<span>Car Rental in Boston, MA</span>
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.
Business Travel in Boston
If you are going to Boston for business travel, get the most out of your trip by taking advantage of Boston’s best accommodations and attractions. We have outlined some of the best restaurants, car rental options, nightlife destinations, and golf courses to help you make the most of our visit.
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Places to See and Things to Do in Boston
As one of the oldest cities in America, Boston has a long history, which you can enjoy during your stay. Boston is also home to professional sports teams, famous artwork, and impressive foliage and scenery. No matter what your interests are, Boston has something that can satisfy your need for fun.
Read moreYour 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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Boston is a historic American city that predates the American Revolution. The Boston Tea Party took place in Boston when protesters dumped British tea into the harbor, an important event in the lead-up to American independence. Boston is famous for baked beans, the Boston Marathon, Fenway Park, and Berklee College of Music.
Boston is 215 miles from New York City; via I-90 W, the trip takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes in light traffic. If you’re planning a road trip from Boston to NYC, you can reserve a one-way or round-trip car rental with Avis to get there.