BOS Rental Car Guide: Boston Logan International Airport
Renting a car at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, average prices, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at BOS that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at BOS
Consolidated rental facility 1.5 miles from terminals, reached by free shuttle bus (10-12 minutes).
Rental shuttle is at the lower level of all terminals — purple "RENTAL CAR" signs.
BOS pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: $70-$95 economy, $130-$190 SUV (high due to MA fees).
Mandatory airport fees: Concession recovery 11.25%, customer facility charge $6/day, MA state tax 6.25%.
That means a $50/day economy rental at BOS actually costs $65-$75/day after fees. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at BOS
BOS hosts 10 on-airport rental brands:
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Budget
- National
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Thrifty
- Sixt
- Payless
Best for premium service: Hertz (largest BOS fleet)
Cheapest base rates: Off-airport in Cambridge or Quincy for week+ rentals
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
BOS-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
BOS is 4 miles from downtown. The T (subway) is often faster than driving in Boston traffic — many travelers skip the rental.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Cambridge (10 min) and Quincy (15 min) for cheaper rates.
How to save the most at BOS
- Compare across all 10 brands. Price differences of 30-40% for the same car class on the same dates are common at BOS.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill at a station 3-5 miles from the rental return is cheaper in 85%+ of cases. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons.
- Decline counter insurance. Your credit card or auto policy almost certainly covers it. InsureItRight tells you which.
- Photograph everything at pickup. Every panel, the fuel gauge, the odometer, with timestamps on. Saves you in damage disputes 30+ days later.
- Read the agreement. Especially the fuel policy section — that's where the $9-$11/gal refueling charge hides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at BOS?
Consolidated rental facility 1.5 miles from terminals, reached by free shuttle bus (10-12 minutes). Rental shuttle is at the lower level of all terminals — purple "RENTAL CAR" signs.
What is the average rental car price at BOS?
$70-$95 economy, $130-$190 SUV (high due to MA fees). Plus airport fees that typically add 25-40% to the displayed daily rate.
What hidden fees should I watch for at BOS?
Concession recovery 11.25%, customer facility charge $6/day, MA state tax 6.25%. These are mandatory and apply to every rental at this airport.
Which rental car company is best at BOS?
For premium fleet and reliability: Hertz (largest BOS fleet). For cheapest base rates: Off-airport in Cambridge or Quincy for week+ rentals. Always compare total prices including the airport fees.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from BOS?
BOS is 4 miles from downtown. The T (subway) is often faster than driving in Boston traffic — many travelers skip the rental. Specifically: Cambridge (10 min) and Quincy (15 min) for cheaper rates.
Are there any quirks to renting at BOS?
Boston has notoriously bad parking. Many hotels charge $50+/night for parking. Factor that into the rental decision.