Manchester–Boston Airport (MHT) Car Rental Deals Your New England Adventure Starts Here

Welcome to Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) a friendly, efficient airport that’s the perfect jumping-off point for trips to New Hampshire, Boston, and all of New England. Renting a car directly at MHT is the quickest way to transition from flight to road trip. With your rental car ready upon arrival, you can step off the plane and be on Interstate 93 heading to your destination in no time. This page will walk you through securing a cheap MHT car rental and share insider tips for an easy experience. AirportVanRental brings together the best deals from every rental company at Manchester Airport, ensuring you get a great rate and a smooth ride. Whether you’re here for business in the city or vacation in the mountains, we’ll help you find the right car and get on your way hassle-free.

Pro Tip: MHT is known as a low-stress alternative to larger airports. One big advantage all the major rental car companies operate from a single convenient Rental Car Center right at the airport. That means no shuttle bus needed: after you grab your luggage, it’s just a short walk across from the baggage claim area to reach your rental car pickup. In practical terms, you can often land at MHT and be in your rental car driving out within 15-20 minutes try doing that at a mega-airport like Logan! Choosing MHT + rental car = about the fastest way to hit the New England roads fresh off a flight.

When you book an MHT rental through AirportVanRental, you also get our signature benefits, geared toward speed and peace of mind for airport renters:

• No Prepay, No Stress: We won’t ask you for payment upfront for most reservations. You can reserve without charges and only pay when you get to the MHT rental counter. This way, if your flight plans change or you find a different solution, you’re not tied down.
• Free Cancellations: Most rentals at MHT come with free cancellation up until 48 hours before pick-up. So if you need to cancel because of a schedule change or flight cancellation, it’s typically no penalty. (Always double-check the terms we show, but free cancellation is standard on our site.)
• Instant Confirmation: Once you book, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the pickup info. It will specify which rental company you’re booked with and where their counter is at the airport, plus your confirmation number to present. Since all counters are in one place at MHT, it’s super straightforward just head to the rental car facility and find your company’s desk.
• Upfront Pricing: The price we quote for your MHT car includes all mandatory charges we factor in New Hampshire’s 8.5% rental tax and the airport’s concession fees in the total. (For context, MHT, like most airports, charges rental car companies a concession fee around 9% which gets passed on to you. We include that, so you’re not surprised.) No hidden fees means you won’t finish your booking only to discover extra taxes at pick-up. What you see is what you pay, guaranteed.
• Fast Airport Pick-Up: By booking ahead with us, you can take advantage of express services some agencies offer. For example, if you’re a member of Hertz Gold or similar programs, you might go straight to your car. Even without that, you have a reservation in hand, so the counter process is quick: show ID, credit card, sign, and go. The rental cars are on-site at MHT, in the garage adjacent to the terminal, so after finishing paperwork you simply walk a short distance to your vehicle. No lengthy shuttle rides, no confusion just grab and go.
• Trusted Airport Rental Partners: We only work with well-established rental providers at MHT. These are companies with staff on-site from the first flight of the morning to the last flight at night, so even if you’re coming in on a late arrival, they’ll be there for you (be sure to give your flight number when booking, so they know if you’re delayed). The cars are maintained to high standards clean, recent models, all with air conditioning (and heaters that blast hot, which you’ll appreciate in a NH winter!). When you book with AirportVanRental, you’re essentially getting the convenience of those national brands plus the advantage of our customer service and price comparison.

Why Rent a Car at Manchester Airport (MHT)?

If you flew into Manchester, here’s why grabbing a rental car at the airport is often the best choice for onward travel:

• Immediate Access to New England: MHT is strategically located less than 50 miles north of Boston and right in the heart of New England. With a car, as soon as you leave the airport you’re on major highways (I-293/I-93) that can take you anywhere Boston (50min), Portsmouth and the Atlantic coast (1hr), White Mountains (1.5–2hrs), Vermont (1.5hrs to border), even Canada (~4.5hrs to Montreal). Renting at MHT means you start closer to many NH and VT destinations compared to flying into Boston. You’ve essentially skipped the Boston traffic and launched closer to the fun.
• Skip the Big City Hassle: Many travelers choose Manchester–Boston Airport specifically to avoid the crowds and congestion of Logan Airport in Boston. The same logic applies to ground transport by renting a car at MHT, you’re avoiding Boston’s busy car rental center and city driving until you choose to go there. It’s a small airport with quick access to highways, so you can be on your way in a snap. If your trip includes visiting Boston, you can still do that: drive down when you’re ready (about an hour’s drive) but enjoy free parking at your suburban hotel or the ease of coming back to NH afterwards. No need to navigate downtown Boston in a rental right after a flight instead, you depart from mellow Manchester.
• Flexibility for Your Schedule: Public transportation options directly from MHT are limited (there are some buses to Boston or Concord, but schedules are sparse). If you rely on those, you might waste time waiting or be constrained to fixed routes. With a rental car, you can tailor your schedule exactly. Land at 11 PM? No problem pick up your car and head out. Want to detour to a diner or scenic overlook on the way to your hotel? Go for it. Traveling with family and need to make pit stops? Easy. A car lets you respond to the moment something you’ll appreciate whether you’re a business traveler squeezing in a meeting or a family chasing that perfect sunset view over Lake Winnipesaukee.
• Small Airport, Big Convenience: At MHT, rental pick-up and drop-off are incredibly user-friendly. On arrival, we mentioned the quick walk to the rental center. On departure, it’s just as simple: the rental return area is in the same on-airport garage, clearly marked for each company. Drop the car, and you’re a 2-minute walk or shuttle ride (some agencies might have a golf-cart shuttle if needed) to the terminal doors. Contrast that with larger airports where returning a car can involve navigating a maze of roads and a 10-15 minute shuttle back to the terminals. At Manchester, it’s all right there making it especially nice for early flights (you can return your car and be at the airline check-in within minutes). Bottom line: renting at MHT is about as easy as it gets for an airport of its size.
• 24/7 Mobility: With your own car, you have 24/7 mobility from the moment you land. Flights into MHT often arrive late at night (many from hubs like Newark or DC get in around midnight). The rental counters at MHT generally stay open to meet these late flights (they’ll wait if your flight is delayed, as long as you have a reservation with the flight number provided). Once you have your car, you’re not stranded even if it’s 1 AM, you can drive to your hotel or destination. If you relied on other transport, you might be stuck at that hour. Also, for early departures, having a car means you can stay at more hotels (some airport hotels offer shuttles, but if you found a better deal a bit further away, a car lets you get to the airport for that 6 AM flight on your own). Freedom from the clock is a huge perk.

Our MHT Car Rental Advantages

When you rent through AirportVanRental at Manchester–Boston Airport, you benefit from our general advantages plus some that are particular to the airport experience:

Best Rates at MHT Guaranteed: We scour all rental companies at Manchester Airport to find you the lowest price. Airport rentals sometimes include fees that off-airport ones don’t, but we often have special rates negotiated that mitigate those. Thanks to our volume and partnerships, you might see rates on our site lower than what you’d get directly. We also keep an eye on any discounts, like weekend specials or free upgrade offers at MHT, and include those in your search results. If you somehow find a lower published price for the same car & dates, let us know we will match or beat it. Our commitment is to ensure that booking through us never costs you more than any other method and almost always, we save you money. Traveling should be fun, and saving on your car rental is a great way to free up budget for more fun (maybe an extra lobster roll on the coast or ticket to that show in Boston!).

Wide Vehicle Selection (Yes, Even at the Airport): People often assume airport locations only carry standard cars not true! At MHT, because it’s the primary airport for NH, the agencies stock a diverse range: from compact cars to full-size pickups occasionally, and plenty of SUVs and minivans for vacationers. AirportVanRental’s platform will show you everything available across those agencies. Looking for a 4WD SUV for a winter trip? We’ll have multiple options listed. Need a passenger van for a group skiing excursion? If it’s available at MHT, you’ll see it here (and if it’s not, sometimes we can arrange one from a nearby location to be brought in just ask!). Of course, you’ll find the usual economy, midsize, full-size cars, plus often some luxury models at the airport (business travelers love those). With thousands of vehicles in the combined fleets, you won’t feel limited. Choose the ride that fits your needs and preferences, be it a comfy sedan for business or an SUV with room for the family’s luggage.

No Hidden Fees Total Transparency: Renting at an airport can sometimes come with extra surcharges but we lay it all out for you so you’re not caught off guard. For example, Manchester Airport applies roughly a 9% concession recovery fee on rentals (as of now), and there’s typically a small Customer Facility Charge (often a few dollars per day) that helps fund the rental center. Our system calculates these into your quote. We also include the 8.5% NH rental tax automatically. When you see your estimated total, that’s inclusive of everything mandatory. You’ll even see a line-by-line breakdown during booking, if you’re curious. We want you to arrive at the counter confident that you’re already fully aware of the cost no upselling pressure or surprise airport fees thrown in. (Important: The only things not in our online total would be truly optional items you choose at pickup, like GPS device rental, child seats, or additional insurance coverage and those are up to you.)

Flexible Booking & Payment Policies: At AirportVanRental, we understand travel plans can change, especially with flights involved. As mentioned, we don’t lock you in with prepayments for most reservations. Modify or cancel with ease online if needed. We also accommodate last-minute bookings landing in an hour and realize you need a car? You can still book through our site (inventory permitting) almost up to the time of pick-up. Additionally, unlike some direct bookings, we don’t charge separate fees for things like adding an additional driver or young driver if the rental company doesn’t. At the MHT counters, policies vary by company but our booking process will clearly highlight if, say, a young driver surcharge applies for under 25. We ensure you’re aware of that cost (set by the rental company) before you book. No one likes surprises, so we aim for full clarity in all terms and fees.

Customer Support & Travel Tips: While Manchester’s airport is easy to navigate, questions can always come up. Our customer support is there if you need help whether it’s an unexpected flight delay (we can notify the rental office), a question about after-hours drop-off, or advice on driving routes. We also provide some handy local knowledge in our confirmation info like reminding you of New England toll practices, winter driving tips if you’re renting in snowy months, or how to contact us if you need roadside assistance. We’re a phone call away if you’re unsure about something during your rental. And since we have lots of regional experience, we might even help answer questions like “Is it faster to take the Everett Turnpike or I-93 to Nashua at 5 PM?” (Answer: Everett Turnpike/Route 3 is usually a better bet at rush hour going south). In essence, we’re here to support your journey, not just the transaction.

One-Way Rentals and More: Flying into MHT but not leaving the same way? Many renters do this perhaps you’re flying out of Boston Logan, or heading on a road trip and dropping the car in New York or elsewhere. We’ve got you covered with one-way rental options from Manchester Airport. Just choose your drop-off city in our search, and we’ll show you which vehicles are available for one-way and any applicable fee. It’s usually quite feasible since MHT is a major rental location for example, doing a one-way from MHT to Newark or JFK often just incurs a preset drop fee, which we disclose upfront. This can save you the trouble of backtracking if your travel route is open-jaw. Also, if you only need a car part of your trip (say, you’re staying in downtown Boston for a few days car-free after touring NH), you can rent from MHT and even drop at a downtown Boston location whatever suits your plans. We allow full flexibility in crafting your rental to match your travel itinerary.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at MHT

Arriving at Manchester–Boston Regional Airport and getting your rental car is straightforward. Here’s what to expect:

After you deplane, follow the signs for Baggage Claim/Ground Transportation. MHT’s terminal is compact, so you’ll be at baggage claim quickly. Once you have your luggage, look for signs pointing to the Rental Car Center it’s connected to the terminal. In fact, just across the street (a covered walkway leads you there). All rental counters and cars are located in this consolidated facility, which keeps things nice and easy. When you enter the Rental Car Center, you’ll find each company’s counter.

Go to the counter of the company your reservation is with (e.g., Alamo, Hertz, etc.). With your AirportVanRental confirmation in hand (either printed or on your phone), the agent will pull up your booking. Have your driver’s license and credit card ready (and if you’re an international traveler, your passport and possibly an International Driving Permit, though English-language licenses are accepted without IDP in NH). The paperwork at the counter usually takes just a few minutes confirm the rate, choose whether to add any optional insurance or the toll transponder, and sign the rental agreement. They’ll then direct you to the parking area to pick up your vehicle.

The Manchester Airport Rental Car Center has an attached garage where the vehicles are parked. It’s a covered facility (great in bad weather no slogging through snow or rain to get to your car). Each company has designated parking slots. Your contract or the agent will indicate something like “Section A, Spot 12” or a specific area to find your car. Walk over, locate your car, and do a quick inspection. (Pro tip: It’s always wise to walk around the car and note any existing scratches or dings if anything significant, mention it to the lot attendant or take photos, though rental staff usually have it logged. With AirportVanRental’s partners, you rarely have issues, but it’s a good habit.)

Once you’re satisfied, hop in, adjust your mirrors, and you’re ready to roll out of MHT. Exiting the rental lot leads you directly onto Airport Road which connects to the highway system.

Getting on the road from MHT: If you’re heading south toward Boston or Nashua, you’ll follow signs to I-293 South / Everett Turnpike. This will merge into I-93 South eventually. If you’re going north toward Concord or the White Mountains, follow I-293 North which merges into I-93 North. For the Seacoast (Portsmouth) or northeastern Massachusetts, you can take NH Route 101 East which you’ll reach via I-93. The airport’s road signage is clear, and within 5 minutes of leaving the garage you’ll be on the interstate. One of the great things about MHT is how close it is to the junction of major highways (it’s literally at the nexus of I-293, I-93, and NH-3A/Route 3). That means less city traffic, more open road right away.

Returning Your Rental Car at MHT

When it’s time to depart, returning your car at Manchester–Boston Airport is equally painless:

As you approach the airport (whether from I-293 or local roads), look for signs for Rental Car Return. The airport has a dedicated entrance to the Rental Car Center/garage when you drive in. It might be on Airport Road just before reaching the terminal loop; it’s clearly marked. Drive into the garage and follow the signs to your rental company’s return area. Usually, you’ll see a row of lanes or designated spots for returns.

Park where indicated an attendant may direct you or there will be signs like “Budget Returns” etc. Gather all your belongings from the car (don’t forget that phone charger, sunglasses, or any shopping bags in the trunk!). An attendant will likely meet you at the car, or you may need to jot down the mileage and drop keys in a box if it’s off-hours. During staffed hours, they’ll quickly inspect the vehicle for damage and check the fuel level. If you opted for a full-to-full fuel policy, hopefully you’ve refilled within 10 miles so the gauge shows full (pro tip: that Mobil on Brown Ave or stations on South Willow St. are convenient for a top-off). If everything is good, they’ll print or email you a receipt.

And that’s it you’re right at the terminal! Just walk across to the departure hall to check in for your flight. If you’re running late, the process is still quick another perk of MHT’s layout. In fact, from the moment you turn off the highway into the airport, you can usually return your car and be at security in under 10 minutes (of course, always allow extra time, but it’s that efficient).

After-hours returns: If you have a very early flight before the rental desks open (say a 5:30 AM departure), most agencies at MHT allow after-hours drop. You’d park in the return area, then locate the key drop box (usually near the counters or exit of the return lane). Make sure the contract number or a reference is on the key tag, drop the keys, and you’re done. The final bill will be emailed. Always check ahead with your rental company about their after-hours procedure but rest assured, since the terminal is 24/7, returning a car at 4 AM is feasible and common.

Driving Tips for Travelers Leaving MHT

• Tolls from MHT: If you’re heading south toward Boston on I-93, note that there are no tolls on I-93 in New Hampshire, but once you hit Massachusetts, it’s open-road (electronic) tolling on I-93 into Boston (no cash booths). If you did not get a toll transponder with your rental, Massachusetts will bill the rental car via plate and the rental company will charge you later with a fee. To avoid that fee, either opt into the rental’s toll program or take an alternate route like I-293 to the Everett Turnpike toward Nashua which leads to I-95 but that has a toll at the MA border ($cash accepted at Hampton*). Simpler: we usually recommend opting into the EZ-Pass program the rental company offers if you’ll be doing any significant highway driving around New England. It can save money and definitely saves hassle. For NH itself, there are a few tolls (e.g., $1-$2 on Everett Tpk/Route 3, and on Route 101 to Portsmouth), which you can pay cash if you have it. Keep a few singles handy just in case.
• Navigation: Consider using a GPS or smartphone maps for guidance, especially if you’re new to the area. Manchester’s highway interchanges can be a little confusing right near the airport (I-293 splits from I-93, etc.). A navigation app will ensure you don’t accidentally head north when you meant south. Once on the road, the major routes are well-signed. If driving to Boston, watch the signs as you approach the city or better yet, use GPS to cope with the confusing web of exits there. For scenic travel in NH, GPS is great, but also be aware cell service can drop in very remote mountainous areas having an offline map or a paper map as backup (the state’s free tourism map is nice) isn’t a bad idea if you’ll venture far.
• Traffic Patterns: The busiest times at MHT for flights are early morning (5-7 AM departures) and evening (around 5-8 PM arrivals). But on the roads, Manchester’s region has predictable rush hours: mornings (6:30–8:30 AM) mostly traffic goes south toward Massachusetts, evenings (4:00–6:00 PM) traffic comes north from MA and also around Manchester itself. If you’re driving into Boston in the morning from MHT (southbound 93), leave extra time you’ll hit Boston’s rush. Conversely, if you’re driving up from Boston to MHT for an evening flight, give padding for traffic on I-93 north (which can clog through the metro area until you get past I-495). Weekends, you’ll see heavy northbound traffic on Friday afternoons/evenings leaving Boston (people heading to NH, Maine, etc.), and heavy southbound on Sunday afternoons returning to Boston. Keep these in mind to avoid frustration maybe travel at off-peak times or take scenic alternative routes when feasible (New England has some charming back roads that run parallel to the highways in parts worth exploring if not in a rush).
• Weather: New England weather can change quickly. In winter, always check forecasts if a snowstorm is on the way, consider adjusting travel times. The airport and highways are very good at staying open and clear (MHT rarely closes for snow, and interstates get plowed constantly), but smaller roads can be challenging during a storm. If you aren’t used to snow driving, take it slow, increase following distances, and perhaps choose an AWD vehicle. In fall, watch for rain and wet leaves on roads (they can be slippery like ice!). Fall is also deer mating season more deer activity near roads especially at dusk. In summer, occasional heavy thunderstorms can occur if you encounter one, you might have reduced visibility; it’s okay to put your hazards on and pull to a safe spot until it eases. And spring can bring some frost heaves (bumps in roads from freeze-thaw cycles) on rural roads heed those “Bump” signs, they mean it! Overall, New Hampshire roads are well-maintained and clearly marked, so with a little preparation you’ll be fine in any season.

Finally, enjoy the journey! With your Manchester Airport rental car, you have the freedom to explore at will. Whether you’re heading straight into Boston for a big conference or leisurely winding your way through New Hampshire’s lake country, having your own set of wheels from MHT makes it all possible. AirportVanRental is thrilled to be a part of your trip we’ve handled the logistics so you can focus on the road ahead. Have a fantastic time driving around New England, and we wish you safe and happy travels!