Cambridge car rentals

Cambridge car rentals

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Cheap car rentals in Cambridge

Economy$35/day
Compact$35/day
Intermediate$39/day
Standard$38/day
Full-size$42/day
Minivan$61/day
Full-size SUV$55/day
Intermediate SUV$35/day
Supplier choice$37/day
Standard SUV$51/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Top tips for renting a car in Cambridge

  • If you plan on visiting Cambridge, you should consider getting cheap car rentals in Cambridge to allow you to move easily while touring the city. With your Cambridge car rental, you will be able to visit some of the most popular attractions in the city, such as the Harvard Art Museum, the Museum of Science, and Fenway Park, all of which are within a 5-mile radius of the city center. You can also visit the neighboring city of Salem, which is only 23 miles away from Cambridge. Here, you can find amazing attractions such as Salem Maritime National Historic Site and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
  • When you get a cheap rental car in Cambridge, you don’t have to return it to the same rental shop you picked it up. Most rental companies have branches all over town and will allow you to drop off your rental car at a different location that is convenient for you. For example, there are about four rental shops around Harvard Train Station and an additional three within a mile from the Kendall/MIT subway station.
  • Before getting a cheap rental car in Cambridge, you should know that the city is known for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Some of the roads to watch out for include Fresh Pond Parkway, the I-395 between the Connecticut State Line and the Massachusetts Turnpike, Auburn, Soldiers Field Road, the I-290 between I-90, Auburn, and I-495, Marlborough as well as Alewife Brook Parkway, and Leverett Circle, Boston. The morning rush hour is usually between 6 am and 10 am, while the evening rush hour is usually between 3 pm and 7 pm.
  • Be flexible when visiting the city of major universities and rent a car to explore Harvard, MIT, or Boston center, which is east of Cambridge. Benefit from a rental car and become the creator of your own travel itinerary without having to rely on public transport or expensive cabs.
  • Boston Logan International Airport is the best option to choose when flying into Boston. The airport features various onsite car rental agencies, which provide customers with vehicles of all shapes and sizes for every taste. Shuttle buses from the terminal operate to and from the car rental center, so look for the white-and-blue buses that leave from every terminal.
  • Driving in Cambridge and Boston can be a challenge at first, with many cyclists and pedestrians teeming on the sidewalks and streets. Jaywalking is a regular sight and it is advised to always double-check attentively before entering an intersection to ensure there are no pedestrians or cyclists crossing a red light. Traffic signs, in general, are often not adhered to by drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, so driving defensively is important.
  • Congestion in Cambridge can be severe, especially during peak times at 7-9 am and 5-8 pm on weekdays. If there is a Harvard football game, traffic can also increase around the entire campus, so check traffic conditions and possible events in advance to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. Winters can be harsh in and around Cambridge with lots of snow, and it is important to weather-proof the vehicle when driving during the cold months.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Cambridge for $54 or less
  • Book your rental car in Cambridge at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Cambridge are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Cambridge

Cambridge car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.5

Very good

90 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

8.5

4 locations in Cambridge

Show locations
from $55/day

Locations in Cambridge

100 Cambridgeside Pl

+1 617 299 2134

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00
View deals

1815 Massachusetts Avenue

+1 617 299 2075

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00
View deals

25 River Street

+1 617 547 7400

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00
View deals

26 New St

+1 617 354 2302

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00
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Reviews

7.6 Good

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I had a special car and got charged extra when I asked for an SUV.

5.6 Fair

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I was prompted to purchase insurance through your platform, which I did through Allianz for an added fee. However, I was then alerted by the rental facility where I rented the car that this insurance does not function the same way as their insurance and that, if I got in an accident, I would have to contact Allianz and file a separate claim, which would make the process much more difficult and time-consuming. Essentially, I purchased an add on through your platform that did nothing. I would like a full refund for my insurance.

Cons:

I was prompted to purchase insurance through your platform, which I did through Allianz for an added fee. However, I was then alerted by the rental facility where I rented the car that this insurance does not function the same way as their insurance and that, if I got in an accident, I would have to contact Allianz and file a separate claim, which would make the process much more difficult and time-consuming. Essentially, I purchased an add on through your platform that did nothing. I would like a full refund for my insurance.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Everything went off without a problem would recommend to anyone

8.0 Very good

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, pick up an drop off easy.

8.4 Very good

Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff were out in a wet snow renting cars !

Cons:

Consider having the fuel tank filled, as much easier to return to some increment < full, as was asked for with my rental.

7.2 Good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Difficult to find office to pick up car. Didn't realize it was in a mall and there were no directions given. Car smelled like smoke.

1 out of 15

Budget

8.3

Very good

68 reviews
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

8.5

2 locations in Cambridge

Show locations
from $77/day

Locations in Cambridge

1 Bennett Street

+1 617 661 0523

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday07:00 - 17:00
Sunday07:00 - 17:00
View deals

350 Massachusetts Avenue

+1 617 577 7606

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

I would have paid for a car wash. Exterior car not washed at all. Inside dash board dusty. Nobody checked that car. Location for pick up next to Le Meridian hotel. ( Awesome). Rate on car unbeatable. Kia Sol driving good. Will I rent again from Budget, absolutely. I will just require a clean vehicle.

