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Pick-up location | Cambridge |
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Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
Rental locations | 10 |
Airport locations | 0 |
Popular agencies | Getaround, Avis, Turo |
Economy | $32/day |
Compact | $40/day |
Intermediate | $31/day |
Standard | $30/day |
Full-size | $22/day |
Minivan | $52/day |
Intermediate SUV | $25/day |
Standard SUV | $29/day |
Supplier choice | $33/day |
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.
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.
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.
On average a rental car in Cambridge costs $59 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Cambridge found in the last 2 weeks is $39.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($33/day).
The average gas price in Cambridge is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Cambridge.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
A Mini car rental in Cambridge costs $117 per day, on average.
An Intermediate car rental in Cambridge costs $73 per day, on average.
A Special car rental in Cambridge costs $70 per day, on average.
In Cambridge, cars are most frequently rented at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 855 Morton St (7 miles from city center).
On average a rental car in Cambridge costs $410 per week ($59 per day).
On average a rental car in Cambridge costs $1,757 per month ($59 per day).
Most car rental providers in Cambridge offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Cambridge, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in Cambridge.
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Cambridge so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
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.
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.
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
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.2 locations in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
1 Bennett Street
+1 617 534 1430
350 Massachusetts Avenue
+1 617 621 0413
Filters
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.2 locations in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
1 Bennett Street
+1 617 661 0523
350 Massachusetts Avenue
+1 617 577 7606
Filters
Reviews
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.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2020
Pros:
Very thankful to staff for providing their professional service during this time.Cons:
NoneOne location in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
24 Eliot St
+1 617 338 1520
Filters
Reviews
6.4 Okay
Apr 2019
Cons:
Our car wasn't ready on time, which is unacceptable. If we to order the car after the given time, we would pay extra.2.0 Poor
Oct 2016
Cons:
I had to wait 30 minutes to pick the car up and the lady was not kind to me..she did not ask me the fuel options, did not explain much, just wanted me to sign and leave. I returned the car early with quick return but have not received my invoice yet, as it explained on the box. I should not have any extras but l am not sure whether they would charge me anthing extraOne location in Cambridge
Locations in Cambridge
110 Mt Auburn Street
+1 617 876 2758
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
9.2 Wonderful
Feb 2018
Pros:
it was very straightforward to take public transit to this Thrifty location from Logan, for no charge and it took perhaps a half-hour which I thought fast. My car performed well and was both new and clean on the inside.2.0 Poor
Mar 2017
Cons:
They don't have any information. Their policies are waste. Their toll charges are compulsory if you don't take it they put fine on you. Thier insurance charges are ao high. Just having car charges low as compared to other companies doesn't matter overall thrifty is super expensive including all insurance toll and other services. They don't have decent cars too.8.4 Very good
Nov 2016
Pros:
Car and service was as expected.Cons:
Separation of collision and liability insurance was a surprise, but it turns out that's common.3.2 Poor
Oct 2016
Cons:
I had booked my car rental 4 months in advance to ensure I would get the car I wanted for a road trip through New England. However, when I got to Thrifty they said they could not find the keys for the car I had requested. I had wanted a small car to save on gas mileage and the elevation I would be driving on. Instead they gave me a mid size car that went through a lot of gas. Also, the car reeked of cigarette smoke. The smell was so strong we had to invest in air freshners which did very little for the smell. I had tried spraying perfume as well which was only a momentary fix. We kept the windows down for most of the drive. When we would turn on the AC, a very sour smell would come through the vents. Also, we had been told rolls would be covered; however, before leaving we told the car had not been registered to EZ Pass so we would be responsible for all tolls, which added up. Long story short, do not rent from this company.6.4 Okay
Oct 2016
Pros:
Cleanliness, comfortCons:
Why pick up at Thrifty Cambridge instead of BOS airport as agree at booking which we have to take Uber for another $62 for round trip to airport !