Car Rental
New Jersey Airport

After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, look for overhead signs directing you to the AirTrain. This automated monorail system is your primary transport to the rental car facilities. Most major rental car companies at Newark Airport are conveniently located in a central facility at the P3 station. The AirTrain is free to use for travel between terminals, parking lots, and the rental car center, making the process smooth and efficient.

The most efficient way to reach the rental car area is by using the AirTrain Newark. After exiting your terminal, follow the signs for the AirTrain, which has stations at Terminals A, B, and C. Board the train and take it to the P3 station stop. The consolidated rental car center, which houses the counters for most agencies, is located right at this station, making it a simple walk from the AirTrain platform to pick up your vehicle.

Yes, the rental car return at Newark Airport is located in the same consolidated facility where you picked up your vehicle. As you drive back toward the airport, you will see prominent signs for “Rental Car Return.” It is important to follow these specific signs rather than the signs for your departure terminal. This will guide you directly to the multi-level garage where you can drop off the car and then take the AirTrain back to your terminal.

For a domestic flight, it is wise to return your rental car at least two and a half to three hours before your scheduled departure. For international flights, plan to arrive at the rental car return three and a half to four hours in advance. This buffer accounts for the time needed to complete the vehicle return process, take the AirTrain from the P3 station to your terminal, check your luggage, and clear through security, which can have long lines.

Avoiding tunnel traffic entirely can be challenging, but using a real-time GPS app is your best strategy for finding the least congested route. The Holland Tunnel and Lincoln Tunnel are the most direct options, but they are prone to heavy delays. An alternative to consider is taking the NJ Turnpike north to the George Washington Bridge, especially if your destination is in Upper Manhattan. Always check traffic conditions right before you leave the airport to make the most informed decision.

For destinations in Midtown Manhattan, such as Times Square or the Theater District, the Lincoln Tunnel is the most direct and logical river crossing. It connects directly from New Jersey into the heart of Midtown. The Holland Tunnel is better suited for reaching Downtown Manhattan neighborhoods like SoHo or the Financial District. The George Washington Bridge is the best choice for reaching Upper Manhattan, Washington Heights, or the Bronx.

Driving out of Newark Airport during weekday rush hour, typically from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM, requires patience and planning. You should anticipate heavy, slow-moving traffic on all major arteries, including the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), I-78, and Routes 1 & 9. Travel times can easily double during these periods, so it's crucial to build significant extra time into your schedule. Using a GPS with live traffic updates is essential for navigating the congestion.

The highway interchanges surrounding EWR are complex, with many merging lanes and quick splits for major routes like the NJ Turnpike, I-78, and US 1/9. A common point of confusion is ensuring you are in the correct lane for your intended highway well in advance. Rely heavily on your GPS navigation and pay close attention to overhead signs. Last-minute lane changes can be difficult and unsafe due to the high volume of traffic.

To ensure your GPS directs you correctly, it's best to search for “Newark Airport Rental Car Center” or “EWR P3 Station” rather than just the airport's main address. The rental car facility is located at the P3 parking station, which is a distinct location from the passenger terminals. Using this more specific destination in your navigation app will guide you to the correct entrance for rental car pick-up or return, helping you avoid circling the terminal loops.

Just a short drive from the airport, you'll find numerous convenient options for food and supplies. The area along US Routes 1 & 9 in Elizabeth features many fast-food chains, diners, and large retail centers like The Mills at Jersey Gardens. For a wider variety of local cuisine, the Ironbound district in Newark is famous for its Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants. These nearby spots allow you to easily stock up on essentials before continuing your journey.

When driving from EWR into New York City, you will encounter tolls at all bridge and tunnel crossings, such as the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge. These tolls are collected electronically via systems like E-ZPass, and cash lanes are increasingly rare. Most rental vehicles are equipped with a toll transponder, and the rental company will have a program for how these charges are handled. It's a good idea to ask about their specific tolling policy at the rental counter.

The most direct and popular route to most Jersey Shore destinations is the Garden State Parkway (GSP) South. From the airport, you can easily access the GSP by taking a short drive on I-78 West. Once on the Parkway, it's a relatively straight shot down the coast. During the summer, especially on Fridays and Sundays, expect heavy traffic, so it's best to travel during off-peak hours if possible.

