Avis Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors navigating the fast-paced life in the Massachusetts Bay Area, particularly within the historic and academic environment of Cambridge, finding reliable car rental services is essential. Avis Car Rental, located at 1 Bennett Street, offers a well-established and centrally located option for securing transportation, whether for a quick errand around the city, a long-distance New England road trip, or a temporary replacement vehicle. This location benefits from being situated in the prestigious Harvard Square area, making it an accessible hub for students, faculty, business travelers, and local families.
Avis, a nationally recognized name in the industry, offers a broad spectrum of vehicles to meet diverse local demands. From nimble economy cars perfect for weaving through tight city streets and finding parking, to spacious SUVs and passenger vans for group travel, their fleet is designed for utility in the Massachusetts environment. The convenience of this location鈥攅asily reached by public transportation鈥攊s a major draw for users in the densely populated urban setting.
While the convenience of a major rental provider in a key location is undeniable, potential renters in the Bay State should approach their reservations with clear expectations regarding the processes and policies. As with any service in a high-demand urban area, it is crucial for customers to carefully document vehicle condition, fully understand all charges (especially concerning fuel and unexpected fees), and confirm the availability of their reserved vehicle class to ensure a smooth, worry-free rental experience. Being prepared and proactive is key to successfully navigating rental services in a busy area like Harvard Square.
The agency鈥檚 operational hours are tailored to accommodate busy schedules, offering early weekend openings鈥攆rom 7:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays鈥攚hich is particularly helpful for those looking to get an early start on weekend excursions out of the city. Weekday operations typically run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The Avis Car Rental location at 1 Bennett Street is exceptionally well-placed in the heart of Cambridge, making it one of the most accessible spots for car rental in the region.
Address: 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
This branch is situated inside The Charles Hotel, right next to Harvard Square, a major transportation node in Cambridge. This location is a prime benefit for local users:
- Subway Access: It is only two blocks from the Harvard Square T station on the MBTA Red Line, providing easy access from anywhere along the line, including downtown Boston, Somerville, and other parts of Cambridge.
- Walk-up Renters: The office is easily found inside the Charles Hotel, a known landmark that streamlines the process for walk-up renters arriving via public transit or on foot. Directions typically advise going down JFK Street toward the river from the Red Line station.
- Geographic Convenience: Its proximity to Harvard University and the central business area of Harvard Square makes it highly convenient for corporate rentals, visiting academics, or residents in West Cambridge and Allston/Brighton across the river.
Customers should note that given its urban setting, on-street parking is generally metered and often limited, so relying on public transit or the convenience of the hotel setting for pick-up is advisable.
Avis provides a comprehensive suite of rental services and vehicle types to cater to the diverse needs of the Massachusetts customer base, from the casual renter to the frequent business traveler.
- Wide Range of Vehicle Classes: The fleet includes fuel-efficient economy and compact cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Kia Soul), intermediate and full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry), SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee L), luxury vehicles (e.g., Genesis G70, Jaguar F-PACE), convertibles, and specialty vehicles.
- Vans and Trucks: Offering larger vehicles such as Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), full-sized Passenger Vans (e.g., Ford Transit 12-Passenger Van), and even Midsize Pickup Trucks (e.g., Toyota Tacoma) to support moving, large group travel, or hauling needs within the state.
- Avis Preferred Service: A loyalty program that offers expedited service, potentially including automatic single car class upgrades when available, and a dedicated personal concierge for enhanced service.
- Fuel Options: Offers a
Full to Full
fuel policy, meaning the car must be returned with the same amount of fuel as rented. Alternative fuel plans are also available, allowing customers to pay in advance for a full tank or purchase it upon return. - Digital Tools: Utilizing the Avis App, customers can book and manage their rental reservations directly from their mobile devices, streamlining the process.
- Optional Protection and Extras: Providing standard options such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), supplemental liability insurance, and extras like GPS units or child safety seats.
The Avis location near Harvard Square presents a mix of brand-standard benefits and operational realities that local renters should be aware of to maximize their rental experience.
- Premier Location in Harvard Square: The greatest highlight is the location itself鈥攊nside the Charles Hotel and steps away from the Red Line. This is an unparalleled convenience for those living and working in this high-profile Cambridge area, particularly those who prefer not to drive long distances to pick up a rental.
- Diverse Vehicle Selection: The availability of specialized vehicles, such as
Midsize Pickup Trucks
,Passenger Vans
, andElectric/Hybrid
models (e.g., Kia EV6, Toyota Prius Hybrid), ensures a vehicle solution for nearly any purpose, distinguishing it in the local market. - Brand Reliability: As a major national car rental agency, Avis offers the assurance of a large, well-maintained corporate fleet, regular vehicle turnover, and widespread support network.
