>Dial7 has been charging $16.50 in tolls. $12.00 full price cash fare for the tunnel, $4.50 for the NJ turnpike. Despite the fact that many drivers have E-Zpass which brings the tunnel toll to $9.50 or less, they are told to charge the cash fare at all times and tell you to "argue with the dispatcher".
I suspect that Carmel does more or less the same.<

Carmel charged us $16 for tolls to EWR and the driver did have an EZpass. I had a start after reading nytraveler's post about the tolls being only $8 (who likes to feel like they were "cheated" by the pleasant and helpful driver) but then I read nyer's post. Ok, I feel better now. :)

mclaurie-The OP has to pay a drop-off fee if they return the car in NY instead of NJ. So coming into Manhattan wouldn't work even if they wanted to make that drive.

If they return the car to Hoboken, how do they get into Manhattan? Just asking because I don't know. Could a car service take them from there and would it be cheaper?

A car service can take you from anywhere - but it can be more complicated if they don't know where they're going (as in some car rental office) vs the airport. It will still be a flat rate - presumably somewhat less - plus tolls and tip.

The Hoboken location is naer a PATH train.
http://www.google.com/search?q=path+...AoOUsWmh1j5pM:
A car service can also pick them up there and it should be a lot less expensive than from EWR.

Mclaurie, though Hoboken is much closer, don't count on a car service being less expensive than from EWR. Airport drop offs and pickups are the mainstay of these companies with very little down time for the drivers,. If they go to Hoboken to pick someone up either they had to travel in from Manhattan empty or they have to leave Newark airport and drive empty to Hoboken to then return to the city.

nyer, they also could use a Hoboken car service. If the OP decides to go that route, I'm sure we can give her name(s) of local car services! :)