Payless Car Hire
Portsmouth

After collecting your luggage at Portsmouth International Airport, proceed directly to the rental car desks located within the terminal building. Look for the overhead signs marked "Rental Cars" to find the Payless desk. Because the service is in‑terminal, you won't need to wait for or board a shuttle. Simply walk to the desk to complete the paperwork and collect the keys to your vehicle.

During peak travel times such as a summer weekend, it's sensible to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the moment your aircraft touches down to when you drive off. This window allows for deplaning, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for luggage and completing the rental agreement at the desk. Allowing for this buffer helps ensure a smooth, stress‑free start to your visit to the Portsmouth area.

For the most straightforward drive into downtown Portsmouth, exit the airport onto International Drive and turn right onto Pease Boulevard. Follow Pease Boulevard for about two miles until it merges onto the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16 South). From there, take Exit 7 for Downtown Portsmouth, which leads directly onto Market Street. This route minimises complex merges and provides a clear path into the city's historic centre.

In downtown Portsmouth, streets such as Congress, Market and Daniel can be difficult for loading luggage due to their narrow lanes and heavy pedestrian traffic. These historic streets offer very limited space to pull over without disrupting traffic. It's best to contact your hotel in advance about their specific loading arrangements or plan to use a nearby public car park for a short stop.

The bridges connecting Portsmouth to Kittery, Maine, such as the Memorial Bridge and the I‑95 bridge, can feel narrow to drivers unfamiliar with them. It is advisable to maintain a steady speed with the flow of traffic and stay centred in your lane. Be aware these bridges are exposed and can be windy, so a firm grip on the steering wheel helps. Approaching with caution and focusing on the road ahead will ensure a comfortable crossing.

The most convenient and popular option for visitors is the Hanover Parking Garage on Hanover Street. This large multi‑level facility is centrally located and just a short, pleasant walk from the Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and the waterfront shops. Using this car park allows you to leave your hire car and explore the whole historic downtown area on foot for several hours.

For an evening event at Prescott Park, especially in summer, plan to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the show starts. This gives you ample time to find a spot in the nearby Hanover Parking Garage or to look for available on‑street parking in the surrounding South End. Arriving early helps you avoid the last‑minute rush and allows for a relaxed walk to the park.

Yes, the historic South End neighbourhood, particularly the area around the Strawbery Banke Museum, can be tricky for GPS navigation. The dense network of narrow one‑way streets and lanes that change names can sometimes confuse mapping apps. It's helpful to have a general sense of your route beforehand and always pay close attention to posted street signs to avoid getting turned around.

Immediately after leaving the airport, the most convenient area for a quick stop is near the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Just a few minutes' drive from PSM via the Spaulding Turnpike, this commercial hub features several major grocery stores, pharmacies and other retailers. You can easily stock up on any needed supplies here before continuing on to your hotel or final destination.

Driving your hire car from Portsmouth to Kittery is a simple and common trip, as you cross one of the Piscataqua River bridges. However, be prepared for significant congestion on Route 1 in Kittery, especially around the popular outlet malls. This area gets very busy at weekends and during the summer, so it's wise to allow extra travel time for shopping excursions.

For a successful half‑day trip to Ogunquit, aim to arrive before 10 a.m. to get ahead of the largest crowds. Once there, rather than trying to park in the small, congested lots at Perkins Cove, use one of the larger municipal lots in the town centre. From there you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Marginal Way or use the local trolley to reach the cove and beach.

To avoid the worst traffic on a day trip to Kennebunkport, it's best to visit on a weekday if possible. If you must go at the weekend, set off early from Portsmouth and aim to arrive before 11 a.m. This approach helps you find parking around Dock Square more easily and allows you to explore the shops and waterfront before the afternoon crowds arrive.

The Hanover Parking Garage is the quintessential 'park once' spot for a weekend in Portsmouth. Its central location provides easy walking access to Market Square, the waterfront, Prescott Park and most of the downtown's restaurants and boutiques. Another excellent option is the Foundry Place Garage, which is also convenient for exploring the city on foot, particularly the West End.

