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Find lower car rental prices in Lowell, Massachusetts with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no reservation fees. We scan Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and more so you can pick up a Lowell car rental downtown, in nearby Chelmsford or straight from Manchester Boston Regional Airport and be on I-495 toward Boston or New Hampshire in minutes. Book early around UMass Lowell move-in, graduation and fall foliage weekends to lock in low prices and the vehicle you want.
Lowell offers several car rental options in the city and nearby communities.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Lowell |
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| Chelmsford/Tewksbury Area |
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| Manchester Airport (MHT) |
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Transportation to rental locations:
Practical considerations:
On average, car rentals in Lowell (MA) cost around $70 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $16 per day.
Check multiple pick-up spots in our search (Downtown Lowell, Chelmsford/Tewksbury, nearby airports). City locations dodge airport surcharges and are often cheaper if you don't need late-night service.
Shift your dates around big UMass Lowell or fall-foliage weekends. Rates spike during move-ins, graduations and October leaf peeping. Even moving pickup by a day can drop the price.
Play with rental length. In Lowell a 5-7 day "weekly" rate can cost less than four separate daily rates. Add an extra day in the quote and see if the total falls.
Test round-trip vs one-way pricing. Drop fees to Boston or Manchester sometimes run under $50, especially northbound in winter. Compare both options before you book.
Options for parking in Lowell:
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Meters | Metered | Time limits vary (usually 2 hours); enforced Monday to Saturday |
| Municipal Garages | Paid | Several public garages available downtown including Lower Locks and John St. |
| National Historical Park | Free with validation | Limited spaces; validate at visitor center for free parking |
| UMass Lowell Area | Restricted/paid | University events may limit public access; check event schedules |
| Shopping Areas | Free | Suburban shopping centers offer free parking |
Driving regulations:
Book a rental car so you can get to:
Lowell National Historical Park sites – mills, canal museums
Boston – museums, sports venues
Salem, MA – witch trial museums
Portsmouth, NH and Maine Coast – waterfront, beaches
Nashua and Manchester, NH – malls, outlets
Merrimack Valley – orchards, state parks
Is it necessary to rent a car in Lowell?
You can walk around downtown Lowell and the National Historical Park, but we recommend most visitors rent a car. The old industrial sites are spread all over the city and public transportation doesn't go to many places outside of town. If you plan to explore beyond downtown, you will need a rental car.
Can I easily visit Boston from Lowell by car?
Yes, Boston is about 30 miles (48 km) south of Lowell, a 40-60 minute drive depending on traffic. You might want to take the MBTA commuter rail for day trips to Boston, because parking there costs a lot and the traffic can be bad. If you do drive, you'll find the best conditions on weekends and during off-peak hours.
What's the best way to explore the Lowell National Historical Park?
The park's sites are spread all over downtown Lowell. Some people park once and walk between the attractions, but if you have a car, you can get to all the sites more easily. The park will validate your parking for free at its Visitor Center garage, so you can easily drive between sites that are farther apart.
How do I handle snow emergencies if visiting in winter?
When there's a big snowstorm, the city of Lowell declares a snow emergency. This means you can't park on certain streets. Most hotels provide parking for their guests, but you should ask about their rules for snow emergencies. The city announces the emergency status on local news and its website. You can also use city garages when there are snow restrictions.
Is it worth driving to New Hampshire for shopping?
Many visitors think the short drive is worth it. New Hampshire has no sales tax, so you can save money on big purchases. You can shop at places like the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua (15 miles / 24 km north) or the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester (30 miles / 48 km north). Both malls have plenty of free parking.
What's the parking situation during special events in Lowell?
When big events are happening, like the Lowell Folk Festival, the Lowell Summer Music Series or university events, downtown parking fills up fast. We suggest you arrive early and use the city garages, which may have special event rates. You should also be ready for more traffic than usual. Some events provide shuttle services from lots farther away.
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