Enterprise Car Hire
Portland

After collecting your luggage at Portland International Jetport, the most direct route to the Enterprise desk is to follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." The rental car centre is conveniently located within the terminal building on the first floor, just a short walk from baggage claim. This consolidated location is designed for traveller convenience, so you don’t need to go outside or take a shuttle. The well‑lit and clearly signposted route makes it straightforward, even after a long flight.

Many travellers find it convenient to use the airport’s cell phone lot, located just a minute’s drive from the rental car return area, as a short staging point. It provides a safe place to pull over without the pressure of airport traffic. Alternatively, there are several shopping plazas with large car parks within a five‑minute drive of PWM, such as those along Maine Mall Road. These spots give you ample room to adjust mirrors, programme your navigation and settle in before joining the highway and heading into central Portland.

Driving out of Portland International Jetport is generally straightforward, as the airport access road is well signed and leads directly to main routes. The primary road, Jetport Boulevard, guides you towards either the I‑95 (Maine Turnpike) or I‑295, which takes you into downtown Portland. The merges are standard for motorway entrance slips, so be attentive and match the flow of traffic. As long as you have your sat‑nav ready before you leave the rental lot, navigating the initial turns onto the correct interstate is quite manageable for first‑time visitors.

For an early‑morning flight, a good rule of thumb is to arrive at the rental car return area at least two hours before your departure time. The return process itself is typically efficient, but this buffer accounts for completing the vehicle check‑in and walking from the rental facility back into the terminal. It also provides ample time for airline check‑in, going through security and walking to your gate without feeling rushed. During peak travel seasons or bank holidays, adding an extra 30 minutes can provide additional peace of mind.

When checking into accommodation in the historic Old Port, the best strategy is to plan your approach in advance. Many visitors find it easiest to call their hotel ahead of time to ask for specific instructions on where to pull over for unloading luggage. Some establishments have designated short‑term loading zones for this purpose. If you’re arriving during a busy period, consider circling the block once to assess traffic flow and identify the best spot. Approaching from the Franklin Street side can sometimes be less congested than coming directly down Commercial Street.

Finding on‑street parking in the Old Port at the weekend can be quite challenging, especially during the afternoon and evening. For a quick stop of an hour or less, you might find a metered space on the streets bordering the main hub, but this often requires patience and a bit of luck. For a longer visit of several hours, a more realistic and stress‑free plan is to head straight to one of the public car parks. These are well signposted and located throughout the area, allowing you to park once and explore the cobbled streets on foot.

For first‑time drivers in Portland, the heart of the Old Port can feel the most challenging due to its narrow cobbled streets, frequent pedestrian crossings and a network of one‑way roads. The area around Commercial Street, Fore Street and Exchange Street requires particular attention, as traffic can be dense and sightlines sometimes limited. Additionally, the West End features some tight intersections and streets lined with parked cars that demand careful navigation. Using a sat‑nav with up‑to‑date traffic information is highly recommended to help anticipate these one‑way streets and turns.

When parking in Portland, it’s crucial to read all posted signs carefully at your specific spot, as rules can change from one block to the next. Pay close attention to time limits on metered parking, which are strictly enforced. Also be aware of signs indicating resident‑only permit parking, particularly in neighbourhoods like the West End and Munjoy Hill, as parking in these zones without a permit can result in a fine. Many areas have specific hours for enforcement, so always double‑check the days and times listed on the signs before leaving your vehicle.

When staying in the Munjoy Hill neighbourhood, be prepared for some steep streets and highly competitive on‑street parking. The best approach is to park your car and explore the immediate area on foot whenever possible. When you do need to park, be mindful of resident‑only permit zones and be prepared to park several blocks away from your destination, especially in the evening. When driving on the hills, particularly in wet or wintry conditions, maintain a steady, controlled speed and allow extra space between you and the vehicle ahead.

For a food‑focused day, the most effective strategy is to park your car centrally and explore different areas on foot. You could park in a car park near the Old Port for the morning and walk to various coffee shops and bakeries. Later, you might drive to a different neighbourhood, like the East End, park once, and then visit several breweries or restaurants in that cluster. This 'park once, explore many' approach minimises the hassle of finding new parking spots and allows you to fully enjoy the city’s renowned culinary scene.

To reach Portland Head Light and other lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth, the most direct route from the airport or downtown is to take I‑295 to Route 77. This route avoids much of the slower, more residential coastal roads for the majority of the journey. To minimise traffic, especially on summer weekends, plan your visit for a weekday or get an early start on a weekend morning. Leaving before 10 a.m. can make a significant difference in avoiding the heaviest congestion that builds up along the scenic coastal routes later in the day.

For sunrise photos at a spot like Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, it’s essential to check the park’s official opening hours, as they vary seasonally. While the park may have gated hours, there are often areas along the periphery or nearby where you can legally park and walk to a viewpoint before the main gates open. Arriving about 30–45 minutes before the scheduled sunrise is good practice. This gives you time to find a spot, set up your equipment and capture the best light as it changes.

To avoid the worst of the summer weekend traffic heading south from Portland to Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, aim to be on the road by 8:00 a.m. at the latest. The drive primarily uses I‑95 and then transitions to smaller local roads like Route 1, which can become very congested by mid‑morning. An early departure not only ensures a smoother drive but also significantly improves your chances of finding convenient parking in these popular and often crowded coastal towns, allowing you to maximise your time enjoying the beaches and shops.

The most straightforward driving route from Portland to Acadia National Park is to take I‑295 North, which merges into I‑95 North. You’ll then take exit 182A in Bangor to follow I‑395 East, and finally Route 1A South towards Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island. This route is primarily motorway driving and takes about three hours without stops. Popular places for a quick break along the way include the charming coastal towns of Wiscasset or Camden, which are slight detours off the main highway but offer a scenic glimpse of mid‑coast Maine.

When visiting Acadia, especially during peak season, it’s crucial to plan for limited parking and potential traffic. Many popular trailheads and sites like Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond now require reservations for vehicle access, so be sure to book these online in advance. A great strategy is to drive to the Hulls Cove Visitor Centre, park your car there, and use the free Island Explorer shuttle bus to get around the park. This eliminates the stress of finding parking at each stop and allows you to enjoy the scenery.

For out‑of‑state drivers, a common surprise on the Maine Turnpike (I‑95) is the presence of toll plazas, so it’s helpful to be prepared for those. On both I‑95 and I‑295 around Portland, the traffic pace can be faster than some visitors expect, so it’s important to be comfortable merging and maintaining motorway speeds. Additionally, during peak summer and autumn foliage seasons, traffic volume can increase significantly, leading to slowdowns, especially around major exits for coastal towns. Allow a little extra travel time during these periods.

If you prefer to avoid dense city driving, consider staying in areas just outside the downtown peninsula, such as South Portland or Scarborough. These suburban locations offer accommodation with ample car parks, making it much easier to load and unload your vehicle. They also provide direct and less‑congested access to major routes like I‑95, I‑295 and Route 1. This lets you get on your way to coastal towns or other attractions without first navigating Portland’s narrow downtown streets.

After leaving PWM you’ll find several convenient options for groceries just a few minutes away. The Maine Mall area in South Portland, which is very close to the airport, has large supermarkets like Hannaford and Target. These stores are easily accessible and have large car parks, making for a low‑stress shopping trip. This lets you stock up on supplies for your holiday rental right away before you even head into the busier parts of Portland or out to other coastal destinations.

A great first stop with children after a flight is Bug Light Park in South Portland, just a short drive from the airport. It offers wide‑open green spaces for running around, a small beach and lovely views of the Portland skyline and a picturesque lighthouse. Parking is plentiful and free, making it an incredibly easy and low‑stress destination. Another good option is the Eastern Promenade, which has a large grassy park, a playground and a paved trail with beautiful views of Casco Bay.

