Search
Deals
Tips
User Experiences
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

Portland car rentals from $27/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Portland with a pick-up date of 5/5 and drop-off date of 5/17. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Sat 5/4
Sat 5/11

Compare hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Portland, Maine

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Save up to 38%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$36/day
Compact$35/day
Intermediate$28/day
Standard$27/day
Full-size$37/day
Minivan$63/day
Full-size SUV$58/day
Luxury$54/day
Premium SUV$70/day
Supplier choice$37/day
Intermediate SUV$40/day
Standard SUV$40/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Portland

  • Portland is always full of bikes as it has gentle slopes and numerous bike lanes. Therefore, paying extra attention to the road is crucial since you will be sharing roads with bikes. If you are driving in areas with no cycle lanes, take extra caution, especially when turning left. There are more than ten intersections in Portland that were created to curb any collisions between motorists moving in the right direction and cyclists in the cycle lanes. Whenever you encounter a green 'bike box,' give way to cycle. Ensure you don't move when the light is red and stay put at the white line that borders the green box. This is because only bikes are allowed to be in the box.
  • Although driving rules tend to be the same in most states and even globally, there are some essential rules to conversate with before leaving the parking lot. Always yield to pedestrians at the crosswalks, ensure you have your seatbelts all the time, and give way to emergency vehicles. It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol in Portland. The recommended blood alcohol limit in Portland is 0.08%. When approaching school zones, always lower your speed limit to 20 mph. However, driving on rural and urban highways can surge your speed limit to 65 mph.
  • Portland has numerous rental car locations. You can either pick up your vehicle at the airport or off-location. Some of Portland's most popular and reliable car rentals include Avis, National Car Rental, Zipcar, Bandago Van Rental, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. All these companies have desks situated at the lower level of Portland International Airport (PAX). To get the best deals, make your reservations in advance. However, before making any upfront reservation, comparing deals across all major car rental companies is vital. Although airport car rentals are usually pricey, do thorough homework and compare prices for airport car rentals and off-site locations.
  • There is so much to see and do on your visit to Portland, Maine. With a rental 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 rental 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 rental car station is conveniently located next to the main terminal. You’ll simply have to walk a short distance to pick up your rental. Some rental 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.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Portland for $49 or less
  • Book your rental car in Portland at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Off-airport rental car locations in Portland are around 35% more expensive than airport locations on average
  • Intermediate rental cars in Portland are around 4% 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.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Portland?

    On average a rental car in Portland costs $72 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Portland found in the last 2 weeks is $47.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Portland?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar ($27/day), Budget ($35/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($40/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Dollar 1001 Westbrook Street 04102 (3 miles from city center).

  • What is the best rental car company in Portland?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Portland are Alamo (8.6, 60 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.2, 78 reviews), and Budget (8.1, 103 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in Portland?

    The average gas price in Portland is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Portland?

    Intermediate (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Portland.

  • Which car rental companies are at Portland airport (PWM)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Portland airport include Dollar, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis and National.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Portland airport (PWM)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Portland airport to off-airport locations include Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, and National.

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

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

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Portland?

    An Intermediate car rental in Portland costs $92 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car rental in Portland costs $77 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Portland?

    A Special car rental in Portland costs $70 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Portland?

    On average a rental car in Portland costs $503 per week ($72 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Portland?

    On average a rental car in Portland costs $2,158 per month ($72 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Portland?

    Most car rental providers in Portland offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Portland, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Portland?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 12 car rental agencies in Portland.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Portland?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Portland?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Portland so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • Can I access car rentals if I am below 21 years?

    Most car rental companies in Portland give their cars to individuals above 21 years. This doesn't mean you can't get a car rental if you are below that age bracket. However, an everyday surcharge will be imposed. There are also some car categories that you cannot access. In most cases, you are only allowed to drive the economy and compact vehicles.

  • Can I cancel my Portland car reservation?

    Although car rental companies have a different cancellation policy, most will give a complete refund if the cancellation is made six hours before the collection time. Be sure to check with your company to check your eligibility.

Portland car rental reviews and directory

Alamo

8.7

Very good

178 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

7.8

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2024

KAYAK
They’ve made renting a car simple.

