Boston driving guide

Boston is a city rich in history and beautiful architecture. Navigating the road network and parking in Boston can be challenging, but with our comprehensive driving guide, getting around Beantown can be simple and convenient.

Boston is speckled with all manner of monuments and landmarks to explore. But merely mentioning these sites isn’t enough to capture their appeal. You’ll have to experience this excitement for yourself first-hand – and what better way to do so by hitting the road for a real American adventure?

At-a-glance info:

In this guide:

• Driving rules in Boston
• Speed limits in Boston
• Toll roads in and around Boston
• Boston’s driving license requirements
• Parking in Boston
• Electric car charging in Boston
• Quick driving tips for Boston
• Frequently asked questions

Driving rules in Boston

Boston’s driving rules are quite similar to many major urban areas across the US. Even so, there are some rules that you’ll need to be particularly mindful of before setting out to tour the city.

• Cell Phones: You must be over 18 years to use your phone or any other electronic device in hands-free mode only when driving.
• Age to rent a car: You must be 21 years or older to get a car rental in the state of Massachusetts. However, rental companies can impose restrictions or charge a higher price for drivers under the age of 25. 
• Seat belts: Everyone in the vehicle must lock their belts when driving. Children under the age of eight years or shorter than 57 inches must be strapped into a car seat.
• Headlights: Drivers must have their headlights on half an hour before sunrise and after sunset to improve driving visibility. You must also turn your headlights on when it’s misting even if you have your windshield wipers on.
• Carpool/HOV Lanes: Boston has HOV lanes on highways designated for vehicles with two or more passengers.

Speed limits in Boston

As a major metropolitan area, Boston speed limits differ depending on which area of the city you’re driving through. However, the default driving speed is 25mph.

Always check for any signposts or street signs displaying the speed limit in Boston when driving.

Toll roads in and around Boston

Boston has about five major tolls on highways connecting the capital to other cities in the state of Massachusetts. When driving through these tolls, you’ll notice designated lanes for an E-ZPass. What this means is that these lanes automatically charge you when you pass if you’re registered for an E-ZPass.

Drivers without an E-ZPass can pay via the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Pay By Plate system or get an invoice for the total amount of the toll later with no surcharges.

The Massachusetts Turnpike

This is Massachusetts east-west highway connecting Boston to other cities such as Worcester and Springfield. It offers fast and low-traffic travel and is connected to Logan International Airport.

From: Springfield

To: Boston

Passenger car cash toll:

• $7.10 (eastbound)
• $5.10 (eastbound) from Exit 1 to Exit 26 in a 2-axle passenger vehicle
• $10.60 (westbound)
• $8.60 (westbound) from Exit 26 to Exit 1
• Total round trip $13.70

Passenger car E-ZPass toll

• $6.85 (eastbound)
• $9.85 (westbound)

How to pay

You can pay your toll once or over sections of the Turnpike, depending on the length of your trip. All tolls on the Massachusetts turnpike are cashless. Drivers can pay through a compatible transponder service (E-ZPass), Pay by Plate or mail invoice.

Callahan Tunnel

Callahan Tunnel is one of three road tunnels that pass beneath Boston Harbor and is one of the city’s busiest. Usually, the tunnel is used to direct traffic out of the city and collects traffic from downtown Boston or the I-93 southbound.

From: North End

To: Logan International Airport, Route 1A in East Boston

Cost for car/truck

• $1.50 for 2-axle vehicles (non-commercial) with E-ZPass
• $.175 for 2-axle vehicles (non-commercial) without E-ZPass
• $2.05 for all vehicles without E-ZPass

How to pay: Tolls on the Callahan Tunnel are cashless. Vehicles without an E-ZPass can pay via the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Pay By Plate system. Residents who live in certain ZIP Codes can also get a $0.20 discount when using an E-ZPass transponder.

Sumner Tunnel Toll

This historic monument was the first traffic tunnel built in Massachusetts during the 1930s. Located on Route 1A South, the tunnel directs traffic from Logan International Airport to Boston/I-93. 

From: Logan International Airport

To: Boston/I-93

Cost for car/truck

• $1.50 for 2-axle vehicles (non-commercial) with E-ZPass
• $.175 for 2-axle vehicles (non-commercial) without E-ZPass
• $3.50 for other non-commercial vehicles
• $5.25 for other commercial vehicles

How to pay: Tolls on the Sumner Tunnel are cashless. Vehicles without an E-ZPass can pay via the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Pay by Plate system.

Ted Williams Tunnel

Located on the I-90, the Ted Williams Tunnel is a major route that was part of the ‘Big Dig’ project to update the Boston Central Artery highway system. Situated 90 feet below the Boston Harbor, it is the deepest tunnel in North America.

From: South Boston

To: Logan International Airport

Cost for car:

• $1.50 for 2-axle vehicles (non-commercial) with E-ZPass
• $.175 for 2-axle vehicles (non-commercial) without E-ZPass
• $3.50 for non-commercial vehicles
• $5.25 for commercial vehicles

How to pay: As a cashless facility, you can either pay via the E-ZPass or Pay by Plate (MassDOT).

Tobin Memorial Bridge

The Tobin Bridge ferries about 85,000 vehicles daily over the Mystic River from Boston to Chelsea. It was constructed between 1948 to 1950 and is the largest bridge in New England, spanning more than two miles.

From: Boston

To: Chelsea

Cost for car:

• $1.55 for passenger car pay-by-plate toll (both directions)
• $1.25 for passenger car E-ZPass (both directions)

How to pay: Payment on the Tobin Memorial Bridge is made via E-ZPass transponder or Pay by Plate.

Discounts

Drivers that register for an E-ZPass will get discounted toll rates. The same applies for Fast Lane Carpool drivers with a minimum of two passengers and a driver. Residents living in North End and South Boston also receive discounts on toll rates for tunnels.

Driving with a rental

If you’re driving along any Massachusetts toll road with a rental and don’t add the rental’s license plate number to your E-ZPass account, tolls fees and extra services may be billed to the rental company.

Boston’s driving license requirements

Applying for a driver’s license or the right to drive in Boston varies depending on where you’re from:

For Boston residents

You can get a driver’s license, a learner’s permit or a Mass ID. To begin the application, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Proof of Massachusetts residency.
• Proof of your social security number.
• Proof of citizenship.
• All documents must be original, and no laminated or photocopied documents will be accepted.
• Your current name must match the one that appears in the documents.
• A single document cannot be used to prove more than one requirement.

Transferring out of state

If you’re from another state and moving permanently to Boston, you’ll need to change over your driver’s license. You won’t have to retake a road test if your license is valid and non-expired. You’ll need to provide acceptable forms of identification to meet the following requirements:

• Proof of social security number. (Original social security card, a pay stub from US employer, W-2 form etc.)
• Proof of legal citizenship. (Valid US Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Citizenship etc.)
• Proof of Residency in the Given State. (RMV Issue documents, Mortgage or Lease Paperwork, Official State or Federal Documents, Financial statements, Utility bills etc.)

For foreign visitors

All foreign drivers must meet the following requirements to drive in Massachusetts:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must own a valid driver’s license.
• Can only operate vehicles in Massachusetts of the same class as mentioned in the foreign license.
• Driver must not be revoked or suspended.
• If the license is not in English or without an English translation, then the driver must be in possession of either of the following:

1. (An International Driving Permit (IDP)
2. An acceptable translation of the license in English.
3. A different translation document that contains a photo of the driver with an English translation that matches the information in the International Driving Permit.

Parking in Boston

There are dozens of parking lots in Boston’s city center which offer hundreds of convenient parking spaces. Securing one of these spaces can be very convenient, especially if you plan on touring the city for the whole day.

Check out some central and affordable parking lots in Boston to give you easy access to some of Beantown’s most exhilarating sights and sounds. 

Garage at Post Office Square

This convenient parking lot is situated right in the heart of Boston’s city center and provides affordable parking for revelers touring the city. Located along Congress Street, it provides easy access to landmarks such as Post Office Square and Boston’s bubbling financial district. The parking lot offers electric car charging and up to 1000 parking spaces.  

Location: 130 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02109

Cost (per hour or per day): Open Monday to Sunday. Booking starts at $10. The lowest fee is $9 for half an hour and $40 for 24 hours.

How to pay: Payment is on foot and done by credit or debit card.

One Beacon Garage

Located along the iconic Tremont Street, this underground parking lot is perfect for foodies looking to sample the culinary delights of Boston nearby. The lot is situated next to restaurants like Sushi at 24 and The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Plus, with 575 spaces and electric charging available, booking early almost always guarantees space.

