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Thrifty Introduce
For residents of Massachusetts, having access to convenient and flexible transportation is often key to enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer. Whether you're planning a scenic drive along the coast, a weekend getaway to a charming New England town, or simply need a temporary vehicle for daily commutes or errands in Boston, car rental services play a crucial role. This article will focus on Thrifty Car Rental, specifically their location at 3 Columbus Avenue in downtown Boston, offering insights for local Massachusetts users.
Thrifty is a well-known name in the car rental industry, often associated with value-oriented options. For us locals, a downtown branch like this one can be an accessible choice, especially for those living or working in the heart of Boston. This guide aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of what you can expect when considering Thrifty at this specific Boston location, helping you make an informed decision for your next Massachusetts journey.
The Thrifty Car Rental location at 3 Columbus Avenue is situated in a central and highly accessible part of downtown Boston. Their address is:
3 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA
This prime downtown location places Thrifty in the bustling Park Plaza area, making it incredibly convenient for Massachusetts residents working or living in the Financial District, Back Bay, or nearby neighborhoods. The branch is easily reachable via various modes of public transportation. It's a short walk from multiple MBTA stations, including Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line and Silver Line, as well as Boylston and Arlington stations on the Green Line. This excellent public transit connectivity means that you can get to Thrifty without the need for a personal car, simplifying the pickup and drop-off process. For those driving, the location is near major city arteries, providing relatively straightforward access and facilitating quick exits to the larger highway network for travel beyond Boston. Its central position makes it a practical choice for urban dwellers needing a vehicle for various purposes.
Thrifty Car Rental, as part of the Hertz Corporation, typically offers a range of services designed to meet diverse customer needs. While specific offerings can vary by location and availability, here's a general overview of what you can expect at the 3 Columbus Avenue branch:
- Variety of Vehicle Classes: Thrifty usually provides a selection of vehicles, from economical compact cars for easy city navigation and fuel efficiency, to standard sedans for comfortable trips, and SUVs or minivans for more space or versatility. While specific models may vary, they aim to offer a range to suit different travel plans.
- Flexible Rental Durations: Whether you need a car for a day trip, a weekend getaway, a week-long vacation, or even an extended period, Thrifty generally accommodates various rental durations to fit your schedule.
- Optional Add-ons: To enhance your rental experience, Thrifty offers optional additions such as GPS navigation systems to help you find your way around unfamiliar parts of Massachusetts, and child safety seats for families traveling with young children.
- Protection Options: Various levels of coverage and protection plans are typically available for purchase. It's always advisable to review these options carefully and compare them with your existing personal auto insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.
- Online Reservations: Thrifty offers a user-friendly online platform for making reservations in advance, which can help streamline the pickup process and potentially secure better rates.
- Blue Chip Rewards Program: Thrifty operates the Blue Chip Rewards program, a free loyalty program that allows members to earn points on qualifying rentals, which can be redeemed for free rental days. Members may also benefit from expedited service at participating locations.
When considering Thrifty Car Rental at 3 Columbus Avenue in Boston, it's helpful to be aware of certain features that might stand out:
- Downtown Convenience: Its location in the heart of Boston's Park Plaza area is a significant advantage for those living or working downtown, offering easy access without needing to travel to the airport.
- Value-Oriented Options: Thrifty is often positioned as a budget-friendly alternative within the car rental market, appealing to Massachusetts residents looking for cost-effective transportation solutions.
- Association with Hertz: As part of the Hertz Corporation, Thrifty benefits from the backing of a larger network, which can sometimes translate to a broader fleet and established operational procedures.
For inquiries, reservations, or any assistance, you can reach Thrifty Car Rental at their downtown Boston location using the following contact details:
Address: 3 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Phone: (617) 457-8157
Mobile Phone: +1 617-457-8157
For Massachusetts locals, particularly those residing in or frequently visiting downtown Boston, Thrifty Car Rental at 3 Columbus Avenue offers a conveniently located option for their car rental needs. Its central position in the Park Plaza area means it's easily accessible via various MBTA lines, making it a practical choice for urban dwellers who rely on public transportation but occasionally need a vehicle. This eliminates the often more complex logistics and travel time associated with airport rental locations.