3.2 Poor

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

interior was not clean, especially charged me $9 a gallon to fill the tank when I returned it low = $123!

Cons:

most of the experience car was not clean. It could have been actually clean

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very cheerful staff taking care of business during the pandemic

Cons:

more clearly explain ticketing steps for entering / exiting parking garage.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very thankful to staff for providing their professional service during this time.

Cons:

None

6.8 Okay

Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The car is pretty clean

Cons:

Budget desk is in the Charles river hotel which is not difficult to find as long as you ask the hotel employee. However when we returned the car, the lady had a terrible attitude. There's a long line and it's almost closed which is not our fault but she still yelled at us

9.2 Wonderful

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Knowledge of easy pass toll pay system not conveyed at pick up counter.

1 out of 11

Avis

8.0

Very good

80 reviews

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

7.8

2 locations in Cambridge

Show locations
from $60/day

Locations in Cambridge

1 Bennett Street

+1 617 534 1430

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday07:00 - 17:00
Sunday07:00 - 17:00
View deals

350 Massachusetts Avenue

+1 617 621 0413

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Reviews

6.4 Okay

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Pickup was relatively easy, although they forgot to give me an exit ticket to leave the garage.

Cons:

The car had a cigarette smell in it. I also had a random $35 "Miscellaneous Fees" charge which I couldn't get dropped.

8.0 Very good

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was helpful and friendly. The pickup experience was easy.

Cons:

It wasn't possible to adjust driver sit horizontal position - the control for that was just absent and sit was locked. Luckily it was locked in a position that suit me well. The drop-off was a bit confusing - all places were occupied and sign was directing to 7th floor, but there were no designated parking places on the 7th floor, so I was confused whether I should just leave the care wherever, or maybe I missed designated places.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and helpful.

4.8 Mediocre

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I was given a car that had the left rear tire pressure very low: 25. The other three were at their correct pressure of 40. Before releasing a car to a customer, the avis should have taken the corrective measures so as not to give me a car with the warning light on in the display.

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Kind staff at pick up

Cons:

Extension too pricey

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Great value for price and with very professional, cheerful, helpful staff.

Cons:

Nothing in my perspective.

1 out of 15

Hertz

8.8

Very good

5 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.6

One location in Cambridge

Show locations
from $62/day

Locations in Cambridge

24 Eliot St

+1 617 338 1520

Monday07:30 - 16:00
Tuesday07:30 - 16:00
Wednesday07:30 - 16:00
Thursday07:30 - 16:00
Friday07:30 - 16:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00
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Reviews

6.4 Okay

Apr 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Our car wasn't ready on time, which is unacceptable. If we to order the car after the given time, we would pay extra.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Cons:

I had to wait 30 minutes to pick the car up and the lady was not kind to me..she did not ask me the fuel options, did not explain much, just wanted me to sign and leave. I returned the car early with quick return but have not received my invoice yet, as it explained on the box. I should not have any extras but l am not sure whether they would charge me anthing extra

1 out of 1

Thrifty

5.3

Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

4.6

One location in Cambridge

Show locations
from $42/day

Locations in Cambridge

110 Mt Auburn Street

+1 617 876 2758

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Reviews

9.2 Wonderful

Feb 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

it was very straightforward to take public transit to this Thrifty location from Logan, for no charge and it took perhaps a half-hour which I thought fast. My car performed well and was both new and clean on the inside.

2.0 Poor

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

They don't have any information. Their policies are waste. Their toll charges are compulsory if you don't take it they put fine on you. Thier insurance charges are ao high. Just having car charges low as compared to other companies doesn't matter overall thrifty is super expensive including all insurance toll and other services. They don't have decent cars too.

8.4 Very good

Nov 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Car and service was as expected.

Cons:

Separation of collision and liability insurance was a surprise, but it turns out that's common.

3.2 Poor

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Cons:

I had booked my car rental 4 months in advance to ensure I would get the car I wanted for a road trip through New England. However, when I got to Thrifty they said they could not find the keys for the car I had requested. I had wanted a small car to save on gas mileage and the elevation I would be driving on. Instead they gave me a mid size car that went through a lot of gas. Also, the car reeked of cigarette smoke. The smell was so strong we had to invest in air freshners which did very little for the smell. I had tried spraying perfume as well which was only a momentary fix. We kept the windows down for most of the drive. When we would turn on the AC, a very sour smell would come through the vents. Also, we had been told rolls would be covered; however, before leaving we told the car had not been registered to EZ Pass so we would be responsible for all tolls, which added up. Long story short, do not rent from this company.

6.4 Okay

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Cleanliness, comfort

Cons:

Why pick up at Thrifty Cambridge instead of BOS airport as agree at booking which we have to take Uber for another $62 for round trip to airport !

2.0 Poor

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Never used. They sent me to a different company

1 out of 3

264 travelers who rented a car in Cambridge gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.1

Car rental locations in or near Cambridge

Good to know

Most popular agency

Budget

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

$68/day

Good deal

$54/day

When to book a rental car in Cambridge

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches