Find competitive rental car prices in Union, New Jersey with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare neighborhood pick up points along Route 22 or opt for the 24/7 counters at Newark Liberty International Airport just 7 miles (11 km) away. Union's suburban base keeps prices down while still putting New York City, the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia within a two hour drive.
Union offers several car rental options for travelers:
Rental Location | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Union Local Offices |
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Route 22 Corridor |
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Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) |
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Union Train Station |
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On average, car rentals in Union (NJ) cost around $111 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Check neighborhood vs airport pick-up: Union's local offices on Route 22 or near Union Center usually beat Newark Airport by 15-20 % because you skip airport surcharges. Compare both before locking in.
Play with dates: Business travel spikes Mon-Thu. Starting a rental Friday noon and returning Monday morning often unlocks cheaper "weekend" rates. Use our date slider to see the price dip.
Test a weekly quote even for 4-5 days: In Union a 7-day booking can cost less than a 5-day one thanks to flat weekly pricing. Run both options in the search and pick the better deal.
Trim days you don't need: If you'll take NJ Transit into NYC, book the car only for road-trip days. Splitting the rental can save more than paying garage fees in Manhattan.
Finding a Spot:
When visiting New York City:
New Jersey Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
A rental lets you reach regional highlights quickly from this suburban crossroads.
New York City – Manhattan museums, theaters, dining
Jersey Shore – Asbury Park beaches, boardwalk
Philadelphia – Old City, Reading Terminal Market
Pocono Mountains – hiking trails, lakes
Atlantic City – casinos, promenades
Jersey Gardens & IKEA Elizabeth – outlet shopping, furniture megastore
What documents do I need to rent a car in Union?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you are visiting from another country, you also need a valid passport and either an International Driving Permit or a driver's license written in English.
How do I handle tolls in the New York/New Jersey area?
Most rental car companies give you an E-ZPass transponder. You can sign up for the rental company's toll program for about $5–7 per day plus the cost of tolls, or you can use your own E-ZPass if it works in the car. If you don't use an E-ZPass, the toll authority bills the rental company. The rental company then charges you for the tolls and adds a service fee.
What's the best way to visit New York City from Union?
For most trips to NYC, we suggest you take NJ Transit from Union Station to Penn Station instead of driving. Many trains go directly there. At certain times, you may need to change trains at Newark Penn Station, but the trip still helps you avoid parking and traffic problems. If you'd rather drive, you could park at a PATH station in Jersey City or Hoboken and then take the train into Manhattan.
Is it better to rent at Newark Airport or in Union?
At Newark Airport, you'll find more car choices and 24/7 service, but they charge higher rates and add airport fees. Local offices in Union have lower rates but are not open as long. You should choose based on your arrival time, your budget and what kind of car you need. If you're renting for three or more days, you can often save more money by renting locally.
Are there winter driving challenges in the Union area?
After it snows, road crews clear Union's main roads quickly, but neighborhood streets can stay snowy for longer. You can usually handle the winter driving in a standard rental car. All rental cars have all-season tires, but they do not have special winter tires.
What are the best day trips from Union?
People enjoy taking day trips to the Jersey Shore (45–60 minutes), Delaware Water Gap (about 75 minutes), Princeton (around 45 minutes) and New Hope/Lambertville (about 60 minutes). You can easily reach all these places by car for a fun trip from the Union area.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive the rental car?
Most rental companies let you drive the car throughout the United States and into Canada. They usually do not allow you to drive to Mexico. Some luxury or specialty cars may have other limits on where you can take them.