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Finding a car rental in Lakewood, New Jersey is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around New Jersey with no booking fees. Pick up from neighborhood desks or Newark Airport, then hit Route 9 or the Garden State Parkway for quick runs to the Jersey Shore, New York City or Philadelphia. Book a couple of weeks ahead to dodge the summer rush and secure lower rates.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| 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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Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- 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.
- Refuel in town: Top off at any Lakewood station before drop-off. New Jersey's full-service gas is usually cheaper than NY or PA, and beats the rental company's pump-it-for-you price.
Car rental prices in Lakewood 2025/2026
Driving and Parking Tips
Places to Park
- Most Lakewood shopping centers and businesses offer free spots
- Downtown Lakewood has some time-limited street spaces
- Residential areas usually have unrestricted street spaces
- Be aware of rules near Lakewood BlueClues stadium during games
When visiting shore areas
- Beach towns have metered spots
- Limited free options in peak summer season
- Consider early arrival for best availability
- Some shore towns offer paid daily and weekly passes
New Jersey Driving Rules
- Right-side driving and mandatory seat belts for all passengers
- Right turn on red allowed after a complete stop (unless posted otherwise)
- Full-service gas stations only; self-service is prohibited by law
- Handheld cell phone use while driving is prohibited
- Move Over law requires changing lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles
- Headlights are required when using windshield wipers
Toll Roads
- Garden State Parkway is the primary toll road in the region
- E-ZPass electronic toll collection is recommended for convenience
- Cash lanes remain available at most Parkway toll plazas
- Some tolls are becoming cashless and are billed by mail if you don't have E-ZPass
Why rent a car in Lakewood
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
- Outlet and mall shopping – Jackson Premium Outlets, Freehold Raceway Mall
Local Rental Locations
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Car Rental Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
- Car Rental Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Car Rental Newark, NJ
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- Clifton, NJ
- Fort Lee, NJ
- Hackensack, NJ
- Hoboken, NJ
- Jersey City, NJ
- Middletown, NJ
- Morristown, NJ
- New Jersey
- Princeton, NJ
- Union, NJ
FAQs
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.
