Boston Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Boston

Renting a car in Boston provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like Fenway Park, Boston Common, and Copley Square, each offering unique city and cultural experiences. This convenience is especially beneficial for families, allowing for easy luggage management and space for children’s necessities. Additionally, a car allows for comfortable travel to nearby destinations such as Salem, known for its historical sites like the Salem Witch Museum, and Cambridge, home to Kendall Square. These locations are easily accessible, making day trips straightforward without the constraints of public transportation schedules. Whether you're keen on cultural experiences or family outings, having a rental car ensures that you can explore everything Boston has to offer while tailoring your itinerary to suit your preferences. With so many attractions and areas to discover, renting a car is an ideal choice for maximizing your visit to Boston and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in Boston

• Midsize SUV: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers a balance of space and comfort, allowing you to explore Boston and its surroundings with ease while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Standard SUV: With capacity for 5 travellers and room for up to 2 medium suitcases, the Standard SUV is perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a reliable vehicle. This option provides a comfortable ride for city driving and is versatile enough for day trips in and around Boston.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option accommodates 5 travellers and offers ample space for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it ideal for families and groups. This option ensures you have enough room for everyone and their belongings, allowing you to travel comfortably while exploring the Boston area.

Top rated car suppliers in Boston

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo operates 2 rental locations in the Boston area and has garnered an impressive overall rating of 8.2 out of 10. Travellers appreciate the friendly service and the cleanliness of their vehicles. Alamo is particularly known for offering Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making it a great choice for those seeking comfort and space during their travels. Their pricing is as expected, allowing for a hassle-free experience for explorers in and around Boston.
• Enterprise: With 35 rental locations throughout the Boston area, Enterprise is a top choice for many visitors. Renowned for its friendly service, customers frequently highlight the helpful staff and the wide selection of vehicles available. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are among the most booked options. The convenience of numerous locations adds to the appeal, ensuring that you can find a rental vehicle close to your accommodation or attractions.
• Budget: Budget boasts over 15 rental locations in the Boston vicinity, providing ample options for car rental. Known for competitive pricing, Budget offers a solid selection of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to the needs of both families and solo travellers. The convenience of multiple locations, combined with their reliable service, makes Budget a practical option for those looking to explore Boston at their own pace.

Where to stay in Boston

• Salem: Salem is a captivating city located near Boston, drawing visitors for its rich culture and family-friendly activities. Notable attractions include the Salem Witch Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, both excellent for culture enthusiasts. The urban park, Salem Common, is perfect for outdoor family outings. Additionally, you can explore local beaches and enjoy nearby wineries and restaurants. The best time to visit Salem is during the fall, when the city comes alive with its famous Halloween festivities.
• Downtown Boston: Experience the vibrant heart of Boston in Downtown Boston, a neighbourhood ideal for both families and business travellers. You can explore historic sites such as Fenway Park and the Citizens Opera House, while Boston Common offers a lush urban park for relaxation. This area boasts a variety of shopping centres and dining options, including breweries and restaurants. Downtown Boston is best enjoyed in the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
• Cambridge: Cambridge, home to prestigious universities, is another fantastic destination within the Boston area. Visitors can enjoy the modern Kendall Square and the iconic Fenway Park, which is also reachable from here. The urban park, Boston Common, provides a great outdoor experience for families. With numerous restaurants and pubs available, you will find plenty of options for dining and drinks. Cambridge is particularly lively during the academic year, making it an exciting place to explore.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most advantageous. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports; however, it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Boston

The best time to rent a car in and around Boston is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February follows closely with similar characteristics, making it another excellent choice for value. March through May sees prices and demand at average levels, providing steady options for rentals. However, July and August are the most expensive months, with demand peaking as summer activities draw in many visitors. June also sees slightly high prices and average demand, marking a shift toward busier times.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	30.0°F (-1.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	31.5°F (-0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	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	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average