Quick Summary:
- Follow “Ground Transportation” signs, then “Rental Car Shuttles” at arrivals.
- Allow 30 to 60 minutes from kerb to rental counter.
- Busy periods need extra time, queues rise after international arrivals banks.
- Plan 15 minutes to reach the garage, then inspect and load.
If you are landing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for a trip based around New York, the biggest time saver is knowing that most car hire counters are not inside the terminal. Instead, you typically clear arrivals, follow the right signs to ground transport, then take an airport shuttle to the off airport rental facility where the desks and vehicles are located. The process is straightforward, but first time visitors often lose time by waiting at the wrong kerb, joining the wrong queue, or underestimating how long baggage, shuttles, and counter lines can take.
This guide walks you from gate to keys with realistic buffers, plus what to do if you land late, travel with children, or need a larger vehicle. For reference on options around EWR, see car rental at Newark Airport and the broader Newark car rental page.
Where you actually pick up a hire car at Newark (EWR)
At EWR, car hire is usually collected at the dedicated rental car centre (often referred to as the Newark Airport rent a car facility). It is off the terminal campus, reached by free airport operated shuttle buses from each terminal. Your main tasks are to reach the correct kerbside pickup point, board the correct shuttle, then find your company counter once you arrive at the facility.
Some suppliers may offer different arrangements in specific cases, but for most mainstream car hire brands the terminal to shuttle to rental facility route is the standard pattern. If you want to compare providers in one place, Alamo car hire at Newark EWR and National car rental at Newark EWR are useful starting points.
Step by step, arrivals to counter (Terminal A, B, or C)
Step 1, land, taxi, and walk to arrivals. After landing, allow time to taxi to the gate and walk to arrivals. Newark’s terminals can involve a fair walk, especially if your gate is at the far end. If you have checked bags, the walk is usually not the slow part, baggage can be.
Step 2, immigration and customs (international arrivals). If you are arriving from outside the US, immigration queues can be highly variable. At peak arrival banks, this alone can add a significant delay. If you are a US citizen or have Global Entry, your time can be much shorter, but you should still budget for occasional congestion.
Step 3, baggage claim. Baggage delivery time varies by airline and time of day. If you have no checked bags, you can save time and head straight for ground transportation signs once you are landside.
Step 4, follow the right signs. In each terminal, look for overhead signs for “Ground Transportation” and then for “Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Shuttles”. The wording can vary by terminal, but the concept is consistent. Avoid following signs for taxis, ride shares, hotel shuttles, or NJ Transit, unless you have decided you do not need a vehicle immediately.
Step 5, go to the correct kerbside zone. Once outside arrivals, you will be at the kerbside pickup area. Rental car shuttles normally stop at marked points, separate from ride share areas. If you are unsure, ask an airport staff member which stop is for rental car shuttles, not a specific brand.
Step 6, wait for and board the rental car shuttle. Shuttles run frequently, but you can still face a short wait, plus a second wait if the first bus is full. Keep your party together and have bags ready to load quickly. If travelling with a child seat, it is usually easiest to install it at the rental facility, not on the kerb at the terminal.
Step 7, arrive at the rental facility and find your counter. Once dropped off, go inside and locate your car hire company desk. There can be separate queues for members, pre paid reservations, or general service. If you have everything ready, you can reduce desk time considerably.
Step 8, proceed to the garage or lot for your vehicle. After the counter, you will typically be directed to a bay or aisle. Staff may check your documents again and direct you to a specific vehicle. Take a moment to confirm the fuel policy, toll option, and return terminal before you drive out.
Step 9, inspect, load, and set up navigation. Walk around the car, take photos of any existing marks, then load bags. Pair your phone, set your route, and check the mirrors and seat position. Doing these before leaving the facility helps you avoid pulling over immediately on busy airport roads.
Realistic time buffers, how long should you allow?
The right buffer depends on whether you are domestic or international, time of day, and whether you have checked baggage. As a planning baseline for Newark Airport car hire pickup, these ranges are realistic for many travellers.
Domestic arrival, carry on only: 30 to 45 minutes from gate to counter is often achievable. Add 10 to 20 minutes to reach the car and leave the facility.
Domestic arrival, checked baggage: 45 to 75 minutes to the counter is more realistic, especially if baggage delivery is slow.
International arrival: 75 to 150 minutes to the counter is a sensible planning range. On quieter days you may be faster, but immigration and customs can be unpredictable.
