Last updated: March 13, 2026
Flying into Newark and need a rental car? Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) makes the process easy with a new, modern Consolidated Rental Car Center. Whether you’re arriving at Terminal A, B, or C, this step-by-step guide will help you locate, book, and drive off in your rental car without confusion. While all information is accurate at the time of writing, be sure to check the Airport website for the latest information before heading out.
Step 1: Landing at EWR
Planning to pick up a rental car at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)? Newark’s on-airport rental companies are now located in the airport’s Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station, which makes pickup more centralized than the older setup. Depending on where you arrive, you may use the AirTrain or follow terminal signage toward the rental car center. Because Newark is also in the middle of AirTrain replacement construction, some rail-to-airport connections currently use shuttle buses during certain weekday hours. This guide explains where to go, how the current rental car process works, and what to expect before you drive away.
Quick Facts: Renting a Car at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Airport code: EWR
- Rental car pickup location: Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station
- Which companies are there? Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty
- Do I need the AirTrain? Often, yes, depending on your terminal and how you arrive at the airport
- Important construction note: At the time of this writing, AirTrain service to/from the Airport Train Station is currently unavailable Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with shuttle buses replacing that segment during those hours
- Is AirTrain still running between terminals? Yes, the airport says AirTrain service continues between terminals
- Best tip before pickup: Check both your rental company’s latest Newark instructions and the airport’s current AirTrain advisory before travel
Step 2: Getting to the Rental Car Center
Newark’s on-airport rental car companies are located in the Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station. If you arrive at Terminal A, follow airport signs for rental cars. If you arrive at another terminal or come in via rail, follow the airport’s current AirTrain or shuttle instructions to reach the rental car center.
The airport says all 10 major on-airport rental car companies are now centralized there, which makes the pickup process more straightforward than the older multi-location setup.
Step 3: Check the Current AirTrain and Shuttle Setup
Before heading to the rental car center, pay attention to Newark’s current AirTrain guidance. As of March 2026, because of the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program, the airport says AirTrain service to and from the Airport Train Station is currently unavailable Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During those hours, shuttle buses replace that part of the trip and stop at all terminals, rental cars, and P4 daily parking.
The airport also says AirTrain service continues to run between all terminals, so the exact route depends on where you start. If you are arriving by NJ Transit or Amtrak, give yourself extra time during the weekday construction window, since the airport says shuttle rides can take 15–45 minutes and recommends allowing up to 30–60 minutes during construction.
Step 4: Complete Your Rental and Inspect the Car
Once you reach the rental car center, head to your provider’s counter and have your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation confirmation ready. Some companies may have additional rules for debit cards, after-hours pickup, or extra drivers, so it helps to review those details before your trip.
Before leaving the lot, check your rental agreement carefully and make sure you understand the final total, fuel policy, return time, and any optional extras added at pickup. Then inspect the vehicle for scratches, dents, wheel damage, or interior issues and take a few quick photos before driving away.
Step 5: Returning Your Rental Car at EWR
When it is time to return your car, follow airport signs for the Newark Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station and return the vehicle according to your provider’s instructions. After drop-off, use the airport’s current AirTrain or shuttle guidance to reach your departure terminal or the Airport Train Station. Because Newark’s AirTrain setup is currently affected by construction during some weekday hours, it is smart to leave extra time for the trip back.
Step 6: Understanding Tolls and E-ZPass
If you’re planning to use toll roads, it’s important to ask your rental car company about E-ZPass options:
- Some rental companies provide transponder tags as part of the rental. Ask about how they work and what fees apply.
- If you have your own E-ZPass, you may use it—but do not add the rental car’s license plate to your personal account to avoid billing errors.
- If no transponder is used, you can still pay tolls with cash where available.
Each company’s policy differs, so get clear answers before you leave the lot.
Step 7: Departing the Airport by Road
Once you’re in your rental, Newark Airport offers direct access to major highways including:
- I-78
- Route 1/9
- New Jersey Turnpike (I-95)
Whether you’re heading into Manhattan or exploring New Jersey, you’ll be on the road in minutes.
Step 8: Returning Your Rental Car
When it’s time to head back to the airport, return your vehicle to the same Rental Car Center in Parking Garage A. Follow posted signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport.
Most companies offer after-hours return options, including key drop boxes. Just confirm the details with your provider when you pick up the car.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newark Airport Rental Cars
Newark’s on-airport rental cars are picked up at the Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station. All 10 major on-airport rental companies are located there
The airport says the consolidated center includes Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Often, yes, depending on your terminal or whether you are arriving from the Airport Train Station. However, current 2026 construction may change the exact route during some weekday hours.
Not fully. The airport says that effective January 15, 2026, AirTrain service to and from the Airport Train Station is unavailable Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and shuttle buses replace that part of the trip during those hours. AirTrain service between terminals continues to run.
The airport says shuttle rides during the construction period usually take 15–45 minutes and recommends allowing up to 30–60 minutes during construction.
In most cases, you should bring your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation confirmation. Some companies may also have specific rules for debit cards or additional drivers.
Return the vehicle to the Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station, then follow the airport’s current AirTrain or shuttle instructions to reach your terminal or the Airport Train Station.
Conclusion
Picking up a rental car at Newark Liberty International Airport is easier once you know that all on-airport rental companies are now located in the Consolidated Rental Car Center at Terminal A Station. The most important thing to remember is that Newark’s current AirTrain construction can affect how you get there, especially if you are connecting from the Airport Train Station during weekday daytime hours.
Before you travel, check both your rental company’s latest pickup instructions and Newark’s current AirTrain advisory. A little preparation can make the rental car pickup process at EWR much smoother.
