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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest airports in the country, and for good reason — it's the closest major airport for most of Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken, and North Bergen. If a rental car is part of your travel plans, a little planning can save you both time and money. Here's what to know before you book.
Airport counters aren't always the best deal
Rental counters located directly inside an airport typically charge additional airport concession fees and facility surcharges that get added onto your total. These fees exist because airports charge rental companies for the right to operate on-site, and that cost gets passed to the renter. Booking with a rental company located just outside the airport, like Primetime Car Rental in Jersey City, can mean a lower total cost for the same vehicle.
Book before you land
Rental availability at EWR can get tight during holidays, summer travel season, and major NYC events. Reserving your vehicle in advance — especially if you need a specific vehicle type like an SUV or minivan — helps you avoid showing up to a picked-over lot.
Know your pickup and drop-off logistics
If you're renting near Newark Airport instead of inside the terminal, check how you'll get from your arrival gate to the rental location. Many local rental companies, including Primetime, are a short rideshare or shuttle ride from EWR, which is a small tradeoff for a lower rate and less congestion.
Watch for one-way and after-hours fees
If your trip starts in Jersey City and ends somewhere else — or if your flight lands late at night — ask about drop-off flexibility and after-hours return policies before you book. It's easier to plan around these fees than to get surprised by them at return time.
Consider what you actually need
Not every airport trip requires a full-size SUV. If you're headed into Manhattan or staying in Hudson County, a compact or midsize car is often all you need, and it'll cost less to rent and to fuel. Save the larger vehicle for trips where you're hauling luggage, gear, or a full carload of passengers.
Renting local vs. renting at the airport
For travelers based in Jersey City, Hoboken, or elsewhere in Hudson County, renting from a local company before you ever set foot at EWR is often the simplest option. At Primetime Car Rental, we serve the Newark Airport area along with Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken, North Bergen, and the greater NYC metro, with affordable rates and no hidden airport surcharges. Book ahead, skip the airport line, and start your trip already on the road.