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Find competitive rental car prices in Worcester with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare low-cost deals from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and other brands at Worcester Regional Airport, Union Station downtown or suburban depots and hit the road to Boston, Providence or the Berkshires with unlimited mileage and free cancellation on most bookings.
Worcester provides several car rental options for visitors arriving by various means of transportation.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) |
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| Downtown/Union Station |
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| Suburban Locations |
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Transportation to rental locations:
Practical considerations:
On average, car rentals in Worcester cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Skip the airport surcharge: Compare prices at Union Station or suburban branches; dodging ORH's roughly 10 % airport fee can shave $5-15 a day off the bill.
Mind the college calendar: Rates jump for move-in, parents' weekend and graduations. Book 3-4 weeks early for those periods, but 7-10 days out is usually fine (and cheaper) the rest of the year.
Tinker with pickup days: Business travelers flood Mon-Thu, so a Fri-Mon weekend rental often runs 20-30 % less and still comes with unlimited miles.
Go small for downtown: Worcester's one-way streets and $1/hr meters favor compact cars, which cost less to rent and sip less gas on the Mass Pike.
Leverage your memberships: AAA, AARP, university affiliations and corporate codes can stack on top of comparison-site deals—always try the coupon box.
DIY nav and refuel: Use your phone instead of a $15/day GPS and top up at city stations (cheaper than Boston) before returning to avoid $10-per-gallon refill fees.
Where to park in Worcester:
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Street Meters | Varies | Time limits usually up to 2 hours; enforced Monday–Saturday 8 am–8 pm |
| Municipal Garages | Varies | Pearl-Elm, Federal Plaza and Major Taylor garages serve downtown |
| Worcester Common Garage | Varies | Central location near DCU Center and city hall |
| College Areas | Restricted | Many areas near colleges have permit requirements or strict enforcement |
| Hospital Areas | Paid garage parking | UMass Memorial and Saint Vincent hospitals have visitor parking garages |
Driving regulations:
Book a rental so you can easily:
Boston – Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, waterfront
Providence, Rhode Island – RISD Museum, Federal Hill dining
Wachusett Mountain – hiking, skiing
Old Sturbridge Village – living history museum
Is it necessary to rent a car in Worcester?
Yes, most visitors will need one. You can walk around downtown Worcester and use some public transportation, but you'll need a car to get to most attractions, colleges and business spots. The city is very spread out and public transit is limited, so renting a car is the easiest way for visitors to get around.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Worcester?
Most of the time, booking 1-2 weeks ahead is enough. But if you're visiting during big college events like move-in days, parents' weekends and graduations, you should book at least 3-4 weeks ahead. Worcester has several colleges and universities (like WPI, Clark, Holy Cross and others), so rental cars are in high demand at these times.
What's the best way to handle parking during winter in Worcester?
You should watch for snow emergency announcements from the city. These announcements might ban on-street parking. When the city declares a snow emergency, it often offers free or cheaper parking in city-owned garages. Hotels usually have parking for guests, but you should ask them about their rules for snow emergencies.
Do I need all-wheel drive in Worcester during winter?
You don't have to have it, but it can be helpful. Crews clear the main roads quickly, but Worcester is very hilly, which can make driving tough after it snows. If you visit in the winter (December-March), think about getting an AWD vehicle. It's a good idea especially if you plan to drive to ski areas or out into the country.
Are there toll roads around Worcester?
Yes, the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) is a toll road that runs just south of Worcester. It has nearby exits in Auburn, Millbury and Westborough. All tolls are electronic, so there are no cash booths. Your rental car will either come with a transponder, which you can pay a daily fee to use plus the cost of tolls, or the rental company will charge you later. They get a bill based on your car's license plate and then pass the toll cost and a service fee on to you.
What's the parking situation near Worcester colleges and universities?
Most colleges have lots for visitors, but the fees and time limits are different at each one. Street parking near the colleges (like WPI, Clark, Holy Cross, Assumption, etc.) is often for residents only or has very short time limits. You should check the college's website for its visitor parking rules before you go.
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