Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Car Rental Your Gateway to NY & NJ on Wheels

Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the nation and your first stop to exploring New Jersey, New York City, and beyond by car. Renting a car at EWR gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule from the moment you land, whether you’re heading into Manhattan, driving down the Jersey Shore, or venturing further into New England or the Mid-Atlantic. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Newark Airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips on navigating EWR’s rental process, so you can rent a car at Newark Airport confidently and hit the road, whether you’re a local returning home or flying in from overseas. (If you’re a Newark-area resident not flying, you can still book at the airport or check our Newark city page for local pick-up options.)

EWR’s newly opened consolidated Rental Car Center makes picking up your car smoother than ever. All 10 major rental brands (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) operate from a single convenient facility. How do you get there? It’s easy: if you’ve just collected your luggage, follow signs for “Rental Cars / AirTrain”. Newark Airport’s AirTrain will take you to the designated station for the Rental Car Center (connected via a short pedestrian walkway, especially handy if you arrive through the new Terminal A). The AirTrain is free for travel between terminals and parking/rental areas. Alternatively, free rental car shuttles run from outside baggage claim of each terminal (look for the rental car shuttle pick-up zones). The ride is just a few minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll find clearly marked counters for each rental company. With AirportVanRental, you’ll already have a reservation, so just head to your company’s counter with your license, credit card, and confirmation in hand. Newark’s rental facility is modern and well-organized even if several flights arrive at once, the queues move quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be in your rental and on your way.

Pro Tip: Newark Airport is only about 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan, but public transport can be time-consuming and taxis expensive a rental car can often be the most convenient way to start your trip, especially if you’re traveling with family or headed outside NYC. However, if you’re staying only in Manhattan with no plans to venture elsewhere, you might delay renting until you’re ready to leave the city (to avoid parking in Manhattan). But for those planning to explore multiple areas or who value door-to-door comfort, picking up a car at EWR is the way to go.

Why book with AirportVanRental at EWR? Because we make the process fast, easy, and affordable:

• No Pre-Payment Needed: Reserve your Newark Airport car now, pay at pick-up. Most rentals here require no upfront payment, giving you flexibility if your flight or plans change last-minute.
• Free Cancellation: Enjoy free cancellation on most bookings up to 48 hours before pickup. Lock in a great EWR rate early without worry if your flight is rescheduled or plans shift, you won’t be stuck with fees.
• Instant Confirmation: Our booking is quick and seamless. Once you’ve found the perfect vehicle, confirm your reservation and you’re all set. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details, including which rental company and pickup instructions at EWR’s Rental Car Center.
• Transparent Pricing: The rate you see includes all mandatory taxes and airport fees. We itemize everything so there are no surprises at the counter. (Newark Airport rentals do include some extra surcharges like airport concession fees and facility charges, but our quotes show them upfront so you know the true total.)
• Competitive Deals from Top Brands: AirportVanRental isn’t tied to one rental brand we bring you the best deals across multiple companies. This competition at EWR means you often save more with us. Whether it’s Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, or others, we’ll highlight the lowest price for your needs, including any specials (like weekend discounts or free upgrade offers).

All set to book? Just use that search tool our EWR inventory is updated constantly to snag you the lowest price possible.

Navigating Newark Airport’s Rental Car Center

(Here’s a quick overview so you know what to expect when picking up or dropping off at EWR’s rental facility.) Newark Liberty’s consolidated Rental Car Center opened in late 2023, and it’s a one-stop hub for all major rental agencies on-site. It’s located in the Parking Garage A complex, directly connected to the new Terminal A by a pedestrian skybridge, and reachable from Terminals B and C via AirTrain (or shuttle bus if AirTrain is undergoing maintenance).

• Upon Arrival: After landing and collecting your baggage, follow the signs for “Rental Cars”. If you’re in Terminal A, you can walk via the skybridge to the garage where the rental center is located. From Terminals B or C, take the AirTrain to the Rental Car station (formerly “Station P3”, now dedicated to the new Rental Center). The AirTrain ride is just a few minutes and is free for inter-terminal loops. If the AirTrain is not operating (late at night or for maintenance), Newark provides shuttle buses look for the rental car shuttle signs at ground transportation. They’ll take you to the Rental Car Center.
• At the Rental Center: Inside, you’ll find rental counters for each brand. The facility is modern, with elevators and escalators guiding you from the train/shuttle level to the counters. Check the monitors or signs for any queue system but typically you just line up at your company’s counter. Since you booked through AirportVanRental, you should already have a confirmation number. Provide your name, driver’s license, and credit card to the agent. They’ll pull up your reservation. If you have any membership (like Avis Preferred, etc.), you might be able to skip the counter entirely and go right to the garage check your rental confirmation for instructions. Otherwise, the counter process at EWR is usually pretty quick.
• Getting Your Car: Once paperwork is done, you’ll be directed to the rental car parking area just adjacent to the counter hall (usually a specific level of the garage). Follow signs or the agent’s directions (e.g., “take the elevator to Level 2, Section B”). The garage has sections for each company. An attendant or signage will point you to your car some companies assign a stall number; others let you choose from a row of cars in your category. Before driving off, do a quick inspection of the vehicle. Note any pre-existing scratches or dents on the form or take photos (better safe than sorry). Newark’s lot is well-lit even at night, making inspections easy. If you see any major issue, alert the lot attendant before leaving. When you’re ready, follow the exit signs. There will be a gated exit where you show your rental contract and ID to a security guard or scan it at an automated gate. Once that gate lifts congrats, you’re on your way! You’ll merge onto the airport exit road; from there, follow signs to your next destination (major routes like NJ Turnpike, Route 1–9, and I-78 are all directly accessible from EWR).
• Returning Your Car: When your trip is done, follow signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport. All returns go back to the same Rental Car Center garage (Parking A). As you enter, electronic signs will direct you to the drop-off area for your specific rental company. Park in the return lane, remove all your belongings, and hand the keys to the attendant (or leave them in the car if instructed). They’ll do a quick mileage and fuel check. From there, you can walk or shuttle back to your terminal. If you’re flying out of Terminal A, it’s a quick walk via the bridge. For B or C, hop on the AirTrain (make sure it’s going to the right terminal) it’s usually just a few minutes wait and ride. Plan a little extra time for returns during peak hours, but generally the whole return-and-get-to-terminal process at Newark takes about 10–15 minutes.

Why Rent a Car at EWR vs. other NYC Airports? Newark often offers competitive rental rates compared to JFK or LaGuardia, and many travelers find EWR easier to drive out of. You’re straight onto highways without the intense urban traffic you’d hit from, say, JFK in Queens. If your trip involves New Jersey or points south/west, EWR is by far the most convenient arrival point. And even for trips centered on NYC, plenty of visitors choose Newark for the combination of flight options and rental car deals. (Of course, if you do need a car at JFK, LaGuardia, or other airports, AirportVanRental can help with that too we’ve got pages for those locations as well.)

Local Driving Tips from Newark Airport: Once you leave EWR, you’ll likely hop on the NJ Turnpike (I-95) or another major route. Keep in mind the earlier section of this page (“Driving in Newark & New Jersey”) we cover everything from tolls to traffic patterns. A specific note for EWR drivers: getting into NYC from Newark Airport will involve either the Lincoln Tunnel (to Midtown Manhattan) or the Holland Tunnel (to Lower Manhattan) both have tolls (around $16, collected entering NYC only) and can back up during rush hour. Plan accordingly. Alternatively, you can drive north on the Turnpike and take the George Washington Bridge into Upper Manhattan also tolled and can be heavy traffic. If you’re heading south or west (Philadelphia, DC, etc.), you’ll likely use the Turnpike south which is straightforward (grab a ticket when you enter, pay when you exit or use your E-ZPass). Newark Airport itself is surrounded by busy roads, but signage is good. Just merge carefully and use your turn signals locals appreciate decisive but courteous driving. And remember, as soon as you’re off airport grounds, buckle up (it’s the law) and put that phone down while driving.

