Dollar Car Hire
Portland

Portland International Jetport is a single-terminal airport, which makes finding the rental car area very straightforward. After you disembark, head for the main concourse and baggage reclaim on the first level. The rental car desks, including Dollar, are conveniently located inside the terminal building, just beyond the baggage carousels. The entire walk from your gate to the rental desk is indoors, keeping you protected from the weather and making it easy to manage your luggage.

If your flight arrives late at night, it’s sensible to confirm the counter's opening status. While rental companies often monitor flight arrival times, the most direct way is to have the local PWM Dollar office number saved in your phone beforehand. Give them a quick call once you land to confirm they are aware of your delay and will be there to assist. This simple step provides peace of mind before you collect your bags and head to the desk.

During peak travel times like summer weekends, it’s wise to plan extra time. The process involves disembarking, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for luggage, and then proceeding to the rental desk. At the desk you’ll complete the rental contract before heading out to the adjoining garage to find your vehicle. While PWM is efficient, it’s best to allow around 45 to 60 minutes from stepping off the plane to driving away, especially if several flights have arrived at once.

To ensure a smooth and speedy pickup at the Dollar desk, have all necessary information organised and easily accessible. Keep your rental confirmation number to hand, either on your phone or as a printout. You will also need to present your valid driving licence and the credit card you intend to use for the rental. Having these items ready when you reach the agent will significantly streamline the process and get you on your way sooner.

Luggage trolleys are readily available throughout the baggage reclaim area at PWM, usually near the carousels and the main exits. Use one of these trolleys to gather all your bags in one place. Since the rental car counters are just steps from baggage reclaim within the same building, you can easily push the trolley right up to the desk. After completing your paperwork, you can then take the trolley into the attached multi-storey to load your vehicle.

Managing multiple bags from the desk to the car is straightforward at PWM thanks to its layout. The best approach is to use an airport luggage trolley, which you can bring from baggage reclaim to the rental desk. After you receive your keys and vehicle location, push the trolley through the terminal and into the connected car park. This keeps all your belongings with you at all times, ensuring a secure and stress-free transfer to your hire car.

Road signage leaving the Portland Jetport is clearly marked for major routes. As you exit the rental garage, follow signs for the airport exit, which will lead you onto Jetport Boulevard. From there, clear signs direct you towards I-95 and I-295. To avoid any uncertainty, it’s a good idea to set up your satellite navigation or smartphone while still parked. That gives you turn-by-turn guidance from the moment you start driving and ensures you join the correct slip road for your intended direction.

For a quick, easy stop after the airport, head towards the Maine Mall area in South Portland, just a few minutes' drive from PWM. Instead of going straight into the city, follow signs for I-295 South or Maine Mall Road. This area has familiar coffee shops, fast-food outlets and supermarkets with large car parks. It lets you get your bearings, pick up provisions and avoid the complexities of downtown’s one-way streets right after your flight.

The safest place to get organised is in the rental car parking space itself, before you begin driving. Take a few minutes in the garage to adjust mirrors, set your destination in the sat-nav and pair your phone to the vehicle’s Bluetooth. If you’ve already started driving, the airport’s cell phone lot is a designated safe area to pull over. Alternatively, a nearby shopping plaza in South Portland offers large, low-traffic car parks ideal for a quick stop to get settled.

For a less stressful drive into the Old Port, taking I-295 North from the airport area is generally the most straightforward route. Take Exit 7 for Franklin Street, which provides a direct and well-signed path into the heart of the waterfront district. This approach helps you avoid some of the more complex junctions and one-way streets encountered from other directions. Following Franklin Street leads you directly towards the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal and bustling Commercial Street.

To avoid the frustration of searching for on-street parking in the Old Port, head straight for one of the public car parks. Several well-signed multi-storey car parks are located just a block or two from the main hub of Commercial Street. Using a car park is especially helpful during busy dinner hours or at weekends, saving you from navigating narrow, often cobbled streets. Simply program your sat-nav for a car park on Fore Street or Pearl Street for convenient access to the area's best restaurants.

When booking a downtown hotel, ask about their specific parking arrangements. Find out if they offer on-site parking or if they use a nearby public car park. Confirm vehicle height clearance, particularly if you’ve hired a larger SUV or van. Also check the fee structure and whether they offer in-and-out privileges, which allow you to leave and return without paying each time. Finally, ask about the entry process — whether you’ll need a key card or a ticket validated at reception.

When a cruise ship is docked in Portland, expect a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, particularly around Commercial Street and the Old Port. Driving can be slow and finding on-street parking becomes very challenging. To manage this, plan to use one of the city's car parks, which are better equipped to handle the influx of visitors. Allow extra travel time for plans in the waterfront area on cruise ship days to account for potential congestion.

To secure a parking space at the iconic Portland Head Light, timing is key. The most effective strategy is to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10:00, especially on a sunny summer weekend. This lets you enjoy the scenery with fewer crowds. An alternative is to visit later in the afternoon, after 15:00, when many early visitors have already departed. Midday, roughly 11:00 to 14:00, is the peak period when the car parks within Fort Williams Park are most likely to be full.

The Casco Bay Bridge, connecting Portland and South Portland, experiences predictable congestion during standard commuter hours. Expect the heaviest backups heading into Portland on weekday mornings between 07:30 and 09:00, and leaving the city towards South Portland between 16:00 and 18:00. On summer weekends, especially Friday afternoons, traffic can also be heavy as people head to the beaches. To ensure a smooth drive, try to plan your crossing outside these peak windows.

Getting to South Portland from PWM is very direct and lets you completely bypass downtown Portland. From Jetport Boulevard you can take a short drive to I-295 South. This motorway will take you directly over the Fore River into South Portland in just a few minutes. Alternatively, for access to the Maine Mall area, local roads like Western Avenue also provide a straightforward route without navigating the city core.

Driving Route 1 north of Portland offers beautiful coastal scenery, but be prepared for variable traffic conditions, especially in summer. While some stretches are open road, you will pass through small towns like Yarmouth, Freeport and Brunswick, where speed limits drop and traffic lights can cause backups. The section through Wiscasset is particularly notorious for stop-and-go traffic during peak season. Plan for a leisurely pace and build extra time into your schedule to enjoy the drive without feeling rushed.

For a successful day trip to Acadia National Park, an early start from Portland is essential. To beat the worst of the traffic and secure parking at popular spots like Cadillac Mountain or Jordan Pond, aim to be on Mount Desert Island by 08:00 at the latest. That means leaving the Portland area no later than 05:00, as the drive itself takes around three hours without stops. An early arrival allows you to enjoy the park's main attractions before peak crowds and parking challenges begin mid-morning.

Freeport is a popular destination and the primary car parks around the L.L.Bean campus can fill up quickly, especially at weekends. If the main lots are full, there is ample on-street parking available on the side streets just off Main Street. Additionally, many of the outlet stores have their own dedicated car parks that are often less crowded. A good strategy is to park a block or two away and enjoy a short, pleasant walk through the village to the main shopping area.

To minimise traffic on a trip to Kennebunkport, use I-95 for the majority of the drive. Take I-95 South from Portland to the Kennebunk exit, then follow the local roads into town. While you may still encounter congestion closer to Dock Square, this route avoids the slower, stop-and-go traffic that often affects Route 1 during the summer. For the return trip, consider leaving Kennebunkport either before 16:00 or after 19:00 to miss the worst of the late-afternoon and evening rush.

Since you can’t take your rental car on the ferry to Peaks Island, you will need to park in Portland. There are several car parks located near the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal on the waterfront. These car parks are the most convenient and secure option for leaving your vehicle for the day. On a sunny summer weekend, these lots can start filling up by mid-morning, so it’s advisable to arrive early. Plan to park your car at least 30–45 minutes before your desired ferry departure.

A good loop for lighthouse viewing starts by heading south from Portland to Cape Elizabeth. First visit Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, then continue south to Two Lights State Park. From there, instead of backtracking, take Route 77 back towards the Casco Bay Bridge into South Portland. Cross the bridge and visit Bug Light Park and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. This route creates a logical, scenic circle and minimises repetitive driving, allowing you to see four iconic lighthouses efficiently.

On nights with concerts or Maine Mariners hockey games at the Cross Insurance Arena, expect significant traffic congestion in the city centre, particularly around Spring Street and Center Street. Car parks and lots near the arena fill quickly, and on-street parking becomes very scarce. If your hotel is in this area or you plan to dine nearby, it’s best to arrive well before the event starts. Allow extra driving time and be prepared for slow-moving traffic and a high volume of pedestrians after the event.

Downtown Portland and the Old Port are known for their network of one-way streets, which can challenge first-time visitors. The common issue is needing to make a turn but finding yourself in the wrong lane with little time to change. To avoid this, rely on a sat-nav app with lane guidance and keep audio prompts on. It’s also helpful to have a passenger act as co-pilot. Reviewing your route on a map before you start driving gives you a better mental picture of the street grid.

Managing luggage drop-off in the busy Old Port requires coordination. The best approach is to call your hotel a few minutes away to ask for their specific instructions. One person should stay with the vehicle while the other quickly unloads the bags onto the pavement or checks in at reception. Many hotels have a small, designated loading zone for this purpose. After unloading, you can then proceed to the hotel’s recommended long-term car park without the stress of managing your luggage.

The Maine Mall area in South Portland is ideal for a post-flight reset with children, located just a five-minute drive from the airport. You’ll find large stores such as Target and supermarkets that have clean toilets, a wide selection of snacks and drinks, and spacious car parks. This gives you plenty of room to adjust car seats safely and let the kids stretch their legs. It’s an easy, low-stress stop before you head to your final destination, whether downtown Portland or further up the coast.

Navigating the Maine Mall area is easiest if you use your sat-nav and aim for one of the large department store car parks as your destination, rather than just the mall itself. The junctions around the mall, especially Maine Mall Road and Gorham Road, can be very busy with multiple lanes and turning signals. By picking a specific store, your navigation app will give more precise turn-by-turn directions. Entering from a less-congested side street like Philbrook Avenue can also be simpler than using the main entrances.

Coastal fog is common around Portland, especially during spring and summer when warm air moves over cold ocean water. It can roll in quickly and significantly reduce visibility on roads near the water, such as in Cape Elizabeth or along Route 1. Fog is often thickest in the early morning and can linger through the day if there’s little wind. Always use your dipped headlights in foggy conditions and allow extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead.

In winter weather around Portland, elevated surfaces are the first to become icy and slick. This includes bridges, such as the Casco Bay Bridge, and all motorway overpasses and slip roads for I-295 and I-95. These structures freeze before ground-level roads because cold air circulates both above and below them. Coastal routes can also be hazardous due to sea spray freezing on the surface. Reduce speed and increase following distance when driving in freezing conditions, paying special attention to these vulnerable areas.

For an early-morning flight, a conservative approach to car return is best. Plan to arrive at the airport rental facility at least two hours before your flight’s departure. This buffer allows time for refuelling nearby, navigating to the rental return entrance, the vehicle check-in process, and gathering your luggage. From there you still need to walk into the terminal, check in and clear security. Arriving with ample time removes the stress of rushing and ensures a smooth end to your trip.

As you approach the Portland Jetport for your return, pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signs. The airport has specific, clearly marked lanes for 'Rental Car Return' that are separate from short-stay parking, long-stay parking and passenger drop-off. Keep to the designated lane as you get closer to the terminal. The entrance to the rental return area is located within the main car park, and following the signage will guide you directly to the correct location for dropping off your vehicle.

If you’ve been enjoying Maine’s outdoors, it’s wise to build in an extra 20 to 30 minutes before your return to tidy the vehicle. Many local petrol stations have vacuum cleaners and refuse bins you can use. Taking a few moments to shake out floor mats, vacuum sand or dirt and remove any rubbish or personal items will make for a much smoother return process. This small time investment ensures the car is in good condition and helps you avoid any potential cleaning fees.

The most direct and efficient way to begin your drive to Boston is to get onto I-95 South as quickly as possible. From the airport, follow signs for I-95 South, which will allow you to bypass local traffic in Portland and South Portland. The first hour of this drive is typically straightforward motorway travel through southern Maine. This route keeps you out of smaller towns and coastal roads, providing a smooth start to your journey south towards Massachusetts.

For a smooth and scenic drive to the Midcoast towns of Brunswick or Bath, the best route is I-295 North. From the airport you’ll quickly merge onto the motorway and head north, bypassing Portland’s city centre traffic. This route is more direct and generally faster than taking the more commercial Route 1. I-295 offers pleasant views of tidal estuaries and marshes as you approach Brunswick, providing a pleasant introduction to Midcoast Maine.

Portland’s breweries are clustered in a few key neighbourhoods, making them easy to explore. A great strategy is to park once in a central location within a specific district, like East Bayside, which is known as a brewery hub. You can often find on-street parking or use a paid lot and then walk between several breweries. For visiting breweries in different parts of the city, such as Industrial Way, it’s a short and easy drive. Always have a designated driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For the Eastern Promenade there is ample free on-street parking along its length and on adjacent side streets. For the Back Cove Trail, the most popular parking area is the large lot off Preble Street Extension, near the Hannaford supermarket. On pleasant summer weekends these spots can fill quickly, especially between 09:00 and noon. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon is your best bet for finding a convenient parking space at either location.

Summer is construction season in Maine, and it’s common to encounter roadworks, lane closures and diversions in and around Portland. Be prepared for potential delays and allow extra travel time, particularly when driving in the city centre or on major arteries. Rely on a real-time sat-nav app, which will often update with the latest closures and reroute you accordingly. Paying close attention to temporary signage is crucial, as diversions or changes to one-way street patterns can be implemented with little notice.

While sat-navs are generally reliable in Portland, there are a few tricky spots. The multi-level interchange where I-295, Franklin Street and Marginal Way converge can be confusing, so having lane guidance on your navigation is helpful. Additionally, Portland has several streets with similar names, such as the various 'Deering' streets or the difference between the 'Eastern Promenade' and 'Western Promenade'. It’s good practice to double-check the full street address and postcode in your sat-nav to ensure you’re heading to the correct location.

Before heading to a campsite, it’s wise to stock up on supplies in Portland or South Portland. Your checklist should include groceries, drinking water, firewood (buy locally to prevent the spread of invasive species) and any forgotten camping kit. A good plan is to make one stop at a large supermarket in South Portland, which is close to the airport. This lets you get everything you need in one place before venturing into more rural areas where shops are less frequent.

To enjoy some final sightseeing before an evening flight, consider exploring areas south of the city during the afternoon. You could visit the lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth or spend time at Willard Beach in South Portland. These locations are closer to the airport and allow you to avoid crossing back through downtown during the 16:00–18:00 rush hour. After your visit, you’ll have a short, direct drive to the airport for your car return, making for a relaxing and traffic-free end to your trip.