Why I Love Using Zipcar in Boston (And How It Makes My Life So Much Easier)

Discover how I use Zipcar in Boston to run errands, plan day trips, and live flexibly—no car ownership required! My favorite stress-free way to drive on demand.

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Why I Love Using Zipcar in Boston (And How It Makes My Life So Much Easier)

If you're like me—living in a walkable city, juggling errands, events, and spontaneous day trips—owning a car in Boston just doesn't make sense. But not having a car when you need one? Total headache.

That's why I started using Zipcar, and let me tell you… it's been a game changer.

Zipcar is a car-sharing service that lets you rent cars by the hour or by the day. You can find them parked all over Boston—on side streets, in garages, near college campuses, and right outside apartment buildings.

You book a car using the app, unlock it with your phone, and go. That’s it. No waiting in line. No paperwork. Just grab the keys and get moving.

As someone who doesn’t own a car full-time, but definitely needs one sometimes, Zipcar makes city life way more flexible. Here’s when it comes in clutch for me:

• Costco runs without borrowing someone’s SUV

• IKEA trips (IYKYK)

• Weekend getaways when the travel bug hits

• Airport pickups for family visits

• Spontaneous Target hauls — because sometimes delivery won’t cut it

I even used Zipcar to go leaf peeping in the fall and do a little outlet mall shopping with a latte in hand.

• Insurance is included

• Gas is included too (yep!)

• No need to deal with Boston street parking long term

• I can book a car 24/7 — even last-minute

There are a ton of different vehicle types to choose from. I’ve driven sedans, SUVs, hybrids, and even a pickup truck for a furniture run. The app shows you everything from price to car type to location in real time.

Here are some of my go-tos if you’re local:

• Newbury Street garage — great for central errands

• Allston/Brighton — always has variety

• South Station — perfect for quick weekend trips

• Harvard Square — if I’m over on the Cambridge side

Tip: Use the “Filter by car type” option if you’re moving big stuff or want better fuel economy.

• City dwellers who don’t want to pay for a full-time car

• Students in Boston who need a ride for a few hours

• Families who just need a second car sometimes

• Anyone who wants flexible wheels without the hassle

Signing up is easy, and you can usually find a car nearby within minutes.

👉 Click here to join Zipcar now

Is Zipcar cheaper than a regular rental?
Most of the time, yes—especially for short trips. You also skip the airport rental desk drama.

Do I have to pay for gas or insurance?
Nope! Both are included with your membership.

What if I return the car late?
There’s a fee for late returns, so I always set a reminder on my phone. You can extend the booking in the app if you need more time.

Can I leave the car anywhere?
You return it to the same spot you picked it up from. Easy peasy.

Book your Zipcar during off-peak hours (like weekday mornings or early evenings) for the best car selection and easier parking when you return it. I also keep a reusable tote in my purse just in case a quick trip turns into a spontaneous haul.

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