Car Rentals in Portland, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Portland

Renting a car in Portland, Maine, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore both the city and its stunning surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as you wish. This is particularly advantageous for families or those seeking outdoor and scenic experiences. You can visit key attractions such as the Portland Museum of Art, the East End Beach, and the Eastern Promenade, all conveniently located within the city.

Moreover, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby destinations, including South Portland, just 3 km away, where you can enjoy Willard Beach and the iconic Portland Head Light. Downtown Portland and the Old Port neighbourhoods are also easily accessible, featuring cultural landmarks like the Wadsworth-Longfellow House and additional beach experiences. Having your own vehicle ensures that you can explore the rich offerings of Portland and its surroundings without the constraints of public transportation, making your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car hires in Portland

• Midsize SUV: This car type is an excellent choice for those travelling in groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with room for up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV offers a comfortable ride and ample space, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Portland and its surrounding areas at their own pace.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is perfect for couples, families, or groups, as it comfortably seats 5 travellers and can fit up to 2 medium suitcases. This option provides a good balance of space and manoeuvrability, allowing for easy navigation through Portland while ensuring that you have enough room for your luggage and personal belongings.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Economy car can accommodate up to 5 travellers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is a great choice for those looking to keep costs low while still enjoying the freedom to explore Portland and its attractions without the burden of excessive luggage.

Top rated car suppliers in Portland

• Avis: With 2 rental locations in the Portland area, Avis is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for its wide range of vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize SUVs, making it ideal for those needing extra space for luggage or comfort during their travels.
• Hertz: Also boasting 2 rental locations in Portland, Hertz is another preferred supplier for visitors. This company offers a selection of vehicles to suit various needs, with Midsize SUVs and Standard cars being the most popular choices among customers. Hertz’s convenient locations make it easy to pick up your vehicle and start exploring.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With 1 rental location in Portland, Alamo Rent A Car provides an excellent option for those looking for a straightforward rental experience. The most frequently booked vehicles include Midsize and Compact SUVs, perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas while ensuring that travellers have enough room for their belongings.

Where to stay in and around Portland

• South Portland: Located a mere 3 km from Portland, South Portland offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a mix of city and business experiences. Visitors can enjoy activities at local shopping centres and malls, while attractions such as Willard Beach, Portland Head Light, and the Portland Museum of Art provide a blend of leisure and culture. With nearby dining options including restaurants and wineries, South Portland is a great choice for those seeking a vibrant, accessible stay.
• Downtown Portland: This neighbourhood is at the heart of Portland's outdoor and scenic experiences. With its proximity to popular attractions like the Portland Museum of Art and the historic Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Downtown Portland is ideal for culture enthusiasts. Additionally, the local arena entertainment facility and shopping centres make it a lively hub for families. Dining options abound with a selection of restaurants and wineries to explore.
• Old Port: Old Port is a charming neighbourhood known for its outdoor activities and family-friendly scenery. Guests can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with theatres and music concerts. With attractions such as East End Beach and the Portland Head Light, Old Port offers a delightful mix of culture and leisure. The area is also home to an array of restaurants and breweries, making it a fantastic spot for food and drink enthusiasts.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Portland

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to achieve lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to manoeuvre and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable too. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Portland

The best time to rent a car in and around Portland is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. February and March also offer decent value, with average prices and low demand. As spring approaches, April sees average prices and moderate demand, while May experiences higher demand with similar pricing. June through August tend to be the most expensive period, with slightly high pricing and notably high demand during the summer months.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	26.1°F (-3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
March	33.4°F (0.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
October	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High