EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low car rental prices in Portland, Maine with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. We scan inventory at Portland International Jetport, downtown Portland and South Portland so you can get the right car and hit coastal Route 1 or Acadia within minutes. Book early for summer and fall foliage weekends to land the best Portland Maine car rental deals.
Portland provides multiple car rental options, each offering distinct advantages and considerations:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland International Jetport (PWM) | • Immediate access after arrival • Extended hours (6AM-midnight) • Large vehicle selection • All major rental companies present • Consolidated rental facility connected to terminal |
• Higher rates due to airport fees (10-15% surcharge) • Can be busy during peak seasons |
• Counters remain open for last flight arrivals • After-hours key drop available for returns • No shuttle needed - walking distance from baggage claim |
| Downtown Portland | • Lower base rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if already staying downtown |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • Transportation needed from airport ($15-20 taxi/rideshare) • Smaller vehicle selection • Limited after-hours service |
• Good option if you don't need a car immediately • Enterprise offers pick-up service from hotels • Most located on Commercial Street or nearby |
| South Portland | • Lower rates than airport • Moderate selection of vehicles |
• Requires transportation from airport • Standard business hours |
• Good middle ground between airport convenience and downtown prices |
On average, car rentals in Portland (ME) cost around $71 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport is walk-and-go but adds 10-15 % in fees. Downtown or South Portland outlets are often cheaper even after a $15-20 rideshare.
Lock in early for peak dates: June–October (incl. fall foliage) sells out fast. Booking 3-6 months ahead can save you 2-3× over last-minute prices. Off-season? Check closer to travel.
Check weekly pricing: A 5-6 day rental can cost less on a "weekly" rate. Always run both options in the search results.
Rent only when you need it: Portland's Old Port is super walkable. Grab the car the day you head out to Kennebunkport, Acadia, etc. and shave a day or two off the bill.
Skip the toll gadget: Pay Maine Turnpike tolls with cash or card and avoid the $4-7 daily processing fee many rental companies tack on.
Refuel smart: Hit the Western Ave gas stations within a mile of PWM before drop-off and dodge premium refueling charges.
| Parking Type | Cost | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Metered Parking | Varies | Enforced 9AM-6PM Mon-Sat Free evenings/Sundays |
• Most spots have 2-hour limits • PayByPhone app available • Watch for street cleaning and snow emergency restrictions |
| Public Garages | Varies | Most open 24/7 | • Fore Street Garage (best for Old Port) • Spring Street Garage (good for Arts District) • Elm Street Garage (convenient for Congress St) |
| Hotel Parking | Varies | 24 hours for guests | • Confirm availability when booking • Some hotels offer valet service only |
Winter Parking Ban: Portland enforces overnight bans during snowstorms (usually 10PM-6AM). During bans, use designated lots or garages (some offer free access during bans).
Speed Limits: 25 mph on city streets, 55-70 mph on highways
Right Turn on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
Pedestrian Right of Way: Maine strictly enforces pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks
Handheld Devices: Using handheld phones while driving is illegal; use hands-free options only
Headlights: Required when using windshield wipers and during low visibility conditions
Seatbelts: Maine law requires all passengers to wear seatbelts
School Buses: Stop for school buses that have flashing red lights from both directions
Wildlife Caution: Be alert for deer and occasionally moose, especially at dawn and dusk
Toll Info: The Maine Turnpike (I-95) has several toll plazas. Pay cash at toll booths to avoid rental company processing fees. These fees can add extra charges on top of the actual toll costs.
A rental car opens up coastal, shopping and nature destinations beyond the city limits.
Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor – 175 miles (282 km), 3–3.5 hr, I-95
Kennebunkport – 30 miles (48 km), 45 min, I-95 or US-1
Freeport outlets / L.L.Bean – 20 miles (32 km), 25 min, I-295
White Mountains, New Hampshire – 70 miles (113 km), 1.5 hr, ME-302
Which rental companies operate at Portland International Jetport?
All major companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Payless) have counters in the rental building connected to the terminal.
Do I need an SUV or 4WD vehicle in Portland?
In summer and fall, a standard car is usually all you need. For winter visits, especially if you plan to drive beyond Portland, an AWD/4WD vehicle can help you feel safer on snowy roads.
Can I return my rental car after hours?
Yes, most rental companies at the airport let you return your car after hours using a key drop box. Just follow the instructions they give you at pickup and keep your receipt as proof of return.
What insurance coverage do I need?
The rental includes basic liability, but you can add collision damage coverage for about $30 extra per day. Before you buy extra protection, check if your credit card or personal auto insurance already covers rental cars.
Are there additional fees for drivers under 25?
Yes, drivers aged 21-24 usually pay a "young driver" fee of about $25-30 per day. Some companies don't rent to drivers under 21.
Can I drive to Canada in my rental car?
Most rental companies let you drive to Canada for no extra fee, but you have to tell them when you pick up the car. Make sure everyone in the car has the right papers to cross the border.
Is it possible to pick up in Portland and drop off at another location?
You can usually drop off the car in another city in Maine, like Bangor, for little to no extra charge. If you drop it off in another state, the company may charge you a large one-way fee of $100 or more.
How far in advance should I book my rental car?
To get the best prices and car selection during summer and fall, try to book 3-6 months in advance. In winter (except for holidays), booking 2-4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support