Winter driving in Portland is generally manageable for visitors, as the city does a good job of clearing main roads. However, it’s wise to be cautious, especially on the hills of Munjoy Hill and the West End neighbourhoods, which can become slick. Coastal winds can cause drifting snow, and the early darkness reduces visibility, so allowing extra travel time is key. If you’re not experienced with winter conditions, stick to main arteries and avoid smaller side streets until they have been fully treated.

During heavy rain, low‑lying areas of Portland can be prone to significant water pooling, making driving difficult. Commercial Street along the waterfront and parts of Marginal Way are known to collect water, so approach these areas with caution. Visibility can also be severely reduced near the water due to sea spray and fog that accompanies coastal storms. When parking, try to choose spots on higher ground to avoid returning to your car in a large puddle, and always use your headlights to ensure you are visible to others.

Coastal fog is common in the Portland area, especially during spring and summer, and it can roll in very quickly. When driving in fog, dramatically reduce your speed, use your dipped headlights, and increase the distance between your car and the one in front of you. Be aware that fog can completely obscure the views at scenic spots like Portland Head Light. While it can create a moody and atmospheric scene, if your goal is a clear ocean vista, it’s best to wait for it to burn off.

When taking a ferry from the Casco Bay Lines terminal, you’ll need to park your car on the mainland as vehicles are generally not taken for day trips. There are several car parks within a short walking distance of the ferry terminal in the Old Port. It is highly recommended to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before your ferry’s departure time, especially during the busy summer season. This gives you a comfortable buffer to find parking, pay at the kiosk, walk to the terminal and purchase your tickets without rushing.

For a day trip to Freeport, the key is to arrive early, preferably before 11 a.m., to secure a good parking spot and avoid the biggest crowds. Freeport offers a large, centrally located public car park behind the main shopping district, which is often the most convenient option. To avoid traffic, consider taking I‑295 instead of the more scenic but much slower Route 1. Once you’ve parked, the entire downtown shopping area, including the L.L. Bean campus, is easily walkable, so you won’t need to move your car again until you’re ready to leave.

A coastal drive from Portland to the Camden/Rockland area on Route 1 is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so plan for it to take at least half a day with a few stops. While the direct drive is about two hours, you’ll want to budget extra time for exploring. The section of Route 1 through the town of Wiscasset is a notorious bottleneck, especially on summer weekends, and can cause significant delays. Traffic can also slow considerably in the popular towns of Bath and Damariscotta, so patience is key to enjoying this scenic journey.

For a scenic but less intense driving experience, you can easily mix major roads with shorter coastal loops. For example, take I‑295 for a faster, calmer drive between Portland and Brunswick, and then exit to explore the more relaxed, winding roads of the Harpswell peninsula. This approach lets you enjoy beautiful ocean views and charming villages without committing to a long, continuous drive on narrow, busy coastal routes like Route 1. It’s a great way to balance efficiency with scenic exploration.

When driving into Portland for dinner from a nearby town, the most efficient strategy is to target a specific public car park in the Old Port or Arts District. Driving directly to a car park saves you the time and frustration of circling for limited on‑street parking during busy dinner hours. Many car parks are centrally located, making it a short and pleasant walk to most of the city’s best restaurants. Using a navigation app to route you directly to a car park entrance can make the whole experience smooth and predictable.

The Casco Bay Bridge connects Portland to South Portland and is a major traffic artery, so it can get quite congested during morning and evening rush hours (typically 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m.). When there are concerts at Thompson’s Point or events on the waterfront, traffic leading to and from the bridge can back up significantly. It’s also a drawbridge, and while openings are not frequent, they can cause temporary delays. If possible, try to plan your crossings outside of these peak times for a much smoother drive.

Yes: on days when a large cruise ship is docked you can expect noticeably slower traffic and heavier pedestrian crowds along Commercial Street and the immediate waterfront area. This is most pronounced mid‑morning when passengers disembark for excursions and in the late afternoon as they return to the ship. It’s wise to check the Portland cruise ship schedule online if you plan to drive or park in the Old Port. On those days, allowing extra time or using streets further inland can help you avoid the worst of the congestion.

