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Finding a rental car at Portland International Jetport (PWM) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around Maine with no reservation fees. The consolidated rental garage is steps from baggage claim, so you can be on the road to downtown Portland, Freeport or the rocky coast within minutes. Reserve early for summer and fall foliage weekends when demand spikes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Parking garage connected to main terminal |
| Access | Short covered walkway from baggage claim area |
| Companies | All major providers (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National) |
| Operating Hours | About 6:00 AM to midnight daily (aligned to flight schedules) |
| Late Arrivals | Most counters stay open until last scheduled flight arrival (about 12:30 AM) |
| Waiting Times | 5-15 minutes during peak periods; minimal wait during off-peak |
On average, car rentals in Portland Maine Jetport cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare every pickup spot: use our tool to check on-airport PWM counters against nearby South Portland branches—price gaps of $15-$30 a day are common.
Mind the calendar: PWM jumps to $80-$120/day in July–August but drops to $40-$60/day November–March. If your dates are flexible, shift the trip and pocket the difference.
Check weekly pricing even for 4-6 days: a "7-day" rate often beats paying the daily rate for shorter rentals.
Refuel off-airport: stop at Mobil or Irving on Western Ave (5 mins away) to avoid the premium refueling charge.
Skip extras you don't need: your phone handles GPS and Bluetooth, and cash works at Maine Turnpike tolls—decline paid GPS, satellite radio and toll transponders.
Apply membership codes: AAA, AARP or airline frequent-flyer numbers can stack an extra 5-10 % off the rate.
When departing PWM, be aware of these local driving conditions:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll Roads | Maine Turnpike (I-95) has toll plazas; pay cash to avoid rental surcharges |
| Finding a Spot in Portland | Metered street spaces; several garages available |
| Winter Driving | Consider SUV/AWD from November-March; airport road is promptly plowed |
| Rush Hour | 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM weekdays; avoid I-295 through Portland during these times |
| Construction | Summer road work common; check Maine DOT website for current projects |
| Gas Prices | Stations near airport are usually higher than in-town locations |
Local Tip: The International Parkway (airport access road) connects directly to the Maine Turnpike for seamless highway access. If heading downtown, you can avoid the turnpike toll by taking Jetport Blvd to Congress Street.
Get a car rental to see:
Downtown Portland – Old Port District, waterfront, breweries
Freeport – L.L.Bean Flagship Store, outlets
Kennebunkport – beaches, Dock Square
Old Orchard Beach – pier, amusement park
How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car?
You should plan to spend about 30 minutes during less busy times and up to an hour during the busy summer.
Can I pick up at PWM and drop off at another location?
You'll usually pay a small fee for one-way rentals inside Maine, like a trip to Bangor. If you drop the car off in another state, the rental company may charge you a lot more.
Is it possible to pick up a car after midnight?
Most rental companies close their counters shortly after the last flight arrives (around 12:30 AM). If you get in later, you should call your rental company ahead of time to set up a late pickup. You could also stay at an airport hotel and get the car in the morning.
Are there car rental discounts for Maine residents?
Some companies give discounts to locals. You should have your Maine ID ready and ask about resident discounts when you book.
Do I need a special vehicle for visiting coastal areas?
You can drive a standard car on all paved roads that go to the main coastal spots. You only need an SUV for driving in the winter or if you plan to visit remote places on unpaved roads.
How does the airport rental shuttle system work?
You don't need to take a shuttle at PWM. All the rental counters are in the parking garage connected to the terminal, so you can walk right to them.
Can I add additional drivers to my rental at PWM?
Yes. You can add other drivers at the rental counter. You'll usually pay a daily fee of about $10-15 for each extra driver. Many companies don't charge this fee for a spouse or domestic partner.
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