495 is w-a-y out of your way,despite what it might look like on the map. Whichever you take, you will be in heavy rush hour traffic from Logan to at least Marshfield on Rte 3 and to at least the junction of MA 24 and I 495. Stop and go, both routes. Traffic conditions on the 3's on WBZ AM radio.

Consider the Plymouth and Brockton Bus to Woods Hole and renting your car there. Leve the driving to others and relax.

Well, I would consider a bus, but we're driving to the Cape directly from the airport, and then will be returning the car to the airport four days later and taking a taxi in to Boston for a few days before flying out. Guess we will just have to bear with traffic ... maybe we can stop for dinner somewhere and make the drive after traffic lightens?

Look at the traffic as sightseeing along the route and stick to Rtes 93/3 - I can't imagine what kind of a map makes 495 look about the same distance! No way. When you come out of the Ted Williams tunnel(I think it is $3) after you exit the airport, just keep staying to the left as you merge with all the traffic and roads coming in on your right. Take a deep breath and take your time. If you get tired of it all, there are restaurants off most of the exits on Rt. 3. We are worth it.

Certainly listen to 1030 AM Radio traffic on the threes for travel info. Make sure if all is clear you get into HOV commuter lanes. In the summer I might consider the 495 route, but not late september. It is a wonderful time to visit the area. Take a stroll at The Knob at Quisset Harbour WoodsHole/Falmouth

Well, if you did take the bus and rent a car on the Cape, you could certainly return the car on the Cape and take the bus back to Boston (South Station, on the Red Line right in the city). Boston funds the convention center with huge taxes on rental cars, so if you can rent away from Boston, you can usually get a much better rate.

You can also look into returning the Cape rental car at Logan. Of the innumerable cars I have rented in Hyannis over the years, most we returned at Logan.

I think the bus idea sounds great, except we are leaving directly from the airport - do the buses to the Cape leave from Logan? Our flight gets in at 3:55 p.m.

The logistics of getting off the plane, collecting our bags, catching the bus, getting off the bus, picking up a rental car, driving to our hotel in East Falmouth. Sounds as if it would take longer than just renting at the airport and dealing with rush hour traffic on the way to the hotel.

Am I missing something?

Peter Pan Bus will pick you at all the terminals at logan airport an wisk you to Falmouth MA
http://www.peterpanbus.com/bus_travel_destinations/boston-logan-airport-bus/

It's a toss up as to which is better.

If you are going to be jetlagged, the bus is better. If not, you can rent and take a car.

These are, by the way, essentially commuter buses, not the Dog you may have taken in your youth. Many highly respectable people use them to get to Boston to work. Just check the schedules to see if they will work.

I agree, take the bus to Hyannis and rent a car. Rush hour traffic on Route 3 is something you do not want to be stuck in. Just relax and read a book on the bus. They leave all the way into the evening but you would have to check the schedule.