To avoid the worst traffic for a show at Thompson’s Point, plan to arrive well before the opening act is due to start, as the entrance road can back up quickly. For departure, the key is patience. Many concertgoers find that waiting just 15–20 minutes after the show ends allows the initial surge of traffic to clear, making for a much faster and less stressful exit from the car parks. Alternatively, leaving a few minutes before the final encore can help you beat the rush, though you might miss the end of the show.

The most direct way to reach Scarborough’s beaches, like Higgins or Pine Point, is by taking Route 77 or Route 207 south from the Portland area. Parking at these popular beaches is extremely limited and fills up very early, especially on warm summer weekends. To secure a spot in the small municipal lots you often need to arrive before 9 a.m. After that your options are limited, and parking enforcement in surrounding residential streets is very strict, so be sure to obey all posted signs.

A logical way to explore Cape Elizabeth is to create a scenic loop. From Portland, drive south on Route 77 and make your first major stop at Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park. From there continue south along the coast to visit Two Lights State Park. After your visit you can complete the loop by continuing on Route 77 as it heads back inland, which will efficiently lead you back towards South Portland and the main highways without having to retrace your coastal route.

When navigating to smaller, more remote trailheads or overlooks, it’s important to drive slowly and be prepared for narrow roads that may not have a centre line. If you encounter an oncoming car be ready to pull over to a wide spot to let them pass. It’s also wise to be cautious when relying solely on sat‑nav, as it can sometimes lead you down private or unmaintained roads. Before committing to a tight turnaround assess the space and be prepared to reverse carefully to a safer spot if needed.

During peak fall foliage season, traffic can be heavy on popular scenic routes, especially at weekends. Route 302 heading west towards Sebago Lake and the White Mountains can become very congested with fellow leaf‑peepers. Similarly, coastal routes like Route 1 heading north towards Camden can also experience significant slowdowns. To avoid frustration, plan to start your scenic drives early in the morning and consider exploring less‑travelled back roads instead of sticking to the main tourist arteries.

A great approach is to focus on one specific area or route for the day rather than trying to criss‑cross the region. For example, you could plan a trip along the Route 202 corridor, which has several agricultural destinations. Alternatively, you could explore the roads around a town known for its farms, like New Gloucester. By clustering your stops geographically you can create a simple, enjoyable loop that minimises driving time and maximises your time spent at each location.

A very common navigation mistake in Portland is underestimating the complexity of the one‑way street grid downtown, especially in the Old Port. Visitors often find themselves forced to circle several blocks after missing a single turn. Another frequent issue is the presence of several streets with similar‑sounding names, like High Street, Congress Street and Commercial Street, which can cause confusion. It’s highly beneficial to have a co‑pilot reading the directions or to use a sat‑nav with clear, turn‑by‑turn voice guidance.

When travelling with bulky gear in busy areas like the Old Port, parking in a car park is often the best choice. Car parks provide more space to open doors fully and organise your gear without the pressure of passing traffic that you’d experience on a narrow street. If you must park on the street, try to find a spot on a wider, less congested road, even if it means a slightly longer walk. For unloading at a hotel pull into their designated loading zone if available, even if it means circling the block once to wait for it to free up.

A great plan for your last day is to explore the areas in South Portland, which are very close to the airport. You could visit Bug Light Park for a final scenic view of the Portland skyline or enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants in the Knightville or Mill Creek neighbourhoods. This keeps you just a 5–10 minute drive from the airport’s rental car return. It allows for a relaxed end to your trip without the stress of navigating downtown traffic before your flight.

To comfortably visit both Portland and the New Hampshire seacoast, it’s best to dedicate at least one full day to each area. A common approach is to drive from Portland south to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which takes about an hour. You can then use Portsmouth as a base to explore the nearby NH coastal towns like Rye and Hampton. Trying to see both regions in a single day would feel very rushed and involve a lot of time in the car, so splitting them up allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.