Boston Car Rental Deals – Drive Through History & Hub Neighborhoods

Introduction: Welcome to Boston, the Cradle of Liberty and a city of vibrant neighborhoods, where having a rental car means you can experience all sides of the city and beyond at your own pace. Boston is a unique blend of colonial history and modern urban life: one minute you’re following Paul Revere’s path on the Freedom Trail, the next you’re zipping over the Zakim Bridge en route to a Red Sox game at Fenway. With a rental car, you’re free to explore every corner of Boston and New England on your schedule. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in Boston, MA. We’ve packed it with money-saving deals, local driving intel, and trip ideas so you can hit the road with confidence. Whether you’re a visitor flying into Logan Airport, a business traveler needing to navigate meetings around Cambridge, or a local looking for a weekend escape from the city, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly and at a great price. Let’s get you on the road in Boston, stress-free and affordably!

Rent a Car in Boston?

Boston has an extensive public transit system (the “T”), but there’s a lot a car unlocks for you here. Depending on your plans, renting a car in Boston can be a game-changer for convenience and exploration. Here are some top reasons to consider getting your own set of wheels in Beantown:

• Freedom to Explore Beyond Downtown: Boston’s core (Downtown, Back Bay, Seaport) is compact and walkable, but the greater Boston area and day-trip destinations are spread out. With a car, you can easily venture to Cambridge (across the Charles River) to visit Harvard and MIT, drive to Lexington & Concord to see Revolutionary War sites, or head down I-95 to Patriots Place for a New England Patriots game. Beaches, suburbs, historic towns, all become reachable on your schedule when you have a car, versus juggling train or bus schedules (many of which stop running outside the city late at night).
• Convenience for Multiple Stops: If your visit involves multiple stops (say you’re touring colleges, Harvard, Boston University, Tufts, or you have business in different parts of the metro area), a car is by far the easiest way to hop between locations. Boston’s various neighborhoods each have their own draws, want to grab breakfast in South End, then antique shopping in Somerville, and dinner in Chinatown? You could rideshare or navigate a tangle of subway lines… or just drive 10-15 minutes to each with all your finds tucked in the trunk. A rental car connects the dots seamlessly, letting you maximize your time.
• Access to New England Road Trips: Boston is the gateway to New England. Many visitors use the city as a starting point for road trips to Cape Cod, Maine, New Hampshire’s mountains, or even New York City. By renting a car, you’re not confined to the city limits, you can experience a sunrise at Nauset Beach (Cape Cod), hike in the White Mountains of NH, or stroll the cliff walk in Newport, RI, all within a few hours’ drive. Having a car means your Boston trip can effortlessly expand to a New England adventure. (We include a few road trip ideas below!)
• Avoiding Public Transit Limitations: While the MBTA trains and buses are useful, they have limits, some tourist sites (like Salem’s museums or Walden Pond) require multiple transfers or slow commuter rail rides. At night, the subway stops running around 12:30am; if you’re enjoying Boston’s nightlife or a late show, a car ensures you aren’t stranded or paying surge pricing for rideshares. Also, in the era of social distancing (post-2020), some travelers prefer the controlled environment of a personal vehicle over crowded trains. With a rental, you’re in your own bubble, coming and going as you please, with luggage or kids comfortably in tow.
• Easy Airport Access and Beyond: If you fly into Logan Airport, you’re only 3 miles from downtown, that’s a quick drive (or tunnel ride) in a rental car straight to your hotel. No waiting on shuttles or paying hefty taxi fares. And if you plan to leave the city directly (say, landing at Logan and driving straight to a meeting in Worcester or a family event in New Hampshire), having a rental car waiting lets you bypass Boston traffic peaks by choosing when to depart. In other words, a car can simplify the usually tricky “airport to destination” transition, giving you a smooth start (or finish) to your trip.

Of course, renting a car in Boston isn’t for everyone, if you’re only staying downtown and have no plans to roam, you might not need it. But for flexibility, comfort, and the full New England experience, many visitors find a car invaluable. And locals? They rent from us too, for weekend getaways or when extra wheels are needed. Read on for how we make renting in Boston easy and advantageous.

Our Boston Car Rental Benefits

Why choose AirportVanRental for your Boston wheels? Simply put, we know Boston and we leverage our local presence plus national network to give you unbeatable value. Here are some perks of booking your Boston rental car with us:

• Best Rates in the City: Boston can be pricey, but your rental car doesn’t have to be. We work with multiple rental suppliers in the Boston area to gather the cheapest rates. The competition at Logan Airport is intense, which means lower prices for you, and we make sure to highlight those. From budget economy cars to upscale SUVs, we’ve got exclusive discounts and promo deals aggregated in one place. Our system even factors in off-airport locations; sometimes renting downtown a day after you arrive can save vs. at the airport, we’ll show you all options so you can decide. We’re confident you won’t find a lower price for the same car + terms, and if you somehow do, let us know. We’ll match it because saving you money is our priority.
• Many Convenient Pick-Up Locations: We’ve got you covered whether you want to pick up at Logan Airport’s Rental Car Center or in the city. Options include downtown agencies (near Back Bay and South Station), Cambridge, Brookline, and more. This means you can choose a location based on what’s most convenient for you, grab a car straight after you land, or maybe spend a couple of days in the city car-free and then pick up a rental near your hotel for the road-trip portion. Our broad coverage in Boston ensures you won’t have to go out of your way to get your car. Plus, more locations = more vehicle inventory to choose from.
• Wide Vehicle Selection (City-Friendly & Beyond): Thanks to our multiple partners, you’ll find the right car for your Boston needs. Compact and economy cars are popular for solo or couple travelers, easy to park on Boston’s tight streets. We also offer hybrids and electrics if you’re environmentally conscious (Boston has an increasing number of EV chargers!). Traveling with family or a group? Check out our minivans or 7-passenger SUVs, perfect for visiting attractions like the New England Aquarium or taking a day trip to Six Flags New England. Even specialty vehicles like luxury sedans or convertibles can be found in Boston’s fleet for those who want to cruise in style. Need a GPS or child seat? You can request add-ons during booking. Essentially, whatever your plan, we likely have a car that fits it like a glove.
• No Prepay, No Cancellation Fees: We get it, plans in Boston can change. Maybe your conference schedule shifts or a Nor’easter snowstorm alters your timing. That’s why most of our bookings do not require any upfront payment. Reserve your car to lock in a great rate, but pay when you pick it up. If you need to cancel or modify, do so up to 48 hours before pickup and it’s typically free. We don’t believe in burdening you with prepayment or penalties, flexibility is key, especially with unpredictable New England weather and travel schedules. This customer-friendly policy sets us apart from sites that charge you instantly or make cancellation a hassle.
• Transparent Boston Driving Costs: Renting a car in a city can come with extra fees, airport concession charges at Logan, city surcharges, etc. We itemize all these upfront in our quotes, so you know exactly what’s included. The price we show encompasses mandatory taxes and fees, no hidden “Boston city tax” surprises at the counter. Also, we give you a heads-up on common optional expenses: e.g., the cost of the Logan Airport shuttle bus is $0 (free), toll handling fees if you drive on the Mass Pike, or approximate parking costs in town. Knowledge is power, and we want you to budget confidently for your Boston trip.
• Insider Info & Local Support: This page itself is proof, we’re packing it with local driving knowledge, from navigating the Big Dig tunnels to finding the cheapest gas in the area. When you book with us, you’re not just getting a car, you’re tapping into a Boston-savvy resource. We often send a pre-trip email with driving tips (like reminders of Fenway game day traffic or how to handle winter parking bans if applicable). If you have questions, our customer support knows Boston’s layout and can help, whether it’s “Where do I catch the Logan rental car shuttle?” (Answer: outside baggage claim, look for Massport shuttle #22 or #33 to the RCC) or “Is it easy to drive to Cape Cod on a Friday?” (Not usually, we’d advise alternatives). We go the extra mile so you can drive yours comfortably. And in case any issue arises during your rental, we’re a quick chat away to assist or liaise with the rental company on your behalf. You’re not alone on the road with AVR.

Top Car Deals in Boston Today

Economy Car, from $30/day.Example: Kia Rio or Ford Fiesta (2-4 door). These small cars are perfect for zipping through Boston’s narrow, historic streets and finding easy parking spots in Beacon Hill or North End. Why so affordable? There’s high supply at Logan Airport and downtown, especially outside peak summer, driving the price down. Great gas mileage too, ideal for driving out to Lexington and Concord for some history on the cheap.

• Full-Size Sedan, from $38/day.Example: Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima. A comfortable choice if you need a bit more room (say for a family of four with luggage) while still blending into city traffic. At under $40 a day in off-peak times, these are a steal considering the comfort, nice for a drive out to Harvard or even down to Providence for a day. Many include advanced safety features and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, making navigating Boston’s complex roads easier.
• Midsize SUV, from $45/day.Example: Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Escape. A versatile option if you want higher ground clearance (good for Boston’s occasional snow or just better visibility) and extra cargo space. From Logan, many travelers snag SUVs for ski trips to New Hampshire or leaf-peeping drives to Vermont, you can too, at a great daily rate. (And yes, that rate often includes unlimited miles, so no worries about that trip to Acadia National Park or Niagara Falls.)
• Minivan, from $59/day.Example: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan. Traveling with the whole crew? Minivans are extremely popular for Boston family vacations or group outings, think a friends’ weekend to Cape Cod or moving a student into college housing. With seating for 7-8 and ample luggage room, $59/day is an excellent value (split among 6 people, that’s less than $10 each!). Book early, though, during summer, minivans often sell out as Boston is a starting point for many road trips.
• Luxury & Specialty, from $70/day.Example: BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class or a convertible Ford Mustang. Treating yourself? Boston’s upscale rental selections can be quite reasonable outside major events. Picture yourself cruising along the Charles River Esplanade in a convertible on a sunny day, or arriving to a business dinner in a sleek Mercedes. From ~$70 and up, you can indulge a bit. (Insider tip: weekends sometimes have lower luxury rates since business travelers typically rent these on weekdays.)

Pricing note: The above “from” rates are based on recent searches for 2-3 day rentals, picking up from Boston Logan Airport or central Boston locations in the current season. Rates can vary with demand, expect higher prices in June-August (peak tourist season) and during big events (Boston Marathon in April, Head of the Charles Regatta in October, etc.). Conversely, you might snag even lower rates in winter or early spring. Always use our search for real-time prices for your dates and desired location, we often have special discounts applied there. And remember, booking early usually locks in a better price, but with our free cancellation, you have flexibility if you find a better deal later. We’ve got you covered either way!

Driving in Boston: Tips for City & Suburb

Driving in Boston is famously described as… an adventure! The roads can be confusing, the drivers bold, and the parking tight. But don’t worry, thousands of visitors drive here every year and live to tell the tale. With some preparation and local know-how, you’ll be navigating the city and surrounding areas like a pro. Here are essential Boston driving tips and things to know:

• Navigating Boston’s Streets: Boston isn’t a grid like NYC, it’s a colonial city with winding streets that often change names and direction. Downtown in particular (around Government Center, North End, Beacon Hill) is a maze. Use a GPS or navigation app to help, but also pay attention to street signage as tall buildings can sometimes throw off GPS signals. Be ready for quick turns, an instruction like “turn right in 300 ft” might mean the second tiny alley-like street, not the first big intersection. Key roads to know: Storrow Drive (no commercial vehicles, follows the Charles River on the Boston side), Memorial Drive (parallel on the Cambridge side), Massachusetts Ave (Mass Ave) cuts through the city north-south, and Commonwealth Ave runs through Back Bay and Allston. If you miss a turn, don’t panic; Boston’s one-way system can make you loop around, but you’ll get there. Sometimes taking the longer way around on a main artery is easier than diving through tiny one-ways.
• The “Big Dig” Tunnels: The I-93 highway through downtown is mostly underground now (the O’Neill Tunnel), as is the extension to the airport (Thomas P. O’Neill Tunnel/Sumner Tunnel). If you’re going to Logan Airport from downtown or I-93 North, you’ll likely take the Ted Williams Tunnel (off I-90) or Sumner Tunnel (Route 1A). The Sumner Tunnel was recently under major repairs (some weekend closures in 2023/2024, check ahead). Tunnels can be intimidating, maintain speed, follow signs for your exit since exits come up fast. Also note: GPS signals may drop in tunnels; get into the correct lane beforehand if possible. Overhead signs are pretty clear: e.g., “Airport” or “South Station” etc. The Zakim Bridge (on I-93) north of downtown is a visual treat, but stay focused on your lane, as exits for Storrow Drive and City Center appear quickly after crossing it.
• Boston Drivers & Etiquette: Bostonians have a reputation for aggressive driving, but it’s more about assertiveness and knowing the local rhythm. Don’t be surprised by quick lane changes, use of car horns (a light honk can mean “I’m here, watch out” rather than anger), and people pushing the yellow light. The concept of “right of way” is sometimes interpreted loosely, e.g., at a 4-way stop, a Boston driver might wave you on even if they arrived first, just to keep things moving. Defensive driving is key: be cautious at intersections (not everyone stops on red if turning right), check your blind spots frequently (bike lanes are common and cyclists plentiful, especially in warm months around Cambridge). Use your turn signals, but know not everyone else will. And the famous “Boston left”, if you’re first at a light turning left, locals often inch out into the intersection and turn left just as the light turns red (essentially using the first second of others’ green). It’s technically not legal, but commonly done to deal with short green lights. As a visitor, only do this if you’re comfortable and it seems everybody expects it; otherwise, wait for the next green. Keep cool, don’t engage in road rage, and you’ll find the flow.
• Rush Hour & Traffic Patterns: Boston’s rush hours can be lengthy. Weekday mornings inbound to the city (and around the 128/95 belt) run from about 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Evenings outbound from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM are busy. Friday afternoons are notoriously bad year-round (everyone leaving for weekend or just high volume), and summer Fridays even worse with Cape Cod traffic (from noon onwards). Also, Thursday evenings have heavy traffic as it’s a popular night for events and early weekend getaways. If you have flexibility, avoid driving out of Boston Friday 5 PM or into Boston Monday 8 AM. Weekends, traffic is generally lighter, but after a Red Sox game or a concert, local streets can jam up. Use real-time navigation (Google Maps, Waze) which will route you around backups when possible. And note: Boston loves roadwork. Don’t be shocked if at midnight a key downtown street is closed for construction, they often do that off-hours.
• Parking in Boston: As any local will tell you, parking in Boston is a sport of its own. On-street parking downtown is extremely limited and much is resident-only or requires a permit (particularly in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, North End, South End after certain hours). Metered spots ($1.25 to $3.75/hour depending on area) usually have a 2-hour limit and are enforced strictly 8AM-8PM, Monday-Saturday (some areas till 6PM, check the meter). You can pay via the ParkBoston app or coins/card at meters. Parking garages are plentiful in commercial areas: expect rates of ~$12-20 for the first hour and $30-45 for 24 hours in central locations (examples: Boston Common Garage is relatively cheap at ~$28/day, while Prudential Center or Copley Place garages can be $40+). Hotel parking is costly ($50-60/night in downtown hotels is common). To save money: consider garages a bit outside the core (for example, near the Seaport or in Cambridge) and take a quick Uber or T ride in. In residential areas, carefully read signs, Boston has street cleaning nights where you can’t park (and will be towed) and many spots say “Resident Permit Only” which you cannot use as a visitor. Warning: Do not park in a space marked “Resident” without a permit, even for a short time, the ticket is pricey and towing possible. Also, never park in front of a fire hydrant (you must be 10 feet away), this is a quick tow. In winter, the city sometimes declares a “snow emergency” during big storms: you cannot park on main arteries (they’ll tow) and some lucky residents use “space savers” (random chairs or cones) to hold shoveled spots, an odd local custom. If you’re visiting in a snowstorm, perhaps opt for a garage to avoid these hassles.
