BOS Airport Rental Car Guide Boston Logan Airport

Car Rental at Boston Airport

Renting a car at Boston Airport is a good idea if you wish to have the flexibility to travel within the city as well as to surrounding towns in New England. It is a cheaper alternative to catching multiple taxis, and it lets you sightsee at your convenience. Renting a car is relatively easy at Boston Logan Airport. Take a free shuttle bus, located at the lower level of each terminal, to The Car Rental Center. This facility spans four-level garages and covers approximately 1.3 million square feet of parking, office, and check-in space. You have the option of picking between several well-known car rental companies, including Alamo, Enterprise, and Hertz. And there is a variety of cars to select from, such as SUVs for a weekend getaway, vans perfect for a trip with friends and family, luxury cars to celebrate special occasions, or long-term rentals if you plan to stay for a while. The Car Rental Center is located at 15 Transportation Way, East Boston, MA.

Car rental at Boston Airport even includes a complimentary shuttle to the airport after you have returned the car, ensuring that your trip is seamless. Just show the confirmation email on your smartphone and your driver's license to a representative, and be on your way to the city within minutes in the car of your choice.

Downtown Car Rental in Boston

If you weren't able to rent a car at Boston Airport or you reached the city via bus, don’t worry. There are several car rental agencies in Boston within a few kilometers of each other, including Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz. Downtown Boston has many places to visit, so having a car gives you complete freedom and flexibility to see the sights without relying on the public transit system. If you're staying in the city center, we recommend opting for a compact car like the Ford Focus because the CBD can get quite crowded. Parking garages are sprinkled throughout the city and typically tend to range from $12-45. However, you can also take advantage of metered street parking in downtown Boston, many of which are free between 8PM and 8AM.

If you're planning to head out into the countryside with a loved one or family, consider a larger SUV with enough luggage storage space for everyone. Suppose you're here for a short business trip. In that case, you may want to consider a slightly more luxury option like the Audi A3-A7 if your budget allows it. They move smoothly and have noiseless interiors for any phone calls you may need to take en route.

Driving in Boston

Boston is a bustling city, with streets that get congested often. The rush hour begins at around 4 p.m. and lasts till 7 p.m. Plan ahead to avoid the roads on Friday afternoons because that is when the worst traffic jams occur. At the start of summer holidays and extended weekends, most people travel to Cape Cod and New Hampshire, so also be sure to avoid those times too if you can. Parking options within the city vary from garages, reservation services, valet, to meter parking on the streets. However, as Boston is a populous city, parking spots are usually in high demand.

When navigating the roads of Boston, you need to keep in mind the following:

• You can't write, read or text while driving. If you are under 18, you can't use a cell phone at all while driving. But if you are 18 or older, you can talk on your phone while on the road.
• You can rent a car at 21, but you will have restrictions until 25. For instance, you'll have to pay more for traffic law infringements.
• You can't drive with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08 percent.
• You need to keep the headlights on 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
• Drivers and passengers below 13 years have to wear seat belts.
  
  

Car rental agencies in Boston

Boston has several car rental agencies offering vehicles at various price points and to suit different purposes. Different car rental agencies have their own claims to fame. For instance, Hertz is famous for customer satisfaction, while Alamo is known for providing the cheapest rates. People appreciate National Car Rental's website and app for their ease of use, while Turo is thought to be the best peer-to-peer car rental agency. And Enterprise ranks highly overall. If you're confused about which one to pick, leave it to us. 

Top Road Trips from Boston

Renting a car is ideal if you plan to go on a road trip in Boston. There are so many interesting places near the big city.

Newport is a beautiful little coastal town in Rhode Island, just 72 miles from Boston. If you happen to take a road trip there, be sure to visit the Newport Car Museum, and Brick Market for some delightful Chinese food.

If you are an admirer of art, you must visit Provincetown, home to many artists, musicians, and actors and only 116 miles away. It also has art galleries and museums at every corner, including the famous Provincetown Art Association Museum, Pilgrim Monument, and Provincetown Museum. They all host excellent art exhibitions year-round.

Are you looking for some peace and serenity? Consider visiting Middlefield to see the state’s longest waterfall. This place is a true hidden gem just 119 miles by car. The Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry features some stunning nature trails. Want to spend some more time in nature? Hingham is a park and conservation area that offers walking trails along tree-lined paths. Fall in New England is surreal and hands down one of the best times of the year to visit to see the leaves changing color. If you climb up one of the little hills, you may even be able to see the entire skyline of Boston.

What other travelers are asking about renting a car in Boston:

Q: How much does it cost to rent a car in Boston?

A: The average price to rent a car in Boston is $49.37 per day.

Q: What is the most popular rental car in Boston?

A: The most popular type of vehicle to rent in Boston is a compact hatchback, such as a Mitsubishi Mirage or Toyota Corolla.

Q: Is Zipcar better than renting a car in Boston?

A: For short term car rental, no. Unless you sign up for a yearly plan and will use Zipcar in other US cities, then renting a hire car is cheaper.

Q: How old do you have to be to get a rental in Boston?

A: The minimum age to rent a car in Boston (and Massachusetts) is 21. If you are between 21-24 then a young renter surcharge may be applied.

Q: Should I rent a car in Boston?

A: Boston city itself is easy to get around with public transportation, but if you wish to travel outside of the city limits then renting a car is easiest.