National Car Rental
New Jersey

Upon arrival at any terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport, your first step is to follow the overhead signs for the AirTrain. All rental car companies, including National, are conveniently located together at the consolidated Rental Car Center. The AirTrain provides a quick and direct connection from your terminal to this central facility. Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center station, you will find the National counter clearly marked and ready to assist you.

From Terminal A, the most straightforward path is to use the airport's AirTrain system. After collecting your luggage, look for the prominent signs directing you to the AirTrain station. Board the train heading towards the Rental Car Center, which is a dedicated stop on the airport loop. This method avoids any complex navigation of airport roads and delivers you directly to the building where the National counter is located.

After you've collected your checked bags from the baggage claim area in Terminal C, the easiest way to get to National is by using the AirTrain. Follow the airport signage that guides you to the AirTrain station. Once there, you'll board a train that takes you directly to the Rental Car Center. The train system is designed to be accessible with luggage, making it a hassle-free transfer to the National pickup location.

To reach the National Car Rental facility at EWR, you will need to take the AirTrain, as there is no separate shuttle service for the rental center. The AirTrain is the primary mode of transport connecting all terminals to the consolidated Rental Car Center. In each terminal (A, B, and C), you will find clear overhead signage directing you to the AirTrain station after you leave the security area and collect any luggage. The ride is typically short and efficient.

While times can vary, a reasonable expectation for the process on a weekday afternoon is between 45 to 75 minutes. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and then taking the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center. The final step at the National counter can also vary depending on how busy it is. Planning for a little over an hour provides a comfortable buffer to get through all the steps without feeling rushed.

For late-night arrivals, the process remains largely the same and is designed for traveler safety. The airport, including the AirTrain and the Rental Car Center, is well-lit and continuously operates. National's counter will be staffed to accommodate scheduled flight arrivals. Once you have your vehicle, the airport roadways are clearly marked with large, reflective signs pointing you toward major highways like the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and I-78, ensuring a straightforward exit from the airport complex.

A great strategy is for everyone to meet directly at the National Car Rental counter inside the Rental Car Center. This is the most efficient option as it's the final step before getting the vehicle. Each person can independently take the AirTrain from their arrival terminal to the Rental Car Center station. Alternatively, you could designate a specific baggage claim carousel in one of the terminals as a meeting point before heading to the rental facility together.

After completing the check-in process, the National staff will provide clear directions to your vehicle. Typically, your rental agreement or a staff member will point you to a specific aisle or zone within the garage. The rows are usually well-marked with letters and numbers, similar to a public parking garage. Following the overhead signage within the facility will guide you efficiently to the correct section where your reserved car class is located.

Before leaving the Rental Car Center garage, it's best to take a moment in your assigned parking stall to set up your navigation and phone. This is the safest and easiest place to get organized. If you need more time after exiting, look for signs for the airport's Cell Phone Lot, which is a short drive from the rental facility and provides a safe place to park temporarily. Avoid stopping on the immediate airport exit ramps or road shoulders for safety reasons.

Almost immediately after leaving the Rental Car Center, you will need to choose your direction for major routes like US-1 & 9, the NJ Turnpike (I-95), or I-78. The key is to know which of these main arteries you need before you start driving. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs, as they appear quickly. Having your GPS ready before you leave the garage is crucial to ensure you are in the correct lane for your intended highway entrance.

New Jersey is known for its unique "jughandle" intersections, which you may encounter on local roads after leaving the airport. Instead of turning left from a left-hand lane, you will exit from the right lane onto a C-shaped ramp that loops you around to cross the main road. It can feel counterintuitive at first, so watch for signs that indicate "All turns from right lane." Your GPS will typically guide you through these correctly, but being aware of the concept helps prevent confusion.

For a relatively direct route to the Jersey City waterfront, your best bet is to follow signs from the airport for US-1/9 North Truck Route. This route runs parallel to the NJ Turnpike but is often less complex for this specific trip. It will take you through industrial areas before leading you toward the Holland Tunnel vicinity and local Jersey City streets. Using a GPS is highly recommended to navigate the final city blocks to your destination along the waterfront.

A less stressful approach to Hoboken involves taking the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to Exit 16E toward the Lincoln Tunnel. Before you reach the tunnel itself, you will follow signs for Hoboken/Weehawken. This route keeps you on the highway longer, avoiding some of the more complex local roads. As you enter Hoboken, be prepared for narrow streets and have your navigation ready to guide you on the final approach, as many streets are one-way.

Driving from EWR to downtown Newark is a very short trip, typically taking US-1/9 North and following signs for Route 21 (McCarter Highway). This highway runs directly through the heart of downtown. For overnight parking, it is highly advisable to check with your hotel, as most offer dedicated guest parking in a secure garage. If your lodging doesn't offer parking, look for public parking garages affiliated with major venues like the Prudential Center, as these are generally well-lit and centrally located.