• Tolls & Driving Out of Town: When driving out of Boston, you may hit tolls on the Mass Pike (I-90 west) or Tobin Bridge (Route 1 north) or heading south on I-95 towards Providence (no toll on 95 itself, but the Ted Williams Tunnel to reach 93 south or 90 west from Logan has a toll inbound). Remember, Massachusetts tolls are electronic (no cash). If your car has an E-ZPass, use it. If not, the plate will be photographed, see the Massachusetts page’s toll section above for details. Also note when leaving Boston: if you’re headed to Cape Cod, you’ll cross the Sagamore or Bourne Bridge, no toll there, but heavy traffic on summer weekends. Going north to New Hampshire, I-93 is free in MA but once in NH there’s a toll near Hooksett. To the west, the Mass Pike will cost a few dollars in tolls (e.g., around $7 Boston to Springfield). Keep these minor costs in mind and plan the easiest route vs. trying to detour around tolls; it’s often not worth an extra 30 minutes to save $5.
• Logan Airport Driving: If you’re picking up or dropping off at Logan, some quick tips: All rental car returns are at the Rental Car Center (RCC) on Airport property (15 Transportation Way, East Boston). From Boston or I-90, follow signs for Logan Airport, then “Rental Car Center”, you’ll take the “Return Car Rental” exit right after the Ted Williams Tunnel if coming from downtown. The airport is divided into Terminals A, B, C, E. To drive to the terminals, you’ll loop around the airport roadway; watch the big blue signs for the terminal you need (they list airlines). It can be a little confusing the first time, don’t hesitate to make a full loop if you miss a turnoff; it only takes a few minutes to circle around again. Short-term parking is available at each terminal if you need to go inside (but it’s expensive even for an hour). There is a cell-phone waiting lot if you’re meeting someone. Traffic around Logan can get congested during peak flight times (early evenings especially). Tune your radio to AM 1650 for airport traffic updates when approaching. When leaving the airport by car, you’ll either take the Ted Williams Tunnel (to I-90 West / I-93 South) or the Sumner Tunnel (to I-93 North or downtown). Sumner Tunnel leads into downtown near Haymarket; Ted Williams connects directly to interstates. The Sumner had periodic closures in 2023 for rehab; check for ongoing closure schedules in case you need to use the Ted instead.
• Zipper Lanes & HOV: On I-93 south of the city, there’s a “zipper lane” (HOV lane) that during morning rush hour carries northbound traffic from Quincy into Boston, and reverses in the afternoon for southbound. It’s restricted to 2+ people per vehicle during rush hours. If you have a passenger, feel free to use it to zoom past some traffic; if alone, don’t, fines apply and state troopers do monitor it. Boston doesn’t have widespread HOV lanes beyond that, but it does have some bus lanes within the city (for example, parts of Washington Street), these are usually marked and during peak hours you shouldn’t drive in them (or you risk a ticket from traffic cameras).
• Pedestrians & Right of Way: In busy pedestrian areas like around Fenway, Boston Common, or college campuses (BU along Commonwealth Ave, for example), people might jaywalk or cross whenever they get a chance. Massachusetts law requires you to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (marked or unmarked at intersections). At traffic lights, even when you have green, check for late-crossing pedestrians. Also be mindful of cyclists, Boston has a growing network of bike lanes, including some protected lanes. You may have to make a turn across a bike lane; always yield to any cyclist coming up from behind on your right. Dooring (opening your car door on a cyclist) is a fine-able offense, so check your mirror before opening any door roadside. Essentially, in the tussle between Boston drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, everyone is trying to go first, but legally, pedestrians in crosswalks win. So be cautious and courteous, even if someone is crossing against the light (common in this city of impatient walkers).
• Winter Driving & Snow: If you’re driving in Boston in winter (December through early March), know that snowstorms can seriously impact travel. The city does plow the main roads efficiently, but during a heavy snow, roads may be snow-covered for a while. Traffic moves slowly or not at all in blizzards, and parking becomes even more difficult with snowbanks. If a major storm is forecast and you’re not experienced in snow driving, consider delaying travel or using public transit that day. If you must drive: clear ALL snow off your car (fines apply for driving with snow on roof that can fly off), go slow and leave lots of stopping distance. Bridges and ramps freeze first, be extra careful. Boston applies salt so roads usually don’t stay icy for long, but black ice can form overnight. Also watch for “snow emergency” declarations, the city bans parking on certain main routes to allow plows (listen to local news or Boston.gov alerts). On the upside, Boston’s smaller storms (a few inches) are handled quickly and life goes on. And the city in fresh snow is quite beautiful, if you’re comfortable, a drive along the Charles with snow falling is magical. Just always prioritize safety; New England weather can change quickly.

As challenging as Boston driving might sound, many visitors find that after a day or two, they get used to it and even appreciate the adventure. Having a car means you can discover spots tourists on foot often miss, the viewpoints in the Blue Hills, the cool neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain or Davis Square, or late-night eats in Allston without worrying about the last train. If you make a wrong turn and end up in a funny little one-way loop, hey, it’s all part of the experience (and usually how you stumble upon that hidden coffee shop or mural). Remember, millions live and drive here daily, and you can too. Keep your wits about you, double-check directions, and soon enough you might even be driving like a (polite) local.

Road Trip Ideas from Boston, MA

Boston is not only a fantastic city to explore, it’s also a perfect launching pad for road trips around New England. With your rental car, you have the freedom to embark on some memorable drives just an hour or two (or a few) outside the city. Here are three exciting road trip ideas that start in Boston:

1. Coastal Escape to Cape Cod & Plymouth, Route: Boston ➔ Plymouth ➔ Cape Cod (Sandwich, Hyannis, Chatham) ➔ return via I-495 or same route, ~200 miles round-trip.

Highlights: Head south from Boston on Route 3 and in about 40 minutes you’ll reach Plymouth, America’s hometown. See the famous Plymouth Rock by the water and the Mayflower II ship, and explore the historic downtown, it’s a great pit stop to stretch your legs and grab some clam chowder. Continue over the Sagamore Bridge onto Cape Cod. The Upper Cape town of Sandwich (about 60 miles from Boston) offers charm and the Heritage Museums & Gardens (beautiful flowers, classic cars exhibit, and a vintage carousel). Then drive along Route 6 or scenic Route 6A towards Hyannis, perhaps visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Hyannis Harbor. If it’s summer, consider a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a day (fast ferries leave from Hyannis). Otherwise, continue on to Chatham at the “elbow” of Cape Cod, a quintessential Cape town with a lighthouse and vibrant Main Street (great ice cream and boutiques!). Beach hop along the Cape Cod National Seashore (try Coast Guard Beach or Nauset Beach for gorgeous ocean views and maybe a seal sighting). You could even go all the way to Provincetown at the tip if time allows (Provincetown is about 115 miles from Boston, 2.5-3 hours).

Pro Tip: In summer, avoid driving to the Cape on Friday afternoon or returning to Boston on Sunday evening, traffic is extremely heavy. Instead, if doing a weekend trip, leave early or late to beat the rush. Also, many Cape towns charge for beach parking in season and fill up by mid-morning, go early or opt for late afternoon when crowds thin. On the way back, to mix it up, you can take a different route via I-495 to avoid some congestion near Boston. Total drive time for this loop can be 5-6 hours, so it works as a long day trip or a relaxed 2-3 day excursion with an overnight on the Cape.

2. Salem & North Shore History Tour, Route: Boston ➔ Salem ➔ Marblehead ➔ Gloucester ➔ Rockport, ~90-100 miles round-trip.

Highlights: This road trip north of Boston blends colonial history, spooky tales, and seaside New England beauty. Start by driving 20 miles to Salem (via Route 1A or I-95/Route 128 then east). In Salem, immerse yourself in the lore of the 1692 Witch Trials, visit the Salem Witch Museum or Peabody Essex Museum (rich in maritime history and art). The downtown is very walkable, check out the historic Chestnut Street homes and Pickering Wharf on the harbor. Next, drive a short 4 miles to Marblehead, an idyllic coastal town. Marblehead has a stunning harbor full of sailboats, especially in summer, and winding narrow streets with 18th-century homes. Fort Sewall offers a nice ocean view (and a glimpse of Marblehead’s role in the Revolution). Continue along the coast on Route 127 to Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport and a still-active fishing port (20 miles from Marblehead). See the Fisherman’s Memorial Statue on Stacy Boulevard (commemorating those lost at sea, as in The Perfect Storm) and perhaps take a whale watching boat tour if time permits (Gloucester is one of the best spots for it, tours are ~3-4 hours). Finally, head to Rockport, just 5 miles past Gloucester at the end of Cape Ann. Rockport is an artsy village known for the red fishing shack “Motif No.1” (famous in paintings) and Bearskin Neck, a narrow lane of shops, galleries, and seafood restaurants jutting into the ocean. It’s a perfect place to grab a lobster roll or some taffy and enjoy the view of the Atlantic.