- Avis Preferred Program Benefits: The loyalty program is a highlight for frequent renters, potentially leading to faster counter service and valuable vehicle upgrades, which can mitigate wait times often experienced in busy city branches.
- Potential Service and Inventory Issues: Customer feedback suggests occasional challenges with slow service, even when multiple staff are present, and issues with honoring specific pre-booked vehicle classes, such as a truck being replaced with a non-comparable sedan. Renters should mentally prepare for possible wait times and the necessity of flexibility with their reserved vehicle type.
- Caution on Fees: A key highlight from customer experience is the necessity of extreme vigilance, especially concerning the fuel policy and associated surcharges. Renters should insist on a receipt and a clear final sign-off at drop-off to avoid unexpected charges, a reported issue at this particular location.
For all reservation needs, inquiries regarding vehicle availability, or to address questions about their current rental agreement, customers in the Massachusetts region can contact the Cambridge Avis location using the information provided below.
Address: 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Phone: (617) 534-1430
Mobile Phone: +1 617-534-1430
Choosing the Avis Car Rental location at 1 Bennett Street is primarily about prioritizing
unbeatable convenience
andfleet variety
in a highly desirable and accessible part of Cambridge, MA. For the resident who needs a vehicle but relies on the Red Line, or the professional staying at the Charles Hotel, the central Harvard Square location is a massive time-saver and logistical advantage. The sheer breadth of the available fleet鈥攆rom an efficient Compact Car for local use to a large Passenger Van for a family trip to Cape Cod or the White Mountains鈥攅nsures all transportation requirements can be met.However, a local renter in Massachusetts should enter the process well-informed. While Avis provides the global brand鈥檚 infrastructure, local customer feedback clearly indicates the importance of preparedness. To ensure a positive experience, customers should diligently re-confirm their vehicle reservation the day before pick-up and meticulously document the fuel level and vehicle condition upon return, insisting on a final receipt before leaving the premises. Leveraging the Avis Preferred program can also mitigate common delays at the counter. When managed proactively, this Avis location offers a powerful solution for those needing a dependable rental car right in the heart of the Boston metropolitan area.
Avis Car Rental Photos








Avis Car Rental Location
Avis Car Rental
1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Avis Car Rental Reviews
This location is total scam. I completely refueled the car until the nozzle clicked at Mobil in 816 Memorial Drive 5 minute prior to drop off. The car was checked by someone that gave me a thumbs up and all good, and said I could either wait for receipt up on top with a long line, or just let the individual handle it once he went up. He goes and adds 28 dollars on fuel surcharge on top after telling me I am all good 馃槀. This is the scummiest of car rental scams I have seen, please beware. Like I can鈥檛 physically add fuel to that car because the nozzle clicked, how you gonna give me a thumbs up, say line is too big upstairs he will handle the receipt and sneakily add 28 dollar of fuel surcharge? I started a case with Avis, but this location should be sued.
August 21 路 Shishir DhakalBe prepared to wait a long time, service is slow regardless of the number of people working the counter.I pre-booked a truck understanding that I would likely be given something comparable to Toyota Tacoma, they didn鈥檛 have anything in stock and gave me a Subaru that I had to make work as I wasn鈥檛 prepared to pay last minute rental fees elsewhere, I don鈥檛 know in what universe a Toyota Tacoma and a Subaru are comparable in any way, they have 4 wheels maybe?Do better Avis, this has always been a problem and you鈥檝e had the time to fix it so you have 0 excuses.
June 07 路 D LI rented a car at Avis Boston Logan, but on the second day the engine light came on. I called customer service and was redirected to the AVIS branch at Harvard Square. Unfortunately, I drive to the parking lot first, the guy (old black male) in the parking lot there verbally insulted me (calling me a derogatory name) and refused to replace the car. I felt deeply disrespected, and the experience completely ruined my day.
August 17 路 Mandy YeExcellent pleasant experience! You can pick up your car from Charles Hotel
May 04 路 George ChalhoubWhen I got there there were only like 5 groups in front of me but I had to wait more than 45 minutes to get to the front of the line. Two people in front of me had to start the whole process over and give all their info again because the credit card didn't work at the last step. Why was there only one person working there?? She was doing an excellent job, but the lack of staff and archaic computer systems made this a horrible experience. But at least they compensated me after I complained
June 16 路 Jamie Tucker-Foltz
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