Car rental pick up airport or downtown

Question

My husband and I are flying into Boston end of April next year. We are in Boston for a couple of nights staying at the Boston marina. We then pick up a rental car to drive to Cape Cod and our tour of New England for a couple of weeks.

The closest rental to our hotel is in Atlantic Ave so does it make sense to pick up from there or go back to the airport? We will drop off at the airport as we will be flying out of Boston. It does seem cheaper to hire from the airport.

Which pick up is better for driving out of Boston on a Thursday to Falmouth. When does rush our finish?

Thanks in advance

Answer

For your Boston trip in April, deciding whether to pick up your rental car at the airport or downtown near the Boston Marina depends on convenience, cost, and traffic considerations.

1. Airport pick-up:

Typically cheaper, as airport locations often have more vehicles and competitive rates.
Dropping off at the airport at the end of your trip is straightforward, avoiding extra drop-off fees.
However, the airport is about 4–5 miles from the marina, so you will need to take a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle for the first two nights before starting your drive to Cape Cod.

2. Downtown/Atlantic Ave pick-up:

More convenient if you want to start driving immediately after your stay at the Boston Marina.
Potentially slightly more expensive than the airport, but saves you the initial commute from the marina.
Traffic downtown can be busy, and navigating city streets may take extra time, especially on a Thursday morning.

3. Traffic considerations for driving to Falmouth on a Thursday:

Boston weekday morning rush hour generally peaks from about 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., especially on main highways like I-93 and I-95.
If you leave after 9:30–10:00 a.m., you will likely avoid the heaviest congestion.
Traffic heading out of the city toward Cape Cod (Route 3 to Route 6) can also pick up slightly around commuter towns, but it’s usually manageable compared to the city center.

Recommendation:

If cost savings is a priority and you don’t mind a short ride to the airport, pick up the car at Boston Logan. Plan to leave after morning rush to minimize traffic delays.
If convenience and starting your drive earlier is more important, pick up downtown near the marina. Try to leave before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. to avoid the worst of the city traffic.
Either way, dropping off at the airport is easy, and both options are viable depending on your priorities.

In summary, for a balance of cost and convenience, many travelers pick up at the airport and schedule their drive to leave mid-morning to avoid rush hour traffic while heading to Cape Cod.