Ready to start your New Jersey adventure? Use the search form above to compare real-time car rental rates across New Jersey. Select your pick-up location (from Newark Liberty International Airport to downtown Newark or smaller cities like Atlantic City), choose your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see offers from dozens of rental companies statewide from budget-friendly compacts to spacious SUVs and vans. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals allowing “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation if your plans change. Lock in an amazing New Jersey car rental deal now, and you’ll be all set to roam from the boardwalks to the backroads without hassle.
Introduction: Welcome to New Jersey, the famous “Garden State” known for its bustling cities, iconic boardwalks, and scenic parklands. Having a rental car in New Jersey is the key to unlocking every corner of this diverse state, from the high-energy streets of Newark to the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in New Jersey. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with insider local tips so you can book with confidence and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re touching down at Newark Liberty Airport, planning a seaside escape to Cape May, or need wheels for a college visit in Princeton, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore New Jersey on your schedule and with extra savings in your pocket.
New Jersey may be one of the smaller U.S. states, but its attractions are widespread and varied. Renting a car gives you total freedom to discover every part of NJ at your own pace. Here’s why having your own set of wheels is a smart move in the Garden State:
In short, a rental car in New Jersey gives you the freedom to get the most out of your visit whether that’s zipping between meetings in different cities or embarking on a spontaneous drive down the coast.
Our New Jersey Car Rental Benefits (USPs)
Why book your New Jersey ride with AirportVanRental? We specialize in rental vehicles and partner with all major brands across NJ to deliver an easy, affordable experience. Here are some of the benefits and guarantees we offer for New Jersey car rentals:
Top New Jersey Car Rental Deals
New Jersey offers a wide range of vehicles to suit every traveler. Here are some examples of top deals you can find (prices fluctuate by season these “from” rates give a general idea):
Note: “From” rates are based on rentals in major hubs like Newark Liberty Airport or Jersey City during low season. Prices may be higher in small towns (e.g., if renting in Cape May or Princeton) or during peak periods (summer beach season, holiday weeks). Always search with your exact dates and pick-up location to see up-to-date rates. We update this list frequently to reflect current deals and seasonal specials.
Driving in New Jersey: What to Know
Driving in New Jersey can be very rewarding you’ll experience everything from urban streets in bustling cities to tranquil backroads in the countryside. To help you stay safe and stress-free, here are key New Jersey driving tips, rules, and quirks to be aware of:
Traffic & Rush Hours: New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states, so yes traffic is a fact of life in many areas. On weekdays, expect heavy congestion during rush hours, roughly 7:00–9:30 AM (morning commute into employment centers) and 4:00–7:00 PM (evening outbound). Highways like the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and Garden State Parkway can slow to a crawl near major interchanges or city exits at these times. The approach to the Hudson River crossings (Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, George Washington Bridge) is notoriously jammed during peak periods if you’re driving into or out of New York City, plan for delays or consider off-peak travel. Weekend traffic is generally lighter, but summer weekends are an exception: Friday afternoons going down the Shore (southbound Parkway) and Sunday evenings coming back north can see stop-and-go traffic as everyone heads to/from the beaches. If possible, travel at off-peak times (midday, later in the evening) for a smoother ride. Patience and allowing extra time will serve you well in NJ traffic.
Highways & Exits: New Jersey’s highways are well-developed but can be confusing for newcomers due to frequent exits and merges in urban areas. The Turnpike uses exit numbers that correspond to mileposts (and splits into car-only vs. truck lanes in some stretches). The Garden State Parkway uses a ticket system for tolls in the southern half and cash/E-ZPass in the north; exits are numbered sequentially from 0 up to 172 (yes, it’s a long road!). Be prepared for toll plazas on major highways we cover toll payment tips below. Also note, some NJ freeways (like I-287 or I-295) loop and might not intuitively indicate direction by city, so using a GPS for navigation is wise if you’re not familiar.
“Jughandles” for Left Turns: Don’t be perplexed if you rarely see a direct left turn lane on busy NJ roads. New Jersey is famous for its jughandle intersections a unique design where left turns are made via a ramp on the right side that loops around (the “jughandle”) to cross the intersection. If you see a sign that says “All Turns From Right Lane,” that’s a jughandle. Essentially, instead of turning left at a traffic light, you’ll exit right into a curved lane, then go straight through the light when it changes. It’s meant to improve traffic flow and safety. It can feel counterintuitive at first, but follow the signs and you’ll get it. Not every intersection has this, but many state highways and boulevards in NJ do. When in doubt, follow the lane markings and remember sometimes to go left, you must go right first!
City Driving & Parking: Cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton have typical urban driving challenges: one-way streets, pedestrians, and aggressive local drivers. Newark’s downtown, for instance, has a grid of one-way roads pay attention to signage to avoid wrong-way turns. Parking in New Jersey’s cities is generally easier and cheaper than in Manhattan, but still requires caution. In Newark or Jersey City, street parking rates run about $1–$2 per hour at meters, usually enforced 7AM–8PM daily. Garages in downtown Newark might cost ~$15–$20 for a full day, which is quite reasonable compared to NYC. Always read street signs carefully some areas have residential permit requirements or street cleaning rules (e.g., no parking on certain mornings). Tip: It’s easier to find parking in NJ cities than across the river in New York, but if you’re taking your car into NYC, be prepared for very high garage fees ($40+ per day in Manhattan) and scarce street parking. Many travelers choose to park in NJ (or avoid taking the car into NYC altogether) and use public transit when visiting New York City.
Tolls & E-ZPass: New Jersey has several toll roads and bridges, and most have moved to cashless, electronic tolling. The New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway still accept cash at some plazas (as of 2025), but many major crossings (like the Hudson River tunnels/bridges into NYC) are 100% electronic no cash booths at all. We strongly recommend using an E-ZPass if you have one, or opting into your rental car’s toll program. E-ZPass is the regional electronic toll tag system used throughout the Northeast. With it, you’ll get discounted toll rates on many NJ/NY tolls (for example, the peak toll into NYC might be around $16 with E-ZPass, but higher if billed by mail). If you don’t have a transponder, the toll cameras will photograph the license plate and bill the rental company, which then bills you (often with an added admin fee if you didn’t pre-enroll in their program). Our advice: Opt into the rental’s toll program if you plan to drive through toll areas frequently. Typically, it’s a small daily fee (around $4–$5 per day of use) plus the tolls themselves. This covers unlimited toll usage and saves a lot of hassle. If you only expect one small toll, you could decline and let it bill, but keep in mind some rentals charge ~$15 per toll in admin fees if you do that. It’s usually not worth the risk. The convenience of not slowing down for booths (and not worrying about mailed invoices) is huge. Major toll points: the Turnpike has tolls based on distance traveled; the Parkway has periodic toll plazas (many ~$1.50 each); the Atlantic City Expressway (to Atlantic City) has tolls; and all NYC area crossings (GW Bridge, Holland/Lincoln Tunnels, Goethals/Bayonne Bridges, etc.) charge tolls, typically only one way (entering NYC). Plan for this in your budget. We’ll make sure you’re informed of your rental’s toll policy no surprises at drop-off.
Fueling Up (Gas Stations): An important quirk: New Jersey is the only state in the U.S. where you cannot pump your own gas (by law). Every gas station is full-service an attendant will pump fuel for you. So don’t be confused or try to jump out to do it yourself; it’s actually illegal for drivers to self-serve in NJ. Simply pull up, roll down your window, and tell the attendant “Fill regular, please” (or specify grade). They’ll handle the rest. Gasoline in NJ is typically a little cheaper than in neighboring New York or Pennsylvania, thanks in part to lower fuel taxes. Expect prices around $3–$4 per gallon for regular unleaded, though this fluctuates. Most stations accept credit cards at the pump (or rather, with the attendant swiping it) and cash. Pro tip: Since New Jersey gas is full-service, tipping is not required; attendants are paid and do not expect tips for a standard fill-up though if someone provides extraordinary service (cleaning your windshield, etc.), a $1-$2 tip is a kind gesture.
Road Rules & Etiquette: In New Jersey, as in all U.S. states, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. Right turn on red is generally allowed (after a full stop) unless a sign explicitly says “No Turn on Red.” Many intersections will allow it, but be cautious in some busy downtowns or near schools there are No Turn on Red signs. A unique NJ law: drivers must stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks (not just yield a full stop) if the pedestrian is in or about to enter your lane. This is strictly enforced in many towns, especially around downtown shopping areas or universities. Cell phone use: Hand-held phone use and texting while driving are illegal in NJ (common across the US now). Use hands-free or speaker if you must call, or better yet, pull over to a safe spot for phone use. Fines for distracted driving can be steep, and police do enforce this. Also, keep an eye out for aggressive drivers New Jersey (and the NYC metro drivers in general) have a bit of a reputation. You might encounter tailgating or quick lane changes; the best response is to stay calm, use your turn signals, and don’t engage in road rage. If someone is driving very erratically or aggressively and posing a hazard, you can dial #77 on your cell to report them to the NJ State Police (for non-emergency intervention). Overall, stay alert and drive decisively hesitation can confuse other drivers. But never be reckless; safety first.
Winter Driving: If you’re visiting in winter (roughly December through early March), be prepared for cold weather and the possibility of snow/ice. New Jersey gets moderate snowfall more in the northwest highlands, less along the coast. Road crews do plow and salt roads efficiently after storms, especially highways and main arteries. Still, driving in snow requires caution: slow down, leave extra distance for braking, and avoid sudden turns or stops. All-season tires on rental cars are usually sufficient for typical NJ winter conditions (dedicated snow tires are not common here). During a major nor’easter blizzard, authorities might temporarily close highways or issue travel advisories it’s rare, but always check the forecast. If you’re not comfortable driving in snow or icy conditions, consider waiting until roads are cleared or use NJ Transit trains as a backup. The good news: winter also brings some bright, crisp sunny days with dry roads and far fewer tourists. If you do drive in winter, carry a scraper for the windshield (most rentals include one). New Jersey law requires you to clear your car of snow/ice before driving (for safety of you and cars behind). And note, if parking on-street during a snowfall, watch for snow emergency rules (some cities ban parking on certain routes to allow plowing). Pro tip: Keep the gas tank at least half full in winter it helps avoid gas line freeze and ensures you have plenty of fuel for heat in case of traffic jams or delays.
Summer Driving & Shore Traffic: Summers in NJ are peak road-trip time. As mentioned, expect heavy traffic on major routes to the beaches on summer Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re heading to popular shore points (like Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, or Cape May) on a weekend, try to depart early in the morning to beat crowds. Also be prepared for very slow traffic leaving shore towns Sunday late afternoon. Patience is key or better, plan your beach days for weekdays if you can. Summer also means pop-up thunderstorms roads can flood briefly in heavy rain. If you encounter deep puddles, don’t drive through if you’re unsure of depth. Finally, watch for pedestrians and cyclists in shore towns people are on vacation and sometimes jaywalk. Drive slowly on local streets near beaches; speed limits are often 25 mph and strictly enforced for safety.
By following these tips and exercising common sense, you’ll find that driving in New Jersey is very manageable, and often the best way to discover all the state has to offer. Keep a GPS or map handy (cell coverage is excellent in most of NJ, even in rural pine barrens areas). And most importantly, enjoy the journey you might find that a spontaneous detour leads to a fantastic farm market or a beautiful lake you didn’t expect. Safe travels!
