Cambridge Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Cambridge

Renting a car in and around Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its nearby attractions at your own pace. Whether you are travelling with family, managing luggage, or seeking a business-themed experience, a rental car makes navigating the area convenient. You can easily visit key attractions such as Kendall Square, a modern hub in Cambridge, as well as historic Fenway Park, located just 3 km away, and Boston Common, an urban park 4 km from Cambridge. Additionally, having a car allows you to venture into nearby destinations like Boston, a bustling metropolis that includes Copley Square, and Downtown Boston, which features the Citizens Opera House. Somerville, only 2 km away, also offers places like Prospect Hill Park. A rental car simplifies your travel plans, enabling you to enjoy various city-themed and outdoor experiences without the constraints of public transport. With ample opportunities to explore and the ease of managing your schedule, renting a car enhances your trip to Cambridge and its surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Cambridge

• Midsize: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. It's an excellent choice for couples or families looking for a comfortable ride while exploring Cambridge. The midsize car offers a perfect balance of space and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for navigating city streets and enjoying your journey at a relaxed pace.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the compact car can also accommodate 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it particularly suitable for city driving, allowing for easy parking and fuel efficiency. If you're planning to explore the vibrant streets of Cambridge, this option will provide you with convenience and flexibility.
• Economy: This option is perfect for solo travellers or couples who need to manage space efficiently. The economy car holds up to 5 travellers and can fit up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is not only budget-friendly but also great for those seeking a lightweight vehicle that is easy to drive around Cambridge, providing you with the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Top rated car suppliers in Cambridge

• Budget: Budget provides a reliable option for renting a car in Cambridge with 2 convenient rental locations. Known for their affordability, they offer a selection of vehicles that cater to various needs, with Midsize and Compact cars being the most popular choices among travellers. This supplier makes exploring the city and its surroundings easy and flexible.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in the Cambridge area, Enterprise stands out for its commitment to customer service and convenience. Travellers often prefer their Compact and Midsize SUVs, which are ideal for those looking for a little extra space while navigating the city. The variety of vehicles available ensures that you’ll find the perfect fit for your journey.
• Avis: Avis is another fantastic option for car rentals in Cambridge, offering 2 locations for easy access. They are particularly popular for their Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, which provide great value and comfort. Renting from Avis allows you to enjoy the freedom of the open road while exploring the vibrant attractions in and around Cambridge.

Where to stay around Cambridge

• Cambridge: Known for its rich educational heritage, Cambridge offers a vibrant atmosphere with proximity to historic colleges and universities. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences, diverse dining options, and easy access to Boston's popular attractions, such as Fenway Park and Boston Common. This area is ideal for families and culture enthusiasts alike, making it a great base for exploring.
• Downtown Boston: Located just 5 km from Cambridge, Downtown Boston is a bustling hub perfect for city-themed and family experiences. With attractions like the Citizens Opera House and Boston Common nearby, this neighbourhood is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in city life while enjoying shopping and dining options. The urban park setting also offers outdoor relaxation opportunities.
• Back Bay: Situated 4 km from Cambridge, Back Bay is known for its chic atmosphere and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore Copley Square and the historic Fenway Park, making it a fantastic choice for those interested in city and family experiences. The area also boasts a variety of shopping centres and dining options, including wineries, providing a well-rounded stay for all travellers.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the best 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak 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 rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best arrangement. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in the event something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to sidestep extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Cambridge

The best value time to rent a car in and around Cambridge is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. October can also provide good options, with similar price levels and steady demand. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. August follows closely behind, as it sees high demand and average pricing. June also experiences slightly high demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	28.8°F (-1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	30.0°F (-1.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
March	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
April	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	35.1°F (1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average