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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in New Bedford
New Bedford
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
New Bedford
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
New Bedford
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
New Bedford
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 New Bedford?
New Bedford, Massachusetts, offers a blend of maritime history and vibrant culture. While walking and public transport are options, renting a car enhances your ability to explore the city and surrounding areas. A car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Explore Maritime History: New Bedford's history as a whaling centre is best discovered by visiting various landmarks spread across the city. A rental car makes it easy to get to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum.
Visit Nearby Attractions: With a car, you can easily drive to nearby attractions like Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Demarest Lloyd State Park, or take a day trip to Cape Cod. Public transport to these locations is limited, making a car the ideal choice.
Enjoy Flexibility and Comfort: Renting a car allows you to create your itinerary, stop at local restaurants, and enjoy the scenic routes without being tied to bus or train schedules. This is particularly important for families or travellers with specific needs.
Rental Terms and Conditions in New Bedford
Before booking a rental car in New Bedford, it’s important to understand the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance policies, and mileage options. Familiarising yourself with these details can help ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 39.2 square miles
Population
Around 100,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Exploring the South Coast of Massachusetts
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak commute times (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in New Bedford require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License and DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance and DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) may be available. A security deposit is usually required, often held on a credit card.
4. Mileage and Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting the number of miles allowed. Fuel policies also vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional features like GPS navigation systems and child safety seats.
Car Rental Prices in New Bedford – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*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 New Bedford?
Renting a car in New Bedford is a straightforward process. Following a few key steps ensures you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs. Booking in advance is especially helpful during peak tourist seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to check prices from multiple rental companies. This helps you find the most competitive rates.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs. Consider the number of passengers, luggage space, and type of driving you’ll be doing.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully read the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and any potential extra fees.
4. Book in Advance - Booking your rental car in advance, especially during the summer months, can help you secure a better price and ensure vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and any required identification to the rental location when picking up your vehicle.
General Information About New Bedford
New Bedford is a city rich in maritime history and cultural attractions. Exploring the city and its surroundings is best done with some knowledge of local traffic patterns and parking options. Knowing where to find petrol stations and understanding local driving tips can also enhance your experience.
Located in Massachusetts, New Bedford offers a blend of historical landmarks and modern amenities. While the city has some public transport, renting a car provides the best way to explore the broader region, including nearby beaches and scenic routes. Understanding local driving conditions will ensure a smoother visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Explore the rich history of whaling at one of the nation's premier maritime museums.
Seamen's Bethel
A historic chapel made famous by Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick'.
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
Experience the elegance of a 19th-century whaling merchant's home.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise parking garages in the downtown area for secure and convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered street parking is available, but check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the centre.
Petrol Stations in New Bedford
Major Brands Available
Find petrol stations from major brands like Shell, Mobil, and Gulf throughout the city.
Easy Access on Major Routes
Petrol stations are readily accessible along major roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby petrol stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting New Bedford
Allow Extra Travel Time
Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours and special events.
Be Aware of Pedestrians
Watch out for pedestrians, particularly in the downtown area and near tourist attractions.
Check for Local Events
Check local event calendars for festivals and activities that may affect traffic and parking.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise GPS navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid congestion.
Key Transportation Hubs in New Bedford
Bus Terminal
New Bedford Bus Terminal
The central hub for local and regional bus services, providing connections to various destinations.
Airport
New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB)
Offers limited commercial flights and serves as a regional airport for private aviation.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in New Bedford?
Renting a car in New Bedford requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Having these documents ready will expedite the rental process.
You'll need a valid driver's license. For international visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required alongside your home country license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may require a credit card.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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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 New Bedford 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.
Beautiful coastal town! My road trip included a delightful stop in New Bedford; easy to navigate by car.
Brian Smith
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
First time in New Bedford, and I loved it! Having a car made exploring so convenient and easy. Beautiful city!
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Charming New Bedford! So glad I rented a car; it made getting around the waterfront and the museums a breeze.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
New Bedford was a pleasant weekend getaway. Having a car made exploring easy, although the whaling museum was a bit underwhelming.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 23.11.2024
New Bedford surprised me! So much to see, and having a car made it all accessible. Wonderful trip!
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 21.04.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Pretty chill place
David Garcia
Reviewed: 29.09.2024
I'd heard great things about New Bedford, and they were right! Having a car made getting around so easy, allowing me to fully explore the city's charm and history.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 14.04.2025
Low-key kinda chill
Jacob Wilson
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
New Bedford exceeded expectations! Having a car made it effortless to explore the charming waterfront and historic districts. I'll definitely return.
Anna Garcia
Reviewed: 17.09.2024
Pretty laid-back town
Sophia Martinez
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Loved my quick trip to New Bedford! Exploring with my friends was easy thanks to having a car, and the city was charming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 22.12.2024