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BGR offers a straightforward rental experience on-site:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rental counters located in the main terminal building |
| Vehicle Pickup | Adjacent lot connected to the terminal (short walking distance) |
| Companies | Major providers including Avis, Budget, Hertz, National/Alamo and Enterprise |
| Operating Hours | Aligned to flight arrivals; staff remain for final arrivals |
| Wait Times | Minimal (5-10 minutes) except during peak summer weekends |
| After-Hours Service | Key drop boxes available for returns; limited pickup options after hours |
Terminal Layout: BGR is a compact airport, making the rental experience straightforward. After collecting your luggage, the rental counters are in the same terminal building. No shuttle buses are required to reach the rental car area.
On average, car rentals at Bangor Airport cost around $109 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups. A 10 min rideshare to a Bangor city branch can shave $10-$15 a day if the Uber cost is low.
Shift your dates. Mid-week pickups often dodge weekend surcharges in summer and foliage season.
Check weekly rates even for 4–6 day trips. At BGR the "weekly" price can beat the 5-day total, especially in winter.
Book early only for peak months (Jun-Aug and late Sep-Oct). In quieter seasons reserve a cancel-flexible car and recheck prices closer to arrival.
Stick with an economy car unless you're here in deep winter. Compacts handle Acadia roads fine and usually save $20+ per day over an SUV.
Fill up on Hammond or Union Street before the airport. A 5-minute detour avoids the premium refueling fees at the rental desk.
When leaving BGR, be aware of these local driving conditions:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Winter Driving | Snow possible October-April; consider AWD/4WD vehicles in winter |
| Wildlife | High deer and moose population; use caution, especially at dawn/dusk |
| Rural Navigation | Cell service reliable near Bangor but spotty in remote areas |
| Gas Stations | Readily available in Bangor; plan refueling in remote areas |
| Speed Limits | 25mph in residential areas, 40-45mph on arteries, 75mph on I-95 north of Bangor |
| Traffic Patterns | Morning rush (7:30-8:30AM) and evening rush (4:30-5:30PM) on weekdays |
| Road Conditions | Well-maintained highways; rural roads may be rough after winter |
Important Note: Maine has strict laws regarding wildlife safety. Always watch for crossing animals, particularly moose, which are large enough to cause severe damage and injuries in a collision. Pay attention to wildlife crossing signs, use high beams when possible on dark roads and scan the roadside continuously.
Book a car rental so you can see:
Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor – Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain
Baxter State Park / Mount Katahdin – Katahdin Stream Falls, summit views
Moosehead Lake (Greenville) – boat tours, shore trails
Downtown Bangor – Penobscot River Walkway, breweries

How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car?
You should plan for 15–20 minutes during off-peak times and 30 minutes during the busy summer season. BGR is a smaller airport and the staff gets you through the process quickly.
Can I pick up a car after a late-night flight arrival?
Rental companies usually keep their counters open for all scheduled flight arrivals. If your flight is very late or delayed, you should call your rental company to make sure someone will be there.
Is it possible to return my car outside of business hours?
Yes, most companies at BGR let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. The staff will give you instructions for this when you pick up your car.
Do I need an SUV or four-wheel drive?
A standard car is all you need for summer and fall travel on main roads. For winter travel from November to April, or if you plan to explore logging roads and remote areas, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle for your safety.
Can I drive to Canada with my BGR rental car?
Most rental companies let you drive their cars to Canada, but you must tell them at pickup. Some companies may charge a cross-border fee or need to see extra insurance papers, so you should check their rules in advance and make sure everyone has the right documents to cross the border.
Are there car seats available for children?
Yes, you can reserve a car seat in advance for an extra daily fee. We have a limited number of car seats, so we strongly recommend reserving one early.
Can I pick up at BGR and drop off in Portland or Boston?
Yes, companies offer one-way rentals, but they may add extra fees. Companies usually charge a small fee for one-way rentals inside Maine (like from BGR to Portland). You will pay a much larger one-way fee if you drop the car off in another state like Boston.
What's the best vehicle for visiting Acadia National Park?
A standard car will work fine for Acadia's Park Loop Road and most sights. An SUV can give you a better view and more comfort, but you don't really need one unless you visit in the winter.
Do BGR rental cars come prepared for winter driving?
Most rental cars have all-season tires, which work for mild winter weather. In the winter months, the company usually includes an ice scraper in the car. They generally do not provide special winter gear like snow tires.
Is there a gas station at the airport?
There is no gas station at the airport itself. You can find the closest stations about 5 minutes away on Hammond Street and Union Street. You should fill up the tank before you return the car to avoid high refueling fees from the rental company.