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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Bangor, Maine. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. From Bangor International Airport to downtown counters, we surface real-time prices on compact cars, SUVs and 4WDs so you can cruise I-95 or the route to Acadia National Park without overpaying. Book early for low prices during summer and fall foliage and pick the pickup spot that fits your travel plan from the airport, downtown or Bangor Mall.
Bangor offers several rental locations beyond the airport, each offering different advantages:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Bangor | • Lower rates than airport • Convenient if staying downtown • Walking distance to hotels |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8AM-6PM) • Smaller vehicle selection • Limited weekend hours |
• Most locations on or near Main Street • Some offer hotel pickup service • Advance reservations recommended |
| Bangor Mall Area | • Good selection of vehicles • Moderate rates • Near major shopping |
• Requires transportation from downtown or airport • Standard business hours only |
• Convenient if staying in mall area hotels • Easy access to I-95 |
| Local Dealerships | • Sometimes available when majors are sold out • Competitive weekly rates |
• Limited hours • May require more paperwork • Fewer vehicle categories |
• Worth checking during peak summer season • Darling's Vehicle Rental Center offers alternatives • Often located on Hogan Road or Broadway |
Transportation between Locations: Taxis and limited ride-sharing services are available in Bangor. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs around $15-20. Some rental companies offer courtesy pickup from hotels, but this service isn't available from the airport to city locations.
On average, car rentals in Bangor cost around $126 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $65 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pick-ups: Downtown Bangor locations usually run about 10-15% cheaper. A $15-20 taxi from the terminal can wipe out airport fees fast.
Shift your dates to hit weekly pricing sweet spots: In Bangor a 7-day rental often costs less than 5-6 separate days. Play with start/return times in the search box and watch the total drop.
Traveling outside June-October? Celebrate off-peak rates: November-May prices can be 30%+ lower. If your trip is flexible, moving it out of peak foliage or summer can save big.
Add city locations and local dealership rentals to your search: Mall-area counters and dealer rental desks sometimes have inventory when the majors are sold out and they skip the airport surcharges.
Bangor offers relatively easy parking compared to larger cities:
| Type | Cost | Hours | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Free (time limits apply) | Usually 2-hour limits 8AM-5PM weekdays | • Enforced Monday-Friday • Free evenings and weekends • Watch for street cleaning signs |
| Public Lots/Garages | Free to low cost | Varies by location | • Pickering Square Garage (central) • Columbia Street lot • Most offer free evening/weekend spots |
| Bangor Waterfront | Free | No time limits | • Large lot for events and riverside walks • Can fill during summer concerts • Good base for exploring downtown on foot |
| Mall/Shopping Centers | Free | No time limits (no overnight) | • Abundant spaces at Bangor Mall • Shopping centers along Stillwater Ave |
Winter Parking: Bangor enforces winter bans during snowstorms. When announced, overnight street parking is prohibited to allow for snow removal. Hotels usually have designated areas for guests during snow events.
Speed Limits: 25mph downtown, 40-45mph on main arteries, 70-75mph on I-95 north of Bangor
Right on Red: Allowed after complete stop unless posted otherwise
School Zones: 15mph when lights flashing
Cell Phone Use: Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited
Wildlife Caution: Be alert for deer, moose and other wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk
Move Over Law: Slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks and utility vehicles
Traffic Patterns: Rush hour in Bangor is mild compared to larger cities but still creates congestion on main arteries like Broadway, Stillwater Avenue and I-95 exits between 7:30-8:30AM and 4:30-5:30PM weekdays.
Book a rental to see:
Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor – Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain
Baxter State Park – Mt. Katahdin, Katahdin Stream Falls
Moosehead Lake region – Greenville village, wildlife sightings
Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Fort Knox – observation tower, fort
Blue Hill Peninsula – Blue Hill village, coastal bays
Downeast Maine – Belfast, Searsport, Castine
What types of vehicles are commonly available in Bangor?
You can usually find standard sedans, SUVs and minivans. Rental companies have fewer luxury cars and specialty vehicles, so you should reserve them well in advance.
Do I need four-wheel drive in Bangor?
If you're traveling in the summer and fall on main roads, a standard car will work fine. For winter travel from November to April, or if you plan to explore logging roads and remote areas, we recommend getting a car with AWD/4WD.
How do rental prices in downtown Bangor compare to the airport?
Renting a car in downtown Bangor usually costs 10–15% less than at the airport. This is because the airport charges higher fees to the rental companies.
Is it easy to find parking in downtown Bangor?
Yes, you'll find lots of free parking downtown in Bangor, even during business hours. Most street parking has a 2-hour limit on weekdays, but you can use public lots if you need to park for longer.
Can I pick up a car in Bangor and drop it off in Portland?
Yes, most rental companies let you do one-way rentals between Bangor and Portland. The one-way fees are usually small, and some companies don't charge a fee at all if you stay in Maine.
Are there car seats available for children?
Yes, you can reserve a car seat ahead of time. It costs about $10–15 extra per day. The companies don't have many, so we strongly recommend you book one in advance.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Bangor?
If you're traveling in the summer, you should book your car 2–3 months ahead of time. For travel during other seasons, booking 2–3 weeks in advance is usually enough to get a good price and the car you want.
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