The most direct route is to take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North from the airport to Exit 16W. This exit is specifically for the sports complex where MetLife Stadium is located. The most common mistake first-timers make is not following the specific electronic signs and traffic directors for game day parking once they exit the highway. The parking lots are vast, so pay close attention to the designated lot number and lane instructions from staff to avoid getting funneled into the wrong area.

Getting to American Dream is very similar to reaching MetLife Stadium, as they are adjacent. From EWR, take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to Exit 16W. As you come off the exit ramp, follow the large, clear signs specifically for American Dream. The complex has multiple dedicated parking garages, labeled A, B, and C. Your GPS will likely direct you to the most convenient garage entrance based on your final destination within the mall.

The most straightforward route is to take the NJ Turnpike (I-95) North to the Jersey City/Columbus Drive exit (14B). After the toll, the signs for Liberty State Park are very clear and will guide you directly to the park entrance. Once inside, there are several large, designated visitor parking lots, particularly near the ferry terminal for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as well as near the Liberty Science Center. Signage within the park will direct you to the appropriate lot.

A highly effective plan is to drive to a transit hub in New Jersey and take a train or ferry into Manhattan. Consider parking at the Secaucus Junction train station, which has a large parking garage and offers a quick NJ Transit train ride into Penn Station. Another excellent option is to park at a garage near a PATH train station in Hoboken or Jersey City. This strategy allows you to avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking in New York City.

When driving to Manhattan, you must plan for significant delays, especially during morning and evening rush hours. It's wise to check a real-time traffic app before you leave EWR. The approach to either tunnel can add anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour to your trip. Be prepared for stop-and-go traffic as you get closer to the toll plazas and tunnel entrances. Traveling during off-peak hours, such as mid-day or later in the evening, can make the crossing much quicker.

Driving to Brooklyn via the Holland Tunnel presents several challenges for newcomers. Immediately upon exiting the tunnel in Manhattan, you are thrust into heavy city traffic with multiple, quick decisions to make. The biggest pitfall is getting into the correct lane for the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge. The signage can be confusing and lanes split abruptly. It is crucial to have your GPS active and listen carefully to the turn-by-turn directions well in advance of each maneuver.

To avoid Manhattan traffic, the best route to Queens is to head south from EWR briefly to get on I-95 South, then take the Goethals Bridge to Staten Island. From there, you'll take the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge directly into Brooklyn. You can then continue on I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) into Queens. While it may seem longer geographically, this route bypasses the congestion and complexity of driving through Manhattan.

If you are driving a large SUV or van, be particularly cautious of older parkways in the region, such as the Garden State Parkway in certain sections or parkways in New York. Many of these historic roads have low stone-arch bridges that cannot accommodate taller vehicles. Commercial vehicles are also often prohibited. Always pay close attention to posted height-clearance signs and any restrictions mentioned on road signs before entering any parkway.

The drive to Princeton is very straightforward. From the airport, you will get on the NJ Turnpike (I-95) South. You will stay on the Turnpike for the majority of the trip, which is a well-maintained highway with clear signage. You'll take Exit 9 for Route 18 North briefly, then follow signs for US-1 South toward Trenton. This route will lead you directly toward the Princeton area with minimal complex interchanges, making for a relatively easy journey.

On a summer Friday, expect significant traffic heading to the Jersey Shore. The primary route, the Garden State Parkway South, becomes heavily congested, especially around the Driscoll Bridge and the Toms River area. To mitigate this, many travelers try to leave either before noon or wait until after 8 PM. The stretch of the Parkway just south of the Raritan tolls is a notorious bottleneck, so building in at least double the normal travel time is a wise precaution.

A low-stress drive to Atlantic City involves taking the NJ Turnpike South to Exit 11 for the Garden State Parkway South. You'll follow the Parkway until you reach the Atlantic City Expressway. For easy breaks, the Parkway has several large, well-equipped service plazas with fuel, food, and restrooms that are accessible directly from the highway. These plazas are clearly marked well in advance, eliminating the need to exit onto local roads for a stop.

A day trip to the Delaware Water Gap is very manageable from EWR. The drive is simple: take I-78 West to Route 24 West, which merges into I-287 North, and finally take I-80 West directly to the park area. The trip usually takes about 60-90 minutes without heavy traffic. For short hikes, the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center on the New Jersey side, right off I-80, offers ample parking and is the starting point for several popular, accessible trails.

The most direct route is the NJ Turnpike (I-95) South. As you approach Philadelphia, continue on I-95 South across the Delaware River. To avoid getting trapped in the city center's narrow streets, plan to park at a garage in the Old City or Society Hill neighborhoods, which are more accessible from the highway. Exiting I-95 at the Callowhill Street or I-676 exits and following signs for a specific parking garage is generally easier than navigating deep into Center City.

