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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Newark, Delaware. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up in town to skip airport surcharges and take advantage of Delaware's zero sales tax, then hop on I-95 for quick drives to Philadelphia, Baltimore or the beaches.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Newark City Rentals | • Lower prices (no airport surcharges) • Delaware has only approximately 2% rental tax and no sales tax • Some agencies offer free pick-up service (e.g., Enterprise) • Less waiting time compared to busy airport locations | • More limited vehicle selection • Often open 8am-6pm weekdays and restricted weekend hours • Must arrange transportation to rental office |
| Philadelphia Airport (PHL) | • Large fleet and broad selection (economy to luxury) • 24/7 availability and extended hours • Free shuttle service from terminal to rental center • Immediate access upon arrival | • Higher costs from airport concession fees (10-11%) • Additional facility charges • Pennsylvania taxes (8% tax + $2/day) • 45-minute drive to Newark (40 miles / 64 km) |
| Wilmington Airport (ILG) | • On-site rental counters in terminal • Close proximity to Newark • Easier, less crowded rental experience | • Limited flight options • Smaller selection of vehicles • Some agencies may have restricted hours |
Busiest Rental Periods
- University events (graduation in late May, move-in week in August)
- Fridays (weekend rentals)
- Business travel peaks during fall and spring
Car Rental Prices
How to pay less?
- Pick up in Newark city, skip the airport fees – Delaware's 2 % rental tax and no sales tax beat PHL's double-digit airport surcharges and PA taxes, cutting the base price by up to a third.
- Shift your dates – Tue-Thu pickups and returns usually dodge the weekend/university rush that spikes prices.
- Check weekly rates even for 4–6 days – A "7-day" deal can be cheaper than paying the daily rate for a shorter span, so run both numbers in the comparison tool.
- Bring your own E-ZPass – It works on I-95 and DE-1 and sidesteps the $7-10 per-day toll gadget fee.
- Refuel on DE-273 before drop-off – Delaware pump prices beat PA and MD, and it avoids the rental company's premium refuel charge.
- Use free local pick-up – Many Newark city offices will shuttle you from hotel or campus, saving the rideshare fare from PHL or ILG.
Car rental prices in Newark, DE 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Newark Parking
- Downtown on-street meters are enforced 8 am to 1 am, Monday–Sunday
- City of Newark lots such as Lot 1 (off Main Street) offer hourly spaces
- University of Delaware's Trabant Garage is available to the public with hourly and daily rates
- Many meters accept credit cards and mobile payments through apps
- University of Delaware campus lots are mostly permit-only on weekdays
- Some lots offer free spaces in evenings after 6 pm
Driving Rules
- Default speed limits: 25 mph in business and residential areas, 20 mph in school zones, 55 mph on multi-lane roads, 65 mph on interstates
- Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
- Headlights are required when using wipers or in low visibility
- Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles on the shoulder
- Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited; hands-free devices are required
- At multi-way stops the first vehicle to stop has the right-of-way
Toll Roads
- I-95 Delaware Turnpike has a mainline toll plaza near Newark
- DE-1 has several toll points between Newark and southern Delaware
- All plazas accept E-ZPass and cash
- Rental car toll programs often include daily service fees
- To avoid extra fees, use cash lanes or bring your own E-ZPass transponder
Why rent a car in Newark, Delaware
Get a rental so you can easily:
- Philadelphia – I-95 corridor 40 miles (64 km)
- Baltimore – I-95 55 miles (89 km)
- Washington DC – I-95 100 miles (161 km)
- Delaware beaches – DE-1 95 miles (153 km)
- Brandywine Valley – DE-52 DE-100
- Christiana Mall – shopping center
Local Rental Locations
FAQs
Is it better to rent a car at the Philadelphia airport or in Newark?
Rental companies in Newark usually charge less because Delaware has no sales tax and the agencies don't add airport fees. However, if you are flying into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), you should think about the cost and time it takes to make the 40-mile (64 km) trip (about 45 minutes by car or shuttle) to get to Newark before you decide.
How far is Newark from major cities?
You can drive from Newark to Philadelphia in about 45 minutes, to Baltimore in 1 hour and to Washington, DC in 2 hours when traffic is normal.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Newark?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you must show a valid passport and your driver's license from your home country. You should also get an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English, as some rental agencies require it. If you use a debit card, some companies might ask you for a second ID.
Are toll roads common in the Newark area?
Yes. I-95 has a main toll plaza just south of Newark, and DE-1 has several toll points between Newark and the Delaware beaches. To avoid fees from the rental car's toll program, you should use your own E-ZPass or pay cash.
What type of vehicle is recommended for visiting Newark?
Most travelers find that a compact or mid-size sedan works well on Newark's well-maintained roads. If you visit in the winter, you might want an all-wheel-drive vehicle if the forecast calls for snow.
Is parking difficult around the University of Delaware campus?
You need a permit to park in university lots on weekdays, but you can find public parking at the Trabant Garage and on metered streets. You will usually find more spaces and fewer rules in the evenings and on weekends.
