Car Hire Boston

Parking in Boston

• Boston Common Garage is handy for Boston Common, Beacon Hill, Downtown Crossing, and the Theatre District, with nearly 1,350 parking spaces.
• Garage at Post Office Square works well for the Financial District, waterfront stops, and Quincy Market visits, with over 1,400 underground spaces.
• Government Center Garage is useful for TD Garden, City Hall Plaza, and the North End, with space for around 2,200 cars.

Key roads

• Storrow Drive: Useful for Charles River views, Back Bay, Fenway, and Cambridge-area access.
• Route 1A: A practical airport route linking Logan, East Boston, Revere, and the North Shore.
• Memorial Drive: Good for Cambridge, river views, and access near Harvard and MIT.

Electric car hire

For a quieter, lower-emission way to get around, Hertz electric car hire in Boston can be a smart choice. With the city’s EV charging network continuing to grow, electric rentals are becoming more practical for airport pick-ups, local journeys, waterfront stays, and planned drives beyond the city.

Charging points

Boston-Cambridge-Newton has around 5,787 public charging stations, including 658 DC fast chargers, giving EV drivers useful coverage across the wider metro area.

Congestion charges

Boston does not currently operate on a city congestion charge. However, the primary costs travellers can plan for are parking, tunnels, bridge tolls, and rental toll-payment options.

Travel routes

Getting from Boston to Salem

From central Boston:

• Head north toward Route 1A or US-1.
• Follow Route 1A toward Salem for a more direct North Shore approach.
• Continue onto Canal Street, then Washington Street for central Salem.
• This route works well for Salem’s historic district, waterfront, and museum stops.

Getting from Boston to Cape Cod

From central Boston:

• Head south toward I-93.
• Continue onto Route 3 South toward the Cape Cod Canal area.
• Cross toward US-6 for Cape Cod towns and beaches.
• Some Boston tunnel or turnpike sections may involve tolls, so check your rental toll option first.

Best hotels in Boston

The Verb Hotel

1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

A music-themed Fenway stay with retro character and easy stadium access.

The Liberty Hotel

215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

A distinctive Beacon Hill hotel with historic architecture and a lively social feel.

Boston Harbor Hotel

70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

A polished waterfront stay with harbour views and strong access to central Boston

Popular restaurants in Boston

Sarma

249 Pearl Street, Somerville, MA 02145

A lively spot for Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean small plates.

Neptune Oyster

63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

A compact North End seafood restaurant known for oysters and lobster rolls.

Mamma Maria

3 North Square, Boston, MA 02113

A North End Italian restaurant set around one of the city’s most atmospheric squares

Best places to visit in Boston

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115

A Fenway museum with courtyard atmosphere, art collections, and a memorable palace-style setting.

Institute of Contemporary Art

25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210

A Seaport museum combining contemporary exhibitions with waterfront views.

Arnold Arboretum

125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130

A peaceful green-space drive with walking paths, plant collections, and a slower city pace.

FAQs

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

To rent a car in Boston, make sure to take your driving licence, passport or ID, and a payment card in the main driver’s name with you. If your passport is not in English, make sure to bring an International Driver’s Permit as well.

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

Most Hertz U.S. rentals start from age 21, with extra charges possible for drivers under 25.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A credit card is usually easiest, while debit card rules can depend on the pick-up location.

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

Hertz offers you fuel options at pickup, so your return requirement depends on the option you choose.

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

Prepaid bookings are usually free to cancel within 24 hours of booking, but fees may apply after that, and a no-show fee may be charged if you do not cancel before the scheduled pickup time.