Road Trip Ideas from Newark Liberty Airport

Renting a car at EWR sets you up perfectly for some incredible road trips, whether you want to explore more of New Jersey or hit multiple states. Here are a few ideas to inspire you straight from the airport:

• Coastal Adventure: Jersey Shore to Delaware Beaches After picking up your car, head south on the Garden State Parkway for a tour of New Jersey’s coastline (as in the Jersey Shore Getaway described in the Newark City page above). You can extend that trip: from Cape May, take the Cape May–Lewes Ferry into Delaware (a scenic 1.5-hour ferry ride where you can drive your car on board). On the other side, you’ll land in Lewes, Delaware from there, Delaware’s beach resorts like Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are a short drive. Relax on the wide sandy beaches or stroll the classic boardwalks. If you’re ambitious, continue south into Maryland’s Eastern Shore (Ocean City, MD is a popular family beach town). Finally, you could loop back north via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and I-95, or simply return to EWR the way you came. This multi-state coastal loop offers sun, sand, and seaside towns all along the way. Pro Tip: If traveling in summer, reserve the ferry in advance (you can do so online) it’s a popular shortcut and spots fill up, especially on weekends. Also, be aware the ferry isn’t free there’s a fee for the car and driver (and any passengers). It’s a fun experience that saves miles if you were headed toward Virginia or D.C. after NJ.
• Capital Cities Road Trip: Newark to Washington, D.C. (via Philadelphia and Baltimore) This is a classic I-95 corridor drive, doable in one very full day or better over several days. From Newark Airport, go south on the NJ Turnpike about 1.5 hours to reach Philadelphia (you can detour a bit into the city as mentioned earlier). Continue on I-95 through Delaware (briefly it’s only 20 miles across the top of Delaware) and into Maryland. Consider stopping in Baltimore (about 1.5 hours from Philly) the Inner Harbor area is right off I-95 and is great for a lunch stop, with the National Aquarium and historic ships to see. Finally, continue another 1 hour to Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. In D.C., you might ditch the car for a bit as you explore monuments on foot/National Mall by foot but having a car means you can also easily visit Arlington National Cemetery across the river, or drive out to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. Pro Tip: Traffic on I-95 south of Newark can be heavy, especially approaching cities (Philly, Baltimore, D.C.) and on summer weekends with beach traffic in Delaware/Maryland. If you’re not in a rush, consider timing your legs to avoid peak rush (e.g., leave Newark early morning to reach Philly before rush hour, or do the drive in segments outside 7-9am and 4-7pm). Also, bring some cash or ensure your E-ZPass is up you’ll encounter a few tolls (Delaware Memorial Bridge, Baltimore tunnels, etc.). One more thing: D.C. can have confusing circles and diagonal avenues; GPS is your friend, and note that street parking in downtown D.C. is limited (garages are available though). This road trip lets you check off major historic and cultural sights from the Liberty Bell to the Lincoln Memorial, all with the convenience of your Newark rental car.
• Upstate Explorer: Newark to Niagara Falls, NY Feeling adventurous and have a few days? From Newark, you can drive all the way to Niagara Falls on the New York–Canada border (about 400 miles). There are multiple routes one nice approach is to go through the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. For instance, drive up I-80/I-380 into Pennsylvania and then I-81 north into New York State, aiming for Scranton, PA (home of Steamtown USA railroad museum and “The Office” fame) or Binghamton, NY as a midway stop. Then cut west through the Finger Lakes perhaps stop in Ithaca, NY to see waterfalls and gorges at the south end of Cayuga Lake, or in Seneca Falls, the historic women’s rights town (and inspiration for Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life”). Continue west to Buffalo/Niagara. Niagara Falls is about a 7–8 hour drive from EWR without stops, so it’s best done with an overnight break en route. Once at Niagara, enjoy the breathtaking falls from the U.S. side at Niagara Falls State Park, and consider crossing the Rainbow Bridge (on foot or by car) to the Canadian side for another perspective (just remember passports if you do!). Pro Tip: Unlimited miles make this long haul feasible with no extra cost. Just make sure your rental contract allows Canada entry if you plan to cross most do, but double-check and inform the rental company. Also, be aware of seasonal considerations: in winter, upstate NY can get heavy snow; in summer, this drive is beautiful with greenery and lake views. If you have time, the return journey can be different for example, swing down through Cleveland, Ohio and come back via Pennsylvania, making it a grand loop. This is a road trip that truly showcases the freedom a rental car provides you can cover ~4 states (NJ, PA, NY, maybe Ontario Canada) on your own schedule!

Remember, these are just starting ideas with a rental car from Newark, you have the freedom to design your perfect itinerary. Whether it’s a day trip to the Meadowlands for a Giants/Jets game or a weeklong trek through New England’s fall foliage, it all begins at Newark Liberty Airport’s rental lot with you in the driver’s seat.