Payless Car Rental
New Windsor, NY

Upon arriving at Stewart International Airport, you will find the Payless rental car counter conveniently located inside the main terminal building. It is situated within the baggage claim area, making it easy to access right after you collect your luggage. Once you complete the rental process at the counter, you'll be directed to the vehicle pickup area. The cars are parked in a designated lot that is just 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 and well-lit airport. After collecting your bags, head to the rental car counters located directly within the baggage claim 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 located very close to the terminal building, requiring 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, you'll want to 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 directly lead you to interchanges for major highways like I-84 and Route 300. Following the signs for I-84 East is a common and direct path toward the city of Newburgh and the waterfront area. Using a GPS set for a Newburgh address before you leave the lot will help confirm this simple route.

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

For a trip focused on Newburgh and Beacon, it's best to use your rental car for traveling between the two cities, as they are separated by the Hudson River. However, 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 highly walkable, with shops, galleries, and restaurants clustered together. Parking can be competitive, especially on 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 I-84 East. After leaving the airport, follow signs to get on I-84 heading east toward the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. This major bridge is easy to navigate and offers great views of the Hudson River. Once you cross the bridge, take Exit 41 for Route 9D South toward Beacon. Follow Route 9D for just a couple of miles, and it will lead you directly to the west end of Main Street, avoiding complex local interchanges.

During peak weekend hours, especially on nice days in the fall, expect a line of cars waiting to enter Storm King Art Center. The staff is very efficient at directing traffic, but it's wise to build an extra 20-30 minutes into your travel schedule for this queue. Parking is typically in large, well-organized grass or gravel fields on the property. To ensure a smoother experience, it is highly recommended to book your timed-entry tickets online in advance. This guarantees your spot and can help manage the flow of visitors arriving at the same time.

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

The simplest drive to the New Paltz area from Stewart Airport involves using the New York State Thruway (I-87). From the airport, follow signs to get on I-87 North toward 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 toward 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 River. The potential confusion for visitors often happens after the bridge on the east side of the river. To get to Poughkeepsie, you need to merge onto Route 9 North. The interchange can be busy, so it's important to be in the correct lane early. In contrast, the Mid-Hudson Bridge, which is closer to Poughkeepsie, has a more complex approach through city 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 comfortably wait in the main terminal's arrivals area near baggage claim. There is seating available, and it's close to restrooms and a small cafe. Once the driver has the car, they can circle around to the passenger pickup curb right outside the baggage claim doors. This allows the group to wait inside until the car is ready, avoiding the need to stand outside with luggage for an extended period.

A great first stop after picking up your car is the Newburgh Mall or the nearby Town of Newburgh shopping plazas, just a five-minute drive from the airport. Head east on Route 17K, and you'll find large, easy-access parking lots. These spots provide a safe and low-traffic environment to take a few minutes to adjust your mirrors, connect your phone to the car's Bluetooth, and enter your destination into the GPS. You can also reorganize your luggage for better visibility without the pressure of being on a busy highway shoulder.

On a beautiful 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 10 a.m., as the main parking lots 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 down 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 subside.

The most reliable way to reach major trailheads in Harriman State Park is by taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway South. From SWF, you can connect to it via Route 6. Using the parkway ensures you stay on a main, well-maintained road. To avoid small roads, set your GPS specifically for a major parking area like 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 little parking.

For exploring the Hudson Valley wine trail, towns like Montgomery or Warwick serve as excellent central bases. Montgomery is conveniently located near the Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries and is a short drive from SWF, minimizing initial travel time. Warwick, to the south, is 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 having to drive long distances or repeatedly cross the Hudson River, making your tasting tour more relaxed and efficient.

Making a same-day trip to the Catskills after an SWF pickup is very realistic, particularly if your flight arrives by early afternoon. The drive to popular Catskills towns like Woodstock or Phoenicia is typically 60 to 90 minutes. In the fall, daylight hours are shorter, so it's crucial to be efficient at the airport. Having your rental reservation details handy will speed up the pickup process. This allows you plenty of time to get on the road, check into your lodging, and even take a short scenic drive before sunset.

