Travelling isn’t just about choosing a destination; it’s also about deciding how to get there. Renting a car opens up a world of possibilities: you can plan your own route, stop at scenic spots and explore attractions on your own schedule. With rental services, even a short trip can turn into an adventure.
Tip: Newark Liberty International Airport offers a free shuttle service with a wide range of vehicles. To reserve a car, use this link to rent one at Newark Airport. It’s. It’s convenient if you arrive late at night or want to set off right from the airport.
How to Pick the Perfect Car For Your Trip
The first step in renting is choosing the right model. Key factors are the number of passengers, the amount of luggage and the nature of your trip. Below are the main categories of rental cars, along with recommendations for selecting them.
Car Classes And Their Features
| Category | Seats / Luggage | Ideal For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (economy) | 4–5 seats, trunk for 2 bags | City trips, fuel-efficient travel | Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta |
| Medium (compact/midsize, some SUVs) | 2–5 seats, 3–4 bags | Couples with lots of luggage or 4 passengers on shorter trips | Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla |
| Large (standard/full-size, SUVs) | 4–8 seats, 4–5 bags | Family vacations, longer journeys | Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Terrain |
| Premium / luxury | 4–8 seats, 2–5 bags | Business travel, celebrations, style | BMW 5 Series, Cadillac Escalade |
| Minivan | 7–8 seats, flexible cargo area | Large families or groups; built-in entertainment systems | Chrysler Pacifica |
| SUV | 4–6 seats, lots of luggage | Families of 4–5; off‑road driving, winter routes | Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 |
Selection Tips
- Small cars: Perfect for city driving; economical and manoeuvrable, but with less power and a small trunk.
- Medium cars: Suitable for long trips for two with lots of luggage or short family trips; some compact SUVs fall into this category.
- Large and premium cars: Offer comfort, more legroom, and larger trunks; ideal for groups and longer journeys.
- Minivans: Ideal for travelling with more than five people or friends. They seat 7–8 people, offer flexible cargo space, and often include entertainment systems. Downsides: higher rental rates and increased fuel consumption.
- SUVs: Versatile for mountain or winter travel; they fit 4–6 people plus luggage, and some come with hybrid engines. Drawback: less comfortable for more than five passengers with a lot of luggage.
You can also pick a vehicle by brand and type. Drivo offers budget‑friendly models (Honda Civic, Toyota Prius) for city driving as well as SUVs and minivans for group or family trips.
Best Places To Rent A Car
Airports And Downtown Locations
Most companies have desks at airports so that you can pick up a car right after landing. However, airport rentals often cost more due to additional taxes and fees, such as the “concession recovery fee” and “customer facility charge”. If you’re willing to travel a little, look into suburban locations: prices there can be lower than in major cities.
Alternative options
- Dealership rentals: Some car dealers offer vehicle rentals. This can be a smart choice if you want a specific make or model. Dealers often include unlimited mileage and free roadside assistance.
- Suburban offices: Renting outside a major city is often cheaper than downtown locations, especially if you’re willing to drive a few miles to pick up the car.
- One-way rentals: If you plan to pick up in one city and return in another, check the terms and any drop-off fees. One-way rentals are convenient but usually cost more.
- Book early: To save money, book your vehicle in advance and compare rates both on the company’s website and through brokers. Experts note that early booking via platforms such as Rentalcars.com or Expedia typically delivers the lowest rates.
Practical Car Rental Tips
Check Your Documents And Age Limits
To rent a car, you’ll need a passport, a valid driver’s license (foreign visitors may need an international driving permit if their license isn’t in English) and a credit card for the deposit. In many countries, the minimum rental age ranges from 21 to 25, and younger drivers pay an additional fee.
Insurance: Key Types and How to Save
In most countries, car rental requires at least basic liability coverage. Companies offer several types of policies:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Relieves you from paying for damages or theft of the rental vehicle (usually does not cover tyres or glass).
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Extends CDW coverage and includes protection against theft or vandalism.
- Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other people and their property.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Pays medical expenses for passengers and the driver in the event of an accident.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) and deductible coverage: Can reduce out-of-pocket expenses but will increase the rental price.
To avoid overspending:
- Check your own policies: Your personal auto insurance or travel insurance may cover rental vehicles. Many credit cards also provide secondary or even primary coverage.
- Decline unnecessary add-ons: Extras such as GPS, child seats, or additional insurance are often upsells. Use your smartphone for navigation and check if your existing coverage is sufficient.
- Refuel yourself: Prepaying for a full tank is convenient but usually more expensive. It is generally cheaper to fill up before returning the car.
- Inspect and document: Before driving away, photograph the car and note any existing damage in the contract to avoid disputes at drop-off.
- Mileage and fuel: Check whether unlimited mileage is included and understand the refuelling rules. Some restrictions may apply, particularly for one-way rentals.
Country-specific considerations
- Europe: Many countries require an international driving permit, and liability insurance is typically included in the base rate. Some highways have toll stickers (vignettes), so check whether tolls or electronic passes are included when you book.
- United States: Most states require at least minimal liability coverage, and renters under 25 often pay extra fees. Some companies allow driving across state lines, but always verify mileage terms.
- Different rules in one country: In Australia and New Zealand, drivers drive on the left. In Iceland and Canada, distances are long, and the weather can be unpredictable. Choose a vehicle suited to the climate and road conditions.
Themed Road Trips With A Rental Car
- Pine Barrens Scenic Byway: A 130-mile national byway winding through the pine forests of Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean counties. Notable stops include the Tuckerton Seaport museum, Bass River State Park, and the historic Batsto Village.
- Bayshore Heritage Byway: A 122-mile route along the Delaware Bay and Delaware River, connecting Cape May Point and Mannington. Highlights include Fort Mott State Park, the East Point Lighthouse, and Sunset Beach.
- Delaware River Scenic Byway: A scenic drive along Route 29 from Trenton to Frenchtown, passing historic river towns and attractions such as museums, Washington Crossing State Park, and Bull’s Island Recreation Area.
- Millstone Valley Scenic Byway: A 25-mile road through the Millstone River valley featuring 11 historic districts, including Kingston and Rocky Hill.
These routes showcase rural America: historic villages, bridges, vineyards and farmers’ markets. Plan stops for picnics and short hikes in advance.
Route 29 And The Delaware River
Route 29 runs roughly 56 km along the Delaware River, starting in Trenton and ending in Frenchtown. Along the way, you can visit Washington Crossing State Park and the historic Prallsville Mills, and enjoy fishing and walks along the canal. If you have extra time, veer onto the Delaware River Scenic Byway to see the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge and scenic farms.
Exploring The Pine Barrens
Driving through the Pine Barrens is a great way for nature lovers to explore. This 209-km route passes through reserves and national parks where you can see rare coniferous forests, visit the historic town of Batsto, legendary blueberry farms and stop at Port Republic to learn about the area’s pirate past.
Conclusion
Renting a car gives you the freedom to travel and lets you see more than you ever imagined. The key is to choose the right vehicle, taking into account the number of passengers, luggage and the nature of your route. Use insurance and booking tips to avoid paying extra and choose reliable companies. If you fly through Newark and want to hit the road immediately, try Drivo: they offer a convenient shuttle, transparent conditions and a wide selection of cars. Reserve your car rental at Newark Airport in advance and start your journey without fuss.