How to Choose the Right Car Rental in Boston

Boston is a city with busy streets to navigate. Boston: Home to some of the oldest roads in America, Boston features historic routes mixed with modern thoroughfares that are sure to make driving through town an adventure all its own. Whether you are in town for business, to check out a local college, or just to explore some of Boston’s natural and historical treasures, car rentals give you the freedom needed to get around with ease. This post will get you through how to make driving in Boston and the city a breeze.

1. Getting to the Root of Boston Traffic Problems

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of how to pick a car rental, let me describe what makes Boston driving so special. The city is laid out less in a grid than many other American cities, and the winding narrow streets often appear to change direction without warning. Granted, that could be a little intimidating for out-of-towners to contemplate, but put the right car under them and Boston is navigable.

As with any big East Coast city, traffic is an issue at peak hours (8-10 AM and 4-6 PM), Boston’s included, parking in the area can be limited. Because what we know before will help us make the right choice considering visiting the car rental in Boston.

2. Right Size of Vehicles

The size of the vehicle is one of the most critical elements to consider when you hire a car in Boston. With tiny roads accompanied by lesser parking arrangements, going for a smaller vehicle will certainly make driving easier on these streets. So, why is size so important? Consider the following:

Compact Cars: Ideal for solo travelers or couples, compact cars are great at being nimble taking on the small streets of Boston, and finding parking in narrow areas. They are also generally fuel-efficient, and a city with gas stations spread far apart isn’t easy on the pocketbook.

Mid-Size Cars: A mid-size car can be a good compromise if you are traveling with more people or need extra space for luggage. These larger vehicles are still easy to move around with but offer some comfort and space for things.

SUVs: SUVs are roomier and they sit higher up but they can be hard to park in Boston’s small, streets and get around. If you have a family or need more space to carry cargo, perhaps opt for an SUV (smaller) and crossover may provide the right balance of size and utility.

If you want to travel in style, there are elegant luxury cars available for rent too. Of course, if you live in a city that is always super congested, and hard to park your vehicle. Beware of larger luxury cars on the streets too!

3. Automatic Transmission vs. Manual Transmission

In the U.S., for instance, most car hires come with automatic transmissions — although it’s still always good to check this if you haven’t been behind the wheel of something without three pedals. Bumming along in Boston’s stop-and-go traffic, it can take a lot of the hard work out of driving by letting you concentrate on weaving through all those gears.

4. Other Factors to Consider

So, when it comes to the additional features that make your ride smoother across Boston go for such a car rental in Boston.

GPS Navigation: Boston streets are tricky to navigate even for the locals. If you are not familiar with the area, a GPS navigation system is your main tool. You can have your own modified GPS or simply run it on a smartphone. Make sure your rental car has a dependable in-vehicle phone charger for when you’re on the move.

Parking Assistance: Many cars have parking sensors or backup cameras, which can help when getting a parking space in this tight town. If you’re iffy about parallel parking, these are still things to keep in mind.

Highway flags for toll roads: Most of Boston’s highways are on a cash basis, but having E-ZPass (in this case) would save you time and hassle. Most companies provide toll pass options, so inquire about this when booking.

MPG: If you forget how much traffic there is in Boston, chances are good that time on the road will add up. Particularly if you intend on venturing so far as to encroach areas outside the city, gas expenses can quickly dwindle. And while a fuel-efficient car is great for keeping said costs down, many of us already have larger cars- even excellent ones will use quite a bit more petrol in comparison and poor maintenance can make a hefty difference worse still!

5. Rental Car Insurance

There is an essential need to know the different insurance options while renting a car. Although this is true in most cases of personal car auto insurance, it should be confirmed with your provider to ensure no surprises. Further, several credit cards come with rental car insurance as a perk so ensure to do due diligence on your card before buying extra coverage from the rental agency.

If you are new to driving in cities or simply prefer the additional peace of mind, consider increasing the amount your rental provider will pay when it comes to damage for example taking out CDW (collision damage waiver) or SLP(supplemental liability protection). This way, if you have an accident, at least your back is covered for any potential financial losses.

6. Navigating Parking in Boston

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in Boston is parking (especially if you are aiming for a popular area like Back Bay, North End, or Beacon Hill) Below are some ways that make parking places as easy as they should be.

Parking Garages: Boston has no shortage of parking garages and it is usually safe to park in them, but they are for payment (But expect a BIG price tag!) Avoid the wait and hassle by doing your own ‘Looking-for-Angeles’ online research beforehand, booking a spot in line.

Parkiere in den Strassen: An vielen Stellen gibt es Parkuhren vor denen ein Auto abgestellt werden kann, jedoch sind Beschränkungen und Höchstparkdauer zu beachten. Watch for street cleaning signs – unless you want to come back and find a ticket.

Street Parking: Many streets are by resident permit only. Make sure to read the signs carefully as parking in a residential (permit required) area can cost you several hundred dollars.

Pay for Hotel Parking: If you are going to stay in a hotel find out how much they will charge. Most hotels provide valet parking, which can be helpful but usually cost you more.

7. Exploring Beyond the City

Although Boston is full of attractions, a car will allow you to explore outside city limits. It would be a good time to take a scenic drive to the coastlines of Cape Cod, visit historic slavery sites in Lexington and Concord, or explore the natural landscapes of Berkshire. Located within a few hour’s drive, these day trips provide a great break from the hectic city life.

Conclusion

Picking the right car rental in Boston will add oodles of ease to your city driving experience. You should consider the size of your car, how you can get around with a simple transmission if some accessories will be essential, and where to park. The right cars will empower you to take on all Boston has for a magical time, from historical sites and cultural attractions located in the city center or one of their vibrant neighborhoods surrounded by scenic landscapes. SUBMIT A REQUESTSo, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, make sure to rent the car that will best suit your needs and have a great time in this city!

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