Ready to hit the road straight from Logan? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at Boston Logan Airport. Just enter your travel dates and choose “Boston Logan International (BOS)” as your pick-up location (or BOS Rental Car Center). In seconds, you’ll see offers from all the major car rental and more. Our system lets you filter by vehicle type, passenger capacity, and price, so whether you need a compact car for city errands or a 12-passenger van for a family trip, we’ve got options ready.
Welcome to Boston Logan International Airport, the busiest airport in New England and your first stop on the road to exploring Massachusetts and beyond. Renting a car at BOS Airport gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule, from downtown Boston’s historic sites to scenic coastal drives. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Boston Logan car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips on navigating Logan’s rental process, so you can rent a car at Logan Airport Boston confidently, whether you’re a local or flying in from abroad.
Pro Tip: Boston’s public transport (“T”) is useful within the city, but if you plan to venture to Cape Cod, the White Mountains, or simply prefer door-to-door convenience, a rental car is the way to go.
Why book with AirportVanRental? Because we make it fast, easy, and affordable:
Quick Pick-Up: After you book, we recommend providing your flight number if prompted. This helps the rental agency track your arrival time. At Logan, rental counters are not in the terminals, they’re at the consolidated Rental Car Center, but don’t worry, it’s easy to reach (see Navigating Logan’s Rental Car Center below). With your reservation in hand, you’ll be on the road typically within 20–30 minutes of landing.
Why Rent a Car at Boston Logan Airport?
Renting a car directly at BOS comes with a ton of advantages for both domestic and international travelers. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to grab the keys at Logan instead of relying on cabs or public transit:
In short, a rental car from Boston Logan gives you the freedom to get the most out of your trip, whether that’s zipping around Boston’s neighborhoods, attending meetings across town, or embarking on a New England adventure.
Our Boston Logan Car Rental Advantages
When you book your BOS Airport rental through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car, you’re getting a seamless experience start to finish, with perks you won’t get by walking up at the counter. Here’s what sets us apart for your Boston Logan car rental:
Top Boston Logan Car Rental Deals
(Note: “From” rates exclude taxes/fees; approximately 18-20% in total taxes and surcharges applies at BOS, including Massachusetts state tax 6.25% and various airport fees. We show you the final price with these included during booking. Prices can spike during peak seasons, e.g. summer tourist months, fall foliage weekends, or events like the Boston Marathon, so it’s wise to book early for those times. Also, consider weekdays vs. weekends: a weekend rental might be cheaper per day due to special offers. Always search with your exact dates for the most accurate pricing.)
Navigating Logan Airport’s Rental Car Center (BOS)
Picking up your rental at Boston Logan is a straightforward process, the airport designed it to be traveler friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect when picking up your rental car at BOS:
Early & Late Flight Arrivals: How to Get Your Car
One concern travelers often have is “What if my flight arrives after the rental counter has closed?” Rest assured, rental agencies at BOS are well-aware of flight schedules. Most major companies have extended hours (many open around 5:00 AM and stay open past midnight). For example, Enterprise/National might operate ~5:30 AM to midnight daily. If you have a reservation and your flight is delayed into the wee hours, the rental agency will typically honor it, often they’ll remain open if they know you’re coming on a late flight (another reason to provide your flight number when booking). However, if you don’t have a reservation and just walk up late at night, you might find counters closed or limited staff.
Tips for late arrivals:
Fortunately, Boston Logan has flights at all hours, so major rental desks are accustomed to being open early and late. The bottom line: if you’re arriving outside normal hours, communicate with the rental company, and you should still get your vehicle with minimal hassle.
Returning Your Rental Car at BOS
When it’s time to head home or onward, returning your rental car at Boston Logan is straightforward, but give yourself a bit of extra time to avoid stress. Here’s what to do:
Important: Logan’s shuttles are free and you do not need any ticket to use them. Also, gratuities for shuttle drivers are not expected; it’s an airport service. Of course, if a driver goes above and beyond to help with heavy bags you can offer a small tip, but it’s purely optional.
By following these steps, returning your car at Boston Logan should be a breeze. Many travelers comment that the consolidated Rental Car Center at BOS is extremely efficient and well-organized, much less confusing than older airports with scattered rental locations. In fact, Logan’s RCC is a modern LEED-certified facility with clear signage and even an interesting exhibit by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism inside (if you have a few minutes, you can see displays about MA destinations to inspire your next trip!).
Boston Driving Tips: From Logan Airport to Beyond
Once you’ve got your rental car and are leaving Logan Airport, you’ll quickly find yourself on Boston’s roadways. Driving in Boston and its surroundings can be quite an adventure, the city’s streets famously predate modern planning (legend says some roads follow old cow paths!), and New England drivers have a certain… reputation. But don’t worry! With a bit of preparation and our local insights, you’ll be cruising like a Bostonian in no time. Here are essential tips for navigating traffic, tolls, and parking after you rent a car at Logan Airport:
Traffic & Rush Hours: Boston is a major city, and you can expect typical urban traffic congestion during peak times. Weekday rush hours generally run 7:00–9:30 AM (heading into the city) and 4:00–6:30 PM (heading out of the city). If you land during these windows, anticipate slowdowns on the way out of Logan, the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) westbound from the airport can back up in the afternoon, and the Sumner Tunnel (the older tunnel heading inbound to downtown, if open) can get congested in the morning. Use a navigation app (Google Maps, Waze, etc.), they are widely used by locals to dodge traffic jams. These apps might route you through alternative paths (for example, through East Boston local streets or via the Tobin Bridge) if there’s a big delay on a tunnel. Weekends generally have lighter traffic, but summer weekends can see heavy outbound traffic Friday afternoons (everyone heads to Cape Cod or NH mountains) and inbound traffic Sunday evenings. Also be mindful of event traffic: a Red Sox game (Fenway area), Patriots game (down on I-95 in Foxboro), or a concert at TD Garden can cause localized jams. Plan accordingly if you’re driving near those venues on game day. If you can, schedule driving outside rush hours, your stress level will thank you!
Navigating Boston’s Roads: Boston’s downtown layout is famously confusing, a tangle of one-way streets, short merges, and old rotaries (roundabouts). Don’t be intimidated; just drive cautiously and pay attention to signs. It’s common to miss a turn in the maze of streets, if it happens, no biggie, your GPS will re-route you around the block. When leaving Logan, the path to major highways is well-marked (e.g., I-90 West, I-93 North/South). Once on city streets, note that Massachusetts drivers often move quickly and can be aggressive with lane changes (the local nickname “Masshole” exists for a reason). The trick is to be decisive but not reckless: use your turn signals, and if you need to change lanes, do so promptly when there’s a gap, don’t linger indecisively, as that frustrates locals. Also, pedestrian crossings are sacred in Boston (lots of pedestrians and many crosswalks, especially near tourist areas and colleges). By law, cars must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (and jaywalkers are common too). Keep an eye out, especially in areas like downtown, Back Bay, and around universities. Finally, note that Boston bans texting/handheld phone use while driving, it’s hands-free only. Police do enforce this, so use a mounted phone or the car’s Bluetooth for navigation and calls.
Tolls & EZ-Pass: Massachusetts uses an electronic toll system (E-ZPass) on its major roads, there are no cash toll booths. Key toll points around Boston include the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the Ted Williams and Sumner/Callahan Tunnels (to/from Logan), and the Tobin Bridge (Route 1 northbound out of the city). When you drive your rental car through these, a camera will photograph the license plate or read the transponder. How do you pay? Rental companies offer toll programs: typically you pay a small daily fee (around $3–$5 per day of use, capped at a max per rental) plus the cost of the tolls. If you opt in, the rental’s built-in transponder will cover all tolls and bill your credit card after. If you decline, you can still drive through tolls, but you’ll likely get billed later by the rental company with an extra service fee each time, which can be more expensive. Our advice: if you plan to drive around the area, it’s worth opting into the rental’s toll plan for convenience and possibly cost savings (especially if you’ll hit multiple tolls daily). For example, leaving Logan you’ll hit a tunnel toll (~$2–$3) immediately, without a transponder, you’d still incur it and they’ll bill you. By opting in, you pay the toll plus perhaps ~$4/day fee, which often covers unlimited toll use that day. Alternatively, some tolls (like the Mass Pike) allow you to go online and pay the toll for your plate the same day, but that’s a hassle during vacation. So, unless you’re just doing one quick trip with one toll, the EZ-Pass rental option is easiest. Just remember: don’t use cash only lanes (there are none in MA anyway) and never skip a toll, there’s no avoiding payment, it’ll track you down via the rental company. One more tip: if you have your own E-ZPass transponder (Northeast US residents might), you can often use it in the rental car, just make sure the rental’s built-in one is disabled (ask at counter) and mount yours on the windshield.
Parking in Boston: Parking can be one of the trickiest parts of driving in the city. Boston wasn’t built for cars, so street parking is limited and garages can be pricey. Here’s what to know:
Driving Beyond Boston: If your plans include driving outside the metro area (perhaps you’ll head to Cape Cod, Salem/Marblehead, Portland, ME, or NYC), keep these in mind:
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll handle Boston and New England roads like a pro. Remember, a little patience and a good navigation system go a long way. And if you ever feel uncertain, pull over safely and get your bearings, it’s better than making a last-second dangerous turn. Enjoy the journey, sometimes a wrong turn in Boston can lead you to a cool historic corner or a tasty hidden restaurant! Safe travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the entire rental process at BOS is very disability friendly. Logan Airport’s shuttles and facilities are designed with ADA compliance in mind. All the On-Airport Shuttle buses to the Rental Car Center are wheelchair-accessible, featuring ramps or lifts and space to secure wheelchairs. The drivers will assist with the lift operation if needed. The Rental Car Center building itself has elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Each rental company can accommodate adaptive driving devices too, for instance, if you require hand controls on your rental car, you can request that (usually give at least 48 hours notice so they can equip a vehicle for you). There is no extra charge for hand controls or swivel seats, etc., but not every location can do it same-day, hence the advance notice. The facility also offers designated handicap parking spots if someone is picking up or dropping off a person with disabilities. Inside the rental counters area, if you need assistance (for example, you can’t stand in line for long), you can let the staff know, they typically will prioritize or find a seating area for you until an agent can help. Also, note that Logan has an “ADA Assistance” phone line and staff; if you needed help to get from the terminal to the shuttle, you can request wheelchair service through the airline or airport, and they’ll help you reach the shuttle stop. Overall, BOS and the rental agencies have a good reputation for accessibility. If you have specific needs, we at AirportVanRental encourage you to call us or the rental company ahead of time to make sure everything is arranged (whether it’s hand controls, a larger vehicle for a wheelchair to fit, etc.). Traveling can be stressful enough, we and the airport aim to make the car rental part as smooth as possible for everyone.
To snag the cheapest car rental at BOS, use a combination of smart planning and our comparison tools. Here are our top tips: • Book Early: Rates tend to rise as the pickup date nears, especially in peak seasons (summer, holidays, graduation weekends). Reserving weeks or months ahead often locks in a lower price, and remember, with free cancellation on most bookings, there’s no risk if you find a better deal later. • Be Flexible with Car Type: Sometimes the category you think is cheapest (say, economy) might actually be in high demand, making midsize or even SUV deals cheaper on a particular day. Our site shows all categories, you might find a surprise free upgrade deal or simply a lower rate on a larger car due to inventory. Always compare, you could end up with a bigger car for less money if supply and demand favor it. • Check Off-Airport vs. Airport: As mentioned, renting downtown Boston vs. at Logan can differ in price because of fees. If you’re game to pick up in the city (after taking a taxi or the MBTA subway a short distance), you might save. We display multiple locations, for example, “Boston, Prudential Center” or “Boston, Cambridge” offices. Sometimes a quick T (subway) ride and renting in town can save you the ~$30 in airport fees. That said, factor in the time/transport cost, often airport convenience wins. • Use Discounts and Memberships: Through AirportVanRental you’ll see promotions automatically applied, but also consider if you have memberships like AAA, AARP, frequent flyer programs, or credit card perks. Some rental companies at BOS give discounts or waive young driver fees for AAA, for example. You might be able to apply those at the counter or through a corporate code. Just ensure it’s still the best deal, sometimes our aggregated rate (with no code) is better than a small discount on a higher base rate. • Avoid Under-25 Fees if Possible: If you’re traveling with someone 25 or over, have them as the primary driver to avoid the young driver surcharge. Additional driver fees can also add up (around $13/day extra driver). Some companies waive extra driver fees for a spouse or domestic partner, or if you’re a member of their loyalty program. Adding drivers only as needed (and sticking to one driver if feasible) can save a chunk. • Fill Your Tank Yourself: This is after you rent, but returning the car full of gas (vs. prepaying or returning empty) almost always saves money. Boston gas prices are reasonable and you’ll pay pump price rather than the rental company’s marked-up rate. • Leverage Our Deals Page: We often highlight flash sales or limited-time promotions (e.g. “Get 15% off weekly rentals” or “Free upgrade for weekend rental”). Check the Travel Tips or Deals section of our website for Boston or Northeast-specific offers. Sometimes booking for 3 days vs. 2 triggers a better average daily rate due to a promo, ironically. • Compare, Compare, Compare: That’s the beauty of AirportVanRental, with one search you see multiple brands. If one company is charging high rates (maybe they’re nearly sold out), another might have plenty of cars and lower prices. We also show customer ratings for suppliers, so you can weigh price vs. service. A $5/day savings might not be worth it if it’s a poorly rated outfit with long lines. But at Logan, most are big-name brands with similar service levels. In short, start your search early, use our filters, and keep an eye on promotions. Prices at Logan do fluctuate (for example, midweek can be cheaper than weekends, and winter often cheaper than summer). If you book and then notice a better deal later, you can always re-book at the lower rate and cancel the original (as long as it’s within the free cancellation window). We want you to get the best deal, it’s part of our commitment to being your go-to site for cheap Boston Logan car rentals without sacrificing quality or peace of mind.
Flight delays are a fact of life, and rental companies at Logan are quite understanding. If you included your flight number with the reservation, the rental location’s system often updates with your new arrival time. Generally, rental reservations at airports are honored for a grace period (usually several hours) as long as you arrive the same day. If your flight is delayed by a few hours, your car will usually still be waiting for you. If your flight is severely delayed to the next day or canceled outright, it’s best to contact the rental office or AirportVanRental customer service as soon as you know. We or the rental company can adjust the pickup time or date. In many cases, if you arrive next morning, they’ll still give you the car (possibly adjusting the rental period). The main risk is if you don’t show up on the scheduled day and don’t inform anyone, the reservation could be marked no-show by the next day. So communication helps. Also, if you end up on a different flight arriving into a different airport (for example, an airline re-routes you to Providence or Manchester instead of BOS), you can often work with us to either transfer the reservation or cancel without penalty (since it’s due to flight issue). The bottom line: rental companies will hold your car typically for several hours on the arrival day. If you’re delayed past the location’s closing time, they might stay open if they know you’re coming on a later flight (as mentioned earlier). If your flight is canceled, definitely reach out to adjust your plans. AirportVanRental’s support is 24/7 and we can liaise with the BOS rental desk to make sure a car is ready at your new arrival time.
Yes, after-hours drop-off is available for most rental companies at BOS. The Rental Car Center is open 24/7 in the sense that you can drive in and park at any time; however, individual rental counters might not have staff around the clock. If you need to return a vehicle when the counter is closed (say, you have a 4:30 AM flight and are dropping the car at 3:30 AM), the procedure is typically: park in the returns area for your rental company (there will be signs), then find the key drop box. It’s usually near the return lane or on the counter inside, a clearly marked slot or box labeled something like “After-hours Key Drop.” Simply put your keys (and the paper contract, if they gave you one and request it back) into that slot. That’s it! The shuttle buses run 24 hours, so you can catch the next shuttle to your terminal even at 3:00 AM. The rental company will process your return once staff arrive in the morning and finalize your receipt time-stamped when you dropped off. Make sure to lock the car and take all your belongings (don’t leave that phone charger plugged in!). We also advise taking photos of the car at drop-off (time-stamped on your phone) in case of any disputes, this is a good practice for any after-hours return. Most people have no issues; the key drop is a common and safe system. Just allow a bit of extra time in case you need to figure out where to go in a quieter facility at night. And pro tip: if you’re super early, you might actually find staff on duty (some open by 4-5 AM) who can take the car in person, but if not, the drop box has you covered.
Generally, plan for about 20 to 30 minutes from the time you step off the plane to driving out in your rental, assuming you’ve already gotten your checked bags. Here’s the breakdown: Walking from your gate to baggage claim can be 5-10 minutes, waiting for luggage varies (if you have carry-on only, you save time). The shuttle ride to the Rental Car Center is ~10 minutes including wait time. At the RCC, if there’s no line at the counter, the paperwork is about 5-10 minutes. If a few flights arrived at once, you might encounter a line, worst-case maybe 15-20 minutes wait (that’s not common except during holiday rush times or if a major flight from Europe unloads many renters at once). The rental companies staff up pretty well for peak times. Once you have your contract, walking to the car and exiting the garage is another 5 minutes. So in a smooth scenario, it can be as quick as 15 minutes terminal-to-car; in a busier scenario, 30-40 minutes. If you are enrolled in a rental company’s fast-track program (like Hertz Gold, etc.), you might skip the counter and go straight to your car in the garage, that can shave time down further, perhaps <15 minutes total. We recommend budgeting at least 45 minutes from flight arrival (landing time) to driving off, especially if you have appointments. And if you arrive in the middle of the night with no checked bags and no crowd, you might be pleasantly surprised to be on the road in under 15 minutes! One more tip: use the restroom at the airport before heading to the RCC, since you might be on the shuttle or in line for a bit. There are restrooms at the Rental Car Center too, but it’s easier to go beforehand.
Yes, renting at any major airport usually comes with some extra surcharges, and BOS is no exception. On top of the base rental rate and standard state sales tax (6.25% in Massachusetts), Logan Airport rentals include: a Concession Recovery Fee (about 11.1% of the rental, this reimburses the company for the fee they pay the airport), a Customer Facility Charge (CFC) which at Logan is around $6.00 per day (to fund the Rental Car Center facility), a Transportation Fee often listed as “Pass. Transp. Rec. Charge” (~$8 per rental, helps fund the shuttle buses) and some small amounts like a Convention Center surcharge ($10 per rental), Energy Recovery or Vehicle License Recovery fees (a few dollars). There’s also typically a $0.60 parking surcharge and a $2 Massachusetts police training fee per rental. It sounds like a lot of nickel-and-dime, but these are standard across all companies at Logan. When you combine them, the total extra fees can be roughly $20-$30 on a short rental, or ~15-20% on top of the base price. The good news: Our site calculates and shows you all these fees included in your quote. So if you see a quote “$100 total,” that already has those airport fees and taxes accounted for. You won’t be blindsided at the counter with a much higher price. Just be aware that an airport rental is a bit pricier than renting at a suburban location due to these add-ons, the convenience of on-airport pickup is often worth it. If you’re extremely price-sensitive and willing to do a little extra work, some travelers choose to rent at an off-airport Boston location to avoid those fees (e.g. taking a taxi or subway into the city to rent a car there). Off-airport locations waive the concession and facility charges, which can save ~15%. However, by the time you pay for transport to get there, it may not be a huge difference unless you have a long rental. With our platform, you can actually compare, try checking rates for “Boston Logan Airport” versus “Boston, Downtown” to see the difference. Often the convenience of grabbing the car at Logan is worth the slight premium in fees.
The standard minimum rental age at BOS (and throughout Massachusetts) is 21 years old with most major companies. Renters age 21-24 will typically pay a “young driver” surcharge (around $25-$30 per day) and may be limited to certain car categories (usually no luxury cars or large SUVs for under-25). At age 25, those restrictions and fees drop, you can rent at the normal rate with all vehicle options open. Note that some agencies have exceptions: for example, Hertz or Enterprise might rent to 18-20 year-olds under special conditions (often if you’re an active-duty military member or for insurance replacement needs), but this is not common and comes with high fees and tight restrictions. If you’re under 25, be sure to check the specific policy of the company you choose, our booking process will usually flag any age-related rules or fees for you. Also, under-25 drivers should have a credit card (not just debit) in their name; some locations won’t accept debit from young renters. In summary, 21+ is the norm at Logan for renting, and 25+ is hassle-free. Always double-check terms if you’re under 25 so you’re prepared for any extra charges.
In most cases, yes. Major rental car agencies at BOS have extended hours to accommodate late-night arrivals. Many counters stay open until the last scheduled flight of the night. If you have a reservation and your flight is delayed into the wee hours, rental companies typically honor it, they often track flight info if you provided it. That said, specific hours vary by company (for example, one might operate 5:30 AM until midnight). If you’re landing around or after midnight, it’s a good idea to call the rental office earlier that day to inform them. They might hold your keys or advise on any special procedure. In rare cases, if a counter does close, they may have an agent from a sister company assist you or they’ll arrange for you to pick up first thing in the morning. Pro Tip: Always include your flight number with your reservation and consider calling if you’re severely delayed. The Rental Car Center itself is accessible 24/7, and the airport shuttles run all night, so getting to the RCC is not an issue. It’s mainly about the counter hours. Most travelers find they can get their car even on late arrivals, just be sure to book in advance.
It’s easy. After you exit your arrival terminal (A, B, C, or E), follow the signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car Shuttle.” Boston Logan operates free blue shuttle buses (Routes 22, 33, and 55) that pick up from each terminal’s lower level and go to the Rental Car Center. Simply wait at the designated curbside shuttle stop (look for a “Rental Car Center” or shuttle icon sign). Buses run about every 5 minutes most of the day, and even during late-night hours there will be service (Route 55 covers early morning/late night). The ride is short, around 5-10 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at the Rental Car Center (RCC) entrance. From there, you can walk inside and follow signs to your rental company’s counter. The shuttles have space for luggage and are wheelchair accessible. And don’t worry, they won’t charge you, it’s an airport-provided service.