6.0 Okay

Dec 2023

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

Oct 2023

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

2.0 Poor

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. I canceled my reservation at the kiosk.

Cons:

I was given 3 cars to try. The first car wouldn’t turn on and was filthy. The second car had brakes that sounded terrible. The third was filthy. The clerk was rude and short with me. She said those 3 terrible cars were my only options. Yes, including a car that wouldn’t start. I canceled my reservation and went with enterprise.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

staff was unhelpful when i told them the car was missing an ez pass

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff knowledgeable and super friendly. Car clean and new

Cons:

Better lighting in the pickup/drop off area

1 out of 30

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2

Very good

204 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.8

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2024

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

Jan 2024

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

2.0 Poor

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

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very nice, professional and friendly!

Cons:

Honestly, nothing it was geat!

4.8 Mediocre

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

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 34

Dollar

8.2

Very good

147 reviews
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

8.0

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

1001 Westbrook Street

+1 866 434 2226

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

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

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

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

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

the guy in Portland was fantastic - very informative and helpful

6.0 Okay

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff at Boston Logan were excellent.

Cons:

The car smelled like stale cigarette smoke and cleaning supplies.

2.0 Poor

Dec 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

I was not informed at the time of reservation that the company requires a credit card, which I do not have. I paid $35 at the time of booking and was no able to recoup that money, could t rent the car and was stranded at the airport!

1 out of 21

Budget

8.1

Very good

103 reviews

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.8

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2024

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

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2024

KAYAK
Congenial crew. Quick service.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2023

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

2.0 Poor

Sep 2023

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

2.0 Poor

Sep 2022

KAYAK
The truck was fine. I just didn't reserve one: I reserved a mid-size car. Then the staff tried to "upsell" me a luxury car where they should have given me one at the same price because it was their fault to begin with. So I took the truck. Horrible business model.

6.0 Okay

Sep 2022

KAYAK
I reserved a standard SUV and what I got was a 4 wheel drive off road 4 Runner. 13,000 miles but it looked like it had 50,000 off road miles on it.

1 out of 20

Avis

7.6

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.0

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2024

KAYAK
Good customer service. Ease of delivery and pickup

10.0 Wonderful

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

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

Nov 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was very helpful and attentive.

3.6 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

I rented the car on Kayak for $135. When it was all said and done, it was $298. Nickel and diming you is not ok.

Cons:

Charge what we originally ordered!

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

the computer automatically includes a partial fuel charge and the gentleman that checked in the vehicle had me go inside ant the customer relations person promptly removed that charge.. To me the tis caring about your customers.

1 out of 12

National

7.7

Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

6.6

One location in Portland

Show locations

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

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was great

Cons:

The vehicle smelled like smoke.

6.8 Okay

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off easy. Staff super helpful.

Cons:

Rental was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We traveled in Maine over unfamiliar roads GPS often wrong, particularly in Portland Jetport. Often made last minutes changes in turn directions causing us to miss numerous turns and causing way too much backtracking.

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything

Cons:

No complaints

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Van with price as promised

Cons:

Everything fine

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly and Professional

2.0 Poor

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!!!!!

1 out of 3

Hertz

7.2

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

7.1

2 locations in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

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

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Sep 2023

KAYAK
Confusing, stressful and costly experience. Unable to speak directly to rental office when calling for information. Always have to speak with foreign person who does not understand English or convey information to customer that is not accurate or confusing. Customer unable to secure need agreement for car rental. Information passed on to customer was not correct and caused customer much anxiety.

1 out of 1

Thrifty

5.8

Fair

No reviews available

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

202 Warren Avenue

(207) 797-7156

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Portland

Show locations

Locations in Portland

Portland International Jetport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Free2Move

No score available yet

One location in Portland

Show locations

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

Show locations

Locations in Portland

Airport Parking Garage, Lower Level

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Portland

Show locations

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

717 travelers who rented a car in Portland gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.7

Car rental locations in or near Portland

Good to know

Most popular agency

Dollar

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

$72/day

Good deal

$49/day

When to book a rental car in Portland

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches