Car Hire In Paramus, United States: Competitive Prices And A Clear, Practical Guide

Compare deals, choose the right pick-up point, and drive North New Jersey with confidence—our UK-focused tips cover insurance, fuel, tolls and common fees.

Terminal Guide

Car Guide

Deals

Compare

Rental Tips

Expert Advice

Popular Routes

Routes

Travel Info

FAQ

Awards

UK Traveller Essentials

Paramus Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect

Paramus (Bergen County, New Jersey) is a practical base for exploring North Jersey, the Hudson Valley and day trips into New York City, while often offering easier driving and parking than central Manhattan. Hiring a car here suits UK travellers who want flexibility for shopping, business, family visits or multi-stop road trips. Expect right-hand traffic, automatic gearboxes as standard, and toll roads across the region. Insurance and deposits can work differently from the UK: rental prices may exclude key cover, and a credit card is usually required for the security deposit. For the best value, compare total cost (base rate, taxes, young driver fees if applicable, one-way fees, toll products, and fuel options) and choose pick-up based on your arrival route—airport for immediate onward travel, or Paramus/local branches for potentially lower rates and simpler parking.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Car Rental Centre

Closest major airport option for most international arrivals near Paramus (typically about 45–75 minutes by road depending on traffic). Follow signs for 'Car Rental' after baggage reclaim; most brands operate via the airport rental facility with shuttle or AirTrain connections depending on terminal. Pros: widest choice of companies, late opening hours, easy for same-day onward travel. Cons: airport surcharges and heavier traffic, especially during peak commuter times.

Paramus Retail Corridor (Route 4 / Route 17 Area)

Near major shopping destinations and hotels, often with easier parking than dense urban centres. Pros: practical for local stays and family visits; may avoid airport fees; straightforward access to highways for day trips. Cons: limited public transport access, so you may need a taxi/rideshare to collect the car; branch hours can be shorter than airports.

Garden State Plaza Vicinity

A convenient landmark area with nearby rental branches and ample parking infrastructure. Pros: simple meeting point, good amenities, and easy pick-up if you are already staying in Paramus. Cons: traffic can build up at weekends and around holiday shopping periods; availability may be tighter without advance booking.

Choose Your Ride

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

Why Pick Up At The Airport?

Airport pick-up (often via Newark EWR) is ideal if you want to land and drive straight to Paramus or beyond. You typically get the widest vehicle choice, longer opening hours, and on-site support—useful after a long flight. Do budget for airport concession fees and allow extra time for queues and traffic around peak periods.

Paramus Car Hire Reviews from Real Travellers

Check genuine customer ratings and feedback for car hire services in Paramus, United States, to help you choose with confidence.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
	1.2 5691+ reviews	$147	2.2 mi from Paramus Downtown	$484 - $717		●Excellent roadside assistance ●Friendly helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up process
	1.2 99 reviews	$243	2.2 mi from Paramus Downtown	$444 - $1,024		●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. 11 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

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

"Paramus hosts 5+ major brands (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, Thrifty) on Route 17; airport pickups at nearby EWR account for the largest share, with Enterprise leading US bookings at 39%."

Booking Patterns

"Holiday road trips drive 41% of US rentals, with SUVs ($90–$120/day) overtaking economy ($40–$60/day); Paramus rentals start from $40/day, with leisure dominating over business (16%)."

Customer Pain Points

"Roughly 45% of US renters report unexpected fees and CDW insurance confusion at the counter, the top complaint in J.D. Power surveys."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Hertz Paramus Location Page
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Paramus Location
Roadgenius US Car Rental Statistics 2024 & 2025
Roadgenius Car Rental Statistics USA
KAYAK Cheap Paramus Car Rentals
Roadgenius Car Rental Statistics USA (J.D. Power 2024 satisfaction scores)

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Paramus

Recommended Driving Routes:

Hudson River Palisades Scenic Drive (Palisades Interstate Parkway Loop)

Scenic drive / nature lookouts1 hr 15 mins–2 hrs (plus stops)

A close-to-Paramus, low-stress scenic loop along the Palisades with river viewpoints, short walks and picnic spots. Ideal if you want fresh air without committing to a full day’s driving.

Palisades Interstate Parkway, State Line Lookout, Palisades Interstate Park, Fort Lee Historic Park, George Washington Bridge Scenic Overlook

West Point & Hudson Highlands Route (via Bear Mountain)

History / mountain views1 hr 30 mins–2 hrs each way (plus stops)

A classic Hudson Valley drive combining dramatic highland views with US military history. Expect winding roads, viewpoints and an easy-to-plan day with options for hikes or riverside lunch stops.

Bear Mountain State Park, Perkins Memorial Drive, West Point (United States Military Academy), Cold Spring, NY, Storm King Mountain viewpoint area

Liberty & Waterfront Skyline Route (Jersey City–Hoboken–Liberty State Park)

Urban waterfront / sightseeing45 mins–1 hr 15 mins each way (plus stops and parking)

A straightforward route to the Hudson waterfront for postcard Manhattan views, parks and promenades. Great for visitors who want skyline photos and a relaxed city-edge stroll without driving into Midtown.

Liberty State Park, Empty Sky Memorial, Jersey City Waterfront (Exchange Place), Hoboken Waterfront Walkway, Hamilton Park (Weehawken)

Popular Short Trips From Paramus:

American Dream (East Rutherford) Shopping & Indoor Attractions

20–35 mins each way (plus visit time)

An easy hop for shopping, dining and weather-proof entertainment. Ideal for families or anyone wanting a flexible half-day plan.

The Cloisters & Fort Tryon Park (Upper Manhattan)

25–50 mins each way (traffic dependent)

A compact cultural escape: medieval art and peaceful park views over the Hudson. Go early for smoother driving and easier parking nearby.

Sandy Hook & Gateway National Recreation Area

1 hr–1 hr 30 mins each way

A coastal day out with beaches, cycling, and historic lighthouse scenery. Best in warmer months; pack towels and allow extra time on summer weekends.

Storm King Art Center (New Windsor, NY)

1 hr 15 mins–1 hr 45 mins each way

A standout open-air sculpture park set in rolling Hudson Valley landscape. Wear comfortable shoes and plan for slow, scenic walking between installations.

Car Hire & Driving Planning Tips (Paramus Area)

Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence, a second form of ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If you’re visiting from abroad, check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your licence.

Plan around peak traffic on the Hudson crossings: The George Washington Bridge and Lincoln/Holland Tunnel approaches can back up heavily at commuting hours. Build in buffer time or travel outside peaks for a calmer drive.

Factor in parking costs and rules: Urban waterfront areas (Jersey City/Hoboken/NYC edges) may have metered, permit, or garage-only zones. Check signage carefully and consider garages for longer stops.

Know New Jersey fuel rules: In New Jersey, petrol is typically pumped by attendants rather than self-service. Keep your payment method ready and tell the attendant the fuel grade and whether you want a full tank.

Expect toll roads and use electronic tolling: Many routes use toll facilities (bridges, tunnels, parkways). Ask your hire company about E‑ZPass options and their admin fees so you’re not surprised by post-trip charges.

Choose insurance based on your real risk: Review collision damage and liability coverage and compare with any coverage from your credit card or travel insurance. Make sure you understand excess/deductibles and what counts as ‘damage’.

Pick a vehicle that matches your route: For city-edge trips, a smaller car makes parking easier. For day trips with multiple passengers or gear, consider a midsize SUV for comfort and luggage space.

Driving in Paramus USA: A Complete Visitor Guide

Practical information on traffic rules, car hire, fuel costs and road safety for travellers visiting Paramus, New Jersey, United States

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$58 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

6days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-56 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

89-105 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.89/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.79/L - $1.02/L

Hiring a Car in Paramus

Practical answers for UK drivers hiring a car and exploring Paramus, New Jersey

Can I use my UK driving licence to hire a car in Paramus?

Yes — your UK photocard licence is valid for tourist visits under three months, so you don't need a US licence to drive. Most major rental firms (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) still ask for a 1968 International Driving Permit as a translation back-up; get one from the AA before flying (£5.50 plus a passport photo, valid one year). The minimum hire age is 21, and drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $20-25 per day. Drivers over 70 may face extra insurance checks or be refused outright. Always carry your passport and licence together — police can request both.

How do I pay tolls on the Garden State Parkway?

New Jersey switched to cashless tolling on the Parkway, Turnpike and most bridges between 2020 and 2022. An E-ZPass transponder is cheapest — a typical northern Parkway stretch costs about $1.50 with one. Without it, your number plate is photographed and the hire firm invoices you later, usually 50-100% above the E-ZPass rate, plus a $3-5 daily admin fee. If you rent from Newark Airport, the car almost always comes pre-fitted with E-ZPass. Be aware: the George Washington Bridge toll into New York is $16.60 at peak times, so factor that in if you're commuting.

Is it really worth driving from Paramus into Manhattan?

Honestly, no — most locals would not. The 25 km drive via the George Washington Bridge typically takes 45-90 minutes in rush hour, and the peak toll is $16.60. Parking in Manhattan is $40-60 per day in a garage. A much better option is to park at Secaucus Junction (around $11 for 24 hours) and catch NJ Transit into Penn Station — the train takes just 25 minutes and costs $4.75 one way. Manhattan now charges a $9 congestion fee on most vehicles entering south of 60th Street, which doubles the cost of self-driving.

Where can I park safely in Paramus without getting a ticket?

Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park both offer free parking, but the lots can fill by 11am on Saturdays in November and December when Christmas shopping peaks. Stick to marked bays — Paramus enforces fire lanes strictly, and fines start at $45. Street parking is largely banned near the malls to ease traffic on Route 17 and Route 4. For Bergen Town Center, use the covered decks; the open lots can be a 5-minute walk in bad weather. Always lock valuables out of sight — break-ins spike during the holiday shopping season.

Do I need winter tyres or snow chains in Paramus?

Neither winter tyres nor snow chains are legally required in New Jersey, but Paramus averages 25-30 cm of snow between December and March, and freezing rain is common. All-season tyres cope with everyday trips and short motorway runs, but in heavy storms you'll want a hire car with all-wheel drive if available. Carry an ice scraper, warm gloves, a phone charger and a blanket in the boot. Avoid driving when a Nor'easter is forecast — even the Garden State Parkway can shut for hours, and snow ploughs move slowly on secondary roads.

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 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

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