Popular Road Trips from New Jersey
One of the greatest perks of renting a car in New Jersey is the ability to embark on amazing road trips. From coastal cruises to mountain getaways, NJ is perfectly positioned for all kinds of drives. Here are three detailed road trip ideas to inspire your travels (feel free to use these as starting points and customize as you like):
Highlights: Start from Newark (or anywhere in North Jersey) and head down the Garden State Parkway towards the shore. In about an hour, you’ll reach Asbury Park, a storied beach town known for its lively boardwalk and rock ‘n’ roll history (the Stone Pony club where Bruce Springsteen played). Enjoy some time on the beach and maybe a slice of boardwalk pizza. Continue south to Atlantic City (exit the Parkway onto the AC Expressway east) about 80 miles from Asbury. Atlantic City offers a classic boardwalk, casinos, and entertainment. Try your luck at the slot machines or just walk the famous Boardwalk and enjoy saltwater taffy and ocean views. After AC, drive further south to Cape May (about 50 more miles). Cape May is at NJ’s southern tip and is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the U.S., famous for its beautifully preserved Victorian houses. Stroll the charming streets, visit the lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park, or relax on the pristine beach. This route gives you a taste of several distinct Jersey Shore vibes from funky Asbury Park to glitzy Atlantic City to quaint, historic Cape May.
Pro Tip: Summer weekends mean traffic consider doing this trip on weekdays if possible. If traveling in peak season, leave early in the morning to beat beach traffic. Also, Cape May has a ferry that can take you (and your car) across to Delaware a fun extension if you want to continue your road trip to the Delmarva Peninsula. Don’t forget sunscreen and bring cash for Parkway tolls (or use E-ZPass)!
Highlights: This loop is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers. From Newark, drive 30 miles west on I-280 and I-287 to Morristown, NJ. This town was General George Washington’s winter encampment site during the Revolutionary War you can visit Morristown National Historical Park (Washington’s Headquarters Museum and Jockey Hollow encampment area) to step back in time. After exploring the historic sites and maybe grabbing lunch in Morristown’s pleasant downtown, continue north on I-80 about 40 miles to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the NJ/PA border. The Delaware Water Gap is a gorgeous mountain pass where the Delaware River cuts through the Kittatinny Ridge. Park at one of the trailheads we suggest Dunnfield Creek for a moderate hike to Sunfish Pond (a serene glacial lake), or drive along Old Mine Road to experience one of America’s oldest continually used roads. You’ll find scenic overlooks (try Route 611 on the PA side for great river views) and maybe even spot bald eagles. It’s hard to believe this wilderness is within 1.5 hours of Newark! If you’re up for more, cross into Pennsylvania and head to Bushkill Falls (the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”) for waterfalls, or return via the winding Rt. 206 through rustic Sussex County, NJ.
Pro Tip: In autumn (late September through October), this route is stunning with fall foliage the forests burst into oranges, reds, and yellows, making for great photos. Weekends in peak foliage season can be busy at Delaware Water Gap, so try a weekday or arrive early for easier parking. Also, note that some trails can be steep wear good shoes and carry water. On the drive back, consider stopping at a local farm market along Route 206 for fresh apples or cider if it’s fall.
Highlights: This drive combines Ivy League charm and big-city historic sights. From Newark, head about 50 miles southwest on I-95 (NJ Turnpike) to reach Princeton, NJ. This picturesque town is home to Princeton University, one of the world’s top universities, with a beautiful campus worth walking around (don’t miss the gothic architecture of Nassau Hall and the serene path along Lake Carnegie). History note: Princeton was also a Revolutionary War site you can visit Princeton Battlefield State Park just outside town, where American troops fought in 1777. After soaking in Princeton’s atmosphere (and perhaps grabbing ice cream at the famous Bent Spoon shop), continue south on US-1 for ~45 more miles to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The drive should take a little over an hour. In Philly, park near the historic district (there are garages near Independence Hall) and explore the “Birthplace of America.” Must-sees include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed), and Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest residential street in America). Try a Philly cheesesteak for dinner and stroll along the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway or the Delaware River waterfront before you head back. This road trip shows how renting a car in NJ lets you easily hop to neighboring states and experience major U.S. landmarks.
Pro Tip: When driving into Philadelphia, avoid rush hour (especially I-95 around the city can back up). Independence Hall is free but requires timed entry tickets (pick up in the morning from the visitor center). If you want to extend the trip, on the way back to New Jersey you could stop in Camden, NJ to visit the Battleship New Jersey museum or the Adventure Aquarium both family-friendly stops right across the river from Philly. Also, keep in mind the NJ Turnpike has service areas if you need a rest break and yes, attendants will pump your gas at those stops too!
Each of these trips highlights a different side of what’s accessible with a New Jersey car rental be it beaches, mountains, or historic cities. Of course, with unlimited mileage, you could get even more ambitious (Newark to Washington D.C. is about 3.5 hours, Newark to Boston about 4.5 hours). Wherever you choose to drive, enjoy the freedom a car gives you to discover off-the-path spots and make memories at your own pace.
Quick-Reference Info Box: New Jersey Car Rental at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum rental age in New Jersey is generally 21 years old. Renters aged 21–24 will typically pay a “young driver” surcharge (around $25–$30 per day) and may be limited to certain vehicle categories (often no luxury cars or large SUVs for under-25). At age 25, those restrictions and extra fees usually drop you can rent at the normal rate with the full selection of vehicles. Note that some rental companies make exceptions: for example, a few may rent to 18-20 year-olds under special conditions (often if you’re an active-duty military member or for insurance replacement needs), but this is not common and always comes with high fees and stricter vehicle limits. Our booking system will flag any age-related rules or fees during your search, so you won’t be caught off guard. If you’re under 25, be prepared with a credit card in your name (many locations won’t accept a debit card for young renters) and a valid driver’s license. In summary: 21+ to rent in NJ in most cases, and 25+ to avoid young driver fees. Always double-check the specific policy of the rental company you choose, and feel free to contact us if you have questions we’re happy to help clarify.
Possibly, but it depends on the rental company and location, and there may be extra requirements. Most major rental locations (especially at airports like EWR) prefer a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. A credit card makes the process smoother the agency will place a hold (say $200 or more, depending on the rental) on the card for incidentals. Some companies will accept a debit card (Visa or MasterCard logo) at non-airport locations or even at airports, but often you must meet additional criteria: they might run a credit check, ask for proof of return travel (airline ticket/itinerary) or proof of insurance, and you’ll need to have funds well above the rental cost in the account. Also, with debit cards, you typically cannot rent certain high-end car classes (luxury vehicles, specialty cars might be off-limits). Another hiccup: if you’re under 25, many locations flat-out refuse debit cards. Our advice: if you have a credit card, use it it will make your life easier when renting. If you only have a debit card, read the payment policy of the specific location (we often include a note in the booking details, or you can call the branch ahead of time). And make sure the debit card has enough funds for the expected hold (which will temporarily reduce your available balance). Note that you can usually pay the final bill with the debit card or cash upon returning the car, even if you needed a credit card for the hold. When in doubt, reach out to us and we’ll help find a location that is debit-card friendly or explain what you’ll need to bring.
Yes, New Jersey has several toll roads and bridges. The main ones are: • The New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) a major north-south highway toll road (uses tickets/cash or E-ZPass). • The Garden State Parkway runs north-south the length of NJ (tolls at plazas, cash or E-ZPass). • The Atlantic City Expressway east-west to Atlantic City (toll plazas). • Bridges/Tunnels to New York City Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge, etc., as well as bridges to Pennsylvania like the Ben Franklin Bridge to Philly (many of these are now cashless). Here’s how to handle tolls: • E-ZPass: If you have your own E-ZPass transponder from home (and it’s compatible), you can bring it and use it in the rental car. Just make sure it’s properly mounted and linked to the vehicle if required. This will automatically pay all tolls at the discounted rate. • Rental Toll Program: If you don’t have E-ZPass, consider opting into the rental company’s toll program at pick-up. As mentioned earlier, typically it’s a ~$5/day fee (only charged on days you actually incur a toll) plus the tolls. The car likely has a built-in transponder or is registered for plate tolling. This is the easiest option you can drive through the E-ZPass lanes and not worry. • Paying manually: If you decline the program, you can still drive through tolls. On roads that still take cash (Turnpike, Parkway), you can pay cash just stay in the cash lanes. On cashless toll roads or if you accidentally go through an E-ZPass lane, it will bill via the license plate. The rental company will get the bill and charge your card. They will add an administration fee (varies by company could be $15 or more per incident, or a daily fee). This can end up expensive, so it’s only advisable if you plan to avoid tolls almost entirely. Bottom line: Don’t try to avoid toll roads altogether out of fear sometimes taking a toll road is the only convenient way (and avoiding them could add hours or huge detours). Embrace the toll roads but have a payment plan: either your own transponder or the rental’s program, to minimize extra fees. We’ll show you the toll options in your rental terms when you book with us, so you can be prepared. New Jersey’s toll highways make travel faster and are easy to use with the electronic systems in place.
Driving in New Jersey is generally straightforward, though busy as we’ve detailed, just watch out for heavy traffic and unique road designs like jughandles. Driving into New York City (Manhattan) is a different beast. Manhattan has extremely congested traffic, very expensive parking, and aggressive drivers. If your plan is to stay in NYC (especially Manhattan) and you won’t be venturing out, you might not need a car for the NYC portion New York has excellent public transportation (subways, buses) and it can often be faster and certainly cheaper to use those within the city. In fact, many visitors do this: spend a few days in NYC without a car, then rent a car after to explore New Jersey or do road trips. Newark is a common pick-up point for that (easy train ride from NYC to Newark, then rent a car to head elsewhere). However, if you plan to explore beyond NYC say you’re staying in New Jersey and want to drive into Manhattan for a day trip, or you’re hitting multiple cities (NYC, Philly, etc.) a car can be convenient for the flexibility. Just be strategic: Avoid driving in Manhattan during peak times and be prepared for pricey tolls and parking. Some travelers choose to park in a New Jersey commuter town (like Jersey City or Hoboken) and take the PATH train or ferry across to Manhattan to avoid city driving. With a rental car, you have that choice. So, our recommendation: Rent a car in NJ if you want to explore NJ’s attractions or do multi-city trips. If your plans are only within NYC, maybe hold off on the car for those days. We at AirportVanRental offer locations at Newark Airport and downtown, as well as in NYC if needed so you can plan your pickup/dropoff accordingly. And if you do drive in NYC, just factor in the new congestion charge (starting 2025, driving into Midtown Manhattan below 61st St incurs a fee of around $9 during peak hours) another incentive to use transit for the Manhattan portion. Many of our customers successfully drive in and around NYC every day with a bit of patience and help from GPS, it’s doable, but it’s not for everyone. Feel free to ask us for advice based on your itinerary!
Gas (petrol) prices in New Jersey tend to be a tad lower than the national average, thanks to lower state taxes. As of recent data, regular unleaded is roughly $3.30–$3.80 per gallon (it fluctuates seasonally and with oil markets). You might find it cheaper in central/south Jersey and a bit pricier in densely populated north NJ, but differences aren’t huge. New Jersey, as mentioned, is full-service just tell the attendant the grade (most cars take regular 87 octane) and amount (“fill it up”). Rentals almost always come with a full tank, and yes, you’re expected to return it full to avoid extra fees. So plan to stop at a gas station near your drop-off location. For example, if you’re returning at Newark Airport, there are several gas stations in Newark/Elizabeth right outside the airport prices near airports can be slightly higher, but not outrageous. If you don’t refill, the rental company will charge you a high per-gallon rate (often $8+ per gallon), so definitely better to fill it yourself. Some rental companies offer a prepaid fuel option you pay for a full tank upfront at a competitive rate and can return empty but unless you’re sure you’ll use nearly the whole tank, it’s usually not cost-effective. Our tip: fill up within 5-10 miles of the drop-off, keep the receipt (occasionally needed as proof), and make sure the gauge reads full when you hand over the car.