Under ideal conditions with light traffic, the drive from Newark Airport to Atlantic City takes approximately two hours. The route primarily follows the Garden State Parkway South. However, this travel time can increase significantly, sometimes to three hours or more, during peak periods. The heaviest traffic typically occurs on summer weekends, especially Friday afternoons heading south and Sunday afternoons heading north, so plan your departure time accordingly.

The most straightforward route to Princeton is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South from the airport. You will travel for about 35-40 miles before taking the exit for Route 18 North toward US Route 1 South, which leads you into the Princeton area. The drive is almost entirely on major highways and is well-signed. Outside of peak rush hour, the journey typically takes under an hour.

Liberty State Park offers ample paid parking for visitors, making it very convenient for those with a rental car. As you enter the park, you will see clear signage directing you to large visitor parking lots located near the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. From these lots, it is a short walk to the ticket booths and the ferry departure point for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Arriving early is recommended on weekends and holidays to secure a good spot.

A same-day trip from Newark Airport to the Delaware Water Gap is very manageable and makes for a great excursion. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes each way, primarily via I-80 West. This leaves you with plenty of daylight to enjoy hiking, visit waterfalls, or take a scenic drive through the park. To make the most of your day, plan to leave the airport area early in the morning to avoid traffic and maximize your time in nature.

It makes sense to pick up your rental car upon arrival at EWR if your itinerary includes significant travel within New Jersey or to neighboring states first. However, if the initial days of your trip are focused solely on Manhattan, it is often more practical to use public transportation into the city. You can then rent a car later from a city location when you are ready to explore areas where a vehicle is necessary, thereby avoiding the high costs and stress of parking in Manhattan.

Driving from EWR to Brooklyn or Queens during peak hours is a significant challenge that requires strategic planning. The most common route involves crossing Staten Island via the Goethals Bridge and then taking the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. This entire corridor is known for severe congestion, and travel times can easily exceed two hours. Using a real-time traffic app is absolutely essential, and if possible, schedule your drive for the middle of the day or late in the evening.

The most direct route to MetLife Stadium is to take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North from the airport. You will want to ensure you are on the western spur of the Turnpike. From there, take Exit 16W, which leads you onto Route 3 West and directly to the MetLife Sports Complex. The drive is short, but be sure to leave extremely early for any major event, as traffic leading into the stadium parking lots can be exceptionally heavy.

The driving route to American Dream is the same as for MetLife Stadium, as they are part of the same complex. From Newark Airport, take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North, using the western spur. Follow the signs for Exit 16W, which will put you on Route 3 West. The mall is highly visible and well-signed from the highway, with dedicated entrances for its parking decks. The drive is typically quick outside of peak shopping times or event days.

Finding a gas station near Newark Airport is very easy, so you don't need to worry about running low before your return. The main roads that border the airport, particularly US Routes 1 & 9, are lined with numerous gas stations from all major brands. Many of these are open 24 hours. A quick search on your GPS as you approach the airport will show several convenient options right on your return path.

Similar to gas stations, there are many convenient car washes located on the major thoroughfares surrounding Newark Airport. You can find several options along US Routes 1 & 9 in both Newark and Elizabeth, just a few minutes' drive from the rental car return entrance. Using a map app to search for “car wash” when you are near the airport will provide you with a list of the closest and highest-rated locations for a quick cleaning before you drop off the vehicle.

If you find yourself in New York City unexpectedly, the most important thing is to remain calm and rely on your GPS to guide you out. Avoid making sudden maneuvers and focus on getting onto a major avenue that heads toward a bridge or tunnel back to New Jersey. Most of the highly restricted streets are in Lower Manhattan's congestion pricing zone. If you stay on major arteries like the West Side Highway or FDR Drive, navigation is generally more straightforward.

Two New Jersey driving rules often surprise out-of-state visitors. First, it is illegal to pump your own gasoline; you must wait for an attendant to do it for you. Second, many highways prohibit direct left turns. Instead, you must use a ramp on the right called a “jughandle” to loop around and cross the highway. Always look for signs indicating “All turns from right lane” when you need to make a left.

Navigating New Jersey's traffic circles and jughandles can be intimidating at first, but they are manageable if you stay alert. For traffic circles, or rotaries, the key is to yield to traffic already circulating and know which exit you need before you enter. Jughandles are ramps on the right used for making left turns; simply follow the signs, and the ramp will loop you around to cross the main road. Paying close attention to road signs is the best way to handle these unique intersections.

