Search
Deals
Tips
User Experiences
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

Portland car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Portland

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Save up to 47%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car rentals in Portland

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates
Choose your dates
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Portland

  • There is so much to see and do on your visit to Portland, Maine. With a hire car you’ll be able to take scenic tours along the coast or drive from Portland to Freeport to admire the foliage and sandy beaches along the way. Additionally, with a hire car you can explore charming nearby towns around New England like Camden or New Port, Rhode Island.
  • Portland, ME provides easy access to many New England towns. At the Portland International Jetport, the hire car station is conveniently located next to the main terminal. You’ll simply have to walk a short distance to pick up your hire. Some hire agencies at this airport include Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget.
  • Driving in New England can be difficult to navigate because of its many islands. Consequently, you will need a strong GPS system to get around. When traveling in the winter months, note that snow and ice can slow down your travel considerably so give yourself plenty of extra travel time.
  • Rush hour in Portland peaks between about 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the morning. Afternoons are a little less predictable, with rush hour starting at about 3:30 p.m. and continuing through to 6 p.m. Because traffic can be so sporadic, you might want to check it on the internet or on your smartphone before leaving the hotel.
  • Book your rental car in Portland at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Full-size rental cars in Portland are around 59% cheaper than other car types, on average

Portland car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Portland 
beckyApr 2024
Be sure to get the access to tolls. They are everywhere. I drove from Maine to Ohio and it made it so easy to go through the toll plaza without hassle.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Traffic wasn’t bad. Make sure to go see the lighthouses.
KristinSep 2023
We didn’t drive while in Portland. Easy to walk around and Uber if needed. Parking is at a premium. We drove up the coast to Acadia.
Verified travelerSep 2023
Portland is fine to drive in. Just pay attention to the 1 way streets.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Make sure you have your own gps!
Verified travelerAug 2023
Inspect the cars better upon return.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Rental pickup and drop off are at the same place in the airport.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Late in day rental worked well for us.

FAQs about renting a car in Portland

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Portland?

    If visiting here in the winter, you might want to consider a car with four-wheel drive to help you to better maneuver in the snow. Other times of the year, a convertible like a Jeep or Mazda Miata are ideal for cruising the beach. Better yet, with a sporty convertible you can better see the sights and enjoy the fresh breezes.

  • What’s the speed limit in Portland?

    When you’re on the highway driving to other cities in Maine, you can travel up to speeds of 75 miles per hour. However, when you are driving around the city, the maximum allowed speed limit is 55 mph on main roads and 25 mph in residential neighborhoods. Be sure to slow down to 15 mph when you are close to a school zone.

  • Where are the best places to park in Portland?

    On-street, paid parking is pretty easily found all around the city, including downtown. However, it is important to note that metered parking is regularly enforced (there is a 2 hour maximum on spots). The city also owns a few parking garages and lots. A couple are in the center of town and close to tourist attractions like the Victoria Mansion or the Portland Museum of Art.

  • What is the best car hire company in Portland?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Portland are Alamo (8.5, 51 reviews), Budget (8.2, 89 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.2, 67 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Portland?

    The average price of fuel in Portland is AED 13.33 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between AED 160 and AED 213, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Portland?

    Full-size (Nissan Altima or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Portland.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Portland?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Portland?

    A Full Size car hire in Portland costs AED 129 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Portland?

    A Standard car hire in Portland costs AED 240 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in Portland?

    A Mini car hire in Portland costs AED 779 per day, on average.

Portland car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Alamo

8.5

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

7.7

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook St

+1 844 370 3979

Monday07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday07:30 - 23:59
Thursday07:30 - 23:59
Friday07:30 - 23:59
Saturday07:30 - 23:59
Sunday07:30 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Great service

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Economy

KAYAK
After landing, I went to the Alamo line and waited for an hour and a half in line until it was my turn. It was not reasonable. They had one worker behind the counter and he would go behind the door for about 10 minutes and then return. This happened continuously. I will never book with Alamo again in Portland

2.0 Poor

Francesco, Aug 2024

Standard

KAYAK
A rolling empty beer can in the back, film of tobacco smoke making the rear window impossible to see through, same for the front windshield. Apparently the manager wanted to issue some refund on my credit card upon the return, but that never happened. Plenty of apologies though...

10.0 Wonderful

Chinda, Jan 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
They’ve made renting a car simple.

6.0 Okay

Bonnie, Dec 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Pickup at PWM unsatisfactory. I asked for local plates. Agent lied about it. I chose not to walk back to the counter to change it out.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Our car was nicer than we expected. Service was friendly and quick.

1 out of 10

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

7.9

2 locations in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1 Marginal Way

+1 207 772 0030

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1001 Westbrook St

+1 844 996 0644

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Premium

KAYAK
When I needed a bit of extra care, the team was 100% devoted to helping me. Went out of they're way to do so.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The staff was so friendly, helpful, and accommodating in Portland, especially the manager. I would definitely recommend renting from them.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

POOR customer service and response time to calls

Cons:

We had a problem because my husband was exposed and contracted Corvid the whole experience was handled as poorly as posible and lewft us with a huge bill when we informed them immediately. We won't be using Enterprise ever again

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very nice, professional and friendly!

Cons:

Honestly, nothing it was geat!

4.8 Mediocre

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I got the last car available and the interior had a strong smell of gas for the entire duration of the trip. I had to drive with the windows rolled down and no one from Enterprise answered the phone while trying to connect with them and ask if I could exchange the car during the trip from Portland to Bar Harbor.

Cons:

A real person answering the phone and/or calling me back.

5.6 Fair

suzanne, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff I saw were nice. THere was no one there when I left with the car, and there was a problem. There was something wrong with the driver's side door, and there was no one to talk with about it. I just left because it was late and I was tired.

Cons:

For $100 per day, give me a car that is perfect. That was way too expensive for a car with a door that sounded like it would break off every time I opened it.

1 out of 15

Budget

8.2

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

8.0

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook Street

+1 207 874 7521

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Did not pick car up. Tried to cancel and was told it was non refundable. Kayak said it was but priceline said no???? Deceptive when one that you reserve car on says it is but then it switches to another company that changes the rules.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Our person when picking up the car as great. There was a long line waiting and he was super efficient and friendly.

10.0 Wonderful

becky, Apr 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Super friendly agents at pick up and drop off. Van was immaculate and everything went smoothly. Great experience.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Congenial crew. Quick service.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Everyone was extra nice and knowledgeable. No problems. Auto was clean and very nice, you have a customer!!!

2.0 Poor

Maureen, Sep 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Car was all wet on floors and reeked of smells including mold. Wait time was long and ridiculously packed with lines of people.

1 out of 18

Dollar

8.1

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.9

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook Street

+1 866 434 2226

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Drop off was changed from past experience at this location. Confused as to where to go.

10.0 Wonderful

Julie, Jun 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Dollar/Hertz rental at the Portland ME airport was quick and easy! Would recommend to all that travel through that airport!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Unable to pick up car do to not having a credit card. Waiting for our refund with no contact to get our refund.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was very nice when we went to pick up our car. The car itself was very clean on the inside and out. It was so easy to pick it up and drop it off at the airport.

Cons:

Nothing- great service through dollar rental!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Nothing, staff in Portland was friendly and responsive when we discovered a problem. I didn't drop off the car, but I'm guessing it went well.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Literally no aspect of this was positive

Cons:

I was told I could cancel, because I couldn’t use my outgoing trip due to a snowstorm. I was not allowed to cancel this trip so I paid around $150 for nothing

1 out of 7

Avis

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.2

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook Street

+1 207 874 7500

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Premium

KAYAK
Very good. Great car. Great service.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Good customer service. Ease of delivery and pickup

10.0 Wonderful

Minh, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Didn't take forever like other car rentals, I got my car within 5 minutes of arriving!!

8.4 Very Good

Alan, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The agent accommodated our change request at the desk efficiently and the upgrade was more than satisfactory.

Cons:

Off hours drop off needs some work. There were no clear instructions or directions as to where to deposit the keys. I dropped them off at the unmanned desk. I never received a notice that the keys were accounted for.

10.0 Wonderful

Alexander, Nov 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was very helpful and attentive.

10.0 Wonderful

Lynn Karen, Aug 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Although expensive, the car was excellent and we enjoyed driving it. The pickup and delivery experience was also excellent, and we appreciated that.

1 out of 9

Hertz

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

7.1

3 locations in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1011 Westbrook Street

+1 207 774 6391

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

202 Warren Ave Ste 300

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

987 Westbrook St

Opening times not available

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Wildfire, May 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Somehow after getting my plane tickets and hotel, my car rental was for a week after my trip. I had to pay $100 to cancel a week before the scheduled rental. That's extortion!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Compact SUV

KAYAK
I used my Apple Credit card. It changed card number every month. You should know that. Hertz personel wanted same card number. I already paid but my card number changed. It took 1 hour. I had to call costumer service and change my credit card number. If you don’t accept Apple Credit card, I could use another card. You didn’t!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Really poor. Was going to be placed in an EV which is not what I ordered since I was going to a little town with no charging stations. Had to move from a small size SUV to crappy sedan and pay extra $50/ day for it. I’m very unhappy about this reservation all around. Sedan car was horrible, smelled of barf and smoke.

10.0 Wonderful

Jeremey, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Received an excellent vehicle. Check in and Check out could not have been smoother.

Cons:

Nothing. This was seamless and efficient.

2.0 Poor

Justin, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

“Dealers choice was a Dodge Ram pickup truck, something no one would take going to New York City. I had to pay $60 for a reasonable sedan. It was a straight up scam

5.2 Fair

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I liked the car

Cons:

The car was very dirty

1 out of 10

National

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.6

One location in Portland

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook St

+1 844 370 3978

Monday07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday07:30 - 23:59
Thursday07:30 - 23:59
Friday07:30 - 23:59
Saturday07:30 - 23:59
Sunday07:30 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Justin, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was great

Cons:

The vehicle smelled like smoke.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
In spite of Kayak or Hotwire sending me a reservation number when I got to the Portland airport National could not find my reservation and would not rent me a car. I have already sent a blistering email to one of you sucky third parties about this awful experience and I am astonished you keep asking me about it. Truly one of the WORST experiences I have ever had while traveling. Do not contact me again for any reason!!!!!

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
First car had less than half a tank of gas, and multiple warning lights (tire pressure low, needs oil change…). Second car was dirty- something spilled in back seat, previous renter papers, something spilled on dash-white…At over $100 a day, for a week, nobody checks these cars out?

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2022

KAYAK
Arriving to Portland on Saturday around noon, the wait till I got my car was over an hour or more. The return was excellent.

Thrifty

5.5

Fair

One location in Portland

Locations in Portland

202 Warren Avenue

(207) 797-7156

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in Portland

Locations in Portland

Portland International Jetport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Free2Move

No score available yet

One location in Portland

Locations in Portland

Transportation Center, 100 Thompson's Point Road

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Portland

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook St

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Portland

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook St, Portland, , USA Maine

+1 914 368 0091

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

336 travellers who rented a car in Portland gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.4

Car hire locations in or near Portland

Good to know

Most popular car type

Full-size

When to book a car hire in Portland

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Portland car hire information

Pick-up locationPortland
Car types
Hire locations15
Airport locations10