Absolutely. One great thing about renting in the USA: you can drive across state lines freely. There are no border checkpoints between states, so you can take your New Jersey rental on a road trip to New York, Pennsylvania, or beyond with no problem. Unlimited mileage (standard on our rentals) means you won’t be charged for distance, whether you go 50 miles or 500. Popular drives from NJ include heading north to New England or south to Washington D.C., and you’re free to do so. Just be aware of local traffic laws as they may vary slightly (e.g., neighboring New York City doesn’t allow right on red in most of Manhattan, etc., as we discussed). Now, if you want to drop off the car in another location (one-way rental), that’s usually possible too many of our partner agencies allow one-way rentals. For example, you could pick up in Newark and drop off in Boston or DC or even Florida. One-way rentals often incur a drop fee, which can range from $0 (for close locations or special deals) to a few hundred dollars (for long distances). Our website will calculate and show any one-way fee in the price when you select a different return location. It can be worth it for the convenience of not backtracking. Many travelers do, for instance, a one-way from Newark to Orlando for a East Coast road adventure. We work to find reasonable one-way rates for you. Just indicate your desired drop-off city when booking. If you’re planning to leave the car far away (like a cross-country one-way), it’s good to book well in advance because availability can be limited for those. Lastly, if you intend to drive into Canada (maybe from NJ up to Montreal or Toronto), most rentals allow it but you should tell the counter in advance some will provide a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card at request. Driving into Mexico from NJ is not applicable (too far). In summary: drive your NJ rental anywhere in the continental U.S. go enjoy that multi-state trip! and if dropping in another city, just book it as a one-way rental and you’re set.
With a car, you can reach all sorts of fantastic New Jersey destinations. A few favorites: • Scenic Parkways: Drive the Palisades Interstate Parkway along the Hudson River (stunning views of the Palisades cliffs and Manhattan skyline at lookout points). Or take a ride on the Henry Hudson Drive within Palisades Park for a winding riverside drive. • Liberty State Park: In Jersey City, reachable by car easily (ample parking) from here you get a postcard view of the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline. You can also catch the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) from here, avoiding the crowds at NYC’s Battery Park. • Princeton Scenic Drive: Explore the charming backroads around Princeton, NJ. Beautiful estates, the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath (stop at Washington Crossing State Park where Washington crossed the Delaware River), and pretty towns like Hopewell and Lambertville are a joy with a car. • Delaware Water Gap & Skylands: We mentioned the Water Gap in the road trip section a top natural attraction. Another one: High Point State Park (NW tip of NJ) drive up to High Point Monument for panoramic views where NJ, NY, and PA meet. The Skylands region also has Lakes (try a drive around Lake Hopatcong) and wineries you can only reach by car. • Long Beach Island cruise: LBI is a barrier island with a laid-back vibe you can drive the length of it (about 18 miles) from the lighthouse at Barnegat Light to the busy Beach Haven resort area. Great ocean views and beach stops along the way. • Covered Bridges & Countryside: In Western NJ, take County Road 519 or 521 through rolling farmland and small towns. Yes, NJ has rural beauty! The drive through Hunterdon County into Warren County includes orchards (pick-your-own fruit in summer/fall) and one of NJ’s last covered bridges in Sergeantsville. • Theme Park Hop: With a car, you could hit Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ) and Hurricane Harbor waterpark on one day, then drive up to American Dream Meadowlands (East Rutherford) the next home to Nickelodeon Universe theme park and the big indoor ski slope. These are spread out locations that a car conveniently connects. Those are just a start New Jersey packs in a lot, and a rental car is the way to see the less-traveled gems like hidden hiking trails, small diners beloved by locals, and more. If you have something in mind, ask us we likely have a tip or two!
Yes virtually all rentals we offer in NJ include unlimited mileage. That means you can drive as much as you want (within the U.S.) and you won’t be charged extra per mile. Unlimited mileage is perfect for those planning to cover a lot of ground whether it’s multiple business stops around the state or a big road trip loop through multiple states. On the rare occasion a specialty vehicle has a mileage cap (very uncommon, mostly like exotic sports cars or moving trucks), we will clearly inform you before booking. But if you’re renting a normal economy, sedan, SUV, minivan, etc. through AirportVanRental, rest assured you can cruise freely. Go ahead and take that detour to the outlet malls or decide on a spontaneous day-trip to Baltimore you won’t pay a penny more in mileage fees. (Just remember, unlimited miles doesn’t mean unlimited gas you’re still responsible for the fuel you use, of course!). Pro tip: even with unlimited miles, try to plan your route efficiently to avoid unnecessary backtracking more for saving time and gas than anything. But it’s nice knowing you have the flexibility to drive wherever the road calls you.