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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Princeton
Princeton
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Princeton
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Princeton
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Princeton
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Princeton?
Princeton is a town steeped in history and academic excellence, but it also offers access to beautiful surrounding areas. While walking is viable within the town, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond its borders.
Explore Beyond the University. Princeton's charm extends beyond the university campus. A rental car allows you to visit nearby towns, parks, and historical sites at your own pace.
Convenience for Day Trips. Whether you're interested in visiting Philadelphia or enjoying the Jersey Shore, a car makes day trips easy and convenient.
Flexibility for Travel. With a rental car, you aren't tied to public transport schedules or ride-sharing availability, allowing you to customise your itinerary.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Princeton
Before booking a rental car in Princeton, ensure you meet age and licensing requirements, understand insurance options, and are aware of deposit and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 4.8 square miles
Population
Approximately 30,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Exploring New Jersey and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak commuting hours (7 AM-9 AM and 4 PM-6 PM)
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Princeton require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Younger drivers may face additional fees.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. You can purchase additional coverage. A security deposit is usually required via credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but returning the car with a full tank is common.
5. Additional FeesAdditional driver fees, one-way rental charges, and fees for options like GPS or child seats may apply.
Car Rental Prices in Princeton – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Princeton?
Follow these steps to book your rental car: compare prices, choose a car, review terms, book early, and collect the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals in Princeton.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that matches your travel needs and passenger/luggage capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the fine print regarding mileage, insurance, and potential fees.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's licence, credit card, and any required documents when collecting the car.
General Information About Princeton
Princeton blends historic charm with modern amenities. Understanding local traffic and parking regulations enhances your experience.
Princeton, New Jersey, is a town renowned for Princeton University. While the town is walkable, venturing beyond requires understanding driving conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Princeton University
Explore the historic campus, including Nassau Hall and the University Chapel.
Princeton Art Museum
Discover a diverse collection of art from around the world.
Institute for Advanced Study
Visit the research centre where Albert Einstein once worked.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use municipal garages in the downtown area for convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but read the signs carefully.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities and taking a bus or train into Princeton.
Gas Stations in Princeton
Local Gas Stations
Find gas stations along Route 1 and major roads.
Major Brands
Look for stations from brands like Exxon, Wawa, and Shell.
Navigation Apps
Use apps to locate the nearest gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Princeton
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of traffic, especially during university events and rush hours.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Princeton is a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly town, so stay alert.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid congestion.
Key Transportation Hubs in Princeton
Railway Stations
Princeton Station
Serves the Dinky, a shuttle train connecting Princeton to Princeton Junction.
Princeton Junction Station
A major station on the Northeast Corridor, offering connections to New York and Philadelphia.
Airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located approximately 45 miles from Princeton, offering domestic and international flights.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Located about 60 miles from Princeton, serving domestic and international destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Princeton?
To rent a car in Princeton, you need a valid driver's licence, meet the minimum age requirement, have a credit or debit card for the security deposit, and provide proof of identity.
Ensure your licence is valid and not expired. International visitors may require an IDP.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Princeton as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pleasant, low-key vibe.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Charming town, perfect for a quick stop on our road trip. So easy to get around with a rental.
David Lee
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
Returning after years, Princeton felt familiar yet somehow quieter. Having a car was convenient, though the Nassau Inn was a bit pricey.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 06.08.2025
Princeton was lovely! So much has changed since my last visit, but it still feels charming. Getting around was a breeze.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 29.06.2025
Princeton was delightful! Meeting friends there made it even better, and having a car was so convenient.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Family vacation in Princeton was wonderful! Exploring with our rental car was so easy and fun.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 16.05.2025
Princeton was fantastic! Meeting up with friends was effortless, and exploring the town with my rental was a breeze.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 27.02.2025
Quiet, pretty cute.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 05.05.2025
Princeton was lovely; renting a car made our road trip seamless. The campus bookstore was surprisingly small, though.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Back in Princeton after ages, it felt a little less vibrant than I remembered. Still charming, though.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 08.03.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 03.03.2025