Car Rental in Boston, MA
Boston Logan Intl Airport
Government Center
Waterfront/Harbor Park Garage
Boston Seaport
Boston Back Bay Station Garage
Your Guide to Renting a Car in Boston, MA
Do you need a car rental in Boston?
Central Boston is very walkable and loaded with stuff to see and do. But if you want to see any sites beyond downtown Boston while you’re here, a car is highly recommended. You can reach some of the city’s major sports venues or higher education facilities quickly by car. Plus, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard are all just a short drive away.
Does Avis Offer Car Rental at the Boston Airport?
Yes, you can easily rent a car at Boston Logan International Airport from Avis. If you’re coming to Boston by plane, just take the shuttle from the terminal to the Rental Car Center and look for the Avis counter.
Find Avis Car Rental at Boston Travel Hubs
Find the transportation options you’re looking for through Avis Car Rental. Find us at the Boston Seaport or the Boston Waterfront. You can also head into Boston from Harvard or MIT by visiting our Avis location in Cambridge.
Available Rental Car Classes in Boston
Essential Boston Driving Tips
Driving in the greater Boston area comes with a few tricks, but you can navigate with ease by using the tips below. Rent a car in Boston and travel anywhere you want in this world-famous city.
Major Roads and Highways
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I-93 is the main north-south highway through central Boston.
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I-90 is the primary east-west highway passing through the central district.
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I-95 creates a semi-circular loop around Boston, mostly on the west side.
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Beyond I-95 lies I-495, an even wider loop through the city’s outer suburbs.
Traffic and Parking
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The closer you get to the center of Boston, the more likely you are to encounter pedestrians and cyclists. Just be watchful and drive with extra caution.
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Boston street names can change frequently, so a map or navigation app will be essential for helping you stay on the right route.
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Your best bet for parking in central Boston is to find a garage near a major attraction like Boston Common or Quincy Market.
If you’re worried about rush hour traffic, use Mass511 to check for construction and traffic along your route.
Things To Do & Boston Attractions
Whether you’re visiting Boston for business or pleasure, don’t miss out on these famous things to do in Boston.
The Paul Revere House
19 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
One of Boston’s top tourist attractions, the Paul Revere House is a must-see for those interested in the city’s rich history. This building is the actual house where Paul Revere lived, built in 1680. The house has been restored and resembles its original structure, with self-guided tours and on-site historians. Here, you’ll learn about the stories that make Paul Revere such a legacy in American history.
Institute of Contemporary Art
25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210
For a break from the historical sites, try something totally modern. Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art is a beautiful collection of pieces that include changing exhibitions and long-term pieces from a gorgeous setting along the waterfront. As a bonus, the museum is free on major national holidays like Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day.
Fenway Park
4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215
We can’t talk about Boston without mentioning the historic Fenway Park. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, this stadium that opened in 1912 is worth a visit. It’s where baseball legends like Babe Ruth and Dominic DiMaggio once played for their home team. You can see the park by buying tickets to a Red Sox game, or you can book a tour of the ballpark to learn more about its history.
What to Eat in Boston
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New England-Style Clam Chowder: Enjoy a thick and rich blend of shellfish, bacon, potatoes, and cream topped with oyster crackers.
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Lobster Roll: You’ll need to try a couple. There are two camps for the best version of this dish: mayo or melted butter. You be the judge.
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Boston Baked Beans and Brown Bread: There’s a reason Boston is also known as Beantown. This traditional dish is a must.
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Yankee Pot Roast: Another frugal classic with tender beef served with carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables.
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Boston Cream Pie: Is it a cake or a pie? Either way, legend maintains that Omni Parker House is the original source of this confection.
Where to Stay in Boston
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Downtown (02201, 02108): Be in the center of the action. A stay downtown will keep you close to all the main sights.
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Brighton/Allston (02134, 02135): This area offers a quieter, out-of-the-way spot with budget-friendly accommodations.
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Cambridge/Harvard Square (02138): There’s no better place to expand your horizons than this center for learning, arts, and culture.
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Seaport (02210): Seaport is your spot for new and up-and-coming entertainment. This area has upscale restaurants, cocktail lounges, and museums.
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Brookline (02445): Great for families. Its quaint architecture and quiet streets will make you feel at home.
Distance to Nearby Cities
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Boston to Providence: 51 miles (plan for approximately 1 hour driving time)
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Boston to NYC/Midtown Manhattan: 215 miles (drive time averages about 4 hours, depending on the route and traffic)
- Boston to Salem: 25 miles (enjoy a short 35-minute drive)
PICK YOUR PERFECT RIDE
Big trips, quick errands or long weekends - choose the best option from our curated vehicle lineup.
Boston Car Rental FAQs
Life doesn’t always require a return to your starting point, so your car rental agreement shouldn’t either. If your road needs to go from Boston to New York City, a one-way car rental in Boston will get you there. Just tell us about your chosen pickup and drop-off locations when you make your reservation. It’s as simple as that.
Avis works hard to ensure you get the best deals possible on every car rental. That includes providing additional savings opportunities. Don’t forget to check our discount and special offers page before beginning your reservation to see what additional Boston car rental deals may be available.
Boston Travel FAQs
Downtown Boston is the best area for tourists. It has the most tourist attractions, such as the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, Boston Harbor, the Museum of Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park. The North End of Boston is also an iconic historical neighborhood tourists will enjoy visiting.
September is one of the best months to visit Boston. Fall is especially beautiful in the historic city, and the temperatures are usually crisp and cool but not freezing. Boston is also lovely to visit in the spring or early summer before it gets too hot.
Boston weather starts to really cool off around October and November, but the coldest months are December through March. During the winter, temperatures rarely rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can drop to 25 degrees or below. You should definitely pack a coat in the winter, as the cold is often accompanied by snow.
