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12 best things to do in Boston
History, beauty and pride lies around every corner in Boston, Massachusetts’ capital being one of ...
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Car hire in Boston with Hertz
Boston is built around tight neighborhoods and quick switches between them. You might spend one part of the day around Back Bay and the Public Garden, then head toward the Seaport for waterfront time, and later cross into Cambridge for campus areas and museums.
On the map, it can feel compact, but the practical detail is road layout and timing. Narrow streets, short junction spacing, and peak-hour backups can turn a short-looking drive into a longer one.
Booking a rental car in Boston through Hertz keeps the trip flexible. You can set your own timings, keep luggage handled without hassle, and build a plan that mixes city time with easy nearby drives without matching everything to fixed transport schedules.
Get a car rental in Boston to navigate most of it with ease.
Pickup locations in Boston
- Boston - 30 Park Plaza
- Boston Logan International Airport
- Boston - Westin Copley
- Uber Boston Revere
- Uber Quincy
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving guide: car rental in Boston
Parking Information
- Boston Common Garage (Downtown / Public Garden edge) is a dependable option when your day is built around Boston Common, the lower edge of Back Bay, and the downtown core. It is located near the Public Garden side of town and offers a 24/7 parking facility.
- Garage at Post Office Square (Financial District) is a good choice when your plan includes the Waterfront, downtown sightseeing, or quick access to the North End on foot. Hiring a car does not mean you have to always drive it. This parking is strategically located so that you can leave the car, as it is operational 24/7.
- Prudential Center Garage (Back Bay) is a practical option when your time is centered around Back Bay, Newbury Street, Copley Square, or Fenway-adjacent plans. It gives you a reliable base for a walk-heavy block in a high-demand area, then lets you move on with one clean drive instead of several short hops.
Key Roads in Boston
- I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike / Mass Pike) The main corridor for approaching Boston from the west and linking into the city’s core interchanges. It’s useful when you want a direct approach to the downtown-adjacent areas, but timings matter. Peak windows can add friction quickly, so building a buffer helps. If you are into road trips, you can book a car in Boston and then drive down I-90 to travel around the top spots of the city.
- I-93 (Central Boston spine route) A key north–south route through the metro area that connects to major interchanges and helps you position for downtown, the North End edge, and wider regional driving.
- Storrow Drive (River-side connector) A go-to route for moving along the Charles River edge and positioning between downtown-adjacent areas and Cambridge-side routing. It can be an efficient connector when traffic behaves, but it also has a reputation for becoming tight and stop-start.
Electric Car Hire
If you want a lower-emission way to get around, Hertz electric options can fit Boston well because itineraries are naturally stop-based here.
You drive into one neighborhood, park for a while, then do a walk-heavy block before moving again. That rhythm is friendly for EV use because you can plan charging around places you already expect to spend time, rather than adding special detours.
Booking a EV car in Boston also tends to work best when you make one simple choice early: either you charge during longer stops (garages, shopping and dining zones, bigger venues), or you charge around your accommodation area if you know you will be parked there for a longer stretch.
Keeping it predictable is the goal. It helps you avoid turning charging into the thing that dictates the day.
Charging Points
Boston is one of the easier US cities to drive an EV around, mainly because you have lots of public charging options close to where people actually park. Within about a 15 km radius of the city, there are around 1,360 public charging ports, covering both Level 2 and DC fast charging. So, hiring an EV car in Boston can help you explore the city without hassle.
Congestion Charges
If you’re planning a car hire in Boston, there’s no citywide congestion charge zone for everyday driving in the way you might see in some major global city centers.
What you will run into instead is heavier peak traffic around downtown corridors, bridges, and tunnel approaches, plus toll-style roads across parts of the wider Massachusetts network.
Getting from Boston Logan International Airport to Quincy City Center
Quincy, often called the “City of Presidents,” is an easy drive from Boston Logan International Airport. If you pick up your rental car at the airport, you can follow a straightforward route into Quincy in under 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Start at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and follow signs toward the main airport exits.
- Get onto I-90 W via Hotel Drive and Transportation Way.
- Continue on I-93 S and take exit 12 for MA-3A S / Gallivan Boulevard.
- Follow Newport Avenue Extension and Newport Avenue to Hancock Street in Quincy.
Getting from Boston to Salem
This is a clean half-day or full-day trip when you want a change of pace from the city without committing to a long drive. When you rent a car for this trip, keep your fuel checked and then hit the road.
- Start in Boston and head north, typically using a main highway corridor that positions you toward the North Shore.
