As New England's premier hub, Boston's Logan International Airport welcomes millions of passengers each year with thousands of flights a month. However, not all of these travelers stay in Boston after their planes land. Instead, many travel to the greater New England area and to destinations not easily reached by major airlines - and require rental cars to do so.
If you are planning to fly to Boston Logan soon, you will want to find out how to rent a car at Boston Logan Airport and which car rental companies have the best ratings at that particular airport. Here's everything you need to know before booking, as well as some tips on how to get around the city and region once you've got your rental car.
Tip for vacationers
BoxMietwagen.combefore you book your rental car in Boston.
Contents
Which car rental companies are the best at Boston Logan International Airport?
Boston Airport (BOS) offers a variety of ways to get to and from the airport, from public transportation to car sharing and more. If you are looking specifically for a rental car, you will find an independent, consolidated car rental center on site. More than 10 different landlords offer their services there.
Which of these car rental companies is best for your upcoming trip? To help you decide, here are the top five providers based on traveler reviews from Google and Kayak.
1.Alamo
As one of the top rated Boston Logan car rental companies on both Kayak and Google, Alamo is an easy choice for your next rental in Boston.
Reviewers report that the Alamo ticket office staff is friendly, courteous, and efficient -- even in the middle of the night and on holidays! For many, this friendly service is paramount once they return from a long flight and dread the long drive from the airport.
The negative reviews seem to focus on the long wait times due to the small number of staff, even if the staff is excellent. Fortunately, the Alamo at Boston Airport offers a number of services to speed up the rental and check-in process. Self-service kiosks, expedited check-in, and skip-the-counter services get you there faster.
Advantages:Extremely friendly staff and good service.
Disadvantages:Long waiting times due to lack of staff.
Telephone:(833) 230-5696
Std:24 hours
Google rating:4,2 Sterne
Kayak rating:8.8 (very good)
Click here for the best Alamo car rental deals
2.Enterprise car rental
Enterprise, another highly-rated Boston Airport car rental company, gets high marks for fast, friendly service and affordable rates compared to some other options at the airport (but note that Enterprise isn't).the cheapestoption at the airport; if you're just looking for the biggest savings and don't care about experience or quality, look elsewhere).
Want to make your enterprise experience even better? If that's the case, it's important to know that reviewers at this location report even shorter wait times and smoother shipping with the Enterprise Plus loyalty program. The program gives you access to additional savings and vehicle category upgrades, among other benefits.
Complaints are mostly directed at customers who do not always receive the desired or booked car upon arrival.
Advantages:Reviewers consistently mention Enterprise's fast and friendly service.
Disadvantages:You may end up with a car that you don't necessarily want and you may not care about the prices depending on how much you typically spend on a rental car.
Telephone:(833) 230-5695
Std:24 hours
Google rating:4,2 Sterne
Kayak rating:8.6 (very good)
Click here for Enterprise's best car rental deals
3.Domestic Car Rental
However, National is the #1 best car rental in Boston Logan, with the highest Google rating and the highest Kayak rating. However, this fact is not surprising considering how highly national sites are rated across the country.
Reviewers report friendly, efficient service and clean, well-maintained vehicles. The few issues that customers overlook are mostly limited to long lines, prices (since National isn't the most budget-friendly rental company on the block) and the fact that they can't always get the car they originally booked. However, some said their replacement vehicle suited their needs better than the one originally chosen.
This location also offers a Drop & Go service, making it easier for you to handle your return luggage if you miss your flight. It also offers the Emerald Aisle service so you can just walk into the garage and select the car of your choice and then be on your way.
Advantages:Friendly service and well-maintained vehicles.
Disadvantages:Long lines and expensive prices.
Telephone:(833) 230-05697
Std:24 hours
Google rating:4,4 Sterne
Kayak rating:9.2 (great)
Click here for the best car rental deals in National
4.Hertz car rental
Hertz ranks mid-table when it comes to customer ratings and satisfaction, receiving positive reviews from its helpful staff, both at the rental location and at the garage where you pick up your vehicle before you leave. Reviewers also like how easy the pickup and return processes are.
Unfortunately, there are some complaints about staff shortages, prices and additional costs, some of which only appear months after the trip. Unfortunately, staffing shortages and pricing are not issues that are 100% Hertz-only. Many travelers will admit that long lines and shocking stickers are now the order of the day when traveling, regardless of the car rental company or even the airport you fly to.
Advantages:Easy pick up and drop off processes with helpful staff.
Disadvantages:Long waiting times and high prices.
Telephone:(617) 568-5200
Std:24 hours
Google rating:3,5 Sterne
Kayak rating:7,3 (gut)
Click here to see the best car rental deals from Hertz
5.Sixt car rental
Can't find a car from one of the above car rental companies? In this case you can contact Sixt.
While this brand isn't the top rated at Boston Airport, it does far better than the bottom end of the barrel with mixed reviews. On the other hand, reviewers mention the extremely easy pickup and drop-off processes, thanks in part to the express online check-in option. On the other hand, unfortunately, many travelers report that they did not receive the booked car and were "forced" into a higher priced car, or were promised discounts and savings on car rental that never showed up in their final bill.
This puts Sixt clearly in the "okay" category. It's not great. It's not terrible. It will get the job done in no time.
Advantages:Easy check-in and return process with online features for added convenience.
Disadvantages:You may pay more than expected due to unexpected charges.
Telephone:(888) 749-8227
Std:Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
Google rating:3,6 Sterne
Kayak rating:6 (okay)
Click here to see the best car rental deals from Sixt
Tip for vacationers
Before you book a car rental in Boston, browse through what we have to offerThe best websites to book cheap rental carsleaders and oursHow to find and book cheap rental carsTo teach. And if you're flying to Boston, check out oursThe best websites to book cheap flightsGuide.
Compare the top 5 car rental companies at Boston Logan International Airport
Take a look at these top 5 car rental companies to see which one is best for you.
| Brand/Rental Provider | Google Review/Kayak | Available vehicle types | Budget or luxury? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herc | 3,5/7,3 | Cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, trucks | luxury |
| Alamo | 4,2/8,8 | Cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, trucks, vans | Medium range |
| Pursue | 4,2/8,6 | Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Luxury Vehicles | luxury |
| National | 4,4/9,2 | Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Luxury Vehicles | Medium range |
| six | 3,6/6 | Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Luxury Vehicles | Medium range |
Tips for renting a car in Boston
Did any of the above car rental companies catch your eye? Have you found the perfect combination of service, speed and price? Before you book make sure you know what else to expect from Boston Logan car rental such as:
How to get to the Boston Airport Car Rental Center
Eleven car rental companies offer their services at the consolidated car rental center at Boston Airport. These companies include:
- six
- Zipcar
- Thrifty
- Pay less
- National
- Pursue
- Dollar
- Budget
- Avis
- Alamo
- Herc
The car rental center is not connected to the airport, so you need to take a bus from the terminal to the car rental center. The Car Rental Center is a massive four-story parking garage that also houses the Ground Transportation Operations Center, where airport employees manage the airport's bus services.
To take one of the shuttle buses to the rental car center, exit the terminal on the lower level and look for the blue and white curbside shuttle buses, which come approximately every five minutes.
If you are returning the vehicle at a rental car center, simply point your GPS at the airport and then follow the signs to the rental car center.
Your other car rental options in Boston
Of course, if you want to rent a car in Boston, but not necessarily at the airport, that's also an option. However, you still need to get from the airport to the office of the selected car rental company. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this.
You can take the Logan Express bus, which serves several Boston boroughs. Uber and Lyft also offer services from the airport. The MBTA (or "T") offers public transportation to get you from the airport, including subways and water transportation.
Your other transportation options in Boston
If you are traveling to Boston and intend to get out of the city, you will need a rental car. This may not be the case if you're just staying in town. Boston's traffic can be stressful, and much of the city -- particularly the parts most likely to attract tourists -- is pedestrianized. So you may find that renting a car is not the route you want to take.
If that sounds best to you, you can get around using public transport such as light rail, buses, and water taxis if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Rental at Boston Logan International Airport
Where can I get car rentals at Boston Airport?
All car rentals are located in the consolidated car rental center. A dedicated car rental center is located within the airport, but is not affiliated with it. Instead, it is located at 15 Transportation Way, East Boston. The center can be reached by shuttle bus from the airport terminal. Blue and white shuttle buses stop at the curb on the lower levels of the terminals approximately every five minutes.
Do I need to rent a car to get around Boston?
Not at all! Most areas of Boston that you visit as a tourist are very pedestrian friendly. Additionally, Boston offers a solid public transportation system that allows you to get around outside of the neighborhood where your hotel or other lodging is located.
Do I need to rent a car at Boston Airport?
NO! You can also rent a car elsewhere in the city. You only need to take one of the ground transportation options from the airport – for example subway, bus or ridesharing – to the rental car office of your choice so that you can pick up the car as soon as possible or your accommodation can pick up the car at a later time.
Do I have to pay tolls when renting a car in Boston?
Yes, there are toll roads in Massachusetts, including the Boston area. The toll can be paid with an in-vehicle transponder linked to your preferred payment method, or you can have the toll system track your car's license plate number, which will then issue a bill to the car owner (in this case, the car rental company). If you don't have a transponder, you can sometimes rent one from a car rental company. When invoices are sent to a car rental company, the invoice is forwarded to you along with the charges.
Should I book a car in advance at Boston Airport?
Yes, a rental car must be booked in advance. Not only does this usually allow you to take advantage of better fare options, but it also ensures that you don't wait too long to check in at the airport, only to be told that additional vehicles aren't available. By pre-booking your car, you can sometimes even skip the check-in desk and collect your car directly if it is a service from your chosen rental company, reducing headaches and simplifying the travel process.
Editorial Disclosure:The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card company, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities mentioned in this post.
VonHolly Riddle
Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food and lifestyle journalist who also writes about ghosts and fiction. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes and Bloomberg. When she's not writing, she's exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations are Chicago and New Orleans.
FAQs
Top 5 Boston Airport Car Rentals - Discover Boston Car Rental Tips (April 2023) - The Vacationer? ›
COUNTER: AIRLINE PASSENGERS - Exit terminal baggage claim & proceed to Rental Car Center Bus Stop area. As of the 25th of Sep 2013, the AIRPORT CONSOLIDATED COURTESY BUS will take customers directly to the new Rental Car Center. VEHICLES: Located on airport property at the Rental Car Center. RETURNS: Same as pick-up.
How to get to Budget Rental Car from Boston Airport? ›COUNTER: AIRLINE PASSENGERS - Exit terminal baggage claim & proceed to Rental Car Center Bus Stop area. As of the 25th of Sep 2013, the AIRPORT CONSOLIDATED COURTESY BUS will take customers directly to the new Rental Car Center. VEHICLES: Located on airport property at the Rental Car Center. RETURNS: Same as pick-up.
Should I book a rental car in advance or at airport? ›Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Conventional wisdom suggests that you book travel reservations in advance to nab the best deal. But when it comes to rental cars, this might surprise you: The best time to rent a car is last minute, when they tend to be cheaper.
Why are rental cars sold out in Boston? ›After selling off much of their fleets in 2020 when people abruptly stopped traveling, rental car companies are struggling to meet demand as new cars are slow to come on the market because of a shortage of semiconductors. On Thursday, five rental car counters at Boston Logan International Airport had no cars available.
Why car rental is the best? ›It allows users to drive the car in whichever way he chooses to and pay a rent for the usage. For professionals who prefer to drive to and from work on a daily basis and the ones who have a travel-heavy job, it makes perfect sense for them to hire and drive a rented car rather than invest lacs of money in buying a car.
How do I pick up a rental at Boston airport? ›Pick-up Service Available
COUNTER: AIRLINE PASSENGERS - Exit terminal baggage claim & proceed to Rental Car Center Bus Stop area. The AIRPORT CONSOLIDATED COURTESY BUS will take customers directly to the new Rental Car Center. VEHICLES: Located on airport property at the Rental Car Center. RETURNS: Same as pick-up.
Rental companies often price their vehicles in peculiar ways, too. For example, cars rented at the airport are almost always more expensive because of added taxes and fees. Typically, when you rent at an off-airport location, you could save 20 percent or more.
Is it cheaper to book a flight and rental car together? ›By booking flights and car rentals together, you can often get great deals on both. Airlines, travel companies and online sites will offer discounts to travelers looking for both a flight and a car. Take the time to shop around. While you will save money, you may have to give up a little flexibility.
Why is Boston rental market so high? ›One reason Boston is experiencing a spike in rental prices: there just aren't many homes available, Zumper reports. The city's ongoing housing shortage is difficult to overcome due to zoning laws that favor single-family homes, according to the report.
Do you need a rental car to get around Boston? ›Visitors Probably Don't Need a Car
Because Boston's public transport system does the job, you probably won't need to rent a car for your stay in the city. Just make sure to pick a hotel or apartment rental in a convenient location.
What is rental market like in Boston? ›
...
The New England rental market.
| State | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Median rent in Feb. | $2,485 |
| Month-over-month Change | +0.9% |
| Year-over-year Change | +10.4% |
Best Overall Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise ranked the highest overall in customer satisfaction, with a score above the industry average. It has over 7,600 locations and a solid loyalty and rewards program. Although Enterprise may have slightly higher rates in some cities, it's still a favorite for customer service.
In the early sixties, Avis launched the slogan "We try harder", positioning ourselves as the world's number two car rental company.
Why is it better to rent a car with a credit card? ›A credit card usually provides some form of insurance coverage for rental cars. This makes rental car companies happy because it means the renter likely has insurance coverage for any damage that happens to the vehicle.
How do you get to Boston Airport early in the morning? ›For early morning service, take the Bus Route No. 171 from Dudley Station or Andrew Station directly to the terminals. From the Airport: Take the free Massport shuttle bus from any terminal to the Blue Line at Airport Station. Take the Blue Line to State Street Station and transfer to Orange Line service.
How do I get to Hertz at Boston Airport? ›You can arrive of Hertz - Boston Logan International Airport car rental by free shuttle bus. After picking up the baggage at the arrival level, go to the shuttle bus station outside the terminal and take the free bus to the car rental center.
How do you get around Boston Logan Airport? ›- Directions to and from Logan. Get directions to or from Logan.
- Logan Express Bus. ...
- Taking the T. ...
- Ride App. ...
- Water Transportation. ...
- Private Buses, Limos, Taxis and More. ...
- On-Airport Shuttle. ...
- Biking.
Prices can fluctuate because of the season, a particular holiday, the car category, the rental company and timing, just to name a few. In general, rental companies want to rent out as many cars as possible, just like hotels want to rent out as many rooms as possible.
How close to a trip should you book a rental car? ›When's the best time to book your rental car? Booking three to six months before you travel is usually ideal. Prices tend to be most competitive during this period. There isn't much benefit to booking further ahead.
Is it cheaper to bundle car rental and hotel? ›Cost. The biggest advantage to bundling a rental car with your hotel is the potential cost savings it could net you, thereby freeing up money for you to spend elsewhere on or throughout your trip. This cost savings can amount to as much as several hundred dollars.
How long after flight should you book rental car? ›
As a general rule, leave 45 – 60 minutes between expected landing time and the car rental pick-up time. If you're travelling short-haul and have only hand-luggage, 30 minutes might work, if the rental counter is in the terminal you arrive into.
What is the most expensive place in Boston? ›Homes for sale in Seaport average $2.07 Million, making Seaport the most expensive neighborhood in Boston. Boston's Seaport area is perfect for those interested in a luxurious life right in the heart of the city.
When the rent is the lowest in Boston? ›Renting an apartment is cheapest if you move in January or February.
Will Boston rent go down in 2023? ›The residential rental market generally follows the residential real estate market. That means 2023 should be a bit easier for tenants — provided they have plenty of money. But there is a dim ray of hope. Experts say renters in Greater Boston should expect only modest increases in rent — and a fair bit of uncertainty.
What's the best way to get around Boston? ›The best way to get around in Boston is by walking. And when your itinerary takes you out of the city center, the second-best mode is the efficient "T" subway system, which includes subways, trains and trolleys along five separate lines.
What is the best time to visit Boston? ›The best time to visit Boston is from June to October. Mild autumn weather makes touring around on foot a joy. And even though summer brings in swarms of tourists and expensive hotel rates, the sidewalk cafes, baseball games and outdoor concerts make it worth a trip.
How do I not wait in line for a car rental? ›- Sign up for rental car loyalty programs. ...
- Get rental car elite status through credit cards or airline/hotel elite status. ...
- Check in online before arriving. ...
- Rent at an off-airport location. ...
- Use a peer-to-peer car rental service.
- Be Early. For most months, start looking AT LEAST 90 days before move in. ...
- Be Educated. Know the market. ...
- Ask. The rental market is still real estate. ...
- Consider Other Amenities. ...
- Consider Other Services.
A September Move
Since September is the most popular month for renting an apartment in Boston, you'll have to start planning very early for this one. Starting around 180 days before the first of September is a good idea.
The new Zumper data shows Boston's median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is slightly down, bringing it back to the third most expensive place to rent in the United States, behind notoriously expensive New York City and San Francisco.
Who are the biggest car rental brokers? ›
| Rank | Website | Pages / Visit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | enterprise.com | 4.43 |
| 2 | rentalcars.com | 4.17 |
| 3 | hertz.com | 5.53 |
| 4 | avis.com | 4.74 |
The Enterprise named the best car rental car company in North America. The next three companies on the list—National, Alamo and Hertz also came in above the industry average.
Who is the market leader for car rental? ›Enterprise is by far the largest car rental company in the U.S. at just under 44 percent of the total market. The majority of rental car companies can be grouped into three major conglomerates.
What is the oldest car rental company? ›1900s. The earliest records of car hire can be traced as far back as 1904, when a bicycle shop in Minneapolis started offering cars for rent. A few years later, the German company Sixt was established in 1912. It first started off with three cars for rent and quickly expanded.
Is it smart to pay your car with a credit card? ›Should You Use a Credit Card for Auto Loan Payments? For most people, it's best to avoid using a credit card to pay off your auto loan. Unless you have a high credit limit and you can afford to pay off the balance in full each month, consider your credit card as a last-resort option for making your monthly payment.
Should you use a credit card for a car? ›Unless you can pay the entire balance as soon as it's due, using a credit card to buy a car probably isn't your best choice. Other payment options may help you minimize interest charges and reduce the potential for the negative financial impact of carrying high credit card balances.
Do you need to present a credit card when renting a car? ›Debit Card Exceptions
Renters younger than 25 must present a credit card; they cannot present a debit card. Some locations do not accept debit cards for a deposit at the time of rental. These locations will generally accept debit cards for payment when the car is returned.
Budget car rental return and pickup at Boston Logan Airport are located at 15 Transportation Way, East Boston, MA. Drive to Logan Airport and follow signs for the Rental Car Center. After returning the car, customers may take the complimentary shuttle to the airport terminal.
How to get to Hertz from Boston Airport? ›You can arrive of Hertz - Boston Logan International Airport car rental by free shuttle bus. After picking up the baggage at the arrival level, go to the shuttle bus station outside the terminal and take the free bus to the car rental center.
How to get from Mia Airport to rental car? ›Ground Transportation
You can connect to the MIA Rental Car Center using the MIA Mover, located on the 3rd level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. Use the 3rd level Skyride (moving walks) to access the MIA Mover station. For driving directions to the MIA Rental Car Center, please click here.
What are peak times at Logan Airport? ›
The best Boston Logan airport security wait times occur on Thursdays' from 10-11pm. The worst Boston Logan security lines are on Fridays' at 5-6pm, where you could wait up to 45 minutes.
How far in advance should I get to Logan Airport? ›Massport works with the TSA to monitor security line length and tries to keep the wait time less than 15 minutes; however to avoid any problems, we recommend arriving two (2) hours prior to domestic departures and three (3) hours prior to international departures to ensure adequate time for check-in, security screening ...
Do I need a Covid test at Logan Airport? ›All travelers to the U.S., regardless of nationality or vaccination status, will no longer need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test within one day of boarding their flights as of Sunday, June 12th. Unvaccinated, non-US citizens will not be allowed entry. For more information visit the CDC.
Is Boston Airport shuttle free? ›On-Airport Shuttle
Massport provides free shuttle bus service between airline terminals, the Rental Car Center, the Water Transportation dock, and Airport Station on the MBTA Blue Line.
Just follow the signs to the Gold Choice area and pick the car you want. With Hertz Gold Choice, you always skip the counter and go straight to your car. And if you choose a Gold Choice alternative, we will reassign your vehicle on the spot without wasting any time.
Is the Boston Airport bus free? ›Massport Shuttle is always free, and the Silver Line is free from Logan Airport. You'll need to buy a ticket or pass to make a connection to the bus, train, or ferry. CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes.
How to get to Mia Rental Car Center from terminal? ›Passenger Info
To move between terminals, take the moving walkways on Level 3. There are also moving walkways from the Central Terminal to the MIA Mover Station which you can use to get to the Rental Car Center.
Get to your rental car fast by using the free MIA Mover, linking you directly to the Rental Car Center's customer service lobby. Trains depart every 30 minutes during the weekday, with more frequent service on the weekends every 15 minutes.
What is double shuttle? ›Double shuttle refers to the way that a yarn is twisted together to form a fabric.