Car Rental in Amherst | Book at Unbeatable Prices

1. What is the cost of renting a car in Amherst?

Renting a car in Amherst may vary depending on the model of the car and the rental period. On average, you can expect to pay around $40 to $70 per day for a standard car. It's always suggested to compare prices from different rental services for the best deals.

2. What car model is most frequently rented in Amherst?

Considering the unique characteristics of Amherst, compact cars and sedans are usually the most popular categories due to their ease of navigation in the town's narrow and winding roads.

3. Where are the most convenient places to rent a car in Amherst?

The most popular places to rent a car in Amherst are around the town center and near the two principal airports, the Logan International Airport and the Bradley International Airport.

4. Does Amherst offer 24-hour car rental pick-up and drop-off services?

Yes, most car rental services in Amherst offer 24-hour pick-up and drop-off, but it's always a good idea to confirm these details with the rental company directly.

5. Is there a minimum rental period?

Most rental services have a minimum rental period of 24 hours. However, some companies may offer hourly rentals for short-term needs.

6. What is the minimum age to rent a car in Amherst?

The minimum age requirement for car rentals in Amherst is typically 21. However, renters aged 21 to 24 may incur a "young driver surcharge".

7. What documentation do I need to rent or drive a car in Amherst?

To rent a car in Amherst, you will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card. International renters may also need an international driving permit, besides their home country driver's license.

8. When is the best time of year to visit Amherst by car?

The best time to visit Amherst by car is from May to October when the weather is most conducive for driving and to enjoy outdoor activities.

9. What are the primary airports in Amherst?

Amherst is primarily served by two airports: the Logan International Airport and the Bradley International Airport.

10. Can I pick up the car in Amherst and drop it off in another city?

Yes, most car rental companies offer the option to pick up the car in one location and drop it off at another. However, this may be subject to additional fees.

1. Amherst - Boston: Approximately 135 kilometers away, driving time approximately 1.5 hours via I-90 E. Road is well-maintained and scenic.
2. Amherst - New York City: Roughly 360 kilometers, 3.5 hours driving via I-684 S. This route passes through some beautiful landscapes.
3. Amherst - Albany: Close to 120 kilometers, around 1.5 hours driving via I-90 W. The route offers some wonderful views of the countryside.
4. Amherst - Springfield: Around 30 kilometers, a short 30 minutes drive via I-91 S. Swift, smooth and well-paved roadway.
5. Amherst - Providence: A distance of about 115 kilometers, roughly 1.5 hours driving via I-90 E and MA-146 S. This route offers a mixture of cityscape and countryside view.
6. Amherst - Worcester: Roughly 65 kilometers, about an hour driving via MA-9 E. A relatively quick drive with good road conditions.
7. Amherst - Pittsfield: Approximately 80 kilometers, about an hour and 15 minutes via US-202 W. A picturesque drive bound to entertain you throughout.

1. What is the speed limit in Amherst?

The speed limit in Amherst typically varies between 25 mph to 45 mph, depending on the road type and region. Always look for posted signs for the appropriate speed limit.

2. Can I legally drive with an international driving license in Amherst?

Yes, as long as the license is valid, you can drive in Amherst. However, the law does state that if you are residing in Massachusetts for more than a year, you must acquire a Massachusetts driver’s license.

3. What should I know about speed cameras in Amherst?

Amherst does use speed cameras for traffic enforcement, so it's crucial to adhere to the speed limit at all times. Fines can result from infractions captured by these cameras.

4. Are there any toll roads in the Amherst area?

Yes, there are some toll roads in and around Amherst. The Mass Pike (Interstate 90) and certain bridges and tunnels in the state charge tolls. It is advisable to keep some change handy or set up an E-ZPass account if frequently using these routes.

5. What side of the road do people drive on?

In Amherst, as in the rest of the country, driving is on the right side of the road.

6. Are there any special driving rules in Amherst?

Amherst drivers must abide by the same rules as the rest of Massachusetts. These include no texting while driving, coming to a complete stop at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

7. How congested can traffic be in Amherst?

While traffic can vary depending on the time of day and year, Amherst isn't typically known for heavy traffic. However, certain events, like University of Massachusetts football games, can cause temporary traffic spikes.

8. How safe is driving in Amherst?

Amherst is generally considered a safe place to drive, but as with any location, it's important to always be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively.

9. Can I drive in Amherst with a learner’s permit?

Yes, as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience.

10. How do I know if a road in Amherst is one-way?

One-way streets will be clearly indicated with signs. Make sure to look for these before turning onto a street.

11. What rules apply to passing other cars in Amherst?

Passing should be performed on the left side. However, on roads with multiple lanes, you can pass vehicles on the right side if they are moving slower.

12. Where can I find traffic updates for Amherst?

Local radio stations often provide traffic updates on the hour. Also, there are several online resources and mobile applications that offer real-time traffic updates.

13. Are there carpool rules in Amherst?

There are no specific carpool rules or lanes in Amherst. However, carpooling is always encouraged to help reduce traffic and emissions.

14. What pedestrian laws should I be aware of in Amherst?

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and it is illegal to pass cars stopped at crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks.

15. What place does roadwork usually have in traffic in Amherst?

Any ongoing roadwork will be clearly marked with signs. Roadwork can cause temporary changes to speed limits and lane usage, so it's important to pay attention to these signs and to reduce speed as needed.

1. Emily Dickinson Museum: Delve into the life and works of one of America’s most renowned poets.
2. Amherst College Museum of Natural History: Witness impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and minerals.
3. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Enjoy an array of illustrative art from famous children's books.
4. Hitchcock Center for the Environment: Discover environmental science through interactive exhibits and trails.
5. Yiddish Book Center: Explore the world's largest collection of Yiddish books and Jewish culture activities.
6. Mount Holyoke Range State Park: Enjoy nature by hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, or bird watching.
7. Jones Library: Visit Amherst’s historic library with an array of local history collections.
8. Puffers Pond: Relax by this quaint pond, perfect for a picnic or a swimming adventure.

1. Amherst to Boston: A scenic 154km drive which takes you through stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and trendy cities, such as Worcester.
2. Amherst to Cape Cod: This 217km route will show you Massachusetts' coastline beauty, with stops in Worcester and Plymouth along the way.
3. Historic Route 20: Stretching for 196km, this journey offers a trip back in time with historic sites and landmarks en route from Amherst to Boston.
4. Amherst to New York City: A longer 290km journey which lets you encounter the bustling metropolis of NYC after a ride across beautiful rural and suburban landscapes.
5. Mohawk Trail: Explore 160km of New England's historic roads. The route winds through the Berkshire Mountains, featuring breath-taking views.
6. Amherst to Providence: A 127km trip which takes you through various quaint New England towns and offers a glance at the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.