Payless Car Hire
New Windsor, NY

When you arrive at Stewart International Airport, the Payless rental desk is located inside the main terminal building. It can be found in the baggage reclaim area, so it’s easy to reach immediately after collecting your luggage. After completing the rental formalities at the desk you will be directed to the vehicle collection area. The cars are parked in a designated lot a short walk from the terminal, so there is no need to wait for an off-site shuttle bus.

Finding the Payless pickup area at night is straightforward as SWF is a compact, well-lit airport. After collecting your bags, head to the rental car desks located directly within the baggage reclaim area. Once you have your keys, exit the terminal through the main doors and follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Pickup." The lot is very close to the terminal building and requires only a brief walk across the passenger pickup lane. The pathways are clearly marked and illuminated, ensuring a safe and easy walk to your vehicle.

To drive from Stewart Airport to Newburgh efficiently, follow the signs for Route 747 (International Boulevard) as you exit the rental car lot. This is the main road leading away from the airport complex. Stay on Route 747 for a short distance and it will lead you to junctions for major routes such as the I-84 and Route 300. Following signs for I-84 East is a common and direct path toward Newburgh and the waterfront. Setting a GPS to a Newburgh address before you leave the lot will confirm this simple route.

The drive from Stewart Airport to the West Point Visitors Centre typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route involves taking Route 218 (Storm King Highway), which is scenic but can be winding. First-time visitors sometimes get confused near the Bear Mountain Bridge roundabout or miss the specific turn-off for the Visitors Centre before the main Thayer Gate. It’s important to follow signs for the "West Point Visitors Centre" rather than just "West Point," as access to the grounds is restricted without passing through security at the centre first.

For a trip focused on Newburgh and Beacon, use your hire car for travel between the two towns, as they are separated by the Hudson River. Once you arrive in either location, parking the car is the most practical approach. Both Downtown Beacon’s Main Street and the Newburgh waterfront are very walkable, with shops, galleries and restaurants clustered together. Parking can be competitive, especially at weekends, so finding one good spot and exploring on foot for several hours is far more enjoyable than driving from block to block.

The most straightforward route to Beacon’s Main Street from SWF is to take the I-84 East. After leaving the airport, follow signs to join the I-84 eastbound towards the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. This main bridge is easy to navigate and offers good views of the Hudson. Once across, take Exit 41 for Route 9D South towards Beacon. Follow Route 9D for a couple of miles and it will bring you directly to the west end of Main Street, avoiding complex local interchanges.

During peak weekend hours, especially on pleasant autumn days, expect a line of cars waiting to enter Storm King Art Center. Staff are efficient at directing traffic, but it’s sensible to allow an extra 20–30 minutes for the queue. Parking is typically in large, well‑organised grass or gravel fields on the property. To ensure a smoother visit, it’s highly recommended to book timed-entry tickets online in advance. This guarantees your slot and helps manage the flow of visitors arriving simultaneously.

For a low-stress drive to Woodbury Common from SWF, the key is to get onto Route 32 South. As you leave the airport, follow signs for the I-87 South (New York State Thruway). You will only be on the Thruway for a short distance. Take Exit 16 for Harriman, which is the exit for Route 17 and Woodbury Common. The signage for the outlets is prominent from this exit. This route avoids complex local roads and relies on major, well-marked routes, minimising the need for sudden lane changes.

The simplest drive to New Paltz from Stewart Airport involves using the New York State Thruway (I-87). From the airport, follow signs to get on the I-87 North towards Albany. Continue on the Thruway for about 15–20 minutes until you reach Exit 18 for New Paltz. After the toll plaza, Route 299 West will take you directly into the village of New Paltz. From there, clear signage will guide you up the mountain towards the entrances for both Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

The most direct route from SWF to Poughkeepsie uses the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge (I-84 East) to cross the Hudson. Confusion often happens after the bridge on the east side of the river. To get to Poughkeepsie you need to merge onto Route 9 North and the interchange can be busy, so it’s important to be in the correct lane early. By contrast, the Mid‑Hudson Bridge, which is closer to Poughkeepsie, has a more complex approach through town streets on both sides, making the I-84 to Route 9 route the simpler choice for newcomers.

While one person handles the rental paperwork, the rest of the group can wait comfortably in the main terminal arrivals area near baggage reclaim. There is seating available and it’s close to toilets and a small café. Once the driver has the car, they can pull round to the passenger pickup curb right outside the baggage claim doors. This allows the group to wait indoors until the car is ready and avoids standing outside with luggage for an extended period.

A good first stop after collecting your car is the Newburgh Mall or the nearby Town of Newburgh shopping plazas, only about a five-minute drive from the airport. Head east on Route 17K and you’ll find large, easy-access car parks. These spots provide a safe, low-traffic environment to adjust mirrors, connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth and enter your destination into the satnav. You can also reorganise luggage for better visibility without the pressure of being on a busy highway shoulder.

On a fine weekend day, traffic heading to Bear Mountain State Park can become very heavy, especially around the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Perkins Memorial Drive entrance. To avoid the worst congestion, plan to arrive early, ideally before 10am, as the main car parks near the lodge and Hessian Lake can fill up quickly. The drive from SWF is scenic along Route 9W South, but it’s a two‑lane road that can slow considerably. Leaving the park in the late afternoon can also involve significant outbound traffic, so consider staying for an early dinner to let the rush ease.

The most reliable way to reach major trailheads in Harriman State Park is to take the Palisades Interstate Parkway South. From SWF you can connect to it via Route 6. Using the parkway keeps you on a main, well-maintained road. To avoid small roads, set your satnav specifically for a major car park such as the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area or Sebago Boat Launch. Relying on a trailhead name alone can sometimes lead navigation apps to route you onto seasonal or unpaved park roads with very limited parking.

For exploring the Hudson Valley wine trail, towns such as Montgomery or Warwick serve as excellent central bases. Montgomery is conveniently located near the Shawangunk Wine Trail vineyards and is a short drive from SWF, minimising initial travel time. Warwick, to the south, is at the heart of another cluster of wineries and cideries. Staying in one of these towns allows you to plan logical daily loops to nearby vineyards without long drives or repeatedly crossing the Hudson, making your tasting tour more relaxed and efficient.

Making a same-day trip to the Catskills after collecting a car at SWF is very realistic, particularly if your flight arrives by early afternoon. The drive to popular Catskills towns such as Woodstock or Phoenicia typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. In autumn, daylight hours are shorter, so be efficient at the airport. Having your rental reservation details to hand will speed up the pickup process, leaving you plenty of time to get on the road, check into accommodation and even take a short scenic drive before sunset.

A great 2–3 day loop from SWF is to explore one side of the Hudson each day. On day one, head south from the airport to visit Storm King Art Center and Bear Mountain. Spend the night in a town like Beacon or Cold Spring. On day two, cross the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge and drive north on the west side of the river, visiting New Paltz and the Mohonk Preserve. This creates a natural circle back towards SWF for your departure, offering a varied mix of art, nature and charming towns without excessive time behind the wheel.

During weekday rush hours, typically from 7:30–9:00am and 4:30–6:00pm, expect significant traffic in the New Windsor and Newburgh area. The most congested corridors are Route 300 (Union Avenue), Route 17K and the roads leading to the I-84 and I-87 junctions. The approach to the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge on the I-84 East also backs up considerably in the afternoon. If your travel plans are flexible, it’s best to avoid these main arteries during peak commuter times for a much smoother driving experience.

To minimise delays during a holiday weekend, try to schedule your flight arrival for mid-day, between the morning and evening peaks when rental counters are often less busy. Once you have your vehicle, aim to be on the road before 3pm to beat the early start of holiday traffic leaving the area. Having your reservation confirmation and any required documents readily accessible will also help expedite the process at the desk. A little planning can save you significant time both inside and outside the airport.

A common mistake when leaving SWF is confusion at the roundabout on Route 747, which can lead drivers back towards the airport instead of out to the main roads. To prevent this, set your GPS destination before you start driving and listen carefully to the lane instructions. When heading for I-87 (NYS Thruway) or I-84, ensure your navigation is set for the specific direction you need, such as "I-87 North towards Albany." This specificity helps the satnav provide clearer, earlier instructions for the correct slip roads, which are close together.

For Beacon station, the easiest approach is via Route 9D, which leads directly to the waterfront area where the station sits; the main challenge is finding parking on busy commuter days. For Poughkeepsie station, the approach via Main Street can be congested. Visitors often struggle with the one-way streets around the station and locating the entrance to the multi-storey car park. In both cases, arriving 15–20 minutes earlier than planned is advisable to navigate local traffic and find a space without rushing.

Driving to Dia Beacon is generally straightforward, as it’s located just off Route 9D. The entrance to the museum’s car park is well marked, but it’s a simple turn that can be missed if you’re going too fast. The main issue occurs on busy weekends when the primary lot fills up and visitors are directed to overflow parking. The area immediately in front of the museum entrance can become congested with pedestrians and rideshare vehicles, so be extra cautious and patient when pulling in or dropping off passengers.

In winter, Hudson Valley road conditions can be variable, especially on rural and secondary roads. While major highways like the I-84 and I-87 are well maintained, smaller back roads, particularly at higher elevations near parks, can be icy in the early mornings due to overnight freezing. It’s common to encounter patches of black ice, especially on shaded bends. Always allow for extra travel time after snowfall or during a cold snap, and drive at a reduced speed until the sun has had a chance to warm the pavement.

When heavy fog or rain occurs, visibility can drop dramatically on roads running alongside the Hudson, such as Route 9W and the scenic Route 218 (Storm King Highway). These winding, two-lane roads have sharp bends and steep drop-offs, making them particularly hazardous in poor weather. The Newburgh‑Beacon and Bear Mountain bridges can also be challenging in reduced visibility. In these conditions it is critical to reduce your speed significantly, use low-beam headlights, and increase your following distance from other vehicles.

As you drive up into the Shawangunk Mountains from New Paltz towards Minnewaska State Park or Mohonk Preserve, cell service can become unreliable. The higher elevations and dense tree cover often disrupt signals. To ensure you don’t get lost, download offline maps of the area to your phone before you leave. It’s also sensible to set your satnav destination to the specific car park you intend to use while you still have a strong signal in the valley.

After collecting your car, a convenient place to organise ski or snowboard gear is one of the large shopping centre car parks located just a few minutes from SWF along Route 17K. Places like the Newburgh Mall or the Target/Walmart plaza offer ample space where you can park away from other cars. This allows you to take your time strapping gear to a roof rack or fitting it inside the vehicle without feeling rushed or blocking traffic, ensuring everything is secure before you head north on the Thruway.

If your hotel is in Newburgh, the most practical plan is to use Route 300 (Union Avenue) from the airport area. This route provides direct access to many hotels clustered near the I-87 and I-84 junctions, allowing you to avoid downtown Newburgh’s narrower streets and traffic lights. This approach is less congested than heading directly toward the waterfront via Route 17K. It’s a simple, low-stress drive that lets you get settled at your hotel before venturing into busier parts of the city.

If your flight is delayed, the most important thing is to have your rental confirmation number easily accessible on your phone or as a printed copy. This allows the agent to quickly locate your reservation. It’s also helpful to have your driving licence ready to present. While rental desk opening hours can vary, having your information organised helps make the process as efficient as possible, which is especially appreciated after a long and delayed journey. If feasible, communicate any significant delays to the rental location.

Once you’ve collected your hire car, the best place to install car seats is in a designated spot within the rental lot itself before you exit. If you feel rushed there, a good alternative is the cell phone lot or a quiet corner of the short‑term parking area. These locations are just a minute’s drive from the rental area and are typically calm. This gives you the space and time to ensure seats are correctly fitted and the children comfortable before you begin your journey.