The New Jersey Turnpike is well-known for its large, convenient service plazas, which you will encounter shortly after leaving the airport area. These plazas are located directly on the highway median, accessible from both directions of travel. They are open 24/7 and offer a wide range of services, including multiple fast-food options, convenience stores, restrooms, and fuel stations. They are an excellent and safe place to take a break without having to exit the highway.

Many major bridges and some roads in the region use cashless tolling, where a camera captures the vehicle's license plate. Rental car companies have programs to manage these tolls for you. The charges are typically passed on to you along with a service fee after your rental period is complete. It's a good idea to ask the National staff at the counter for a brief overview of their specific tolling program so you know what to expect. This way, you can drive through the toll points without needing to stop or have cash.

A unique aspect of driving in New Jersey is that it is illegal to pump your own gas. All gas stations are full-service, meaning you must remain in your vehicle while an attendant fuels your car. Simply pull up to the pump, and the attendant will ask you what type of fuel you need and how much. While not required, it is common practice to give the attendant a small tip for their service, especially if they also clean your windows.

The most convenient and safest place to install car seats and get your children settled is in the parking stall where you pick up your vehicle at the Rental Car Center. The garage is covered and relatively quiet compared to being on the roadside. This allows you to take your time to ensure the seats are installed correctly and everyone is buckled in securely before you begin your drive. It's much better than trying to do it in a hurry at a gas station or on the side of the road.

A mid-size sedan or a compact SUV often provides the best balance for a trip that includes both city and highway driving in New Jersey. These vehicles are comfortable and stable for highway travel but are still maneuverable enough to navigate the narrow streets and tight parking spots you'll find in places like Hoboken or Jersey City. A larger vehicle can become challenging to park in older urban areas, while a very small car might feel less substantial on major highways like the Turnpike.

A common point of confusion is the split between US-1/9 and the entrance ramps for the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and I-78. The signage appears quickly, and drivers can easily find themselves on the local US-1/9 route when they intended to get on a major highway. Another frequent error is taking the northbound lanes of the Turnpike when intending to go south, or vice-versa. Having your GPS active before you start moving is the best way to ensure you're in the correct lane for these crucial first turns.

If your GPS is struggling with the complex ramps, focus on the large, green overhead highway signs. Look for the route number shields—the red and blue shield for an Interstate (like I-95 or I-78) or the circular black and white sign for a state route. Also, pay attention to the primary control cities listed, such as "New York" for northbound routes or "Trenton" for southbound routes on the Turnpike. These cues provide reliable guidance when technology falters.

During rush hour, taking the NJ Turnpike (I-95) South is often the most reliable, if congested, route back to EWR. From Jersey City or Hoboken, you would get on the Turnpike Extension to connect to the main highway. Once you are on the Turnpike, follow the signs for Exit 14-14C/Newark Airport. As you approach the airport, dedicated signs for "Rental Car Return" will appear, directing you to the correct facility. Allow plenty of extra travel time to account for heavy traffic.

As you get close to the airport on any of the main approach roads like US-1/9 or the NJ Turnpike, you will see large, well-lit overhead signs for Newark Liberty International Airport. Once you are on the airport's road system, begin looking for signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs are distinct from those for passenger drop-off or parking. Stay in the lanes indicated by these signs, as they will guide you directly to the entrance of the consolidated return facility.

There are several gas stations located along US-1/9, which runs adjacent to the airport. When approaching EWR for your return, using a navigation app to find a station on your side of the road a mile or two before the airport exit is the best strategy. This avoids having to make difficult turns or re-routing through the complex airport interchanges. Many stations on this route are accustomed to rental car returns and offer easy entry and exit.

The best sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" and your specific airline terminal. After dropping off your passengers and their luggage at the curb, you will follow the airport road signs to loop back around. Instead of exiting the airport, look for the signs that direct you to "Rental Car Return." This will guide you away from the terminal loop and onto the correct road for the consolidated rental facility, making for a smooth and logical process.

Once you have returned your vehicle and completed the process, you will walk from the return garage into the Rental Car Center building. From there, you will take an escalator or elevator up to the AirTrain platform. The AirTrain is the primary and most efficient method for getting back to your departure terminal. The trains run frequently and have designated stops for Terminals A, B, and C, making the transfer with your luggage simple and direct.

The process is straightforward since the AirTrain serves all terminals from the same Rental Car Center station. After you drop off your car, simply board the AirTrain and listen for the announcement for your specific departure terminal. The travel time on the train between the rental center and any of the terminals is only a few minutes. It's wise to budget about 15-20 minutes for the entire process, from walking out of the rental office to arriving at your terminal's entrance.