Car rental from Logan Airport or downtown Boston

Question

Good evening all,

I am hoping some of the Boston experts could give me some advice on car rental. For some background info, we arrive in Boston on Monday 30th September and are staying 3 nights near the Aquarium subway. We are then planning on renting a car to continue the rest of our holiday to Vermont, New Hampshire and Southern Maine. I have been looking at car rental and would like advice on where to rent the car from.

Option 1 is to travel back to the airport and pick up a car here. Any suggestion on the best company to hire from with the most convenient pick-up point? (On-site desk or off-site). We are returning the car to Logan airport at the end of our holiday.

Option 2 is to pick up a car in Boston itself and return to the airport. Cost is a little higher but does it mean an easier drive out of Boston heading to North Vermont?

Any advice gratefully received,

Thank you in advance

Answer

For your Boston trip, both options for car rental have pros and cons, depending on convenience, cost, and driving preferences.

Option 1: Renting from Logan Airport

Logan Airport has multiple major car rental companies on-site and off-site, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo. Most off-site locations provide a free shuttle from the airport terminals, which runs frequently and is generally convenient.

Pros: Usually lower rates than downtown; easy to return the car at the airport at the end of your trip; airport locations have extended hours and availability.
Cons: You’ll need to travel from your downtown hotel to the airport to pick up the car. Traffic in Boston can be heavy, so allow extra time to get to the airport shuttle or rental desk.
Best approach: Enterprise, National, and Alamo at Logan have good reputations for customer service. Off-site locations via shuttle can save money, while on-site counters are slightly more convenient but sometimes cost more.

Option 2: Renting in downtown Boston

There are a few rental locations in or near the Financial District, North End, or near the Aquarium area. These locations are often more expensive per day but may be more convenient for your situation.

Pros: You can pick up the car right after your hotel stay without going to the airport, which saves time and hassle; easier to start your drive to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine from downtown.
Cons: Slightly higher daily rates; downtown parking can be challenging while handling the rental paperwork.
Tips: Look for locations on the Seaport or downtown area with online reservations; Enterprise and Hertz have city-center branches with good service.

Recommendation: If cost is a significant factor, pick up at Logan Airport via shuttle from your hotel—it’s straightforward and reliable. If convenience and minimizing extra travel through downtown traffic are priorities, a downtown pickup near the Aquarium may be worth the extra cost. Either way, returning at Logan is easy for flights and aligns with your planned route.

Additional tips:

Book online in advance to secure the best rates and car availability.
Check for promotions through AAA, Costco, or credit card partnerships for discounts.
Consider a GPS or phone navigation, as Boston streets can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Either option works well; it comes down to balancing cost versus convenience.