Princeton Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Princeton

Renting a car in Princeton offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed, which is especially convenient for families or those seeking outdoor experiences. The city boasts several key attractions, including the Princeton University Art Museum and Nassau Hall, both ideal for cultural experiences. You can also visit Albert Einstein's House to delve into history. Beyond Princeton, a rental car allows you to explore nearby destinations such as New Hope, located 24 km away, known for Peddler's Village and the New Hope–Lambertville Bridge. Trenton, just 14 km from Princeton, features the Grounds For Sculpture and the New Jersey State House, while Somerset, located 22 km away, offers beautiful spots like Colonial Park and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. Having a rental car ensures that you can enjoy these attractions and more without the limitations of public transportation, making your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in Princeton

• Midsize: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and provides ample space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples or families. With its balanced size, a midsize car offers a comfortable ride while remaining easy to manoeuvre in both urban and rural settings around Princeton.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families or groups, the fullsize car can seat 5 travellers and carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option offers more space and comfort, ensuring that everyone can travel together without sacrificing luggage capacity, making it perfect for those planning to explore Princeton and its surroundings.
• Standard: Similar to the midsize option, the standard car accommodates 5 travellers and supports up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it well-suited for couples or families seeking a reliable vehicle to navigate the attractions of Princeton at their own pace, ensuring a comfortable and flexible travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Princeton

• Enterprise: For maximum convenience, Enterprise has 1 rental location in Princeton, making it easily accessible for travellers. This supplier is particularly popular for its Standard SUV and Premium SUV options, perfect for those looking to explore the area with comfort and style. With a reputation for excellent customer service, you can expect a seamless rental experience as you embark on your adventures around Princeton.
• Budget: With 2 rental locations in Princeton, Budget is a fantastic choice for travellers seeking great value. This supplier is well-known for its Fullsize and Midsize vehicles, which cater to a variety of group sizes and luggage needs. By prioritising affordability, Budget ensures that you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank while maintaining easy access to your rental vehicle.
• Avis: Avis also boasts 2 rental locations in Princeton, providing convenience for those looking to rent a car. Their Midsize and Fullsize vehicles are popular choices among travellers, offering a good balance between space and manoeuvrability. Avis is committed to delivering a high-quality rental experience, making it an excellent option for exploring the picturesque surroundings of Princeton at your own pace.

Where to stay around Princeton

• New Hope: Located 24 km from Princeton, New Hope offers a charming city experience ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the historic village, enjoy a day at the beach or lake, and indulge in shopping at the local centres. Key attractions include Peddler's Village, known for its cultural significance, and the New Hope–Lambertville Bridge, a historic landmark. The area also features various dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a delightful stay for those looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere.
• Somerset: Situated 22 km from Princeton, Somerset is perfect for families seeking a blend of city and outdoor experiences. The area boasts a range of attractions, including the expansive Colonial Park, which is ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park for scenic adventures. Somerset offers a variety of dining choices, from restaurants to wineries, ensuring a pleasant culinary experience during your stay.
• Trenton: Trenton is located 14 km from Princeton and offers a family-friendly environment with a mix of entertainment and cultural experiences. The city is home to the Grounds For Sculpture, a unique museum that showcases stunning art in a beautiful outdoor setting. Visitors can also experience the excitement of Sesame Place theme park or explore the historical significance of the New Jersey State House. With numerous restaurants and wineries nearby, Trenton provides a rich and diverse selection for your accommodation needs.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Princeton

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia will assist you in finding the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and simpler to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Princeton

The best value period to rent a car in and around Princeton is January and February, when prices are low and demand is moderately low. March and April follow closely, offering average prices with moderately high demand. However, June through August tend to be the most expensive months, with high prices and average demand. Meanwhile, December is the busiest time, seeing higher demand levels and prices typical for the season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
February	33.8°F (1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Low
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
April	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
May	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	High
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
August	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Low
October	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average