Pro Tip: Parking in Salem in October (around Halloween) is challenging, consider a weekday visit or use one of Salem’s parking garages early in the morning. In Rockport, the town is dry (no alcohol served in restaurants without a special license) except for a few BYOB spots, just something to know if your dinner must include a beer. The North Shore has beautiful beaches (like Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester or Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea), if it’s summer and you fancy a swim, pack a suit and go early, as parking lots fill up by 10am. This whole route can be done in a day (it’s roughly 2 hours total drive time, plus stops), but it’s even better if you overnight in a B&B by the sea.

3. Mountains & Mills: Boston to Southern New Hampshire, Route: Boston ➔ Concord, MA ➔ Manchester, NH ➔ Lake Winnipesaukee (Laconia/Meredith, NH) ➔ back to Boston, ~250 miles round-trip.

Highlights: If you crave some greenery and a taste of New England’s lake and mountain region, this trip is for you. First, a quick historical detour: drive 20 miles west of Boston to Concord, MA (via Route 2). Concord is rich in Revolutionary history (site of the “shot heard ’round the world” at the Old North Bridge, visit Minute Man National Historical Park) and literary history (home of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Thoreau’s Walden Pond). After soaking in Concord, head north on I-93 into New Hampshire (~1 hour drive to Manchester from Concord, MA). Manchester is NH’s largest city and was a former mill town, you can tour the Millyard Museum or just drive by the impressive red-brick former textile mills along the Merrimack River, now repurposed into offices and restaurants. For tax-free shopping, the Mall of New Hampshire is right off the highway. Then continue north to the lakes region, about another hour on I-93 brings you near Lake Winnipesaukee, the biggest lake in NH, nestled by the foothills of the White Mountains. A great stop is Meredith, NH, a town right on the lake with a scenic waterfront (about 110 miles from Boston). You can find lakeside dining or even take a short cruise on the MS Mount Washington boat (in summer) from nearby Weirs Beach (Laconia). If you have more time, drive a bit further to Wolfeboro, another charming lake town often called the “Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Breathe in the fresh air, take a dip if it’s warm, or admire fall foliage reflecting on the lake if it’s autumn. Heading back, you can loop east and south via Route 11/Route 16 through Portsmouth, NH (a lovely coastal town with rich history and great seafood) then I-95 back to Boston, this adds only a bit of distance and gives you an ocean taste to cap the trip.

Pro Tip: This route is especially great in fall (late September to mid-October) for leaf-peeping, the colors around the lake and in New Hampshire’s forests can be stunning. Aim for mid-week if in foliage season; weekends get traffic with “leaf peepers.” Also, New Hampshire highways are toll in spots (e.g., small tolls on I-93 around Hooksett and on Spaulding Turnpike if you go via Portsmouth); have some singles or expect the rental’s toll program to kick in. Keep an eye out for wildlife in rural NH, it’s not common near busy roads, but at dawn or dusk, deer (or even moose up by the lake) can wander. Drive attentively, especially at night on the smaller highways.

These are just a few of the many road trips you can enjoy starting from Boston. Whether you’re into beaches, mountains, history, or charming small towns, a short drive unlocks a new world. The beauty of Boston’s location is you can be in four different states within a 2-hour drive (MA, NH, ME, RI, five if you count Connecticut barely). So take advantage of your rental car and happy driving!

