Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Salem
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Salem
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Salem
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Salem
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
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.
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 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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Our clients rate such place as Salem 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.
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Low-key charming
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.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Such a fun weekend getaway! Getting around Salem with a car was easy, and I saw so much.
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!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Relaxed and pleasant.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Pretty mellow, overall.
Olivia Lee
Reviewed: 24.11.2024
Salem was fun, seeing friends there made it perfect. The Witch Museum felt a bit touristy, though.
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 08.06.2025
Okay, kinda underwhelming. Witch Museum pricey.
Noah Martinez
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
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Salem was a delightful surprise! Exploring the historic streets by car was so convenient. I'll definitely be back.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 06.01.2025