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Compare rental car prices from leading companies in Hyannis with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Reserve early for summer weekends, then grab your ride at Barnstable Municipal Airport or downtown near the ferries and be cruising Route 6 or hopping to Nantucket in minutes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 595854

Hyannis offers several convenient car rental locations for travelers arriving by various means.

Location Pros Cons
Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA)
  • Convenient for air travelers
  • Several major rental companies
  • Quick pickup process
  • Limited flight options
  • Smaller selection than larger airports
  • Potential airport fees
Downtown Hyannis
  • Near bus station and ferries
  • Walking distance to hotels
  • Competitive rates
  • Limited business hours
  • May require advance reservations
  • Might need transportation to location
Route 28/Falmouth Rd Area
  • Often lower rates
  • Larger suburban locations
  • Easier parking and access
  • Requires transportation to reach
  • Not ideal for ferry/bus arrivals
  • Limited after-hours service

Transportation to rental locations:

  • From Hyannis Transportation Center (bus terminal): Most downtown rental locations are a 5-15 minute walk
  • From ferry terminals: Short taxi ride or about 15-20 minute walk to downtown locations
  • From Barnstable Airport: On-site rental counters or short shuttle to nearby offices

Practical considerations:

  • Summer season (June-August) requires advance booking due to high demand
  • One-way rentals between Hyannis and Boston are often available at reasonable drop fees

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Hyannis?

On average, car rentals in Hyannis cost around $95 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $63 per day.

How to save?
  • Compare airport, downtown, and Route 28 locations in one search. Off-airport counters dodge the 10-11 % airport fee and are only a quick taxi or walk away.

  • Peak summer (Jun – Aug) books out fast. Checking prices 4-8 weeks ahead gives more options; in shoulder or off-season you can safely shop last-minute sales.

  • Aim for a weekly rate if you need the car 5-7 days. The extra days often cost only a few bucks and beat paying the daily price.

  • Drop the car before the ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Taking a vehicle across can cost more than a new rental on the other side.

  • Skip prepaid fuel and toll gadgets unless you're driving to Boston. The Cape has no tolls and local stations are far cheaper than the rental refuel fee.

  • Stack member discounts (AAA, warehouse clubs, certain credit cards) on top of our comparison results for an easy extra 5-10 % off.

Car rental prices in Hyannis 2025/2026

Parking and Driving Tips

Where to park in Hyannis:

Location Notes
Main Street Meters Metered spots have time limits; enforced during high season (May through October)
Municipal Lots Several lots near Main Street and the harbor; often fill quickly in summer
Ferry Parking Long-term lots available for island ferry passengers; shuttle service operates between lots and terminals
Beach Parking Town beaches require resident permits or a daily fee for non-residents
Shopping Centers Free spaces have time limits; not intended for all-day use

Driving rules:

  • Massachusetts requires seat belts for all occupants
  • Hands-free phone use is mandatory while driving
  • Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
  • Speed limits: 25 to 35 mph in town, 40 to 50 mph on Route 28 and 55 mph on Route 6
  • Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and this is strictly enforced in village centers
  • Rental cars do not qualify for resident beach stickers
Why rent a car in Hyannis

Rent a car so you can see:

  • Provincetown – beaches, galleries

  • Cape Cod National Seashore – Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Beach

  • Chatham – lighthouse, shops

  • Woods Hole – ferry terminal, aquarium

  • Sandwich – Heritage Museums, gardens

Driving Distances from Hyannis

FAQs

Is it necessary to rent a car in Hyannis?
Yes, for most visitors. You can walk around the downtown area and seasonal trolleys take you to the main attractions, but you will need a car to get to most places on Cape Cod. The area has limited public transportation and using taxis or rideshares for many trips can get expensive.

Can I take a rental car on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket?
Yes, but there are some rules. You need to reserve a spot for your car on the ferry way ahead of time, often months ahead in the summer. Also, some rental companies may not allow you to take cars to the islands or they might charge you extra fees. It's usually easier to just take the ferry as a passenger without a car.

What's the best time to avoid Cape Cod traffic?
Try to travel on weekdays. If you must travel on a weekend, cross the bridges onto the Cape before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on Fridays. When leaving, try to avoid Sunday afternoons. Early mornings and evenings usually have less traffic all over the Cape.

Do I need a special permit for beach parking?
Yes, for most beaches. For public beaches run by towns, you'll need a resident permit or you'll have to pay a daily fee if you're not a resident (around $15-25 per day). The Cape Cod National Seashore charges an entrance fee for its beaches (around $25 per car). Be aware that some smaller beaches have very little parking space.

What type of vehicle is best for a Cape Cod vacation?
An economy or compact car works well for couples or solo travelers. Families or people staying longer might want an SUV or a minivan for their beach gear. Many people like to rent convertibles in the summer for the scenic drives, but they book up fast and cost more.

How far in advance should I book a rental car for summer travel?
You should book at least 1-2 months ahead for a rental in July and August. Cape Cod is a very popular summer spot and rental car companies can completely run out of cars during the busiest times. If you wait until the last minute in the summer, you probably won't find a car or it will be very expensive.