To streamline the process, designate roles between the adults in your party. One person can manage the children and carry-on bags while the other goes to the counter to handle the rental paperwork. Once you have the car, find a safe spot in the parking garage to install car seats before loading all the luggage. For drop-off, you can unload your family and bags at the terminal's departure curb with one driver before the other returns the car alone.

If you are traveling during winter and heading to a ski area, it's essential to monitor the weather forecast and road conditions closely. Major highways are usually well-maintained, but mountain roads can be snowy or icy. When booking your rental, consider a vehicle with all-wheel drive for better traction. Allow for significantly more travel time, pack an emergency kit, and ensure your phone is fully charged before you depart from the airport.

Cell service and GPS navigation are generally very reliable throughout the Newark Airport area and on the surrounding major highways. You can count on a strong signal to guide you. The only potential for a brief interruption is when you are inside a tunnel or on the lowest level of a complex interchange. It's a good practice to review the next few turns of your route before entering a tunnel, just in case the signal drops temporarily.

The most effective plan is for everyone to first claim their luggage independently. Then, agree to meet at a single, specific location, such as the baggage claim carousel for a particular flight or a designated coffee shop in one of the terminals. An even simpler option is for everyone to take the AirTrain to the P3 station and meet directly at the rental car center, which prevents anyone from having to navigate between terminals.

Newark Airport offers direct and clearly marked access to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95). As you exit the rental car center, you will immediately see large overhead signs for I-95 North and I-95 South. Simply get into the correct lane for your direction of travel. The on-ramps are located right at the airport's edge, allowing you to get onto this major highway within just a few minutes of leaving the garage.

Renting a car during a layover is only realistic if you have at least six to seven hours between flights. You must account for the time it takes to deplane, get to the rental center, complete the paperwork, drive to your destination, return, and then go through security again. A short trip to a very close destination like The Mills at Jersey Gardens for shopping might be feasible. Attempting a trip into Manhattan is very risky and not recommended.

Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from Newark Airport to the Cape Liberty cruise terminal in Bayonne takes about 25 to 35 minutes. The route typically involves a portion of the New Jersey Turnpike. However, it is highly advisable to budget at least an hour for the trip. This provides a comfortable cushion to account for potential traffic delays, especially on cruise departure days when the area can become quite congested.

The most reliable method is to input “Newark Airport Rental Car Return” or “EWR P3 Station” as your destination in your GPS. As you approach the airport complex, pay close attention to the road signs. You will see specific signs for “Rental Car Return” that are separate from the signs for airline departures. Following these dedicated signs will lead you directly to the correct entrance for the consolidated return facility.

Picking up a car at EWR is very practical, even if you're staying in downtown Newark. The airport offers the widest selection of vehicles and the most competitive availability. The drive from the airport to downtown is short, typically under 15 minutes. While there may be smaller rental offices in the city, their hours and vehicle inventory are often more limited, making the airport location a more reliable choice for most travelers.

Parking in Hoboken and Jersey City is notoriously difficult and expensive, much like in Manhattan itself. On-street parking is scarce and mostly reserved for residents with permits. Your best bet is to find a public parking garage, but be prepared for high hourly or daily rates. Many visitors find it easier to park at a suburban transit station and take the train or ferry into these cities and then on to Manhattan.

The most direct route from EWR to Philadelphia is the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) South. The drive is straightforward and takes about 90 minutes to two hours without major incidents. Common slowdowns typically occur during rush hour around the more populated central New Jersey exits and again as you approach the bridges leading into Philadelphia. Always check a live traffic map before you depart for the most current conditions.

On a weekend, the drive from Newark Airport to the Bronx can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. The most common route is the NJ Turnpike North to the George Washington Bridge, followed by the Major Deegan Expressway or Cross Bronx Expressway. While weekend traffic can be lighter than on weekdays, the area around the George Washington Bridge is almost always congested, so it's wise to allow for extra time.

For a scenic fall foliage drive, a great plan is to head northwest from the airport. You can take I-78 West or I-280 West to connect with I-287 North. This will lead you towards beautiful areas like Morristown National Historical Park and the Ramapo Valley. From there, you can explore smaller state highways and county roads that wind through the forested, hilly terrain of northern New Jersey, offering excellent views of the autumn colors.

First-time visitors should be prepared for a fast-paced and assertive driving environment. The highways around EWR are characterized by high traffic volume, frequent lane changes, and complex interchanges. The best advice is to drive defensively, use your GPS, and try to know your next turn or exit in advance. Avoid making sudden lane changes, leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead, and focus on following the signs for your route.