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 charming town with numerous attractions and scenic routes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the beauty of Amherst and its surroundings with the convenience of a rental car.
Explore Local Attractions. A rental car allows you to easily visit attractions like the Emily Dickinson Museum, the Mead Art Museum, and the Beneski Museum of Natural History, all without being constrained by public transport schedules.
Visit Surrounding Areas. Amherst is close to other interesting towns and natural areas. With a car, you can easily drive to nearby scenic spots and enjoy day trips at your convenience.
Convenience and Comfort. Especially if you're travelling with family or carrying luggage, a rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to get around Amherst.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Amherst
Before renting a car in Amherst, ensure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises. Here’s what you need to know.
Area
Approximately 27.7 square miles
Population
Around 39,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Exploring local attractions and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during school days
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Amherst require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage is available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the car’s return, provided there are no damages.
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 it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS 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 / $30 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $60 / €55 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $70 / €65 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $35 / €33 per day
SUV:
from £35 / $40 / €38 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand leads to prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often offers 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?
To ensure a smooth rental experience, follow these steps when booking a car in Amherst.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your dates and needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel requirements, 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 better availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Amherst
Amherst is a vibrant college town known for its cultural attractions and beautiful scenery. Renting a car allows you to easily explore all that Amherst and the surrounding area have to offer.
Amherst is home to several prestigious institutions, including Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The town offers a mix of academic charm and natural beauty. While public transportation is available, a car provides the flexibility to visit nearby attractions and scenic spots at your own pace. Before driving, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Emily Dickinson Museum
Explore the historic home of the famous poet.
Mead Art Museum
Discover a diverse collection of art spanning various periods and cultures.
Beneski Museum of Natural History
Explore exhibits on geology, paleontology, and zoology.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use town-operated garages for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to time limits and parking regulations when using on-street parking.
University Parking
During certain times, parking may be available on the UMass Amherst campus.
Gas Stations in Amherst
Local Gas Stations
Find gas stations along major routes such as Route 9 and Route 116.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, Mobil, and Irving in and around Amherst.
Refuelling Tips
Plan your refuelling stops, especially if you're planning longer drives outside of town.
Useful Tips for Visiting Amherst
Check Traffic Conditions
Stay updated on local traffic, especially during school days and events.
Observe Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits to ensure safe driving.
Be Mindful of Pedestrians
Amherst is a pedestrian-friendly town, so be alert and cautious.
Plan Extra Travel Time
Allow extra time during peak hours to account for moderate traffic conditions.
Key Transportation Hubs in Amherst
Major Bus Stations
PVTA Bus Routes
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) provides bus services in and around Amherst.
Railway Stations
Nearest Amtrak Station
The nearest Amtrak station is in Northampton, approximately 15 minutes away by car.
Airports
Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Located approximately 50 miles south of Amherst in Windsor Locks, CT.
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF)
Located about 30 miles southwest of Amherst in Westfield, MA.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Amherst?
Renting a car in Amherst is straightforward, provided you meet a few essential requirements.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required 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.
Meh. Kinda pricey.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Amherst lived up to the hype; renting a car was a breeze. The college town feel was a bit overwhelming.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 02.12.2024
Amherst was a delightful surprise! Renting a car made getting around incredibly easy, allowing me to explore freely. The campus was beautiful, although the local museum's cafe was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
So glad we rented a car in Amherst! Exploring the town and surrounding areas was a breeze. We discovered such charming spots and enjoyed the freedom of the open road.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Great weekend seeing friends; Amherst's charm was easily accessible.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Amherst was a gem! First time visiting, and having a car let me easily explore all the charming corners. So much to see!
Benjamin Davis
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Charming town! Having a car made exploring Amherst so easy during our road trip. We loved the local shops and the beautiful scenery.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 24.08.2024