Budget Car Rental
New Jersey

All Budget rental car pickups at Newark Liberty International Airport occur at the consolidated rental car center, located at Station P3. Regardless of which terminal you arrive at (A, B, or C), you will need to follow the overhead signs for the AirTrain. The AirTrain is a free monorail system that connects all terminals to the rental car facility. Once you board, take the train to the stop designated as "Station P3 / Rental Cars" to reach the Budget counter and vehicle lot.

After collecting your checked bags from the baggage claim carousel in Terminal A, look for signs directing you to the AirTrain. You will take an escalator or elevator up to the AirTrain platform. Board any train, as they all travel in the same direction toward the rental car center. Your stop is Station P3, which is typically the second stop after Terminal A; once you exit the train there, follow the signs for Budget to find the counter and your vehicle.

The process for getting to the Budget pickup location is nearly identical whether you arrive at Terminal B or Terminal C. In both terminals, you will first collect your luggage and then follow the prominent signs for the AirTrain. The primary difference is the physical location of the AirTrain station within each terminal, which may result in a slightly longer or shorter walk. However, the core steps remain the same: board the AirTrain and take it to Station P3 to access the rental car center.

The most practical meeting point for a group is in the baggage claim area of the terminal where your flight arrives. This allows everyone to gather their luggage in one spot before moving on. Once everyone is accounted for, you can proceed as a group to the AirTrain. Trying to meet at the rental car center itself can be more chaotic due to crowding and the focus on processing individual rentals.

For a late-night arrival, the process of getting to the Budget facility remains straightforward as the AirTrain operates 24/7. You can expect fewer crowds on the train and at the rental car center, which may lead to a quicker experience. The biggest advantage is significantly lighter traffic on the airport roads and surrounding highways, making your departure from EWR much smoother and faster than during peak hours.

During weekday rush hour, it's wise to add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to your pickup plan. This buffer accounts for potential congestion within the terminal, longer waits for the AirTrain due to more travelers, and heavier foot traffic at the rental car center. Additionally, you'll face immediate rush-hour traffic upon exiting the airport, so this extra time ensures you are not starting your drive feeling rushed or stressed.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is distinguishing between signs for airport parking and signs for rental cars. While the AirTrain stops at various parking lots (P1, P2), you must specifically go to Station P3 for all rental car services. To avoid confusion, focus only on the signs that explicitly say "Rental Cars" or show the rental car key symbol, as these will consistently lead you to the AirTrain and the correct P3 stop.

When traveling with children, use a luggage cart to manage your bags and car seats in one bundle. Have one adult manage the cart while the other keeps the kids together. Once you arrive at the rental car center at Station P3, find a comfortable spot out of the main walkway to settle your family and belongings. This allows one adult to handle the rental process at the counter without the added stress of managing everything at once.

A great strategy is to set your GPS to a nearby, easy-to-reach location like The Mills at Jersey Gardens mall, which is just off the main airport loop. This gives you a simple, well-marked first route to follow, allowing you to get comfortable with the car and the road signs. After this short drive, you can pull over in the parking lot, relax for a moment, and then confidently set your GPS to your final destination, fully prepared for the major highway interchanges.

The most challenging point for visitors is the immediate split for US Routes 1 & 9 versus Interstate 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike. These ramps diverge very quickly after you leave the rental facility. The key is to have your navigation set and running before you start driving. Pay close attention to the overhead signs and get into your target lane as early as possible, as last-second lane changes are difficult and unsafe in the fast-moving traffic.

Jughandles are a unique feature of New Jersey roads used for making left turns from multi-lane highways. Instead of turning left from a center lane, you will exit from the right lane onto a curved ramp, known as a jughandle. This ramp will loop you around to a traffic light where you can then cross the highway or merge onto the cross-street. The best advice is to watch the traffic flow and anticipate that all left turns will require this right-hand exit maneuver.

The most frequent mistakes are making abrupt, late lane changes and not being assertive enough when merging. The traffic flow around EWR is fast and dense, requiring you to be predictable. To avoid issues, use your turn signals well in advance, match the speed of traffic when merging onto highways, and leave a safe following distance. Avoid hesitation, as it can confuse other drivers and disrupt the flow of traffic.

Most major toll roads and bridges in New Jersey use an all-electronic system, meaning you won't stop to pay cash at a booth. Your rental car is equipped to handle these tolls automatically. As you drive under the overhead sensors, the system registers the toll to the vehicle. This creates a seamless driving experience, allowing you to focus on navigation without worrying about having cash or finding the correct toll lane.

