$74 Car Rental Amherst, MA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Amherst

Renting a car in Amherst, Massachusetts, is an excellent choice for college visitors, nature lovers, and cultural explorers. With your own vehicle, you have the freedom to explore attractions at your own pace, allowing for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. For those interested in culture, you can visit Amherst College, a historic university, or the modern University of Massachusetts Amherst, both located within the city. If you're keen on outdoor experiences, a short drive of 13 miles will take you to Historic Deerfield Village, a charming historic site. A rental car also makes it convenient to discover nearby cities. Northampton, just 7 miles away, features not only the University of Massachusetts Amherst but also Smith College and Historic Northampton. Additionally, Holyoke and Easthampton, located 13 and 11 miles from Amherst respectively, offer further cultural attractions, including Mount Holyoke College and Nashawannuck Pond. Whether you're seeking educational opportunities, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, having a rental car enhances your journey through and around Amherst, ensuring you can explore all it has to offer without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Amherst

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV is particularly well-suited for those looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural attractions in and around Amherst, providing ample space for both passengers and gear, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact car fits 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for navigating the city streets of Amherst or venturing out to nearby areas. Its size allows for easy parking and maneuverability while still offering enough room for your belongings, making it a practical choice for your trip.
• Fullsize: With the capacity to carry 5 travelers and hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is perfect for families or groups. This option provides additional space and comfort for longer journeys or day trips in and around Amherst, allowing you to enjoy the flexibility of your travel plans while accommodating everyone and their luggage comfortably.

Top rated car suppliers in Amherst

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in Amherst, with one convenient location in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility and variety of vehicles available, particularly Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars. Customers highlight Enterprise's exceptional customer service, including helpful staff and efficient check-in processes. This supplier is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable rental experience while exploring the attractions in and around Amherst.

Where to go in and around Amherst

• Northampton: Located 7 miles away from Amherst, Northampton is a vibrant city known for its cultural and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the historic and modern college universities, such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Smith College. Key attractions include the Historic Northampton museum, which offers insights into local history. The city is especially popular in April, July, and September, making it a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy music concerts and outdoor events.
• Holyoke: Situated 13 miles from Amherst, Holyoke is a city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts. It features attractions like Mount Holyoke College, a historic university, and the Big E, an arena known for its family-friendly events. The MassMutual Center also hosts various conferences and events. With steady visitor numbers year-round, Holyoke is an excellent option for those seeking city experiences combined with outdoor activities.
• Easthampton: About 11 miles from Amherst, Easthampton is ideal for outdoor adventures and family experiences. The area includes notable sites like Smith College and Nashawannuck Pond, which offers picturesque views and opportunities for relaxation. The city draws visitors primarily from June to August, making it a perfect summer getaway for hiking and enjoying local theater performances. Easthampton is a welcoming destination for families and nature lovers alike.

10 tips to save on your Amherst car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance typically allows you to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are usually more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge associated with picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Amherst

The best time to rent a car in and around Amherst is September, when prices are at their lowest and demand is moderate. This month offers great value, making it an ideal choice for travelers. Following closely, March and May also present slightly low prices with average demand, providing good opportunities to rent. However, June is the most expensive month for rentals, with higher prices and moderate demand continuing into July. August then sees slightly high prices with average demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.7°F (-3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
February	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	34.7°F (1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	66.0°F (18.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
July	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
October	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	32.0°F (0.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Amherst

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Amherst into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Amherst and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Amherst

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Amherst. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Amherst

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $74.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals