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Find low car rental prices in Salem, New Hampshire with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Choose a tax-free pickup at a Salem neighborhood branch or browse deals at Boston Logan and Manchester airports for more vehicle choice. From Salem you are minutes from I-93, for road trips to Boston, the White Mountains or Hampton Beach.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Salem Local Rentals | • No airport fees or surcharges • No sales tax (NH advantage) • Minimal wait times • Personal service |
• Limited hours (often 8AM-6PM weekdays, Saturday until noon, closed Sunday) • Smaller selection • Must arrange transportation to rental office |
| Boston Logan Airport (BOS) | • Widest selection of vehicles and companies • 24/7 availability • Convenient if flying into Boston |
• Higher costs (airport fees, Boston city fees) • Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax • Potential lines at counters • 35 miles (56 km) from Salem |
| Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) | • Lower rates than Logan • Easier navigation than Logan • No sales tax (NH) • Just 25 miles (40 km) from Salem |
• Smaller selection than Logan • Limited hours for some companies |
On average, car rentals in Salem (NH) cost around $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Compare pickup locations in our search box: Salem's local offices skip airport surcharges and MA sales tax, often undercutting Logan or Manchester by 10 %+ even after you add the Uber or friend-pickup to the branch.
Land at Boston Logan? Ride the $25 Boston Express bus to Salem then rent. The 70-minute bus ride can save $60-$100 in airport fees on a long weekend.
Shift your dates if you can. Winter and spring (except ski or holiday weeks) bring the lowest rates while July foliage "leaf-peeping" weekends sell out fast and cost more. Moving your pickup to a Tuesday or returning on a Thursday can drop the price.
Bring your own E-ZPass or pay cash at NH tolls. Skipping the rental company's toll program avoids the daily admin fee that can eclipse the tolls themselves.
Salem provides plenty of free parking throughout town, making it driver-friendly compared to larger cities.
Shopping Centers: All major shopping areas (Tuscan Village, Mall at Rockingham Park) offer free parking
Local Attractions: Most attractions provide free parking (except Canobie Lake Park which charges a fee)
Winter Restrictions: Overnight street parking is banned during snow emergencies (usually November-April)
Park & Ride: Exit 2 off I-93 has free spaces for Boston Express bus users or carpooling
Cell Phone Use: New Hampshire's hands-free law prohibits using handheld devices while driving
Seat Belts: Required for all passengers under 18; optional but recommended for adults
School Buses: Must stop for school buses with flashing red lights from either direction
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Speed Limits: 65-70 MPH on highways, 35-50 MPH on main roads, 30 MPH in town center
Winter Driving: Jessica's Law requires clearing all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving
Get a car so you can drive to:
Boston, MA – museums, ballparks, history
Portsmouth, NH – waterfront, Strawbery Banke
White Mountains – hiking, Franconia Notch, Kancamagus Highway
Hampton Beach – boardwalk, concerts
When is the best time to book a rental car in Salem?
You should book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for summer and the fall foliage season. Local rental offices have a limited number of cars and can sell out during busy times.
Do I need winter tires for driving in Salem?
Rental cars usually have all-season tires, and they work fine on plowed roads. If you're traveling in winter, it's better to ask for a car with AWD/4WD than to worry about special tires.
How do toll charges work with rental cars?
New Hampshire toll plazas take cash, but Massachusetts only uses electronic tolling. You can either sign up for the rental company's toll program or bring your own E-ZPass transponder to avoid their extra fees.
Can I pick up in Salem and drop off at an airport?
Yes, but the rental company will charge you a one-way fee if you drop the car off at a different place. The cost of this fee depends on the company and how far apart the two locations are.
Is GPS necessary or can I use my phone?
Cell service is great throughout Salem and most of New Hampshire. Your phone's navigation should work fine, so you probably won't need to rent a GPS unit.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Salem?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the security deposit and a passport if you're an international renter. Some companies will take a debit card if you have extra ID. Call ahead to check what they require.
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