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Logan Airport features a consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC) housing all major rental companies.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Rental Car Center |
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| Nearby East Boston Locations |
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| Downtown Boston |
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Transportation to Rental Car Center:
Companies at Logan Rental Car Center:
On average, car rentals at Boston Airport cost around $70 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $16 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport rentals carry extra concession, facility and convention fees. Grab the free Silver Line into the city or hop a quick rideshare to East Boston, then collect the car without the surcharges.
Shift your dates/times: Prices spike for summer tourists, fall foliage and college move-ins. A mid-week pickup or travel outside those peaks can shave plenty off the daily rate.
Bring your own E-ZPass: All Logan exits are cashless tolls. Using your own transponder skips the $3.95–$5 per-day device fee most companies tag on.
Refuel on Route 1A: Stations within 2 miles (3 km) of the Rental Car Center have normal street prices—topping up there avoids the expensive "we'll fill it for you" charge.
Choose a compact: Smaller cars rent for less, sip less fuel and fit cheaper parking spots in downtown Boston.
Join the free loyalty program: Basic membership often waives extra-driver fees or lands a free upgrade, saving cash and time at the counter.
While most arriving passengers will not need a place to park at the airport (beyond the rental return facility), understanding the Boston area is essential.
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Boston Meters | Varies | Time limits usually 2 hours; enforced 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; free Sundays |
| Boston Parking Garages | High | Highest rates in Financial District, Back Bay and Seaport areas |
| Suburban Town Centers | Moderate | Many suburbs have municipal lots at more reasonable rates |
| MBTA Station Parking | Nominal daily fee | Consider leaving your car at subway stations for Boston visits |
| Airport Return | N/A | Follow signs to Rental Car Center; all returns in same facility |
Driving regulations:
Rent a car so you can see:
Cape Cod – beaches, lighthouses, seafood
Plymouth & South Shore – Plimoth Patuxet Museums, harbor, Mayflower II
Salem & North Shore – witch trials sites, museums, seafood
Providence, Rhode Island – RISD Museum, WaterFire, Federal Hill

How long does it take to pick up a rental car at Logan Airport?
On a normal day, you should plan for 30-45 minutes from the time you get off the plane until you drive away. You'll need to take a shuttle to the Rental Car Center (5-10 minutes), get your paperwork done at the counter (10-20 minutes) and inspect the car. When it's busy, like on holidays or summer weekends, it can take longer. You can make things faster by signing up online beforehand or joining the rental company's loyalty program.
What's the best way to reach downtown Boston from the airport rental center?
The most direct way to get there is by taking the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90 West). The drive usually takes 10-15 minutes outside rush hour, but it can take over 30 minutes during rush hour (weekdays 7-9:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m.). You could also take the Sumner Tunnel or go north through Chelsea and Charlestown. These routes might be faster if there's a lot of traffic.
Are there tolls when leaving the airport with a rental car?
Yes, you will have to pay tolls on any road leaving Logan Airport. The main route, the Ted Williams Tunnel, costs $1.50 if you use a Massachusetts E-ZPass, $1.75 for an out-of-state E-ZPass and $2.05 if they bill by your license plate (all-electronic, 2024 rates). Most rental companies give you a toll transponder. You can choose to use it for a daily fee plus the cost of the tolls. If you don't use a transponder, they'll bill you using your license plate and add a service fee.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, most rental companies at Logan Airport let you return your car 24/7. The Rental Car Center is always open. If the counter is closed, you can use the after-hours drop boxes for your keys. But if you need to make special plans for your return or you're dropping it off late, you should check with your rental company when you pick up the car to see how it works.
Is it worth renting a car if I'm only staying in Boston?
If you're only staying in Boston, we usually don't recommend renting a car. The city has great public transportation, expensive parking ($40-50 per day at most hotels) and tricky roads if you don't know the area. You should only think about renting a car for day trips out of the city or if you need to go somewhere public transit doesn't reach.
How do I handle Massachusetts toll roads with a rental car?
Most rental companies let you rent a toll transponder from them (for about $3.95-5.95 per day plus the cost of the tolls). This is a good idea when you leave from Logan Airport because you can't avoid the tolls. You can also use your own E-ZPass transponder. If you don't have a transponder, the toll cameras will take a picture of your license plate. The rental company will then bill you for the toll and add a service fee for each one.