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Fall River has limited rental options inside the city itself, along with additional locations in nearby communities.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fall River City Locations |
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| Route 6/Dartmouth Area |
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| Providence Airport (PVD) |
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Transportation to rental locations:
Practical considerations:
On average, car rentals in Fall River cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Shop multiple pickup spots: compare Fall River city, Route 6 / Dartmouth, New Bedford and even Providence Airport. Airport surcharges are real, but the bigger fleet there can undercut local prices on some dates.
Play with pickup and return days: mid-week rentals (Mon–Thu) usually cost less than weekend starts, especially in summer or over holiday periods.
Look for weekly rates when you hit 5+ days—they often beat the math on daily pricing.
Skip the add-ons: bring your own phone for navigation and charging cable instead of paying $10-15 a day for GPS.
Refuel yourself: grab gas along Route 24 or near the Braga Bridge before returning the car to avoid the $8-10 per gallon service fee.
Stack discounts: enter any AAA, AARP or corporate codes when comparing—we've seen them shave 10-15 % off the final bill.
Where to park in Fall River:
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Meters | Varies | Time limits vary (usually 2 hours); enforced Monday–Saturday |
| Municipal Lots | Varies | Several public lots available downtown |
| Pearl Street Garage | Varies | Convenient for Battleship Cove and downtown attractions |
| Battleship Cove | Varies | On-site spots available for museum visitors |
| Shopping Areas | Free | SouthCoast Marketplace and other shopping centers offer free parking |
Driving regulations:
Get a car rental so you can visit:
Battleship Cove – WWII vessels, maritime exhibits
Lizzie Borden House – museum, guided tour
Providence, RI – WaterFire, art district
Newport, RI – mansions, harbor, Cliff Walk
New Bedford – whaling museum, seaport
Cape Cod – beaches, seafood towns

Is it necessary to rent a car in Fall River?
Yes, most visitors will need one. You can walk to some downtown attractions, but public transportation doesn't go everywhere. You'll need a car to see sights in the area, get to restaurants and shops and take day trips to places like Newport and New Bedford.
Can I easily visit both Massachusetts and Rhode Island attractions with a Fall River rental car?
Yes, Fall River's spot on the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border is great for exploring both states. Newport is only 20 miles (32 km) away and Providence is 17 miles (27 km) away. Many attractions in both states are just a short drive. Rental car agreements usually let you drive between states.
What's the best way to visit Newport from Fall River?
Drive south on Route 24, then follow Route 138 across the Sakonnet River Bridge and Mount Hope Bridge (no tolls). Or, you can continue to the Newport Bridge (toll applies). The drive takes about 30-35 minutes. Parking in Newport can be expensive and hard to find, so you might want to use a public lot outside of downtown and then walk or take the trolley.
How do I handle the Newport Bridge toll?
The Newport (Pell) Bridge toll is all electronic. They no longer accept cash. The toll is $2 for each crossing if you have an E-ZPass transponder (from outside Rhode Island). It's $4 for each crossing if you don't have one, and they will bill you using your license plate. If your rental car has a toll transponder, the charge goes through it. If not, the system will bill your rental company, and they may add a service fee. Some rental companies offer a daily toll program. This can be a good deal if you plan to cross the bridge many times.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Fall River area?
A standard car is all you need for most visits to Fall River. The roads in the area are in good shape, and you don't need a special vehicle to get to the attractions. If you're visiting in winter (December to March), you might want an all-wheel-drive car for better grip in case of snow or ice.
Are there any driving challenges unique to Fall River?
Downtown Fall River has a lot of one-way streets, which can be tricky if it's your first time. The city is hilly, so some streets are steep, especially near the waterfront. There has been construction on the Braga Bridge (I-195) for years, so you should check for traffic updates before you go. When the factory outlets have sales or during big events, the traffic near shopping areas can get very busy.