Car Rental Massachusetts

Parking in Massachusetts

• Boston Common Garage is located beneath Boston Common and has parking for around 1,350 vehicles.
• Prudential Center Garage in Back Bay has more than 3,000 parking spaces, making it useful for nearby visits.
• Downtown Boston has more than 6,300 spaces across 13 public parking garages, so garages are often simpler for visitors.

Electric car hire

Hertz electric car hire in Massachusetts gives you a quieter, lower-emission way to travel across Boston, Cambridge, Salem, and selected regional routes. It can be a practical choice if your hotel offers charging or your itinerary includes shorter city and coastal drives.

Charging points

Massachusetts has approximately 10,826 public electric charging ports, giving EV drivers coverage across Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Cape Cod, and major highway routes.

Congestion charges

Massachusetts does not have a London-style congestion charge. The main extra costs are usually parking, airport fees, toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and express-style routes.

Key roads

• I-90 / Massachusetts Turnpike: Main east-west route for Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and New York.
• I-93: Useful for Boston, downtown access, and north-south travel.
• I-495: A wider outer route around Greater Boston.

Toll roads

• Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90): One of the main highways connecting Boston to the New York border.
• Sumner and Callahan Tunnels: Connect downtown Boston to East Boston and Logan Airport.
• Ted Williams Tunnel: Links South Boston to Logan Airport, commonly used by travellers heading to and from the airport.

Driving tips: When you are in Massachusetts

Australian drivers should allow extra time on day one to adjust to right-side driving, left-hand drive vehicles, freeway exits, and miles per hour.

• Set your navigation app before leaving the parking lot, as handheld phone use while driving is restricted.
• At four-way stops, proceed in arrival order.
• Right turn on red may be allowed after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise.
• Move over and slow down for stopped emergency or service vehicles when safe.

Best hotels in Massachusetts

The Newbury Boston

1 Newbury Street, Boston, MA

A polished Back Bay hotel beside Boston Public Garden, useful for travellers who want central access to shops, dining, and historic streets.

The Lenox Hotel

61 Exeter Street, Boston, MA

A historic Back Bay stay close to Copley Square, with classic interiors and a strong location for exploring Boston on foot.

Chatham Bars Inn

297 Shore Road, Chatham, MA

An oceanfront Cape Cod resort with beach access, coastal views, and a relaxed base for exploring the Cape by car.

Popular restaurants in Massachusetts

Union Oyster House

41 Union Street, Boston

A historic seafood restaurant near Faneuil Hall, known for New England classics and its old Boston atmosphere.

Neptune Oyster

63 Salem Street, Boston

A compact North End seafood spot popular for oysters, lobster rolls, and a lively neighbourhood dining feel.

Sarma

249 Pearl Street, Somerville

A small-plates restaurant near Cambridge, known for bold Mediterranean-style dishes and a busy, energetic dining room.

Best places to visit in Massachusetts

Freedom Trail

139 Tremont Street, Boston

A historic walking route that links major Boston landmarks, including churches, meeting houses, burial grounds, and Revolutionary-era sites.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

160 Derby Street, Salem

A waterfront heritage area where visitors can explore Salem’s seafaring history through historic buildings, wharves, and harbour views.

Cape Cod National Seashore

99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet

A scenic coastal stretch with beaches, dunes, walking trails, and Atlantic views that work well as part of a longer Cape Cod drive.

FAQs

1. What do I need to bring for a car rental in Massachusetts?

You should have your existing driver licence for renting a car. A passport is required for identification. Carry a payment card in the main driver’s name for security deposit. If your driving licence is not in English, you will need an International Driving Permit along with the national licence to rent.

2. What are the age rules for car hire in Massachusetts?

Drivers under 25 may be able to hire a car in Massachusetts, but fees and vehicle limits can apply.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A major credit card is usually preferred for the deposit. Debit card rules vary by location and booking terms.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

Fuel is not usually included. Return the vehicle according to the fuel policy in your booking.

5. What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Massachusetts?

Prepaid bookings may allow refunds if cancelled early enough. Pay-at-location bookings are usually more flexible, but no-show fees may apply.