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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Newark, NJ. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Simple. Book a cheaper downtown pickup or grab a 24-hour car at Newark Liberty International Airport, then cruise straight onto I-78, the Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway for quick runs to Manhattan, the Jersey Shore or Philadelphia.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Hours (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Downtown | Lower rates; Fewer surcharges; Often shorter lines | Limited selection; Restricted operating hours; Must travel from airport if flying in | 8am-6pm (weekdays) |
| Newark Airport (EWR) | On-site at airport; Large fleet; Many providers; Extended hours | Higher rates (approximately 18% more); Potential for long lines; Airport fees | 24 hours (major brands) |
| Ironbound District | Lower rates; Close to Newark Penn Station | Limited hours; Smaller selection | 8am-6pm (Mon-Sat) |
| University Heights | Near universities and business district | Limited vehicle options; Restricted hours | 8am-5pm (weekdays) |
On average, car rentals in Newark cost around $55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Pick up downtown, not at EWR. Branches in Newark's city center are usually 15-20% cheaper because there's no airport concession tax. Hop on NJ Transit from the airport to Newark Penn Station, then rideshare or walk to the lot.
Tweak your dates and times. Midweek (Tue-Thu) pickups and returns often undercut weekend rates, and shifting the clock by just a couple hours in the search can expose cheaper 24-hour pricing blocks.
Weigh "pay now" deals. Prepaid bookings in Newark regularly knock off another 15-20%. Only click buy if your plans are solid since changes can nuke the savings.
Think twice about the toll transponder. E-ZPass programs add $3-5 a day. If you're not crossing into NYC daily, pay cash on the Turnpike and Parkway and keep that fee in your pocket.
Getting around Newark means knowing the local rules and where to leave your car:
Where to Park:
Downtown Lots/Garages: Various hourly and daily rates
Near Newark Penn Station: Secure lots are available within walking distance
Prudential Center Area: Multiple lots are available, but rates go up during events
Ironbound District: Limited metered street spots; several paid lots are available
Local Driving Rules:
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Jughandles: Many New Jersey highways use right turn ramps called jughandles for left turns
School Buses: You must stop in both directions when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended
Cell Phones: Hands-free only; mount your phone for GPS use
Toll Roads:
Garden State Parkway: Periodic toll plazas along the route
Tunnels and Bridges to New York City: Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge all charge tolls when entering New York City
Get a car to see:
New York City – Manhattan museums, Times Square
Jersey Shore – Point Pleasant, Asbury Park
Atlantic City – casinos, boardwalk
Philadelphia – Liberty Bell, Independence Hall
Delaware Water Gap – waterfalls, river gorge
Shopping hubs – Jersey Gardens Mall, Short Hills Mall
Is it better to rent a car in downtown Newark or at Newark Airport?
Renting a car downtown is usually 15–20% cheaper than at the airport because of lower fees. But when you rent at the airport, you get more convenience, 24-hour service and a wider selection of cars. If saving money is your main goal and you don't mind the limited hours, choose a downtown location.
How easy is it to find parking in Newark?
You'll find plenty of parking in downtown Newark in garages and lots, but it can be expensive ($20–30/day). Street parking is harder to find because of the many metered spots and residential permit areas. During big events at the Prudential Center, nearby lots fill up quickly and their rates go up.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Newark?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in the renter's name and proof of insurance. International visitors should bring their passport and an International Driving Permit if their license is not in English.
Is it difficult to drive in Newark?
Downtown Newark's streets follow a grid pattern, but the highway interchanges on the outskirts are complex. One-way streets and sudden lane changes can confuse drivers new to the area. We strongly recommend using a GPS, and you should be comfortable handling assertive city driving.
What's the best way to get from Newark to New York City?
For most visitors, it's best to park your rental car in Newark and take public transportation into NYC. The PATH train or NJ Transit trains from Newark Penn Station run often to Manhattan. If you drive into NYC, you will face heavy traffic, expensive tolls (around $17 one way) and very costly parking.
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