Quick-Reference Info Box: Boston Car Rental Key Facts

• Main Pick-up Locations:Logan Airport (BOS), huge fleet and 24/7 service; Downtown Boston (various branches in Back Bay, Near North Station, etc.); Cambridge (near MIT or Harvard Square agencies); plus neighborhood spots (Brookline, Newton) and nearby cities. Choose Logan for easiest airport-to-car, or city locations to avoid airport fees if you’re already downtown.
• Average Rental Rates: Economy cars ~$30-50/day, Standard sedan ~$40-60/day, SUV ~$50-70/day, Minivan ~$60-80/day (rates fluctuate with season/events). Summer and fall are high season, book early. Winter often has lower rates (excluding holiday weeks). Weekly rentals often have a lower per-day cost than single days.
• Boston Driving: Drive on the right-hand side. Downtown speed limits are 25 mph unless posted lower. Many one-way streets, plan routes ahead. Rush hour traffic 7-10am and 3-7pm is heavy. Use I-93 and Storrow Drive to navigate through the city, but they can jam up. Keep cool in aggressive traffic, assertive but courteous driving works best.
• Fuel: Regular unleaded gasoline for most vehicles. Gas prices in Boston ~$0.10-$0.20 higher per gallon than the U.S. average. Plenty of gas stations in and around the city, but few in downtown proper (there’s a Shell in Back Bay, a few in Seaport/Southie). It’s often easiest to fill up in Cambridge or along a highway before returning the car. Massachusetts is self-service for gas.
• Tolls: Yes, All-electronic. Key tolls: Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) heading west, Ted Williams/Sumner Tunnels to/from Logan, Tobin Bridge southbound. Use the E-ZPass device in the car or go through and it’ll bill via plate. Rental toll programs charge ~$3.95 per day used (max ~$19.75) + tolls. Avoiding tolls entirely in Boston is possible but not always practical.
• Parking: Metered street parking $1-$4/hour (2-hour limits common). Many resident-only zones, don’t park there without permit. Best to use parking garages for longer stays in the city. Garages average $30/day downtown. Some cheaper options: underground garage at Boston Common, or City-owned garage at Sargent’s Wharf. Hotels charge ~$50+ overnight. Apps like SpotHero can snag discounts. If venturing out, commuter rail stations often have $5-$10/day lots (e.g., Alewife garage is $9 for 24h and on the Red Line into downtown).
• Driving Laws: Massachusetts has a hands-free law, no handheld phone use, use Bluetooth or speaker. Seat belts mandatory for all. Right on red allowed after stop except where signed. Yield to pedestrians on turns and at unsignaled crosswalks, enforcement is strict in pedestrian-heavy areas. DUI laws are strict (0.08% BAC limit, and lots of checkpoints around holidays). Fines for speeding in a posted school zone or construction zone can be doubled. Essentially, follow the rules and you’ll be fine, Boston’s traffic might be wild, but the law’s the law.
• Alternate Transportation: Boston has decent public transit (MBTA subways, buses, commuter rail). If you plan to split your time (some days drive, some days not), know that you can park at some transit hubs and take the “T” in (for example, Riverside on Green Line or Alewife on Red Line have big parking garages, ~$7-$10 a day). Also, Boston is a very walkable city, often it’s easier to park once and explore on foot. We encourage a mix: use the car to reach the outskirts or do day trips, but you don’t necessarily need to drive to every sight in the downtown area (traffic and parking there can be a hassle). Balance is key.
• Seasonal Considerations: Winter (Dec-Mar), watch weather forecasts, carry an ice scraper (provided in rentals usually), allow extra travel time in snow. Spring (Apr-May), rain is frequent, roads clear, some potholes from winter (heads up!). Summer (Jun-Aug), traffic to Cape Cod on weekends is intense, as mentioned; also watch for road closures during big events (July 4 fireworks shut down some roads along Charles River). Fall (Sept-Nov), beautiful driving weather, but note that late September brings college move-in traffic and early September Labor Day can see big highway volumes. In fall, leaf peeping traffic in October can slow routes in Vermont/NH if you venture that far. In Boston itself, fall weekends are pretty busy tourist-wise, but nothing unmanageable. Year-round, the city has road work, check Mass511 or Google Maps for live traffic when planning drives.