This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Cambridge with a pick-up date of 9/27 and drop-off date of 10/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Cambridge
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Booking Insights
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Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Turo
Standard
$72/day
$52/day
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Cambridge car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Cambridge with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Cambridge?
You should book your rental car in Cambridge around 70 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Cambridge?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget ($22.49/day), Avis ($24.32/day) and Sixt ($33.29/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Budget 1 Bennett Street (0.9 mi from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Cambridge?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Cambridge are Avis (9.4, 8 reviews), Budget (8.6, 15 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.2, 7 reviews).
Intermediate rentals (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Cambridge. Intermediate rentals in Cambridge cost $75/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $49/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Cambridge?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Cambridge is January at an average cost of $39/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Cambridge when prices are $90/day on average, which tends to be 45% above the yearly average rental price for Cambridge.
What rental car company in Cambridge has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in Cambridge, more than any other rental company.
Just beware of parking rules. Don’t necessarily get the toll pass.
Verified travelerOct 2024
Drive carefully-lots of one way roads.
Verified travelerNov 2024
Don’t get toll pass unnecessarily.
Verified travelerDec 2023
Just drive carefully and cautiously and be patient.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Cambridge
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.
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.
25% of our users found rental cars in Cambridge for $52 or less
Standard rental cars in Cambridge are around 49% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Cambridge
What type of car is recommended for driving in Cambridge?
Unless it is winter, there is no need for a 4-wheel-drive car, but a compact car is a wise decision to make in either case. Travelers who do not need too much luggage space or have many people with them will benefit from the mobility of a smaller car. With traffic conditions sometimes getting extreme in the city, a smaller car is easier to navigate and maneuver around.
What’s the speed limit in Cambridge?
Do not drive over 25 mph within the city limits of Cambridge, and slow down in narrower parts of the city. Outside Cambridge, drivers are permitted to go as fast as 50 mph, but check the posted speed limit signs, as regulations can change from street to street (usually between 45 and up to 65 mph is possible). Freeways permit drivers to drive up to 65 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Cambridge?
Finding parking in Cambridge can require some patience and time, but it becomes considerably easier when knowing where it is possible. The coveted on-street parking spaces are metered, so have quarters ready to feed the machine accordingly. Time restrictions usually apply from 8 am to 8 pm. There are also parking lots and garages available, which are certainly the best choice if parking overnight, but also quite pricey with an average rate of $20-30 per night.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Cambridge?
On average a rental car in Cambridge costs $72 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Cambridge found in the last 2 weeks is $61.
Which car rental companies are at Logan Intl airport (BOS)?
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Cambridge?
A Standard car rental in Cambridge costs $70 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Cambridge?
A Special car rental in Cambridge costs $52 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Cambridge?
A Compact car rental in Cambridge costs $94 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz 30 Park Plaza (2 miles from city center).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Cambridge?
Most car rental providers in Cambridge offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Cambridge, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Cambridge?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 6 car rental agencies in Cambridge.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Cambridge?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Cambridge?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Cambridge so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Will I be charged to cancel my booking?
This primarily depends on your rental company since different companies tend to have different policies. With companies such as Avis, Enterprise, and Budget, free cancellation for cheap car rentals in Cambridge is available until pick-up time, meaning you won’t have to pay a dime if you don’t arrive for your reservation. Others, such as Kyte, allow free cancellation 48 hours before the pick-up time.
Is free parking available in Cambridge?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any free street parking spaces in the city. If you’re looking for a place to park your cheap rental car in Cambridge, you can check out the municipal parking garages. One is on First Street in East Cambridge near Cambridge Crossing, while the other is on Green Street in Central Square.
Not a huge fan of Ford Explorers. Car wasn’t that clean.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Full-size SUV
I paid what I expected and the car was good.
6.4 Okay
Kyle, Oct 2020
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
Viktor, Oct 2020
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.
It was very easy to get the car and it was a nice car.
7.6 Good
Phuong, Sep 2020
Cons:
I had a special car and got charged extra when I asked for an SUV.
5.6 Fair
Anonymous, Sep 2020
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.
They told us we could pick up car and deliver it to site in cambridge. No one was there for pick up or drop off. Since we had to get the car we had to get on metro and go into Boston and wasted a good three hours running around trying to find place. Would absolutely not recommend them to Anyone
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