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Find competitive rental car prices in Jersey City, NJ with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare downtown pickup or Newark Airport options in one search and see the full cost upfront, so you can drive over the Holland Tunnel, cruise the Garden State Parkway or hit the Jersey Shore without surprises.
Choosing where to rent your car in the Jersey City area significantly impacts convenience and cost. Here's a comparison of your main options:
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Hours (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City Downtown | Lower rates than airport; No airport surcharges; Shorter pickup lines | Limited vehicle selection; Restricted hours; Often closed Sundays | 8am-6pm (Mon-Sat) |
| Newark Airport (EWR) | On-site at airport; Large fleet; Many providers; Extended hours | Higher rates (~18% more than downtown); Airport fees; Potential long lines | 24 hours (major brands) |
| Newark Downtown | Lower rates; Fewer surcharges; Often shorter lines | Must travel from airport; Limited selection; Limited hours | 8am-6pm (weekdays) |
On average, car rentals in Jersey City cost around $91 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Jersey City downtown usually runs 15-20% cheaper than Newark Airport because there are no airport surcharges. Price-check Newark Downtown too—it can beat both if you don't mind the quick train/Uber from EWR.
Shift your dates: Weekend rates spike here. If your trip is flexible, pick up Monday–Thursday and keep the car only for the days you'll actually use it.
Target the low seasons: Fall (especially September) and January offer rates half of peak summer. Same beaches and skyline views, smaller bill.
Prepay when plans are locked: Many suppliers knock 15-20% off if you pay upfront online. Cancelation fees wipe out the savings, so only do this when you're sure.
Join the free loyalty program: Even the basic tier can score skip-the-line pickup at EWR and possible free upgrades—worth 2 minutes of signup.
Plan for tolls & gas: Bring your own EZ-Pass (or share one between friends) and top up within 5-10 miles of return to dodge $3-5 transponder fees and inflated refuel charges.
Getting around Jersey City requires careful attention to local rules and can be challenging in some areas.
Where to Park:
Residential Areas: Require permits for staying beyond the posted time limits
Garages: Available throughout downtown at hourly and daily rates
Local Driving Rules:
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
Jughandles: Many New Jersey highways use right-turn ramps for left turns; follow "All turns from right lane" signs
School Buses: Traffic in both directions must stop when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended
Cell Phones: Hands-free use only; a mounted device is recommended for GPS navigation
Toll Payment Options:
Cash: Still accepted on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike but not at the Hudson River crossings into New York City
Cashless Tolls: All crossings into New York City are cashless and tolls will be billed through the rental company if you do not have E-ZPass
Book a rental to easily:
Manhattan – museums, Broadway shows
Jersey Shore – Point Pleasant, Sandy Hook beaches
Atlantic City – boardwalk, casinos
Philadelphia – Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market
Is it better to rent a car at Newark Airport or in Jersey City?
You can find rentals in Jersey City for 15-20% less than at the airport because of lower fees. However, renting at the airport is more convenient, offers 24-hour service and has more cars to choose from. If you want to save money and don't mind their business hours, choose a rental place in Jersey City.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Jersey City?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You usually don't have to show proof of your own car insurance, but you can choose to buy or turn down the coverage the rental company offers. If you're visiting from another country, bring your passport and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
How much does parking cost in Jersey City?
Street parking meters cost about $1-2 per hour. Parking garages charge about $10 for a few hours or $20-30 for a full day. Some areas have free street parking, but you should always check the signs for any rules and street-cleaning times.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive my rental car?
Most rental companies in Jersey City will let you drive throughout New Jersey and nearby states. If you want to drive to Canada, you may need to tell the rental company ahead of time. You should check your rental agreement to see exactly where you are allowed to drive.
What type of insurance should I get for my rental car?
If your own car insurance or credit card doesn't cover rentals, you can get the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for about $10-30 per day. If you are visiting from another country without U.S. coverage, it's a good idea to add liability insurance (SLI) for about $10-15 per day.
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