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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 rental car deals at Portland International Airport (PDX). Compare prices and book in one place. See live rates from major brands at the 24/7 on-site rental center or downtown locations and lock in low prices before you land. Whether you need a compact for city streets or an AWD SUV for Mount Hood, we show the best options in seconds.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| PDX On-Site Rental Center | • Convenient on-site facility offering 11 companies • Walking distance from baggage claim (no shuttles needed) • 24/7 operation for all flight arrivals • Widest selection of vehicles |
• Higher rates due to airport fees and concessions • Potentially long wait times during peak periods • More congested returns during busy travel times |
| PDX Nearby Off-Airport | • Potentially lower rates than on-airport • Some offer shuttle service • Similar convenience to airport |
• Limited availability of off-airport options • May have restricted hours compared to airport • Shuttle wait times to/from terminal |
| Portland Downtown | • Lower rates without airport fees • Convenient if staying downtown first • Multiple company locations |
• Requires transportation from airport (MAX light rail available) • Business hours only (usually 8am-6pm) • Not practical for immediate needs upon arrival |
On average, car rentals at Portland Oregon International Airport cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare locations, not just companies: Airport pickups are convenient but carry roughly 10 % in extra fees. If you're hanging around downtown Portland for a day or two, ride the MAX light rail in, rent in the city, and pocket the savings.
Peak summer? Lock early, then stalk the price: July-August and holiday weekends spike hard. Book a free-cancellation deal now, set a calendar reminder, and re-quote weekly. If rates drop, rebook in 30 seconds.
Watch the math on weekly rates: At PDX a 7-day rental often costs the same as 5-6 days. Even if you return early, the weekly price can still stick, so plan your dates with that in mind.
Skip unused days & parking fees: Portland hotels can charge $30-$50 per night to park. Delay pickup until the morning you leave town, or return the car a night early, and the car plus parking cash stays in your pocket.
Return Process:
Driving Rules:
Get a car so you can easily:
Columbia River Gorge – Multnomah Falls, trailheads, river viewpoints
Mount Hood – Timberline Lodge, ski areas, alpine lakes
Oregon Coast – Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, seaside towns
Downtown Portland – food carts, breweries, cultural districts
What's the fastest way to exit the airport with a rental car?
You should join your rental company's loyalty program ahead of time and choose their express service. To get on the road fast, follow signs to I-205 North (for Seattle/Vancouver) or I-205 South (for Salem/Eugene and downtown Portland via I-84).
Is it better to rent at PDX or in downtown Portland?
Renting at PDX is handy right when you land and they offer 24/7 service, but it costs more. If you'll be in downtown Portland for the first few days without a car, you can save on airport fees and rental days. Just take the MAX light rail downtown and rent a car there when you need it.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Oregon from PDX?
If you're exploring the city and taking light trips, a compact or mid-size car is a great choice. For mountain trips or winter driving, we recommend an All-Wheel Drive SUV. Families may prefer a minivan for more space and you can have a fun drive along the coast in summer in a convertible.
How early should I arrive for rental car return at PDX?
You should get to the rental return area about 30 minutes before you need to be at your terminal when it's busy, like morning rush hour or on weekends. During quieter times, 20 minutes should be enough. The walk from the rental center to the terminal takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Do I need special equipment for winter driving from PDX?
If you are taking trips to Mount Hood or over mountain passes in winter (November–April), we recommend getting an AWD vehicle. During snowstorms, the state might require you to have chains or traction tires. Most rental SUVs already have all-season tires (marked M+S) that work as traction tires.
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