, and then take the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. From there, you can continue on I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway or BQE) directly into Queens. While this may seem like a longer route on a map, it is often faster and far less stressful than navigating through Manhattan.

It's important to know that many older roads in the region, labeled as 'Parkways,' have restrictions. These often prohibit commercial vehicles, which can sometimes include large 12- or 15-passenger vans, and they are known for having low stone-arch bridges. When driving a larger vehicle like a full-size SUV or van, it's safest to stick to major highways designated as 'Interstates' (like I-95, I-78, I-80) or 'US Routes.' Always pay attention to road signs indicating vehicle type or height restrictions.

The road system immediately surrounding EWR is a complex network of loops, ramps, and multi-lane highways. For first-time drivers, the speed at which you need to merge onto major routes like US-1&9, I-78, or the New Jersey Turnpike can be surprising. These merges often happen quickly after leaving the rental car facility with short acceleration lanes. The best approach is to have your destination set in your GPS before you start moving, drive defensively, and be prepared to make lane changes promptly but safely.

One of the most convenient places for a quick stop is The Mills at Jersey Gardens, an outlet mall located right next to the airport. It has food courts and convenience stores. Additionally, the stretch of US Route 1&9 in Elizabeth, just a minute or two from the airport exits, is lined with numerous shopping centers that include supermarkets, big-box stores, and a wide variety of fast-food restaurants. These are perfect for grabbing any necessities before starting a longer journey.

The easiest and most official place to wait is the airport's Cell Phone Lot, a free parking area where you can wait for your party to call you for pickup from the terminal curb. For a more comfortable option where you can go inside, consider meeting at one of the nearby airport hotels on US-1&9. Many have coffee shops or lobbies that serve as convenient and low-stress meeting points away from the congestion of the terminal roadways.

As you exit the rental car area and follow the main airport roadway, you will encounter large, green overhead signs. Look for signs that clearly mark I-78, which will often list control cities like 'Clinton' for westbound or 'Holland Tunnel' for eastbound. For the New Jersey Turnpike, the signs will show the I-95 shield and will be designated as 'North' or 'South.' Paying close attention to these primary signs will ensure you get into the correct lane for your intended highway.

The most direct route is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North to Exit 16W, which is dedicated to the Meadowlands Sports Complex. For a game day, the key to a smooth arrival is timing. Plan to leave EWR several hours before the event starts to account for inevitable heavy traffic on the Turnpike and the roads within the complex. Once you take Exit 16W, follow the extensive electronic and permanent signs that direct you to the appropriate parking lots for the stadium.

Driving to American Dream is very straightforward as it is located next to MetLife Stadium. From EWR, take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North to Exit 16W. After the toll plaza, the roadway splits, and there will be clear, large signs directing you specifically to American Dream. The complex is surrounded by massive parking decks, and signage will guide you to the best entrance depending on which part of the mall you wish to visit, such as the theme park or retail sections.

For a low-stress start, head west from the airport on I-78. This route quickly takes you out of the most congested urban areas. Consider destinations like Morristown, New Jersey, a historic town with a charming center, which is about a 30-40 minute drive. If you want to go a bit further, towns in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, such as Easton or Bethlehem, are about 60-90 minutes away and offer a relaxed atmosphere to begin your road trip.

A same-day drive to the Delaware Water Gap is very manageable and takes approximately 90 minutes without heavy traffic. The route is primarily on I-80 West. To ensure the least hectic departure, plan to leave EWR after the morning rush hour, ideally between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on a weekday. This window allows you to avoid the worst of the local and commuter traffic, making for a much more pleasant and scenic drive as you head west.

The most common and direct route to Princeton is taking the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South to Exit 9. From there, you'll take Route 18 North briefly to connect with US-Route 1 South, which leads you toward Princeton. While the Turnpike can be busy, it is a major interstate that is generally well-signed and straightforward to navigate. This route avoids most of the complex local interchanges in the immediate Newark and Elizabeth areas.

Driving to the Jersey Shore on a summer weekend requires patience. The primary route, the Garden State Parkway South, experiences major congestion, especially on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The biggest choke point is typically the Driscoll Bridge over the Raritan River, where traffic can slow to a crawl. Once you are further south, expect heavy volume near popular exits for towns like Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, and Seaside Heights. Leaving very early in the morning is the best strategy to beat the traffic.

