How to find a cheap car hire deal in Boston
Start your adventure off right with a cheap rental car in Boston. With prices averaging R 1,159 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you pick the right wheels at a price that works.
The cheapest daily rental price in Boston is R 570.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from R 2,682 and make room for more adventures.
We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Boston car hire.
Browse the offers available with Budget, Hertz and Dollar. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Budget or another company includes with your Boston car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Boston.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,150 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,229, this provider is next in line.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly R 1,363 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Boston.
Flying to Boston? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Logan International Airport. If you're flying to Boston through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 8 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Boston
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this Boston car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Boston that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Boston car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Boston.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so check your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.
Add a car seat to your Boston car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your bank cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
The language most commonly spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Boston for drivers
Offering valet parking, Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 0.97 kilometres from central Boston and also comes with a restaurant and a games room.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features internet access and car hire options.
Browse the range of hotels in Boston for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Boston and your hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at top attractions such as Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Freedom Trail and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Boston
Around 64 kilometres west of central Boston, Worcester deserves a spot on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Worcester Art Museum and Redemption Rock Brewing.
They've perfected the guest experience at Residence Inn Worcester and Courtyard Worcester, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Worcester.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Boston and travel roughly 64 kilometres southwest to Providence. Featuring Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and WaterFire, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Providence has some great places to stay including Hilton Providence and Hilton Garden Inn Providence. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Set out for Bridgeport, about 225 kilometres southwest of Boston. From Seaside Beach to The Barnum Museum, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Hit the hay in Bridgeport at either Quality Suites or Best Western Plus Fairfield Hotel. They have a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