Peak periods: Add 20 to 40 minutes during Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, or when several widebody flights arrive close together. Queueing can happen at the shuttle stop, at the counter, and at the exit gate.
In addition, plan extra time if you need a specific vehicle type. For example, larger groups often do best by confirming availability and allowing an extra buffer for assignment and loading. If that is you, see minivan rental at Newark EWR for typical options.
AirTrain and rail links, when they help and when they do not
Newark’s AirTrain is primarily a connector between terminals, parking, and the rail station. It is excellent when you are travelling between airport points, or when you want to take a train into New York or elsewhere in New Jersey. However, most car hire pickups are not done via AirTrain, they are done via the dedicated rental car shuttle from your terminal.
Where AirTrain can help is if you have changed plans and decide not to collect a car immediately. For example, if your meeting is in Manhattan and driving is not ideal, you might use AirTrain to reach the rail link instead of picking up a vehicle right away. But if your plan is to collect a hire car at EWR, follow the rental car shuttle signage from arrivals.
Signage tips that prevent common wrong turns
Look for “Ground Transportation” first. In many terminals, that is the umbrella sign that gets you pointed correctly.
Do not assume your brand is signed early. Some signs reduce information to categories, so focus on “Rental Car Shuttles” rather than a logo.
Confirm you are at the correct kerb level. Some terminals have multiple roadway levels. If the signs mention “Level 1” or “Arrivals Level”, make sure you are not on departures.
Ignore hotel shuttle crowds. Hotel shuttles can be busy and may stop nearby. Check the posted placard before you queue.
Documents and desk time, what slows things down
Even when the shuttle is quick, the counter can be the bottleneck. You can reduce desk time by having your driving licence, passport or ID, and payment card ready. If your licence is not in English, it is wise to check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended for your situation. Also be prepared to provide an address, even if it is your hotel, and a contact number.
New York area driving can include toll roads and tolled bridges and tunnels. The counter may offer toll packages or electronic toll options. Ask how tolls are charged, whether there is an admin fee, and how to avoid unwanted charges. It is also worth confirming the fuel policy, particularly whether you need to return full to full.
How to plan for traffic leaving EWR for New York
Collecting the car is only part of the timing. If you are driving toward New York City, add a traffic buffer after you leave the rental facility. Congestion can be heavy during commuter peaks and around major crossings. If you have a timed booking, dinner reservation, or show, avoid planning to arrive with a tight margin. A 30 to 60 minute driving buffer is sensible for many trips into Manhattan, even if the map shows a shorter run.
If your flight is delayed or you arrive late
Late arrivals can create two issues: reduced shuttle frequency and counter hours. Many major suppliers have extended hours, but not all desks operate 24 hours. If you think you will land close to closing time, plan to move quickly through arrivals, and consider phoning the supplier when you have landed if you are worried about missing the desk. If you arrive after the counter is closed, you may need to wait until it reopens, which can turn a short pickup into an overnight delay.
Return trip planning, how long to allow for drop off
For returns, the main timing factors are traffic approaching the airport, refuelling, and the shuttle back to your terminal. As a general guide, arriving at the rental facility 90 to 120 minutes before a domestic flight departure, and 2.5 to 3 hours before an international departure, is a conservative plan. If you need to refuel, add time for a station near the airport, plus a few minutes to locate the correct return entrance for your company. After dropping off, allow time for the shuttle and terminal check in, including security queues.
FAQ
Where do you pick up a hire car at Newark Airport? Most car hire pickups are at the off terminal rental car facility. You exit arrivals, follow Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttle signs, then take the free shuttle to the counters and vehicle bays.
How long should I allow from landing to getting the keys? For domestic arrivals, 30 to 75 minutes is typical depending on bags and queues. For international arrivals, 75 to 150 minutes is a safer planning range due to immigration and customs variability.
Do I use the AirTrain to reach the car hire counters? Usually no. AirTrain is mainly for terminal connections and the rail station. For car hire pickup, follow the terminal’s rental car shuttle signs and board the dedicated shuttle bus.
What is the biggest cause of delays at EWR car hire pickup? The most common delays are immigration queues for international flights, slow baggage delivery, and counter lines at peak periods. Shuttle waits can also add time if buses are full.
How much extra time should families or groups allow? Add 15 to 30 minutes for loading luggage, fitting child seats, and completing a careful vehicle check. Larger vehicles can also take longer to assign and prepare during busy periods.
