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| Rental Location | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Local Offices |
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| Brick Township (nearby) |
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| Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) |
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| Philadelphia Airport (PHL) |
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On average, car rentals in Lakewood cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Local Lakewood or nearby Brick Township offices often beat Newark or Philly airports because you skip airport facility fees. Only trek to an airport desk if your flight schedule truly demands it.
Peak-season strategy: Jersey Shore summer and holiday weekends sell out fast, so lock in a car about 2-3 weeks early. Visiting in winter or early spring? Waiting can score last-minute bargains.
Tweak pickup/return times: Shifting by a few hours can dodge after-hours charges and sometimes drops you into a cheaper daily rate band.
Check weekly pricing: A 5-6 day rental frequently costs less when booked as a weekly—run both options in the search to see.
Places to Park:
When visiting shore areas:
New Jersey Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Rent a car so you can see:
Jersey Shore beaches – Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Island Beach State Park
Six Flags Great Adventure – roller coasters, safari park
Atlantic City – casinos, boardwalk
Day-trip cities – New York City, Philadelphia

What documents do I need to rent a car in Lakewood?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you are visiting from another country, you'll need a valid passport and either an International Driving Permit or a license written in English.
What's the best strategy for beach visits with a rental car?
You should try to arrive early, before 10 am, to find the best parking spots. Be ready to pay for beach access and parking at most places. You might also want to try less crowded beaches like Spring Lake or Manasquan instead of busier spots like Seaside Heights when it's very busy in the summer.
How do I handle tolls when driving on the Garden State Parkway?
Most rental car companies offer an E-ZPass for tolls. You can join their toll plan, which usually costs about $5–7 per day on top of the toll fees. Or, you can use your own E-ZPass if it works with their system. Most toll plazas on the Garden State Parkway still have lanes where you can pay cash.
Is it worth renting a car at the airport versus locally in Lakewood?
Renting from the airport gives you more cars to choose from and they are open 24/7. But, the prices are higher because of airport fees. If you're flying in and need a car right away, renting at the airport is a good idea. If you're already in Lakewood and just need a car for a few trips, renting from a local place will save you money.
What should I know about driving in Lakewood's Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods?
A large Orthodox Jewish community lives in Lakewood. You should be extra careful when you drive on Friday evenings and Saturdays. This is the Sabbath, and many people will be walking to and from their synagogue. You should also watch out for more people walking around during religious holidays.
Are there special considerations for summer shore traffic?
The traffic going to the shore in the summer is very heavy. It is especially bad on Friday afternoons heading toward the beaches and on Sunday afternoons or evenings when people are driving home. You should try traveling when it's less busy. You can also use a navigation app on your phone to find other routes when the main roads are packed.
What fuel options are available in the Lakewood area?
In New Jersey, you are not allowed to pump your own gas. An attendant will pump it for you, so you can stay in your car. Many gas stations along Routes 9, 70 and 88 are open 24 hours. Gas prices are usually lower than in Pennsylvania and New York.