- A commonly used approach is to stay on the primary northbound route, then switch to local roads as you near Salem’s town center.
- Follow on-road signage as you approach the historic areas so you can choose the most practical parking option without rushing.
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A quick guide to Boston
Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, United States
A calm waterfront base that gives you downtown access without the constant city noise at the end of the day. It works well for trips where you want to do a lot on foot, then return to a quieter stretch by the harbor. If your plan includes the Seaport, the Waterfront, and a short day trip outside the city, this is a strong setup because you can keep driving limited and keep most of your time walkable.
The Langham, Boston
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110, United States
A strong choice when your itinerary is built around central Boston sightseeing, and you want a reliable, walkable base that reduces daily logistics. You can explore the downtown core, historic areas, and waterfront edges while keeping your rental car parked. This one suits trips where you want your hotel location to make the city feel simple and easy to navigate.
The Liberty Hotel
215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, United States
A useful option when you are hiring a car in Boston and want quick access to Beacon Hill, the Charles River edge, and easy positioning for both downtown and Cambridge routes. It’s a good fit for trips that blend classic Boston walking time with a couple of short drives, especially if you plan to cross the river for museums or campus areas.
Neptune Oyster (North End)
63 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
A classic pick for a meal that feels like part of the Boston experience, especially if your day includes the North End and waterfront walking. It works best when you plan around it rather than trying to squeeze it between multiple stops. Park once, explore the neighborhood slowly, then make this your main sit-down meal before you continue on foot.
Union Oyster House (Downtown)
41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
A straightforward option near the core sightseeing zone when you want something reliable without turning lunch into a long detour. It fits neatly into days built around the Freedom Trail and downtown landmarks, because you can step in for a meal and get back to walking quickly.
Flour Bakery + Cafe (Back Bay)
131 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116
An easy breakfast or quick lunch option when you want something familiar and efficient before a full day out. This is the kind of stop that helps you start strong without losing time to a long sit-down. It’s a practical pick for Back Bay days, especially when you’re balancing shopping, walking, and one planned drive later in the afternoon.
Freedom Trail
139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
A walk-heavy plan for most visitors, so it’s worth treating it as a dedicated block rather than a quick stop. If you’re driving your rental car in Boston, choose one garage, leave the car, and do the trail sections on foot to keep the experience smooth. The trail works best when you take it at a steady pace and build in time for short breaks, since the day tends to expand once you factor in photos, small museums, and pauses along the way.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
A strong afternoon anchor when you want a slower, more focused stretch of time between busier itinerary items. If you have booked a car and want a slow exploration for the day, this could be a good place to be in. It’s best enjoyed when you give it a real window rather than rushing through, because it can easily become a longer visit than expected. Pair it with nearby neighborhood stops so you can keep driving minimally and avoid stacking too many cross-city moves in one day.
Harvard Square (Cambridge)
1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
A classic Cambridge stop that’s easy to build into a Boston trip when you plan it as a single neighborhood block. It’s ideal for a few hours of walking, casual browsing, and a meal, without needing to bounce between multiple areas. When you rent a car in Boston and drive, you can just park once, explore, then head back when you’re ready, rather than trying to weave it into a packed downtown schedule.
FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Boston?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for peak dates and if you want a specific vehicle type.
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Boston?
Yes, you do need a valid driving license to get a car hire in Boston. If your license is not in the Latin alphabet, you may need an International Driving Permit alongside it.
Can I pick up a car rental in Boston and return it to a different city in the USA?
Yes, one-way rentals are often available. Any one-way fee (if applicable) shows during booking.
What is the best time to book a rental car in Boston?
Book earlier for holidays, long weekends, and major peak travel periods to get better choices and pricing.
Are there restrictions on where I can take a rental car outside Boston?
In most cases, you can drive within Massachusetts and beyond, but check your rental terms for any specific restrictions.
Will I be charged for returning the car late in Boston?
Late returns can result in extra charges. If your plans change, update your car rental booking as soon as you can.
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Boston?
Minimum age and young-renter surcharges can vary by location and vehicle type. Check Rental Qualifications during rental car booking.
Can I arrange a one-way car rental from Boston?
Yes. Select a different drop-off location when booking a car to set it up (subject to availability).
What insurance options are available for Hertz car rentals in Boston?
Your rental includes the standard cover required locally, and you can usually add optional protection products at checkout (options vary by location).
Does Hertz provide child seats for car rentals in Boston?
Yes, child seats are typically available as an optional extra. Reserving in advance is recommended for busy periods.
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