The main route to Atlantic City is the Garden State Parkway South to the Atlantic City Expressway. The most significant slowdowns usually occur on the Parkway, particularly on Friday evenings and weekends, as it carries both shore traffic and general commuters. The section of the Parkway through the northern and central parts of the state can be quite congested. Once you reach the Expressway, traffic generally flows better but can back up near the toll plazas and the final approach into Atlantic City during peak arrival times.

Using a rental car for a cruise transfer is very convenient. The drive from EWR to the Cape Liberty cruise port is short, primarily via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) and the I-78 extension to Exit 14A in Bayonne. From the exit, follow the clear signage for the cruise terminal. If you are returning the car before your cruise, plan to drop it off at an EWR location and then use a shuttle or rideshare service to the port, allowing at least 90 minutes for the entire process.

The drive to Philadelphia is almost entirely on the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South and is generally straightforward. For first-time drivers, the most stressful portion is often the first 15-20 miles after leaving the airport. This section is characterized by heavy traffic, numerous lanes, and frequent interchanges. Once you get south of Exit 9 (New Brunswick), the traffic often thins out, and the drive becomes much more relaxed until you approach the bridges leading into Philadelphia.

Navigating New Jersey's unique road features like jughandles (where you exit right to turn left) and traffic circles is best done with a reliable GPS. The key is to listen to the navigation prompts and get into the correct lane well in advance. Don't panic if you miss a turn; most local road grids make it easy to circle back around. Remember that for jughandles, the signs will appear before the intersection you intend to turn at, so keep an eye out for them.

To quickly access scenic routes, head northwest from the airport. Take I-78 West to I-287 North. This will lead you toward the more rural and hilly parts of Morris and Passaic counties. From there, you can exit onto smaller state highways and county roads that wind through areas known for beautiful fall colors, such as the regions around the Wanaque Reservoir or High Point State Park. This approach allows you to bypass the most intense urban congestion for a more pleasant drive.

During winter weather, be aware that the many bridges and elevated ramps that make up the airport's road network can become icy before other road surfaces. While major highways like the New Jersey Turnpike and I-78 are top priorities for snowplows and salt trucks, conditions can deteriorate quickly. It is essential to reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance, and allow extra time for your journey. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, especially on ramps.

The most common mistake during a rush hour return is underestimating traffic on the approach roads, like US-1&9, and being in the wrong lane. The exit for 'Rental Car Return' is a specific turn that is separate from the passenger terminal exits. Drivers who are not in the correct lane early enough can easily miss it and be forced to circle the entire airport again. Following your GPS closely and paying attention to the overhead airport signs is critical to avoid this.

Both routes lead into the same airport road system, and the approach is similar. Whether you are coming from the Turnpike (I-95) or I-78, you will take a dedicated exit for Newark Airport. Once you are on the airport's internal roadways, you must immediately begin following the specific overhead signs for 'Rental Car Return.' These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance for the consolidated return facility, keeping you separate from the traffic heading to the passenger terminals.

After dropping off your passengers and their luggage at the departures curb of their terminal, you will need to continue following the airport roadway as if you were exiting. The road system is designed as a large loop. Follow the signs for 'Airport Exit,' which will eventually bring you back around to the main entrance roads. From there, you can then follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return' to reach the correct facility, completing the second leg of your drop-off sequence.

The process is very simple and efficient. The rental car return is located in the same building as the rental pickup counters and the AirTrain station. After you've returned your vehicle and finalized your receipt, you will walk into the main building and take an escalator or elevator up to the AirTrain platform at Station P3. The AirTrain runs frequently and will take you directly to your departure terminal (A, B, or C) in just a few minutes.

While the vehicle inspection and check-in process is typically very fast, the main variable is the AirTrain. During peak travel times, you might have to wait a few minutes for a train to arrive, and the train itself can be crowded, slowing down boarding. It's wise to budget at least 30 to 40 minutes for the entire process, from the moment you pull into the rental return garage to the moment you walk into your airline's terminal, to account for any potential waits.

For a layover of at least five to six hours, you have a few realistic options. The most convenient is The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a large outlet mall located just outside the airport grounds. Another good choice is to explore the Ironbound district in Newark, famous for its Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants, which is only a 10-15 minute drive away. Driving into Manhattan is generally not recommended unless you have a very long layover (8+ hours) due to the high potential for traffic delays.