Sign In
24/7
App

Car Hire in Newark, United States: Competitive Prices, Straightforward Pickup

Use this UK-focused guide to compare airport and downtown options, understand insurance and tolls, and get on the road quickly for Newark, New Jersey and the wider NYC area.

UK Traveller Essentials
Newark Car Hire Guide for UK Travellers
Hiring a car in Newark is often the most practical way to cover New Jersey and beyond, especially if you plan day trips, travel with luggage, or want flexibility outside Manhattan. Newark sits beside major motorways (including the New Jersey Turnpike and I-78), making it easy to reach Jersey Shore towns, Princeton, Philadelphia, the Hudson Valley and upstate New York. For UK travellers, the key considerations are: driving on the right, paying electronic tolls, and choosing insurance that matches your risk tolerance. Airport pickup (EWR) offers the widest choice and longest opening hours, while downtown branches can be cheaper and simpler if you’re already in the city and want to avoid airport surcharges.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Car Rental Centre
Most travellers collect here for the biggest fleet, late opening hours and easy motorway access. Navigation: after landing, follow signs for ‘AirTrain’ and take it to ‘Rental Car’ (the dedicated car rental facility). Allow extra time at peak periods for queues and vehicle collection. Pros: best availability and choice, convenient for immediate road trips. Cons: airport concession fees and busier counters.
Newark Penn Station Area (Downtown Newark)
Popular for travellers arriving by rail (Amtrak/NJ Transit/PATH) who want to collect after checking in. Pros: often lower fees than the airport and easy access from public transport. Cons: smaller vehicle selection, shorter hours, and city traffic when leaving at busy times.
Newark Central Business District (Broad Street / City Centre)
Handy if you’re staying downtown and want a quick, local pickup. Pros: convenient for hotels and offices, may avoid airport surcharges. Cons: limited parking and stock; weekend hours can be reduced; you may need to plan ahead for larger cars or automatics.
Loading map...

Discover Newark's Best Car Hire Deals for Every Adventure

From bustling city streets to stunning coastal escapes, find your perfect hire car for exploring Newark and beyond. View our top recommendations and hit the road today.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Urban Exploring

Small

City-Smart & Budget-Friendly
5
2
Auto

Newark's compact streets and tight parking spaces are a breeze for nimble small cars. Perfect for weaving through city traffic and squeezing into those harder-to-find bays. These economical choices also deliver impressive fuel efficiency, keeping your Newark exploration budget-friendly. Navigate confidently knowing you'll fit where larger vehicles simply cannot.

Coastal Getaway

SUV

Jersey Shore Ready
5
3
Auto

The call of the Jersey Shore is irresistible, and an SUV is your ideal companion for the journey. With ample boot space for beach gear, coolers, and luggage, you'll want for nothing. The elevated driving position offers superb visibility along coastal routes, while the robust build handles sandy car parks and mixed road surfaces with absolute confidence.

All-Weather Adventure

SUV

Four-Season, Any Terrain
5
3
Auto

Newark winters can deliver snow and icy conditions that demand a capable vehicle. An SUV with all-wheel drive provides the traction and stability you need for peace of mind. When summer arrives, the same vehicle takes you effortlessly to mountain retreats and countryside escapes. Versatile, safe, and ready for whatever the Garden State throws at you.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport (EWR)
Downtown Newark

Best For Immediate Road Trips And Maximum Choice

EWR airport pickup typically gives you the widest range of vehicles (including SUVs and people carriers), longer opening hours and the most last-minute availability. It’s ideal for UK travellers landing with luggage or connecting onwards into New Jersey and beyond. Do factor in airport surcharges and allow time for AirTrain transfer, counter queues and vehicle inspection before you drive.

Newark EWR Car Hire Reviews From Real Travellers

Read trusted ratings and genuine customer experiences for car rental companies serving Newark Liberty Airport to help you choose with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
SixtBest Overall
4.3
10,200+ reviews
$490In terminal, Walk to counter
$707 - $1,770
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Easy reservation process
National
2.9
57 reviews
$202In terminal, Shuttle bus
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Ace
2.9
1,400+ reviews
$1442.7 mi from Newark Downtown
$500 - $1,000
  • Helpful professional staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Smooth rental experience
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$214Airport light railLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$140In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$216In terminal, Shuttle bus
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$149Airport light railLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$176Airport light railLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$204Shuttle busLow deposit
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up process
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$201In terminal
$566 - $793
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 19 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
View details
Newark (EWR) Car Hire Insurance Guide — Avoid a £500,000 Liability
Essential guide for UK travellers renting cars at Newark (EWR). Explains US litigious risks, why SLI and zero-deductible LDW matter, compares buying at the desk vs third-party policies, and gives a clear pre-flight and hire‑desk checklist to avoid catastrophic costs.
View details
Newark Self-Drive Toll Guide - Avoid Hire Car Toll Fees & Surprise Bills
Practical guide for British travellers collecting a hire car at Newark (EWR). Explains cashless tolling and E‑ZPass, the three hire‑company toll models (flat‑rate, pay‑per‑use, toll‑by‑plate), what to ask at the counter, on-road best practice, and how to check and dispute post-trip charges to avoid unexpected fees.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport transport dominates with 38% market share, as Newark Airport serves 49m passengers annually; 48% of renters prioritise affordability and 12% choose off-airport locations to save costs."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars hold 32% market share while SUVs grow at 10.7% CAGR; online bookings dominate at 71%, with US market expanding at 8.7% CAGR through 2030."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of renters report hidden fees causing disconnect between advertised and final prices, while 57% find the checkout process frustrating."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Report 2024
  • NJ.com - Port Authority Newark Airport Passenger Data
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Report 2024
  • Zubie Rental Fleet Management Survey 2024
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Report 2024

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Newark

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Newark

Discover Newark: Your Ultimate Driving and Travel Companion

Essential travel and driving information for navigating Newark, from road rules to fuel costs, all designed to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

£57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

4 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-48 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

£0.92/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

£0.79/L - £1.06/L

Newark Car Rental Guide

Essential FAQs for hiring a car and driving in Newark, New Jersey

Can I drive in Newark with my foreign licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your full national licence if your licence isn't in English. The IDP is a mandatory translation document recognised by rental companies and police. Apply for one before you leave your home country as they cannot be obtained in the USA. Without both documents, rental agencies will refuse to hand over the vehicle and you won't be covered by insurance.
I'm 22 – will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much is it?
Yes, drivers under 25 are subject to a young driver surcharge at most Newark rental counters, typically ranging from £20–£35 per day (approximately $25–$45 USD). This surcharge applies to drivers aged 21–24. At 25, you generally escape this extra cost. Some premium and luxury vehicles have higher minimum age requirements of 25 or even 28, so check vehicle restrictions when booking.
How do I pay for motorway tolls – do I need an E-ZPass, and is hiring one worth it?
New Jersey uses the E-ZPass electronic toll system on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and other major routes. Rental companies offer E-ZPass devices for around £8–£12 per day, which is often poor value for short trips. Consider buying a transponder from E-ZPass website or service areas if you plan frequent motorway use. Tolls in this region range from £1–£15 depending on distance. Cash lanes are still available but slower. An E-ZPass device typically pays for itself after 3–4 toll crossings.
Winter weather – do I need snow chains or winter tyres, and what about icy roads?
New Jersey winters bring snow and ice, particularly on motorways and rural roads. While chains are rarely legally required in New Jersey, they're strongly advisable for mountainous routes north of Newark. Most rental companies offer winter tyres or all-wheel-drive vehicles for a daily supplement of roughly £15–£25. Carry an ice scraper and ensure your rental includes adequate windscreen wash. Blizzard warnings occasionally close sections of the New Jersey Turnpike – check 511nj.org for real-time road conditions before setting out.
Is parking straightforward in Newark and New York City, and what's the cost?
Parking in Newark itself costs £10–£25 per day in garages, with street parking strictly regulated. If you're heading into Manhattan, expect to pay £25–£50 per day in official car parks – street parking in Manhattan is virtually impossible. Outside Manhattan in Brooklyn or Queens, metered street parking is available but enforcement is strict. Newark Liberty Airport car parks charge around £15–£30 per day. Never leave valuables visible in the car as break-ins are common in tourist areas.
What's the fuel situation – unleaded or diesel, and do I return the car full or empty?
Nearly all vehicles in the USA run on unleaded petrol (gasoline). Diesel is uncommon in rental fleets. The USA uses a different octane rating system – you'll see numbers like 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade), and 91–93 (premium). Most rentals operate on the 'full-to-full' policy: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid refuelling charges at inflated rates (often £2–£3 per litre versus £1.20–£1.40 at pumps). Fill up at a major brand petrol station before returning the vehicle to save significant money.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.

Trustpilot