The main rental companies at Newark Airport and downtown
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has six major rental companies on-site: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo. All operate from the rental car center on the ground floor, accessible by a short walk or shuttle from baggage claim. If you land at Newark and need a car when ready, these are your fastest options — you can walk from the plane to a rental counter in under 20 minutes.
Downtown Newark also has rental locations, though fewer than the airport. Enterprise and Hertz maintain offices in the central business district, and several smaller regional companies operate there as well. Downtown rentals make sense if you live in or are traveling to Newark itself, or if you want to avoid airport surcharges — which in New Jersey can add 10 to 15 percent to your base rate.
Pricing varies significantly between airport and downtown locations for the same car type and dates. A compact car might cost $45 per day at a downtown Enterprise but $52 at the airport location, before taxes and fees. Check both when you book, especially if you have flexibility on pickup location.
Key Takeaways
- Newark Airport has six major rental companies in one facility, making it the fastest option if you need a car on arrival, but airport locations charge higher daily rates and add state and local surcharges.
- Downtown Newark locations cost less per day but have shorter hours and fewer vehicle options than the airport center.
- New Jersey rental taxes and fees typically add 10 to 20 percent to your quoted rate, depending on whether you rent at the airport or in the city.
- Booking online in advance locks in a rate and guarantees vehicle availability; walk-up rates at the counter are usually higher.
- Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but rental company damage waivers and liability coverage are separate purchases you should understand before signing.
Airport versus downtown: what the cost difference actually is
The Newark Airport rental center charges a facility fee on top of the daily rate — currently $4.50 per day for most companies. New Jersey also adds a 6 percent state sales tax, plus a 2.75 percent rental tax, plus a 5 percent motor vehicle surcharge on airport rentals specifically. Downtown locations in Newark are subject to the state and rental taxes but not the motor vehicle surcharge, and some avoid the facility fee entirely.
On a three-day rental of a mid-size sedan, the difference is real. At the airport, a $50-per-day base rate becomes roughly $180 before you drive off the lot. The same car downtown at $42 per day comes to about $135. That $45 difference matters if you are renting for a week or longer.
The trade-off is convenience. Airport rentals are open until 11 p.m. or midnight most days; downtown locations often close by 6 p.m. If your flight lands at 8 p.m., downtown is not an option. If you are picking up a car two days before your trip, downtown saves money and hassle.
What to bring and what to expect at pickup
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Bring your insurance card or a screenshot of your policy — rental companies check this before handing over keys. If you do not have personal auto insurance, you will need to buy the rental company's damage waiver, which typically costs $15 to $25 per day depending on the vehicle class.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, especially at the airport during peak hours (7 a.m. to 10 a.m., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). The rental agent will ask for your reservation confirmation, run your driver's license, and explain the damage waiver and liability coverage options. Read the rental agreement before signing — it specifies the mileage policy (unlimited or capped), fuel policy (prepay or return full), and what damage you are responsible for.
The agent will walk you to the car, point out any existing damage, and ask you to confirm it on the contract. Take photos of the car's condition yourself — front, back, sides, and any scratches or dents — before you leave the lot. This protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage you did not.
Insurance and damage coverage: what you actually need
Your personal auto insurance likely covers rental cars, but you need to verify this before you rent. Call your insurance company or check your policy documents — most comprehensive and collision policies extend to rentals, but some exclude them or limit coverage to the United States. If your policy covers rentals, you do not need to buy the rental company's damage waiver.
If you do not have personal insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, the rental company will offer a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW). This costs $15 to $25 per day and covers damage to the rental car up to its full value. Without it, you are liable for any damage, which can be thousands of dollars if the car is in an accident.
Liability coverage is separate. Your personal auto insurance includes liability (it covers damage you cause to other people's property or injuries). If you do not have personal insurance, the rental company will offer liability coverage for roughly $10 to $15 per day. This is not optional if you lack personal insurance — you must buy it or decline to rent.
Fuel, mileage, and return policies
Most Newark rentals use a "full-to-full" fuel policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it empty, the rental company charges you for a full tank at a markup — typically $6 to $8 per gallon, which is higher than gas station prices. Plan to refuel near the return location before you drop off the car.
Mileage is usually unlimited on daily rentals in the Newark area. Weekly and monthly rentals sometimes cap mileage at 100 or 150 miles per day; if you exceed it, you pay 25 to 35 cents per extra mile. Check your reservation confirmation to see which policy applies to your rental.
Return the car during business hours at the location where you rented it. Airport returns are open until 11 p.m. or midnight; downtown locations close earlier. If you return the car after hours, you may be charged an extra day's rental. Some companies offer after-hours return (you leave the keys in a drop box), but this is not standard — ask when you pick up the car.
Booking online versus at the counter
Booking online through the rental company's website or a comparison site like Kayak or Autoslash locks in a rate and guarantees a vehicle in your reserved class. Walk-up rates at the counter are almost always higher — sometimes 20 to 30 percent higher on busy days. If you book online, bring your confirmation number and reservation details on your phone or printed.
Comparison sites show rates from multiple companies side by side, which saves time. However, book directly with the rental company's website if you find a lower rate there — some companies offer loyalty discounts or corporate codes that do not appear on third-party sites. Check both before you decide.
Book at least a few days in advance if possible. Last-minute bookings (same day or next day) carry a premium, and vehicle availability may be limited. If you are flexible on dates, even shifting your rental by one day can lower the rate significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at Newark Airport if I do not have a credit card?
No. All major rental companies require a credit card in your name for the reservation and as a hold for potential damage charges. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot rent from the major companies at Newark.
What happens if I return the car late?
You will be charged for an additional day's rental, even if you are only an hour late. Some companies charge a partial day rate for returns within a few hours of your due time, but this varies. Return the car on time or call ahead if you need an extension — the rental company may be able to adjust your reservation and avoid the extra charge.
Do I need to buy a damage waiver if I have a credit card?
No. A credit card does not cover rental car damage. You need either personal auto insurance that covers rentals or a rental company damage waiver. Credit card rental protection is rare and usually limited to specific card types; check your card's benefits guide, but do not assume you are covered.
Is it cheaper to rent from a location outside Newark?
Sometimes. Rental rates vary by location, and a company in nearby Jersey City or Elizabeth might be cheaper than Newark Airport. However, you lose the convenience of picking up at the airport, and the savings often disappear once you factor in the cost and time of getting to an off-airport location. Compare the total cost including transportation before you decide.
Can I rent a car if my driver's license is from another country?
Yes, if you have a valid international driving permit (IDP) along with your home country license. An IDP is a translation of your license issued by your home country's automobile association. Bring both documents to the rental counter. Some rental companies charge an extra fee for international licenses, typically $10 to $20.