Cambridge car rentals from C$ 133/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Cambridge with a pick-up date of 29/8 and drop-off date of 30/8. 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
KAYAK’s 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.
- Book your rental car in Cambridge at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Cambridge are around 97% more expensive 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 $20-30 per night.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Cambridge?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car (C$ 133/day) and Budget (C$ 174/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 25 River Street 02139-3321 (1 kilometers from city center).
How much is gas price in Cambridge?
The average gas price in Cambridge is C$ 5.27 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 63 and C$ 84, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Cambridge?
Economy (Kia Rio or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Cambridge.
How can I find car rentals near me in Cambridge?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Cambridge?
An Economy car rental in Cambridge costs C$ 124 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Cambridge?
A Compact car rental in Cambridge costs C$ 71 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Cambridge?
An Intermediate car rental in Cambridge costs C$ 53 per day, on average.
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.
Cambridge car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
24 Eliot St
+1 617 338 1520
Filters
No reviews available
Avis
8.3
Very good
22 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.9
2 locations in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
1 Bennett Street
+1 617 534 1430
350 Massachusetts Avenue
+1 617 621 0413
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
6.4 Okay
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
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.10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpful.4.8 Mediocre
Jun. 2020
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
Pros:
Kind staff at pick upCons:
Extension too pricey10.0 Wonderful
Mar. 2020
Pros:
Great value for price and with very professional, cheerful, helpful staff.Cons:
Nothing in my perspective.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very good
22 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.9
4 locations in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
100 Cambridgeside Pl
+1 617 299 2134
1815 Massachusetts Avenue
+1 617 299 2075
25 River Street
+1 617 547 7400
26 New St
+1 617 354 2302
Filters
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Reviews
7.6 Good
Sep. 2020
Cons:
I had a special car and got charged extra when I asked for an SUV.5.6 Fair
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.10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2020
Cons:
Everything went off without a problem would recommend to anyone8.0 Very good
Aug. 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, pick up an drop off easy.8.4 Very good
Apr. 2020
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
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.Budget
8.0
Very good
13 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
8.3
2 locations in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
1 Bennett Street
+1 617 661 0523
350 Massachusetts Avenue
+1 617 577 7606
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Jun. 2024
8.0 Very good
Dec. 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Dec. 2023
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
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
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 clean10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2020
Pros:
Very cheerful staff taking care of business during the pandemicCons:
more clearly explain ticketing steps for entering / exiting parking garage.Thrifty
4.8
Mediocre
7 reviewsCleanliness
5.7
Comfort
5.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.2
Value for money
4.5
One location in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
110 Mt Auburn Street
+1 617 876 2758
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct. 2023
6.0 Okay
Jun. 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2022
2.0 Poor
Apr. 2022
Car rental locations in or near Cambridge
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Cambridge
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Cambridge
Cambridge car rental information
| Pick-up location | Cambridge |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Pick-up truck, Premium SUV, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 10 |
| Airport locations | 0 |
| Popular agencies | Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget |