Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Amherst - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Amherst
Amherst
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Amherst
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Amherst
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Amherst
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Amherst?
Amherst is a vibrant town with historical charm and picturesque landscapes. While walking and local transport are available, renting a car offers the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.
Discover Hidden Gems. Many of Amherst's most scenic spots and nearby attractions are best accessed by car. Enjoy the freedom to venture off the beaten path.
Maximise Your Time. With a rental car, you can efficiently visit multiple locations in a single day, without being constrained by public transport schedules.
Comfort and Convenience. Whether you're travelling with family, luggage, or sports equipment, a rental car provides the space and comfort you need for a stress-free journey.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Amherst
Before renting a car in Amherst, be aware of the terms and conditions. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and trouble-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 27.6 square miles
Population
Around 40,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Exploring surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Moderate traffic during peak commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Amherst require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) may be available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Amherst – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $57 / €52 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Experiences increased demand, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often features discounts and lower rates
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Amherst?
Booking a car in Amherst involves comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, and understanding rental terms. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, will ensure you the best rates.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that meets your needs, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Amherst
Amherst is a charming town known for its educational institutions and historical significance. Exploring the surrounding areas is best done with a car, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the region.
Amherst, Massachusetts, is a quintessential New England town offering a blend of academic prestige and natural beauty. Home to several colleges, including the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst boasts a vibrant cultural scene and access to stunning landscapes. While the town centre is walkable, having a car allows you to explore the surrounding countryside, historic sites, and nearby attractions with ease.
Top Attractions to Discover
Emily Dickinson Museum
Explore the home of the famous poet and learn about her life and works.
Amherst College
Visit the historic campus and admire the architecture.
Mount Tom State Reservation
Enjoy hiking trails and panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley.
Where to Find Parking
Downtown Amherst
Metered street parking is available, as well as several public parking lots.
Amherst College
Parking is limited on campus; check for visitor parking areas.
Mount Tom State Reservation
Ample parking is available at the base of the mountain.
Gas Stations in Amherst
Main Street
Several gas stations are located along Main Street and nearby roads.
Local Chains
Look for major brands like Shell, Mobil, and local independent stations.
Rural Areas
Gas stations may be less frequent in rural areas, so plan accordingly.
Useful Tips for Visiting Amherst
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of traffic during peak commute times, especially near the colleges.
Check Local Events
Check for local events and festivals that may impact traffic and parking.
Explore Nearby Towns
Consider visiting nearby towns like Northampton and Deerfield for more attractions.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Take advantage of the hiking trails and scenic drives in the area.
Key Transportation Hubs in Amherst
Major Bus Stations
PVTA Amherst Bus Terminal
Serves as the primary bus terminal for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA).
Railway Stations
Amtrak Station (Northampton)
The nearest Amtrak station is located in Northampton, approximately 15 minutes away by car.
Airports
Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Located approximately one hour south of Amherst, serving major domestic and international destinations.
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF)
Located approximately 30 minutes south of Amherst, primarily serving general aviation and cargo operations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Amherst?
Renting a car in Amherst requires a few key documents and meeting certain requirements. Here’s a list of what you’ll generally need to rent a car.
A valid driver’s licence is essential. If you're visiting from another country, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Younger drivers may face additional fees.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Amherst as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Relaxing, kinda slow
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
Chill, car helpful.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Amherst was fun to explore; I wish the historical society museum had been open on Mondays!
Ashley Davis
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Sweet Amherst visit; car rental made seeing friends easy!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 29.09.2024
Amherst was lovely! Coastal drives were amazing, and having a car made everything easy.
Susan Clark
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Pretty chill place
James Taylor
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Quiet, kinda cute.
Chloe Martinez
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
Amherst was great for my quick business trip! Having a car made getting around so easy. Efficient and pleasant.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 16.12.2024
Exploring Amherst was a breeze! Getting a car made everything so convenient, and I loved the charming downtown area. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Low-key charming, really.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 16.03.2025