Why rent a car at Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
Boston Logan International Airport is only about 3 miles (5 km) from downtown Boston, but driving in the city can be slow and parking is expensive. A car is most useful for reaching Cape Cod, the North Shore, the Berkshires, and the rest of New England. At Logan, rental cars are collected from the Rental Car Center, reached by a free shuttle bus from the terminals.
Tips for finding a cheap car rental at Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
Looking for a cheap car rental at Boston Logan Airport (BOS)? With EconomyBookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal at Boston Logan Airport (BOS) and across Massachusetts. If you are spending a few days in Boston first, picking up your car on the day you leave the city may help you save on parking.
- Compare pickup locations - Select the broader city instead of the airport only to unlock more deal options, including potential off-airport savings.
- Slightly adjust pickup times and dates - Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates, especially if your flight times are flexible.
- Choose economy or compact cars - These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Consider both price and availability - Rental prices are often lowest 2-31 days before pickup, but booking earlier may give you a better choice of cars, especially during busy periods.
- Use free cancellation to look for a better deal - If your booking includes free cancellation, you can keep checking prices and rebook if you find a better deal.
Car rental requirements at Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
Requirements can vary by rental supplier, but you'll generally need the following when picking up a rental car at Boston Logan Airport (BOS):
- Driving licence - A valid licence from your home country is generally accepted for visitors. If your licence is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation, as some suppliers may ask for one. US drivers only need their valid state license.
- Passport or ID - International visitors should bring a valid passport. US residents can use a valid driver's license as photo ID.
- Payment card - A credit card in the main driver's name is usually required for the deposit. Accepted card types and deposit amounts vary by supplier.
- Booking voucher - Have your EconomyBookings voucher ready, either digital or printed if the supplier requires it.
- Insurance - Basic liability cover is required by state law, but what is included in the rental price varies by supplier. Check whether your booking includes liability and damage cover, and consider supplemental liability protection, especially if you don't have US car insurance.
Always check your rental terms before pickup, as licence, age, deposit, payment, and insurance requirements can vary by supplier.
Driving from Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
Parking
In Boston, street parking is paid at meters or with the ParkBoston app, but spaces can be hard to find and many streets are reserved for residents. Garages are common but can be expensive, and many hotels charge for parking. Outside the city, parking is usually easier and cheaper.
Tolls
Massachusetts uses cashless tolling on roads such as the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and the harbour tunnels near the airport. You can pay with E-ZPass, or tolls may be billed by licence plate. Ask your rental supplier at pickup how tolls are charged, as extra fees may apply.
Road conditions & driving culture
Driving in Boston can be challenging, with narrow, winding streets, one-way roads, rotaries, and fast, assertive drivers. Traffic is heavy at rush hour, and bridges to Cape Cod can have long delays on summer weekends. Winter snow and ice are common.
Popular road trips from Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
From Logan, you can reach historic towns, beaches, and mountains by car. Popular drives include:
- Salem - approx. 30 minutes, witch trial history, museums, and Halloween events.
- Plymouth - approx. 45 minutes, Plymouth Rock and a living history museum.
- Hyannis - approx. 1.5 hours, Cape Cod beaches and ferries to the islands.
- Providence - approx. 1 hour, a historic city with a lively food scene. Check your supplier's policy on travel to other states.
- Portsmouth - approx. 1 hour, a historic seaport with colonial streets.
Final checklist before you pick up your rental car at Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
- Bring your documents - Driving licence (plus IDP if applicable), passport or ID, booking voucher, and the payment card required by your rental supplier.
- Check your rental terms - Review the deposit, fuel policy, mileage, insurance coverage, and any additional fees before signing.
- Plan your return - Allow extra time to refuel and return the car before your flight, as rental return areas and shuttles can be busy at peak times.
- Confirm cross-border travel - Most suppliers allow travel to neighbouring states such as Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, but confirm any restrictions and one-way fees in advance.
- Check ferry and island restrictions - If you plan to take a car ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, check whether your rental terms allow it, as some suppliers may restrict ferry travel.
- Inspect the car - Take clear photos and videos of the vehicle before leaving and make sure any existing damage is recorded on the rental agreement.