When travelling with significant luggage, it’s wise to balance your need for space with the reality of parking in historic Hudson Valley villages. While an SUV offers ample room for bags, a more compact or mid‑size saloon is often much easier to park in the tight, limited spaces found in towns like Cold Spring or Beacon. Consider a mid‑size SUV as a good compromise, providing enough cargo space without being overly difficult to manoeuvre on narrow streets and in small car parks.

A lovely one-day scenic loop from SWF is to drive south on Route 9W to the Bear Mountain Bridge. After enjoying the park views, cross the bridge to the east side of the river. From there you can head north on Route 9D, a scenic byway that passes through the manageable towns of Cold Spring and Beacon. You can then cross back over the river on the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge (I-84) to complete a pleasant loop back towards SWF, all without navigating the complexities of larger city centres.

To visit these sites efficiently, start at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, as it’s very close to SWF. From there drive south on Route 9W. This road takes you past several scenic overlooks with excellent views of West Point and the Hudson. Continue south on 9W to the West Point Visitors Centre. This north-to-south progression along a single, direct road prevents backtracking and allows you to experience the sites in a logical, time-saving order.

In popular villages like Cold Spring, Beacon and Rhinebeck, parking is a mix of on‑street bays and municipal car parks, most of which are metered. At weekends, especially during peak season, these spaces fill up very quickly. Prime bays are often gone by 11am. To secure a space it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Otherwise be prepared to park on a side street several blocks away from the main commercial area and enjoy a short walk into town.

For simplicity, the Newburgh‑Beacon Bridge (I-84) is the easiest crossing for visitors. It’s a modern interstate bridge with straightforward on and off ramps that connect directly to major north‑south routes like Route 9 and the I-87. The Mid‑Hudson Bridge and the Bear Mountain Bridge, while scenic, have more complex approaches involving roundabouts, town streets or winding roads. Sticking to the I-84 crossing can reduce navigational stress when your itinerary requires moving between the east and west banks of the river.

When you leave the interstates and enter small Hudson Valley towns, it’s crucial to reduce your speed immediately. Limits drop significantly and are strictly enforced by local police, especially in village centres and pedestrian-heavy areas such as Beacon’s Main Street. Driving etiquette calls for yielding to pedestrians at crossings, even those that are unmarked. The pace is much more relaxed than on the motorway, so patience and awareness of your surroundings are key to a safe and pleasant driving experience.

A sensible plan is to drive your hire car to a Metro‑North station on the Hudson Line, such as Beacon or Poughkeepsie. These stations have large car parks where you can leave your vehicle for a fee and take a relaxing train ride straight into Grand Central Terminal. This strategy allows you to avoid the stress and high cost of driving and parking in Manhattan. On return, simply collect your car and continue your Hudson Valley exploration or head back to SWF.

When returning to SWF from areas like New Paltz or Beacon, plan for the drive to take 30–45 minutes without traffic. From Bear Mountain, allow about 45–60 minutes. It’s wise to add a buffer of at least 30 extra minutes to allow for potential traffic, especially on a weekday afternoon or Sunday evening. After returning the car and completing the checkout process you’ll still need time to check in for your flight and go through security, so arriving at the airport property about two hours before departure is a safe guideline.

The most common mistake drivers make is missing the specific turn-off for "Rental Car Return" and instead following the main loop for "Departures." The signage appears relatively early as you approach the terminal, so it’s important to be in the correct lane and pay close attention. Another frequent error is leaving refuelling until the last minute. Plan to visit a petrol station a few miles away from the airport to avoid the stress of searching for one immediately before your return time, ensuring a smooth and timely drop‑off.

For the calmest first drive, take local roads to a nearby setup stop. Exiting the airport onto Route 17K or Route 207 involves slower speeds and less immediate merging than jumping straight onto a major motorway like the I-84. Driving just five minutes to a shopping plaza in Newburgh or New Windsor allows you to pull into a spacious car park. There you can calmly adjust settings, program your satnav and get comfortable with the vehicle before tackling higher-speed highway driving.