A great 2-3 day loop from SWF involves exploring one side of the Hudson River each day. On day one, you could 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 diverse mix of art, nature, and charming towns without excessive time behind the wheel.

During weekday rush hours, typically from 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 4:30-6:00 p.m., you can 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 interchanges. The approach to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge on 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 minimize 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 crowded. Once you have your vehicle, aim to be on the road before 3 p.m. 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 counter. 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 toward 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 toward Albany." This specificity helps the GPS provide clearer, earlier instructions for the correct on-ramps, which are close together.

For the Beacon station, the easiest approach is taking Route 9D, which leads directly to the waterfront area where the station is located; the main challenge is finding parking on busy commuter days. For the 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 parking garage. In both cases, arriving 15-20 minutes earlier than planned is advisable to navigate the local traffic and find a parking spot without rushing.

Driving to Dia Beacon is generally straightforward, as it's located just off Route 9D. The entrance to the museum's parking lot is well-marked, but it's a simple turn that can be missed if you're going too fast. The main challenge occurs on crowded weekends when the primary lot fills up, requiring visitors to use overflow parking. The area directly 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 I-84 and I-87 are well-maintained, smaller back roads, particularly those 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 curves. Always allow for extra travel time after a snowfall or during a cold snap, and drive at a reduced speed until the sun has had time to warm the pavement.

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

As you drive up into the Shawangunk Mountains from New Paltz toward 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, it's highly recommended to download offline maps of the area to your phone before you leave. It's also wise to set your GPS destination to the specific parking lot you intend to use while you still have a strong signal in the valley.

After picking up your car, a convenient place to organize your ski or snowboard gear is one of the large shopping center parking lots 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 of the hotels clustered near the I-87 and I-84 interchange, 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 more dense 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 printout. This allows the agent to quickly locate your reservation. It's also helpful to have your driver's license ready to present. While rental counter hours can vary, having your information organized helps make the process as efficient as possible, which is especially appreciated after a long and delayed journey. Communicating any significant delays to the rental location, if possible, is also a good practice.

Once you've picked up your rental 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 great 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 return area and are typically calm. This gives you the space and time to ensure the seats are installed correctly and the kids are comfortable before you begin your journey.

When traveling 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 sedan is often much easier to park in the tight, limited spots found in towns like Cold Spring or Beacon. Consider a mid-size SUV as a good compromise, providing enough cargo space without being overly challenging to maneuver on narrow streets and in small parking lots.

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

To efficiently visit these sites, 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 route will take you directly past several scenic overlooks with stunning views of West Point and the Hudson River. Continue south on 9W to the West Point Visitors Center. This north-to-south progression follows a single, direct road, preventing backtracking and allowing you to experience the sites in a logical and time-saving order.

In popular villages like Cold Spring, Beacon, and Rhinebeck, parking is a mix of on-street spots and municipal lots, most of which are metered. On weekends, especially during peak season, these spots fill up very quickly. Prime parking is often gone by 11 a.m. To secure a spot, 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 I-87. The Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Bear Mountain Bridge, while scenic, have more complex approaches involving traffic circles, city 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 exit the interstates and enter small Hudson Valley towns, it's crucial to reduce your speed immediately. Speed limits drop significantly and are strictly enforced by local police, especially in village centers and pedestrian-heavy areas like Beacon's Main Street. Driving etiquette calls for yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, even those that are unmarked. The pace is much more relaxed than on the highway, so patience and awareness of your surroundings are key to a safe and pleasant driving experience.

A sensible plan is to drive your rental car to a Metro-North Railroad station on the Hudson Line, such as Beacon or Poughkeepsie. These stations have large parking lots where you can leave your car for a fee and take a relaxing train ride directly into Grand Central Terminal. This strategy allows you to avoid the stress and high cost of driving and parking in Manhattan. Upon your return, you can simply pick up 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 account 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 your flight's 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 waiting until the last minute to refuel the car. Plan to visit a gas station a few miles away from the airport to avoid the stress of searching for one right 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 directly onto a major interstate like I-84. Driving just five minutes to a shopping plaza in Newburgh or New Windsor allows you to pull over in a spacious parking lot. There, you can calmly adjust your settings, program your GPS, and get comfortable with the vehicle before tackling higher-speed highway driving.