For a low‑stress family outing, attractions outside the downtown core are your best bet. The Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye and Water Country water park both have large, dedicated parking lots designed for easy visitor access. These venues let you park close to the entrance without the challenge of navigating city traffic or hunting for a space.

Driving Route 1 offers a scenic, leisurely journey through charming coastal towns with plenty of opportunities to stop at shops and beaches, but it is much slower because of frequent traffic lights and lower speed limits. In contrast, I‑95 is a direct, multi‑lane motorway designed for efficient travel between major points. Choose Route 1 for the experience and sightseeing, and use I‑95 when speed and directness are the priority.

The Portsmouth Traffic Circle is a major interchange and can be very busy, especially during commuter hours. The most common confusion for visitors is not getting into the correct lane far enough in advance for their desired exit. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs as you approach and merge carefully, as traffic joins from multiple directions, including I‑95 and the Spaulding Turnpike.

Driving from PSM to downtown Portsmouth late at night is generally a straightforward and calm experience. The main roads, including the Spaulding Turnpike, are well lit and clearly signed, and traffic will be light. However, be aware most nearby services like petrol stations and restaurants will likely be closed, so it's best to plan ahead if you need anything on arrival.

The most direct and scenic route to Hampton Beach is to take Route 1A South from Portsmouth, which follows the coastline. On warm summer days traffic congestion is almost guaranteed, typically starting a few miles out and becoming most intense near the main beach area. To reduce time spent in traffic, plan to arrive very early in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m.

For a brief stop during a coastal drive, look for the designated scenic pull‑offs along Route 1A in Rye and North Hampton. These areas are specifically designed for cars to pull over safely and enjoy the view. State parks such as Odiorne Point and Wallis Sands also have car parks with excellent ocean vistas, though you should check their opening hours for access.

A day trip to Portland is very manageable, with the drive taking about one hour each way on I‑95 without traffic. A good plan is to leave Portsmouth by 9 a.m., spend the late morning and afternoon exploring Portland's Old Port, and head back south around 4 p.m. to avoid the worst commuter traffic. For a pleasant break on the return trip, consider a short stop in Kennebunkport or York.

The drive from Portsmouth to Newburyport is short and straightforward, usually taking under 30 minutes. Parking can be challenging right in the main downtown area, especially at weekends. Your best approach is to use one of the municipal car parks located a block or two off the main streets, which typically have more availability and provide a pleasant walk into the shopping district.

The biggest challenge for a day trip to Salem is parking, particularly in the autumn season. The drive itself is about an hour, but the city's public garages and lots fill up very early. It's essential to arrive in the morning and have a primary and backup parking garage identified before you leave Portsmouth to avoid spending too much time circling the congested historic streets.

You will encounter toll roads in this region, most notably on I‑95 in New Hampshire and the Maine Turnpike. Most tolling is now electronic, meaning cameras capture your number plate or a transponder is read. To ensure a smooth journey, it's a good idea to discuss the rental company's tolling policies at the desk when you pick up your car so you understand how payments are processed.

Downtown Portsmouth primarily uses metered on‑street parking and public car parks. Street parking usually has a two‑ or three‑hour time limit that is strictly enforced, so it's best for short stops. Always read the signs carefully for hours of enforcement and any residential permit restrictions. For longer stays, using a public facility like the Hanover Garage is the most convenient and worry‑free option.

For easy access to the waterfront, a good drop‑off point is the loading zone on Market Street near the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. To visit Prescott Park, you can briefly pull over on Marcy Street for a quick and convenient drop‑off. Many restaurants in Market Square also have nearby spots where you can safely let passengers out before you go to park the car.

The easiest and most pleasant way to get to Odiorne Point State Park is to take Route 1A south from Portsmouth. This scenic coastal road takes you directly to the park's entrance, avoiding major motorways and roundabouts. The route is well signed, and the park itself has a large, accessible car park right at the entrance, making for a very low‑stress arrival.

