Car Hire at Maine Airport

Portland International Jetport (PWM) is Maine's primary arrival point for international travellers, and its consolidated car hire centre — located in the main terminal with vehicles in the adjacent parking garage — puts every major brand within a short walk of baggage claim. Bangor International Airport (BGR) serves the northern and central parts of the state, with counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz in the baggage claim area and hire cars directly across from the terminal. Smaller airports near Acadia National Park (Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport) have seasonal brand availability, so booking well ahead matters if you're arriving outside Portland or Bangor. Demand peaks between late June and early September, when coastal and park traffic pushes availability tight; booking at least three to four weeks out is advisable for summer travel. Maine's main toll road, the Maine Turnpike, uses the E-ZPass electronic tolling system — hire companies charge roughly US$3.95 to US$6.95 per day for transponder access, and cash lanes remain available at some plazas as an alternative. Fuel averages around US$3.50 per gallon statewide, with prices running higher in remote inland areas; refuel before returning to avoid the hire company's fuel service rate, which typically runs two to three times the pump price. A credit card in the primary driver's name is required at pickup, with an authorisation hold of around US$200 to US$300 above the hire cost. If your licence uses a non-Latin script, bring an International Driving Permit.