$48 Car Rental Amherst, MA

These Amherst insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 28, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Amherst

Renting a car in Amherst, Massachusetts, offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Emily Dickinson Museum, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and the UMass Fine Arts Center, all located within the city. Additionally, you can venture to nearby cities like Northampton, just 7 miles away, to see the Smith College Botanic Garden and Historic Northampton, or Hadley, only 4 miles from Amherst, where you can explore the Hadley Farm Museum. For those looking to travel a bit further, Holyoke is 13 miles away and features the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Renting a car also makes luggage management simple and allows for spontaneous travel plans, making it ideal for families, culture enthusiasts, or outdoor adventurers. Whether you want to enjoy the vibrant cultural scene or explore the scenic landscapes, having a car provides the convenience necessary to fully experience all that Amherst and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rental in Amherst

• Economy: The most booked car option in Amherst, the economy vehicle comfortably accommodates up to 5 travelers along with 2 medium suitcases. This type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to explore the area with the flexibility of managing their luggage easily. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating through town and finding parking, allowing you to enjoy your trip at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Amherst

• Enterprise: With one rental location in Amherst, Enterprise is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for its diverse fleet, the most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it easy to find the perfect ride for your adventure. Enjoy the freedom to explore the attractions in and around Amherst at your own pace while managing your luggage with ease.

Where to stay around Amherst

• Northampton: Located 7 miles from Amherst, Northampton is known for its vibrant culture and outdoor experiences. Popular attractions include the Smith College Botanic Garden, perfect for families and romantic outings, and Historic Northampton, a museum that showcases local history. Adventure seekers can enjoy Paradise Pond, a scenic water feature. The city also offers diverse dining options including wineries and sweet treats, making it a great place to stay for those looking to explore both urban and natural landscapes.
• Hadley: Just 4 miles from Amherst, Hadley provides a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Key points of interest include the Hadley Farm Museum, which gives insight into the region's history, and the Historic Summit House, a national state park ideal for outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Visitors can also explore the Porter Phelps Huntington Museum for a taste of local culture. With its access to vineyards and wineries, Hadley is a charming spot for those who appreciate both history and nature.
• Holyoke: Situated 13 miles from Amherst, Holyoke is a family-friendly destination with a mix of city life and outdoor activities. Significant attractions include the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, a must-see for sports enthusiasts, and Mountain Park, a neighborhood perfect for city explorations. Holyoke Community College adds an educational aspect to the city, while the variety of nearby restaurants and wineries ensures a delightful culinary experience for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Amherst

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly prices, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to access lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically 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 fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. 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 on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports usually incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
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 mild. March and April also offer slightly lower prices with average demand, making them good shoulder months. June tends to be the most expensive time, with higher prices and moderate demand. Meanwhile, July and August are busier months, with slightly high prices and strong demand, creating a notable increase in rental activity.

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	Moderately Low	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	Average	Slightly Low
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
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	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	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 $48.

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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