Rent a car in Groton, Connecticut, and you’ll find yourself in a New England town settled by Europeans in the 17th century. From the tumult of the revolution to a key strategic role in world wars, Groton has a rich past, and is also known as the ‘Submarine Capital of the World’.

Collect your rental car from our Groton office close to Groton-New London Airport, and just minutes from the town itself. Explore to your heart’s content in a vehicle that fits the bill for you, whether it’s something compact for a quick business visit or an SUV with generous space for family trips.

There’s history and heritage everywhere you drive in this region, with Providence to the northeast and Hartford to the northwest. Magical Mystic is only a few minutes away from Groton by rental car. If you want to take a longer road trip, both Boston and New York are only two to three hours away from Groton.

Reserve car rental in Groton with Hertz today.

Groton Locations

A Quick Guide to Groton

The Submarine Force Museum

1 Crystal Lake Road, CT, 06340

This is the home of the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine – and you can board it at this essential place to visit in Groton. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the sub in question – the USS Nautilus – then discover tens of thousands of artifacts including mini-subs, periscopes, a control room, models and more.

Bluff Point State Park

55 Depot Road, CT, 06340

This sublime stretch of undeveloped land on Long Island South in Groton is where you want to head on the sunniest days.

There are 800 acres of this unspoiled riverside park, with hiking and biking trails, fishing, forests, and plentiful places to picnic. Head south along the coastal reserve from here to reach Bushy Point Beach.

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Park Avenue & Monument Street, CT, 06340

Learn more about the American Revolutionary War at this state park that played a vital role in the early stages. Named for Matthew Griswold, a deputy governor who led the fort in its defense of New London port in a battle of 1781. There are numerous monuments here, and historic houses nearby.

Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa

625 North Road, CT, 06340

Closer to Groton than it is to Mystic, this hotel provides a perfect base for exploring both towns. It’s a cut above most chain hotels, with luxurious bedding, an indoor pool and the Mynd Spa, an oasis for relaxation. There’s also a superb steakhouse and extensive meeting space, hence its popularity with business travelers entertaining clients and colleagues. You and easily park up your Groton rental car here, thanks to on-site parking.

The Spa at Norwich Inn

607 West Thames Street, CT, 06360

A few miles north of Groton, this exceptional boutique hotel is set within 42 acres of woodland, providing a luxe retreat close to casinos, golf courses and the river. Numerous treatments are available, and the lavish rooms themselves will help you unwind. The Inn’s restaurant, Kensington’s, is open all day for dishes both healthy and indulgent. Oh and enjoy free parking for your Groton rental car.

Spicer Mansion

15 Elm Street, CT, 06355

This historic mansion just down the road in Mystic was once the home of a local sea captain and has stood proud here since 1853. Rooms have a subtle nautical theme and are decorated with muted colors and enviable furniture. Service is discreet, and the on-site restaurant a real treat.

Paul’s Pasta Shop

223 Thames Street, CT, 06340

Family-run since 1988, this gregarious and generous eatery is the place for pasta in Groton. The lovely river views are a great accompaniment to fettucine Alfredo, linguini primavera and house specialties such as an oozing five cheese lasagna. If you’re staying locally, they do take out too.

Mystic Pizza

56 West Main Street, Mystic, CT, 06355

Pizza pilgrims have been coming here even before the popular 1988 film that cemented its legend (at busy times, you might have to line up for your ‘slice of heaven’). There’s a large selection of pies that ranges from the basic to the funky – don’t miss the moussaka pizza or the seafood delight with clams, shrimp and scallops.

Sneekers Cafe

568 Poquonnock Road, CT, 06340

If you’re wanting some gameday atmosphere, head to Sneekers, an unpretentious but garrulous place that also throws in live music with its menu of comfort food classics. You can get your fingers sticky on the wonderful wings, build your own burger and even feast on plump scallops coated in panko breadcrumbs.

Driving In and Around Groton

  • 2 Latham St (06340) is a small, free parking lot close to both the Thames River and Ebenezer Avery House and Museum which is perfect if you’re visiting Groton’s attractions by rental car.
  • B Lot (06340) is situated where Eastern Point Road and Poquonnock Road meet, only moments from the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard.

 

  • Interstate 95 (I-95) runs east to west through Groton, crossing the Thames River to connect it with New London, which it was once part of. It leads northeast to Providence and Boston, and west along the coast to New Haven and New York.
  • Interstate 395 (I-395) is a spur of the I-95. It begins just across the river from Groton in New London and leads north through Norwich and into Massachusetts.
  • US Route 1 (US 1) goes east to west all along the coastline of Connecticut, running over 117 miles and sometimes overlapping with the I-95. Follow it from Groton in your rental car for the state’s most scenic drive.

 

How to Get From Groton to New York

It takes approximately three hours to drive from Groton by rental car to the Big Apple, following the coast southwest.

  1. Join the I-95 South and stay on it when you enter New York.
  2. Follow signs for Robert F. Kennedy Bridge / Manhattan and fork left for I-278 West.
  3. Leave I-278 West at Exit 46 for Manhattan.
  4. After the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, go left on to the FDR Drive South Exit.
  5. Follow for the heart of Manhattan.

 

How to Get From Groton to Boston

Traffic permitting, it should take around two hours to drive northeast to beautiful Boston from Groton by rental car. Follow signs for I-95 North then take Exit 12 for I-93 North for Boston.