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Finding a rental car at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands in New Jersey with no booking fees. Pick up right at the AirTrain rental center or choose a nearby downtown branch to save more, then hit the road to Manhattan, the Jersey Shore or wherever your trip takes you.
EWR provides excellent car rental facilities compared to city locations:
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Hours (Usual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Airport (EWR) | On-site at airport; Large fleet; Many providers; Extended hours; Wide vehicle selection | Higher rates (approximately 18% more than downtown); Potential for long lines; Airport fees and surcharges | 24 hours (major brands) |
| Newark Downtown | Lower rates; Fewer surcharges; Often shorter lines | Must travel from airport (15-20 min); Limited selection; Restricted hours | 8am-6pm (weekdays) |
| Jersey City | Lower rates than EWR; Good if staying in Jersey City/NYC area | Requires transportation from airport; Limited hours | 8am-6pm (Mon-Sat) |
Most rental car companies at EWR operate from the AirTrain station P2/P3. After collecting your luggage, follow signs to "AirTrain" and board the free train to the rental car stations. Some companies have counters directly at the station, while others provide shuttles to nearby facilities.
All major rental agencies operate at EWR, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Dollar and Thrifty. The wide selection of providers allows for competitive pricing and more vehicle options compared to downtown locations.
On average, car rentals at Newark Liberty Airport cost around $54 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown: Newark downtown counters are usually about 18 % cheaper than EWR. If you've got time for a 15-minute rideshare, the savings can beat the AirTrain convenience fee.
Target off-peak months: September and January often drop to $30-40/day for an economy car. Shifting travel dates by a week can matter more than booking months ahead.
Play with pickup times: Shifting pickup to midday (11 am-2 pm) can dodge both rush-hour surcharges and long lines, sometimes shaving $5-10/day off the quote.
Check weekly vs daily rates: At EWR a 5-7-day "weekly" booking frequently undercuts a 4-day daily rate; extend the booking and return early if the math works.
If you return to EWR before your departure flight, you'll need to know the options:
Airport Parking Options:
Daily Parking: short shuttle distance
Economy Lot (P6): shuttle service
Local Driving Rules:
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Jughandles: Many NJ highways use right-turn ramps (jughandles) for left turns
School Buses: Must stop in both directions when red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended
Cell Phones: Hands-free only; mounting your phone is required for GPS use
Tolls:
Garden State Parkway: Periodic toll plazas
Tunnels or Bridges to NYC: Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge all charge tolls when entering NYC
Rent a car to see:
Manhattan – Central Park, Times Square, museums
Liberty State Park, Jersey City – Statue of Liberty views, Liberty Science Center
Jersey Shore – Asbury Park, Point Pleasant Boardwalk
Princeton – university campus, town center
Atlantic City – boardwalk, casinos
Philadelphia – Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at Newark Airport?
When it's not busy, you can usually get your car about 30 minutes after your plane lands. When it's busy, like during evening arrivals or holidays, you should plan for 45 to 60 minutes. If you're a member of the rental company's loyalty program, you can often get your car much faster.
Is it easy to drive from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
The drive is only about 16 miles (26 km), but heavy traffic can make it difficult and slow. You should expect it to take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The Holland and Lincoln Tunnels get very busy during rush hour. You might want to take public transportation instead if you're going right to Manhattan.
What type of car is best for a trip starting at EWR?
If you're mainly driving in the city, you'll find a compact or midsize car is easier to park and drive. If you plan to explore beyond major highways or drive in the winter, you should think about getting an SUV with all-wheel drive. Families or groups will find that a minivan or a large SUV provides more comfort and space for luggage.
Are there any alternatives to the airport rental car counters?
Yes, many rental companies have other locations in Newark, Elizabeth and Jersey City where you might find lower prices. However, you will need to get your own ride from the airport to these places, like a taxi, rideshare or public transit.
What's the best way to handle tolls when renting from EWR?
Your easiest choice is to use the rental company's E-ZPass program. This is a good idea if you plan to drive into New York City, since the major tunnels and bridges there now only accept cashless payments. The company usually charges $3–$5 for each day you use the pass, on top of the toll costs. But paying this fee means you won't have to stop at toll booths and you'll avoid the high penalty fees for unpaid tolls.
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