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Car hire in Princeton - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Princeton

Princeton

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Princeton

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Princeton

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Princeton

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 charming town with a rich history and beautiful surroundings. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.

Explore Beyond Princeton. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like the Delaware Water Gap, Grounds For Sculpture, or even take a day trip to New York City or Philadelphia.

Visit Princeton University. While the university campus is walkable, having a car makes it easier to access different parts of the campus and attend events that may be located further away.

Convenience for Families. If you're traveling with family, especially with young children or a lot of luggage, a rental car provides much-needed convenience and comfort.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Princeton

Before renting a car in Princeton, it's important to be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age requirements, license stipulations, insurance coverage, deposit policies, and potential extra fees.

Area

Approximately 4.8 square miles

Population

Around 30,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Ideal for

Day trips and university visits

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during university commuting hours

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Princeton require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.

3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for things like additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Princeton – How Much Does It Cost?

Average daily prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on demand and availability.

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $13 / €12 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day

Automatic:

from £25 / $31 / €30 per day

SUV:

from £15 / $19 / €18 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer travel and university events.

Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts as demand decreases after the fall.

*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?

Booking a rental car in Princeton involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and satisfactory experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documentation when picking up your rental vehicle.

General Information About Princeton

Princeton is a charming town known for its prestigious university and historical significance. It's best explored with an understanding of local traffic rules and parking regulations.

As home to Princeton University, the town attracts visitors year-round. While the town is relatively small, having a car can be beneficial for exploring the surrounding areas. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking options to ensure a smooth driving experience.

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 former workplace of Albert Einstein.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilise parking garages in the town centre for convenient parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Be aware of time limits and parking regulations when using on-street parking.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider park-and-ride options if visiting the university during peak times.

Gas Stations in Princeton

  • Local Gas Stations

    Find gas stations along Nassau Street and nearby roads.

  • Major Brands

    Look for well-known brands like Exxon, Wawa, and Sunoco.

  • Refueling

    Plan your refueling stops, especially when travelling outside of Princeton.

Useful Tips for Visiting Princeton

  • Allow Extra Travel Time

    During university events, traffic can be heavy.

  • Pedestrian Awareness

    Be mindful of pedestrians, especially near the university campus.

  • Contactless Payment

    Carry change or a credit card for parking meters.

  • Check Local Events

    Be aware of events that might impact traffic and parking.

Key Transportation Hubs in Princeton

Major Bus Stations

Princeton Bus Terminal

Located in the heart of Princeton, it serves as a hub for local and regional bus services.

Railway Stations

Princeton Station

Provides train services to New York City and other destinations along the Northeast Corridor.

Airports

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Located approximately 45 miles from Princeton, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Situated about 60 miles from Princeton, providing various flight options.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Princeton?

Renting a car in Princeton is relatively straightforward, provided you meet certain requirements.

  • A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed for licenses not in English.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.

  • A major credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer credit cards.

  • A passport or government-issued ID is usually required for verification purposes.

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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Princeton as

4.5

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.

Princeton was charming! Having a car made exploring the town and nearby coast so easy. Perfect relaxing getaway.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 14.11.2024

Pretty chill, overall.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 16.09.2024

Loved exploring Princeton! Getting a car was a breeze, and it made seeing everything so much easier. The town itself is beautiful, and we even took a day trip to a nearby nature reserve.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 05.06.2025

So glad I rented a car; made revisiting Princeton after all these years much easier. The Nassau Inn was a bit pricey, though.

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 12.10.2024

Princeton was delightful! Exploring the campus and charming downtown was so convenient with my rental car. Highly recommend!

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 04.02.2025

Relaxing, low-key vibe.

KL

Kai Lee

Reviewed: 09.04.2025

Pretty low-key, yeah

LW

Liam Wilson

Reviewed: 18.10.2024

Pleasant enough, really.

OB

Olivia Brown

Reviewed: 13.06.2025

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