However, potential renters should approach this location with a proactive mindset, as some customer reviews highlight significant concerns regarding staff demeanor, unexpected charges, and vehicle condition upon pickup. While these experiences can be isolated incidents, it underscores the importance of being a diligent consumer.
To ensure a smoother experience, it is highly recommended that Massachusetts residents:
- Confirm their reservation details, including pickup times and vehicle class, directly with the branch.
- Meticulously inspect the vehicle for any existing damage (both interior and exterior) before driving off, documenting it with photos or videos, and ensuring all issues are noted on the rental agreement.
- Carefully review the rental contract for all charges, including additional driver fees, fuel policies, and potential cleaning fees.
- Understand the policy for mechanical issues or unexpected maintenance during the rental period.
- Be prepared for potential variations in vehicle availability, and confirm the specific vehicle class upon arrival.
While Thrifty aims to provide a value-oriented service, and a downtown Boston location is inherently convenient for many locals, careful preparation and attention to detail can help mitigate potential issues and ensure a more satisfactory car rental experience for your Massachusetts travels.
Thrifty Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Thrifty Location
Thrifty
3 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Thrifty Reviews
pricenumberscredit cardroadside assistancerefunddeskwebsitephone
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Staff was pretty rude to both my wife and me. The desk clerk rudely told my wife to “sit down and look at her phone” when she asked if one of the many returned vehicles she saw come in could be issued to us given that we were there to pick up at the time we reserved a car. And they told me that they couldn’t put my name on the contract as an additional driver because our last names aren’t the same and they had never heard of married people not having the same last name. LOL, what? It’s 2025. Finally, after we confirmed with roadside assistance that there would be no charge for returning a car with a small nail in the middle of the tread, they charged us for a whole new tire replacement afterwards. Roadside assistance and customer service finally sorted it out and we are supposed to be reimbursed, but the manager on site argued with us despite us providing the case number and showing them that the tire simply needed to be plugged and patched. Pro-tip: get that work done yourself before returning. We were trying to be as by-the-book as possible, but got burned.
Jul 07, 2025 · Page BallengerI’ll keep this short. I reserved a mid size car; I don’t know why I bothered though because when I arrive all they have is a compact Chevy Trax SUV. No offer to upgrade to the next size up because they couldn’t honor their reservation, nope…Chevy Trax. Now I’m on the the highway in heavy Boston traffic and it’s pouring out. Put the wipers on and one of them comes off the car. Someone put the wrong blades on. I stop, buy new blades, and put them on in the pouring rain and continue to try to keep an appointment I flew across the country for. 15 minutes later…the car overheats. Again I stop in the pouring rain and add water and then later when I find an auto store again to add coolant. The reservoir was completely empty. A call to roadside assistance was so frustrating that I ended the conversation after 20 minutes on the phone with someone who speaks English as a second language when he only got us up to the point in his flow chart where he asked “is there an ice scrapper in the car?” When I returned the car I explained that I spent $76 to maintain it for them and I was told there wasn’t anything that could be done to reimburse me for my expenses or even an apology, simply contact the company via phone or email. As anyone can guess… weeks of multiple emails, multiple phone calls generated several “case numbers” and offers for “future vouchers” that could only be used in person and expired in 12 months. Finally Thrifty (Hertz) agreed to refund $100 to my credit card, which I still do not find acceptable, but I feel there is little else I can do short of leaving this review and never renting from them again.
Jun 29, 2023 · Scott BollingerThey don’t have enough inventory for the amount of people that rent. A reservation time does not matter, it’s first come first serve. They share inventory with Dollar and Hertz, so it doesnt matter which company you use. I would avoid this location. You are better off going to the airport location.
May 03, 2025 · Collin InglutThey buckle and dime you over simple things that used to be included in most rentals like $15 a day to add your spouse as a driver.
Jun 30, 2025 · Curtis GarvinAll they had available was an electric vehicle and I feel like I have spent more time charging it than driving it. Definitely not good to have an electric rental car unless you have a charger at home.
Dec 09, 2024 · Jay Gee
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