Finding a car rental in Hackensack is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands all around New Jersey with no reservation fees. Pick up downtown, at nearby Teterboro or Newark Airport and choose anything from a fuel-saving compact to an all wheel drive SUV for winter roads. Reserve a week or two in advance to dodge summer price bumps and skip the extra surcharges that come with airport rentals.
Rental Location | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Hackensack Local Offices |
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Teterboro Airport |
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Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) |
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Paramus Shopping Centers |
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On average, car rentals in Hackensack cost around $103 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Skip the airport surcharge: Newark Airport rentals tack on facility fees. Check Hackensack neighborhood offices or Paramus shopping centers instead—often 10-20 % cheaper if their 8 am-6 pm hours work for you.
Peak = pricey: Rates jump mid-June – August and around Thanksgiving. If your schedule is flexible, compare quotes for early September or winter weeks when Bergen County prices usually drop 15 %+.
Play with length: A 7-day booking in NJ can cost less than 4-5 days. Punch both options into the comparison tool and stick with the cheaper total.
Tolls eat budgets: The GW Bridge alone is $16 eastbound. For Manhattan runs, price out NJ Transit park-and-ride lots; parking + fare can beat bridge tolls and $40-plus NYC garages.
Fill up in Jersey: Gas is typically 30-50¢/gal cheaper than across the Hudson and it's full-service by law. Top off before crossing state lines to lock in the savings.
Consider an E-ZPass add-on: Suppliers rent transponders for about $5-7 a day plus tolls. That's often cheaper than post-trip toll invoices that carry $10-15 admin fees per charge.
Where to Park:
When visiting New York City:
New Jersey Driving Rules:
Toll Roads and Bridges:
Renting a car lets you easily explore major cities, shopping hubs and outdoor getaways across the region.
New York City – Midtown Manhattan
Jersey Shore (Sandy Hook) – beaches, boardwalk
Woodbury Commons Outlets – designer stores
Mountain Creek – ski slopes, water park
American Dream / Meadowlands Complex – retail, entertainment
Philadelphia – Historic District, museums
What documents do I need to rent a car in Hackensack?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. International visitors need to show a valid passport and either an International Driving Permit (we recommend this) or a license printed in English. If your license is not in English, an IDP is required.
How do I handle tolls in northern New Jersey and into New York?
Most rental companies can give you an E-ZPass transponder for your car. You can join the rental company's toll program (usually $4–$6 per rental day plus the actual tolls) or use your own E-ZPass if it works with their system. If you don't use E-ZPass, cameras record your license plate at the tolls and you'll be billed by mail. The rental company often adds an extra administrative fee.
Is it better to rent in Hackensack or at Newark Airport?
Places in Hackensack usually have lower prices because they don't have airport fees, but they keep shorter hours and have fewer cars. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is open 24/7 and has the widest selection of cars, but its prices are higher because of airport fees. You should decide based on your arrival time, car needs and budget.
What should I know about Bergen County's Blue Laws?
In Bergen County, most stores are not allowed to open on Sundays. This means traffic is lighter near malls, so you should plan any big shopping trips for Monday through Saturday. Restaurants, entertainment venues, grocery stores and essential services stay open on Sundays.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive the rental car?
Most rental companies let you drive anywhere in the continental United States and into Canada. Driving to Mexico is almost never allowed. Some luxury or specialty cars may have extra rules about where you can take them, which you will find in the rental agreement.
What are the best alternatives to driving into Manhattan?
You can park at New Jersey Transit park-and-ride lots like Secaucus Junction (about $17–$20 per day) or North Bergen Park & Ride (around $9 per day) and then take a train or express bus into the city. Doing this saves time, helps you avoid bridge or tunnel traffic and lets you skip high Manhattan garage fees.
How can I avoid the worst traffic on the George Washington Bridge?
The bridge usually has the least traffic between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. On weekdays, try not to drive east toward NYC from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and avoid driving west toward New Jersey from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.