Location: 1 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

Cost (per hour or per day): Open Monday to Sunday. Booking starts at $11. The lowest fee is $10 for 20 minutes and $43 for 24 hours.

How to pay: Payment is done on foot by cash, credit or debit card

International Place Garage

This spacious parking lot is in one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers, Two International Place. With 826 spaces available, it gives you convenient access to the east of the city. You can take the nearby Rowes Wharf Ferry Terminal and visit Marina Park or dine at the Empire Restaurant – an all-you-can-eat buffet themed eatery offering some of the finest sushi in the city.

Location: 55 Purchase Street, Boston, MA 02110

Cost (per hour or per day): Open Monday to Sunday. Booking starts at $10. The lowest fee is $9 for 20 minutes and $42 for 24 hours.

How to pay: Payment is by cash or by card.

Street parking in Boston

Street parking on Sundays is free. You can park your vehicle anywhere in the Metro area without worrying about a ticket. You’ll have to move your car by Monday morning though. The same applies to major federal holidays.

Meter parking is enforced Monday to Saturday. However, you can park for free at certain times in metered spots but not residential areas.

You can also access three-hour parking for just $1 at the Haymarket Center Garage. If you’re in south Boston, check out 12 Channel St Parking which offers free parking for the first two hours.

Boston parking app

Boston’s parking app, ParkBoston, provides a smooth user experience and added functionality to make parking payments much easier. You can select from over 7,000 parking spots in Boston and use the app to quickly book and pay for parking. 

Electric car charging in Boston

Boston has over 550 charging stations, with 92% of the stations as level 2 and 7% level 3. Over 60% of the charging stations offer free charging and the main networks that operate the stations are ChargePoint, Tesla and SemaConnect.

Quick driving tips for Boston

Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you start your Boston adventure:

1. Choose a small rental if possible - Many of Boston’s streets and roads follow lanes and pathways constructed for animal and people traffic in the 17^th century. As the city expanded, many of the connecting roads followed these old pathways, creating small roads and unusual intersections. Sometimes, the smaller the car, the better.
2. Avoid rush hour times when driving through Boston - Be mindful of the city’s rush hour times or else you’ll find yourself in gridlock. The worst times to be on the road are between 6am-10am, during the city’s morning rush hour. Make sure to avoid the evening rush hour as well between 4pm-7pm. The gridlock generally worsens on Thursdays and Fridays as people exit offices earlier in anticipation of the weekend. You’ll also find a lot of traffic around venues and arenas during game days, especially around TD Garden and Fenway Park.
3. Follow road rules and instructions - To stay safe on the road, always follow the rules to avoid getting tickets for missed street signs and to ensure pedestrians’ safety. 
4. Turn signals aren’t always given - Many drivers in Boston don’t use turn signals. They use them more for emergencies rather than to signal a turn. So, when drivers are looking to cut across traffic, always keep your distance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of day to drive in Boston?

The best time to drive in Boston is between 10am to 4pm, the off-peak time between the morning and evening rush hour, especially if you plan to tour Boston’s city center.

Is driving in Boston difficult?

Driving in Boston can be challenging due to the narrow, meandering paths. The city also experiences harsh winter storms which can sometimes cause a lot of congestion.

When is rush hour in Boston?

The morning rush hour in Boston is between 6am-10am while the evening rush hour is between 4pm-7pm. Boston has high congestion especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

How much is a speeding ticket in Boston?

Drivers who go over the speed limit are given a $100 fine for any speed up to 10 miles above the speed limits. The fine then increases by $10 for each mile posted above the 10-mile threshold. So, if you recorded 15mph above the speed limit, that means your fine would be $150. If you were found speeding in a posted work zone, the fine calculated above would double. For more information on driving in the wider Massachusetts area, check out our Massachusetts driving guide.

Now that you know more about driving in Boston, are you ready to take on the city’s most exciting sights and sounds? Rent a car with Hertz today and start your Boston city adventure.

Get ready for your trip to Boston

Your Boston adventure doesn’t end here – in fact, there’s still so much more to explore in this eclectic city. Find out more in our detailed guides on:

• Best hotels in Boston
• Best things to do in Boston
• Boston’s neighborhoods