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Cheapest Car Rental 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 rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Amherst?
Amherst is a charming town brimming with historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes. While local transport options are available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore Amherst and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore the Five Colleges Area. Having a car allows you to easily visit the campuses of Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as well as other attractions spread throughout the region.
Visit Emily Dickinson Museum. Immerse yourself in literary history by visiting the Emily Dickinson Museum, a short drive from downtown Amherst.
Discover Local Farms and Orchards. Enjoy fresh produce and scenic views by visiting local farms and orchards, which are more easily accessible with a car.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Amherst
Before booking a rental car in Amherst, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions. These include age requirements, driver's license requirements, insurance policies, mileage restrictions, and additional fees.
Area
27.7 square miles (71.7 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 39,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring the Pioneer Valley
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Amherst require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals typically include basic insurance. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Amherst – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees 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 Amherst?
To book a car in Amherst, compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Amherst
Amherst offers a blend of academic charm and natural beauty. It is ideal for exploring the Pioneer Valley, which is best done with a car, enabling easy access to attractions beyond the town center.
As a vibrant college town, Amherst is known for its intellectual atmosphere, historical sites, and scenic landscapes. Whether you're visiting for academic purposes, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying the town's cultural offerings, there's something for everyone. While Amherst has local transportation options, renting a car is a practical choice for venturing beyond the town to the wider Pioneer Valley region.
Top Attractions to Discover
Emily Dickinson Museum
Explore the home of the renowned poet, Emily Dickinson.
Amherst College
Visit the historic campus of Amherst College, known for its beautiful architecture and academic excellence.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Discover the world of picture book art at this unique museum.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Find convenient parking in downtown Amherst at public parking garages.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.
College Parking
Parking may be available on college campuses, but check for visitor parking regulations.
Gas Stations in Amherst
Main Street
Find gas stations along Main Street and other major roads.
Local Brands
Look for familiar brands like Shell, Mobil, and local stations.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Amherst
Check Event Schedules
Be aware of college events that may affect traffic and parking.
Explore Local Trails
Take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in the area.
Visit During Fall Foliage
Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage in the Pioneer Valley.
Allow Extra Time
Factor in extra time for travel during peak seasons.
Key Transportation Hubs in Amherst
Major Bus Stations
PVTA Bus Routes
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) provides local bus service throughout Amherst and the surrounding region.
Railway Stations
Amtrak Station (Northampton)
The nearest Amtrak station is located in Northampton, approximately 15 minutes from Amherst.
Airports
Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Located approximately 50 miles south of Amherst in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF)
A smaller airport located in Westfield, Massachusetts, offering limited commercial flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Amherst?
Renting a car in Amherst is a simple process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements.
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car 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.
A passport or other form of photo identification may be required.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Amherst as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Low-key charming
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Amherst was perfect for a weekend getaway! Exploring with my rental car was so convenient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Meh. Kinda pricey.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
Amherst was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a rental car made exploring so easy!
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 28.01.2025
Loved exploring Amherst! Getting around was a breeze thanks to a rental car, and I found some really charming spots. Highly recommend!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Amherst was wonderful! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy, and I loved the relaxed pace.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Amherst was great; having a car made family sightseeing easy. The local ice cream, however, was a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Harris
Reviewed: 21.08.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 08.12.2024