For a less stressful drive to Jersey City, consider taking US Route 1/9 North instead of the New Jersey Turnpike. While this route has traffic lights and a lower speed limit, it is more straightforward and avoids the high-speed, multi-lane merges that can be intimidating for drivers new to the area. It provides a more gradual introduction to local driving and takes you directly into the heart of Jersey City with fewer complex interchanges.

The most direct and manageable route for a newcomer is to take US Route 1/9 North from the airport. Continue on this road until it becomes Tonnelle Avenue, then follow local signs toward Hoboken. This path avoids the often-congested New Jersey Turnpike and the complex approaches to the Holland Tunnel. While it may not always be the fastest route according to GPS, it is generally the easiest to navigate for a first-time driver in the region.

When driving into downtown Newark, expect a dense grid of one-way streets and very limited space to pull over. It is crucial to have your hotel's address programmed into your GPS before you leave the airport. As you get close, focus on looking for the hotel's designated vehicle entrance or parking garage. Trying to unload luggage on the street is often impractical, so heading directly to the proper parking or drop-off zone is the best strategy.

The most straightforward route is to take the New Jersey Turnpike North to the Western Spur (I-95W) and follow the signs for Route 3 West, which leads directly to the stadium complex. On event days, this route remains the best option, but you must leave significantly earlier to account for heavy traffic. Pay close attention to electronic highway signs and police directing traffic, as they may guide you to specific parking lots to manage the flow of vehicles.

When heading to the Prudential Center for an event, the key is to plan your parking in advance. Use a parking app to reserve a spot in a garage a few blocks away from the arena. This allows you to avoid the worst of the traffic immediately surrounding the venue. Aim to arrive in the area at least an hour before the event starts, giving you plenty of time to park and walk without feeling rushed by street closures and congestion.

For visitors driving to Liberty State Park to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries, the most convenient option is the large, designated ferry parking lot. Set your GPS for 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ. This will lead you directly to the main visitor lot, which offers ample space and is located right next to the ferry terminal, making it a short and easy walk to board your boat.

The simplest drive to American Dream is via the New Jersey Turnpike North. Take the Western Spur (I-95W) and follow the large, clear signs for Route 3 West and the mall complex. The parking experience is very user-friendly for first-timers, with massive, color-coded parking garages connected directly to the mall. Note the color and level where you park, as this will make it much easier to find your car after your visit.

To beat the infamous weekend shore traffic, your departure time is critical. On a Friday or Saturday morning, aim to be on the road from the Newark area no later than 7 AM. For your return trip on a Sunday, the Garden State Parkway becomes heavily congested heading north. To avoid the worst of it, plan to either leave the shore before noon or wait until after 8 PM for a much smoother drive back.

For easier navigation and parking, consider visiting shore towns like Asbury Park or Long Branch. These towns are conveniently located off major exits of the Garden State Parkway and feature larger, more organized parking infrastructure. They offer multiple municipal lots and parking garages near the boardwalk and downtown areas, which is a significant advantage over smaller towns that rely almost exclusively on competitive street parking.

A practical plan is to depart from EWR by 8:30 AM, which should get you to Atlantic City before 11 AM via the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Park your car in one of the large casino garages, as they offer convenient and central parking. This gives you several hours to explore the boardwalk and attractions before starting your return drive around 4:30 PM, putting you back in the Newark area before late-evening traffic peaks.

To ensure an afternoon arrival in Cape May, plan to leave the EWR area by 10 AM at the latest. The drive typically takes about three hours without significant traffic. A great way to structure the trip is to plan a lunch stop around the halfway point, near a town like Toms River or Manahawkin. This breaks up the long drive down the Garden State Parkway and allows you to arrive in Cape May feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

A perfect pairing for a Princeton visit is the Grounds For Sculpture in nearby Hamilton. Start your day by driving from EWR to Princeton, which takes about an hour, and spend the morning exploring the university campus and town. In the early afternoon, make the short 15-minute drive to the sculpture park. This itinerary allows you to experience two distinct attractions at a relaxed pace before heading back to the Newark area.

On a weekend, expect heavy traffic on I-80 West heading towards the Delaware Water Gap. The biggest challenge is parking at popular trailheads like Mount Tammany or Buttermilk Falls. These lots fill up extremely early, often before 9 AM. To secure a spot, you must leave the Newark area before 7 AM. It's also wise to have a backup plan with a less-crowded trail in mind in case your first choice is already full.

To have the best experience, plan to arrive at the Six Flags parking entrance about 30 to 45 minutes before the park's scheduled opening time. This strategy helps you get ahead of the main wave of traffic coming off Interstate 195. Arriving early not only minimizes your wait time to enter the parking lot but also typically secures you a better parking spot closer to the main entrance, saving you a long walk at the start and end of your day.

The most direct route is to take the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 3, then follow the signs for the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76 West) into Philadelphia. Once you are in the city, the easiest parking strategy for visitors is to use one of the many public parking garages in the Old City or Center City neighborhoods. This allows you to leave your car in a central location and explore the historic sites, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, on foot.

To minimize traffic headaches, plan your drives into New York City during off-peak hours. The best windows are typically between 10 AM and 2 PM on weekdays, or anytime after 8 PM. For travel between your New Jersey destinations, avoid the standard commuter rush hours of 7 AM to 9:30 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Driving during these midday or late-evening periods will save you significant time and frustration on major highways and at river crossings.

Finding street parking in the popular downtown areas of Jersey City and Hoboken in the evening is extremely challenging, as most spots are reserved for residents with permits. Your best and most reliable option is to plan on using a public parking garage. These are well-signed and located throughout the main commercial districts. While it is an added expense, it eliminates the stress of circling blocks searching for a non-existent spot.

In winter, be prepared for the possibility of snow, ice, or freezing rain, which can make roads slick, especially on bridges and overpasses. While major highways like the Turnpike are usually well-maintained, local roads may be less clear. Always allow for extra stopping distance, reduce your speed in wintry conditions, and be aware that visibility can change quickly. It's also wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you begin your drive.

A compact or mid-size sedan is often the most practical choice for navigating New Jersey's diverse driving environments. This type of vehicle is comfortable and stable for highway travel on the Turnpike or Parkway. At the same time, its smaller size makes it much easier to maneuver through tight city streets and fit into the often-compact parking spaces found in urban garages and crowded shore towns.

Before you finalize your rental and drive off the lot, it is essential to physically test-fit all of your large suitcases in the trunk. Open the trunk and place each bag inside to confirm that they all fit and that the lid can close securely. It is far easier to address a space issue and request a different vehicle while you are still at the pickup location than to discover the problem after you have already left the airport.

The most convenient gas stations for refueling are located along US Route 1/9, which runs directly past the airport. As you approach EWR for your return, you will see several major brand gas stations on both the northbound and southbound sides of this highway. Setting your GPS to one of these stations provides an easy-off, easy-on option without having to navigate unfamiliar local neighborhoods just before your flight.

As you approach the airport, pay close attention to the overhead highway signs and deliberately stay in the lanes marked for "Rental Car Return." These dedicated lanes are designed to separate you from the traffic heading to the passenger terminals for arrivals and departures. By following these specific signs, you will be guided directly to the entrance of the consolidated return facility, completely bypassing the confusing terminal loops.

For an early-morning flight, a safe timeline is to allocate at least 45 minutes for the entire car return process. This includes about 10 minutes to refuel at a nearby gas station, 10 minutes to drive to the return center and complete the vehicle check-in, and another 20-25 minutes for the AirTrain ride from Station P3 back to your departure terminal. This buffer accounts for any minor delays and ensures a stress-free start to your travel day.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" and go directly to the specific terminal for your passengers. Drop them off with the luggage at the curbside check-in area. After they are safely out of the vehicle, simply get back on the main airport road and follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." This prevents you from having to circle the entire airport and takes you directly to the return facility.

If you accidentally miss the entrance, the most important thing is not to panic or make a sudden, unsafe maneuver. Simply stay on the main airport roadway and continue following the loop. The airport's road system is designed as a continuous circle, so the signs for "Rental Car Return" will appear again as you come back around toward the terminals. This will give you a second, safe opportunity to take the correct exit.

For a low-risk stop, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is an excellent choice as it's located right next to the airport and is designed for easy access from the main roads. You can quickly grab a coffee or a bite to eat without navigating complex city streets. Another simple option is to find a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant along US Route 1/9, which allows for a quick stop before you make the final turn into the airport for your car return.

The most distinct local driving habits are the mandatory use of jughandles for left turns and the assertive, fast-paced nature of highway merging. Unlike in many other states, drivers here expect you to accelerate to match the flow of traffic when entering a highway. Additionally, lane changes tend to be quick and decisive. The key for a visitor is to be predictable: use your signals early, maintain your speed, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.