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Car rental in Salem - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Salem

Salem

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Salem

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Salem

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Salem

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Salem?

Salem is a city steeped in history and brimming with attractions, from its infamous witch trial sites to its vibrant waterfront. While walking is a great way to experience downtown Salem, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the surrounding North Shore and beyond.

Historical Exploration: A car allows you to easily visit multiple historical sites, museums, and landmarks, not just within Salem but also in neighboring towns like Marblehead and Gloucester.

Coastal Scenery: The North Shore boasts breathtaking coastal views. With a rental car, you can explore scenic routes like the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway at your own pace.

Flexibility and Convenience: Public transportation can be limited, especially when venturing outside of Salem. A rental car provides the flexibility to create your own itinerary and visit attractions on your schedule.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Salem

Before renting a car in Salem, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other factors that affect your rental experience.

Area

Approximately 47 square miles

Population

Approximately 45,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Ideal for

Exploring historical sites and coastal areas

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes

Rating

4.0/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Salem require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional surcharges.

2. Driver’s License & 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 & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but you may want to consider additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so check if you need to return the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional features like GPS navigation.

Car Rental Prices in Salem – How Much Does It Cost?

Car rental prices in Salem can vary depending on the season, the type of vehicle, and the rental company. Here are some estimated daily prices:

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £30 / $38 / €34 per day

Classic:

from £25 / $31 / €28 per day

Executive:

from £50 / $63 / €57 per day

7 Seater:

from £60 / $75 / €68 per day

Automatic:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

SUV:

from £30 / $38 / €34 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists visiting during the summer months.

Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts as fewer tourists visit during the colder months.

Car rental prices in Salem fluctuate based on the time of year. Here’s a look at seasonal trends:

How to Book a Car in Salem?

Booking a car in Salem is easy if you follow these simple steps:

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 suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and the type of driving you'll be doing.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.

5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, be sure to bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documentation.

General Information About Salem

Salem, Massachusetts, is a city known for its rich history, particularly its connection to the 1692 witch trials. The city offers a unique blend of historical attractions, cultural experiences, and coastal beauty.

As you explore Salem and its surroundings, it's helpful to be aware of traffic conditions, parking options, and local regulations. Whether you're visiting the Salem Witch Museum, exploring the waterfront, or venturing to nearby coastal towns, planning your transportation can enhance your experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Salem Witch Museum

    Learn about the history of the Salem witch trials.

  • The House of the Seven Gables

    Tour the historic house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous novel.

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site

    Explore Salem's maritime history at this national park.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several public parking garages are available in downtown Salem.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available, but it can be limited, especially during peak season.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride options located outside of the city center and taking public transportation into Salem.

Gas Stations in Salem

  • Main Fuel Chains

    Find gas stations from major brands like Shell, Exxon, and Mobil throughout the Salem area.

  • Refueling Guidance

    Plan your refueling stops in advance, especially if you're planning to explore areas outside of Salem.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Salem

  • Plan Ahead

    Research attractions, parking, and transportation options before your visit.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Factor in extra time for traffic and parking, especially during peak season.

  • Consider Public Transportation

    Utilize public transportation options like buses and commuter rail to avoid traffic congestion.

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes

    Be prepared for walking, as many of Salem's attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Key Transportation Hubs in Salem

Major Bus Stations

Salem Depot

Serves as a major transportation hub for the MBTA Commuter Rail and local bus routes.

Railway Stations

Salem MBTA Commuter Rail Station

Provides commuter rail service to Boston's North Station.

Airports

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Located approximately 16 miles south of Salem, it is the closest major airport.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Salem?

Renting a car in Salem requires a few essential items:

  • A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.

  • A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of identification may be required.

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Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

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This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Salem as

4.5

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.

Salem was a delightful surprise! Exploring the historic streets by car was so convenient. I'll definitely be back.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 06.01.2025

Pretty chill vibe

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 27.01.2025

Low-key charming

KJ

Kai Jensen

Reviewed: 06.12.2024

Salem exceeded my expectations! Having a car made exploring the coastline and charming towns nearby so easy. I loved it.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 19.06.2025

Such a fun weekend getaway! Getting around Salem with a car was easy, and I saw so much.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 19.11.2024

Loved my Salem trip! Meeting friends there was so easy with my rental car; we zipped around, exploring all the witchy sites and cute shops. Highly recommend!

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 02.02.2025

Relaxed and pleasant.

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 13.02.2025

Pretty mellow, overall.

OL

Olivia Lee

Reviewed: 24.11.2024

Salem was fun, seeing friends there made it perfect. The Witch Museum felt a bit touristy, though.

AB

Ava Brown

Reviewed: 12.10.2024

Pretty chill, actually.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 21.12.2024

Pretty relaxed, really.

EC

Ethan Carter

Reviewed: 08.06.2025

Okay, kinda underwhelming. Witch Museum pricey.

NM

Noah Martinez

Reviewed: 13.12.2024

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