$46 Car Rental Princeton, NJ

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Princeton

Renting a car in Princeton offers the freedom to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace, making it an excellent choice for college visitors, cultural explorers, and weekend travelers. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while having the flexibility to create your travel plans. You can visit key attractions such as Princeton University, located right in the city, or head to the CURE Insurance Arena, a family-friendly entertainment facility just 9 miles away. For a cultural experience, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is also conveniently located 7 miles from Princeton.

A rental car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like Pennington, only 6 miles away, where you can find more attractions related to education and family fun. Trenton, situated 9 miles from Princeton, offers Sesame Place and Grounds For Sculpture, while Somerset, 14 miles away, features Rutgers New Brunswick and Colonial Park. For families, the convenience of having a vehicle provides ample space for everyone and their belongings, making it easier to enjoy your trip without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Princeton

• Midsize SUV: This option comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Princeton and its surroundings. The Midsize SUV provides a great balance of comfort and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those who want to experience the area at their own pace.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, the Fullsize car fits 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those who require a bit more space for luggage while enjoying the freedom to visit various attractions in and around Princeton. It offers a comfortable ride, making it suitable for longer drives and family outings.
• Mini Van: The Mini Van is a great choice for larger groups, accommodating up to 8 travelers and providing room for up to 6 large suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for families or groups planning to travel together, allowing everyone to enjoy Princeton’s attractions without the hassle of multiple cars. The extra space and comfort make it a convenient option for weekend adventures.

Top rated car suppliers in Princeton

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers in Princeton, with one rental location available in the area. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise offers a wide selection of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Mini Van being the most booked options. Travelers appreciate the flexibility and convenience of renting from Enterprise, making it a reliable option for exploring Princeton and its surroundings.
• Budget: With two rental locations in Princeton, Budget provides travelers with convenient access to a variety of vehicles. The Midsize SUV and Fullsize models are particularly favored among customers. Budget is recognized for offering competitive pricing along with quality service, making it a great option for those looking to manage their travel plans efficiently while enjoying the attractions around Princeton.
• Avis: Avis, also with two locations in the Princeton area, is a solid choice for car rentals. Like Budget, Avis sees a high demand for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, ensuring that travelers have options that suit their needs. Avis is appreciated for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, making it an ideal provider for those wishing to explore the city and beyond at their own pace.

Where to go in and around Princeton

• Pennington: Located 6 miles away from Princeton, Pennington is a city that offers a mix of family-friendly and outdoor experiences. Popular attractions include the modern Princeton University, which is ideal for educational visits, and Sesame Place, a theme park perfect for family entertainment. The area is host to several local landmarks, including monuments and event venues, making it a great stop for those looking to enjoy both culture and leisure. The peak visitor months are February, September, and December, offering a lively atmosphere during these times.
• Trenton: Trenton, situated 9 miles from Princeton, is known for its family-oriented activities and outdoor entertainment. Visitors can explore Sesame Place, another theme park, or enjoy events at the CURE Insurance Arena. The Grounds For Sculpture museum provides a cultural experience that complements the city's offerings. The best time to visit Trenton is during the summer months from June to August, when the city sees an increase in visitor activity and events.
• Somerset: Located 14 miles from Princeton, Somerset is a vibrant city that attracts family travelers seeking outdoor and urban experiences. Key highlights include Rutgers New Brunswick, a modern college university, and Colonial Park, which offers a green space perfect for relaxation and family activities. The New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center also serves business travelers. Somerset experiences peak visitor numbers in July, August, and October, making it an exciting time for tourists.

10 tips to save on your Princeton car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This limitation can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can be acceptable as well—just remember to return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience it offers may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payments.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind should any unforeseen issues arise during your trip. Adding insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If your plans include long road trips, seek out rental options that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Princeton

The best value period to rent a car in and around Princeton is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, making it a quiet time for rentals. January also offers good value with similar conditions. Following this, March and April maintain average prices and demand, providing a nice shoulder period. However, June through August see increased prices and higher demand, with June being the most expensive month for rentals. July and August also experience moderately high demand levels.

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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Princeton

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Princeton into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Princeton and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Princeton

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Princeton. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Princeton

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $46.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals