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Find lower car rental prices in Clifton, New Jersey with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Browse deals from local Clifton offices plus Newark Liberty and Teterboro airports in one search, then hit Route 3 toward Manhattan, the Jersey Shore or the Poconos with confidence.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 592164

Clifton and its surrounding areas offer several car rental options:

Rental Location Advantages Disadvantages
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • Extensive vehicle selection
  • 24/7 service
  • All major companies
  • Direct AirTrain access
  • Higher rates due to airport fees
  • Potential traffic congestion
  • 12 miles (19 km) from Clifton
Clifton Local Offices
  • Lower daily rates
  • No airport fees
  • Convenient for local residents
  • Limited hours (usually 8am-6pm)
  • Fewer vehicle options
  • May need appointment
Teterboro Airport
  • Closer to Clifton (7 miles/11 km)
  • Less congested than EWR
  • Limited rental companies
  • Shorter operating hours
  • Primarily serves private aviation

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Clifton?

On average, car rentals in Clifton cost around $93 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Skip the airport markup: Grab the car in a Clifton neighborhood office or at Teterboro. You avoid Newark Liberty's concession fees and usually save 15-25 %.

  • Play with dates and length: Check prices for a full week even if you only need 4-5 days. Weekend pick-ups and "weekly" rates often undercut daily pricing around North Jersey.

  • Peak-season? Lock it then watch it: Summer and holiday weeks see NYC spillover demand. Reserve 3-6 weeks ahead with a free-cancellation rate, then re-price a few days before pickup and rebook if it drops.

  • Bring your own E-ZPass: Activating your transponder on the rental plate dodges the $5-7/day toll package most companies offer and still scores the Garden State Parkway discount.

  • Refuel Jersey-style: Full-service stations on Routes 3 & 46 are 40-60¢/gal cheaper than NYC. Decline prepaid fuel, pay cash if there's a discount, let the attendant top it off and return full.

Parking and Driving Tips

Parking:

  • Clifton offers a mix of free and metered street options
  • Downtown Clifton has time-limited street spots (usually 2 hours)
  • Many shopping centers provide free customer spaces
  • Residential areas may have permit requirements or overnight restrictions

When visiting New York City:

  • Garages: rates vary by location and can be expensive
  • Street spots: difficult to find and strictly regulated
  • Consider Park and Ride options at Secaucus Junction or other NJ Transit stations

New Jersey Driving Rules:

  • Right-side driving and mandatory seat belts for all occupants
  • Right turn on red allowed after a complete stop (unless posted otherwise)
  • Speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35-45 mph on main roads, 65 mph on highways
  • Move-over law requires slowing down or changing lanes for stopped emergency vehicles
  • No self-service gas stations; attendants pump gas by law
  • Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited

Toll Roads:

  • Garden State Parkway runs north-south through Clifton
  • New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) is accessible 5 miles (8 km) east
  • E-ZPass electronic toll collection recommended for convenience and discounts
  • Hudson River crossings (Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, George Washington Bridge) all require tolls
  • Most tolls are collected when entering New York City and are free when returning to New Jersey
Why rent a car in Clifton

Rent a car so you can visit:

  • New York City (10 miles/16 km) – museums, Broadway, Times Square

  • Jersey Shore, Asbury Park (60 miles/97 km) – beaches, boardwalk, Stone Pony

  • Pocono Mountains (70 miles/113 km) – lakes, resorts, trails

  • Philadelphia (100 miles/161 km) – Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market

  • Atlantic City (125 miles/201 km) – casinos, boardwalk, outlet mall

Driving Distances from Clifton

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Clifton?

You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you also need a valid passport and either an International Driving Permit or a license printed in English.

How far in advance should I book a rental car?

To get the best prices and choice of cars, you should book 2-3 weeks ahead of time. During summer months and holidays, we suggest booking 1-2 months in advance.

Can I pick up in Clifton and return to another location?

Yes, most major rental companies let you do one-way rentals, but they may charge a fee depending on how far you go. You'll usually find lower one-way fees for returns inside the NY/NJ area.

Are there restrictions on where I can drive the rental car?

Most companies allow you to drive the rental car throughout the United States and into Canada. They generally do not allow you to drive to Mexico. Some luxury cars might have extra rules about where you can drive them.

What happens if I encounter toll roads?

Most rental cars come equipped for E-ZPass. You can sign up for the rental company's toll program, which costs about $5-7 a day plus the actual tolls, or use your own E-ZPass if it works with their system.

Do rental cars come with GPS navigation?

You can rent a GPS unit for an extra daily fee, usually around $10-15 a day. Many travelers just use navigation apps on their smartphones, which can be more up-to-date.

What's the best way to handle parking in New York City?

If you're just going for the day, you can park at a New Jersey transit hub and take public transportation. If you're staying overnight, your best bet is hotel parking or a nearby garage, but know that it can be expensive, around $40-60 a night.