On a sunny summer weekend, the car parks at Wallis Sands State Beach and Jenness Beach in Rye often fill to capacity by 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. It's crucial to arrive early to secure a spot. Since there is very little alternative parking nearby, your backup plan should be to visit on a weekday, go later in the afternoon when some people start to leave, or explore a different attraction for the day.

To best enjoy a visit to the Nubble Lighthouse, try to go on a weekday or very early on a weekend morning. The final road leading to the viewing area is narrow and the car park is small, causing significant backups during peak times. An off‑peak visit allows for a much more pleasant experience and a better chance of finding a parking space without a long wait.

During peak foliage season, popular inland routes like the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) heading north towards the mountains become very congested, especially at weekends. To time your drive better, plan to start very early in the morning to get ahead of the main crowds. Alternatively, consider exploring the coastal routes, which can be just as scenic with their own autumn colours but are often less crowded.

During winter weather, main roads like I‑95 and the Spaulding Turnpike are typically well ploughed and treated, but caution is still essential. Side streets may take longer to clear. You should be particularly careful on bridges and overpasses, as they are prone to freezing first and developing black ice. Always reduce your speed, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time.

While mobile coverage is generally strong in Portsmouth and along the main coastal routes, it can become spotty if you venture into more rural inland areas or some state parks. If you plan on hiking or exploring back roads away from the major towns, it's a sensible precaution to download maps of the region to your phone for offline access. This ensures you can navigate even without a reliable signal.

A logical and efficient route for this trip is to start in Portsmouth, then drive north on the Spaulding Turnpike to Dover, and finally head west on Route 108 to visit Durham. This path minimises backtracking. Parking is generally straightforward in Dover's public garages, and in Durham it's easiest to use the designated visitor parking areas at the University of New Hampshire.

For a morning flight out of PSM, a good rule of thumb is to leave downtown Portsmouth about two hours before your flight's departure time. While the drive itself is short, this provides a comfortable cushion to allow for potential morning commuter traffic, complete the rental car return process and get through airport security without feeling rushed.

When staying at an inn with limited parking, the best first step is to call ahead and ask about their specific parking arrangements. They may have a few reserved spots or an agreement with a nearby lot. If they have no on‑site parking, your smoothest option is to plan on using one of the city's public car parks, like Hanover or Foundry Place, for overnight parking.

The Hanover Parking Garage is an excellent and easy‑to‑find meetup spot, as it's a major, well‑signed landmark that provides convenient parking for everyone. Another great option is to meet in Prescott Park along the waterfront; it's a beautiful, recognisable location, and your friends can park at the Hanover Garage and walk over. Both options are simple for people unfamiliar with the city to navigate to.

During evening dining hours, be especially cautious in and around Market Square, as well as on Congress, Daniel and Bow Streets. These areas are filled with popular restaurants and bars, leading to a high volume of pedestrians crossing streets, often between parked cars. Driving slowly and with heightened awareness is crucial for safety in this bustling part of the city.

When taking the ferry, plan to park your hire car in a public car park for the day, as parking at the ferry terminal itself is extremely limited. The Hanover Parking Garage is within walking distance of the dock on Market Street. Be sure to allow at least 30 extra minutes in your schedule to park the car and walk to the terminal so you arrive well before your ferry's departure time.

Visitors to Fort Constitution and Great Island Common in New Castle will find a dedicated public car park available for a fee. The entrance is clearly marked from the main road, making it easy to find. While the lot is sizeable, it can fill up on pleasant summer weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a good strategy to ensure you get a spot.

The most common mistake is underestimating the complexity of the Portsmouth Traffic Circle interchange and not getting into the correct lane early enough. The exits for the Spaulding Turnpike and downtown Portsmouth come up quickly. To avoid this, review your map before you drive and pay close attention to the large overhead highway signs well in advance of the circle to prevent sudden, unsafe lane changes.

As you approach Portsmouth International Airport, look for and follow the specific signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you onto a dedicated roadway that leads to the return lots for all agencies, separate from the passenger drop‑off and arrivals lanes. Following these clearly marked signs will guide you directly to the Payless return area without any confusing loops around the main terminal.