Payless Car Hire
Portland

After collecting your luggage at Portland International Jetport, look for the airport signs pointing to Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Centre. Most rental car desks, including Payless, are located within the terminal building. Follow the overhead signage from the baggage reclaim area, which will direct you on a short walk to the rental desks. Once you have completed the paperwork at the desk, staff will direct you to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are kept.

Portland International Jetport is relatively compact and easy to navigate, which helps for late-night arrivals. The rental car desks are inside the terminal, so you won’t need to worry about finding an external shuttle in the dark. After you exit the secure area and collect your bags, follow the clear, well-lit signs for "Rental Cars." The walk is short and entirely indoors, leading you straight to the service desks where you can pick up your keys before heading to the linked car park.

During a peak summer weekend, it’s sensible to allow around 60 to 90 minutes from touchdown to driving away. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage reclaim and waiting for luggage, which can take 20–30 minutes. The rental desk may have a queue, adding another 20–40 minutes depending on the time of day. Finding your vehicle in the car park and doing a quick walk-round are usually swift, but this buffer helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip.

For a straightforward drive to the Old Port, avoid the most complex city streets. From the airport follow signs for I-295 North. This interstate offers a direct route towards the city. Take Exit 7 for Franklin Street, a wide, multi-lane arterial that leads down to the waterfront and the heart of the Old Port. This approach helps you bypass many of the narrow one-way streets a GPS might recommend.

If you prefer more convenient parking, consider neighbourhoods just outside the immediate Old Port. The East End, near the Eastern Promenade, often has more on-street parking and a less congested feel. Similarly, the West End offers attractive historic streets with more residential parking options, though check for permit restrictions. Staying in nearby South Portland is another excellent choice, as many hotels there provide ample free parking and it’s a short drive across the bridge into the city centre.

Navigating the Old Port’s narrow historic streets requires a bit of planning for luggage drop-off. Many hotels have small, designated loading zones directly outside their entrance, often marked for 15-minute standing. The best approach is to call your hotel in advance and ask for their recommendation. If there’s no designated zone, one person can run in to check in while the driver circles the block, or you can briefly pull over with your hazard lights on and unload as quickly and safely as possible.

Yes, downtown Portland has a few tricky spots for newcomers. The junction of High Street, Spring Street and Congress Street can be confusing due to the convergence of multiple roads and specific turning lanes. Many streets in the Old Port, such as Fore Street and Exchange Street, are narrow one-ways that can be challenging during busy periods. Using a satnav is recommended, and it’s wise to drive slowly and be prepared for pedestrians, especially in the evenings.

To make a convenient supermarket run after leaving PWM, avoid heading straight towards the peninsula and instead navigate to a supermarket in South Portland, which is very close to the airport. Several major grocery stores are just a few minutes’ drive from the airport along Maine Mall Road or Payne Road. This allows you to stock up on supplies before you cross the bridge into busier parts of Portland.

Portland is excellent for a park-and-explore strategy. The best approach is to secure your car in a long-term car park in the Old Port or at your hotel for the day. The downtown peninsula is very walkable, with the Old Port, Arts District and East End connected by pleasant walking routes. For destinations further afield, such as some breweries in East Bayside, ride-hailing services are readily available and a responsible way to travel between stops.

For an early-morning weekday flight it’s sensible to account for commuter traffic. The drive from the Old Port to PWM can take as little as 15 minutes without traffic, but during the 07:00–09:00 rush this can easily double to 30 minutes or more. To be safe, plan to leave the Old Port about 2.5 hours before your flight’s departure time. This provides a comfortable cushion for the drive, the car return process and airport security.

Returning your hire car at PWM is straightforward as the airport has clear signage. As you approach on Jetport Boulevard, stay in the left-hand lanes and look for large signs marked "Rental Car Return." These will direct you to a dedicated entrance for the car park where all rental companies are located. Following these specific signs, rather than those for "Departures" or "Arrivals," will guide you directly to the correct drop-off area without confusing loops.

The hire car pickup area at PWM is in a covered, well-lit car park, providing a good environment for a thorough vehicle inspection. Before you load your luggage, take a few minutes to walk around the car in the designated parking spot. The lighting is consistent, allowing you to spot any pre-existing scratches or dents. This controlled setting is preferable to attempting an inspection on an open, busy lot and lets you document the car’s condition calmly and accurately.

The rental car garage at PWM itself is a good place to install car seats without pressure. After you’ve collected your vehicle, you can remain in the assigned parking spot for as long as you need to get everything set up safely. The area is covered, protecting you from the elements, and it’s out of the way of moving traffic. If you prefer more space, several large shopping centre car parks in South Portland are just a five-minute drive from the airport where you can pull into a quiet corner to make adjustments.

Driving in Portland during a winter storm requires extra caution and reduced speeds. Bridges like the Casco Bay Bridge can become very icy, so avoid sudden braking or acceleration while crossing. The city’s hills, particularly in the West End and East End, can be challenging; it’s often best to stick to main, flatter arteries prioritised for ploughing and salting. Always allow significantly more travel time and braking distance, and check local weather advisories before heading out.

When coastal fog descends on Portland, the key adjustment is to significantly reduce speed and increase following distance. Use dipped headlights, as full beams will reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Be especially cautious on bridges and near the waterfront where fog is thickest. Locals add extra time to their travel plans, as traffic slows, and stay particularly vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists who are harder to see.

The most direct route to Portland Head Light is to take State Street out of downtown Portland, which becomes Broadway in South Portland. Follow Broadway until you turn onto Cottage Road, then follow signs for Shore Road and Fort Williams Park. The drive is scenic and well signed. Parking backups typically occur at the entrance to Fort Williams Park on busy summer weekends and holidays. The main lots near the lighthouse fill up first, so be prepared to use overflow car parks and walk a short distance.

To ensure easy parking for a sunrise visit to Portland Head Light, plan to arrive at Fort Williams Park at least 30 minutes before sunrise. This lets you secure a prime spot in the lot closest to the lighthouse and gives you time to walk to a good viewing location. In peak summer months, arriving 45 minutes early is a good idea, as it’s popular with photographers and other early risers. The park officially opens at sunrise.

For a smooth shopping trip to Freeport, timing is key to avoiding I-295 traffic. Drive north from Portland mid-morning, after the 09:00 commute, or in the early afternoon. The drive is about 20–25 minutes. To avoid the evening rush on the return, aim to leave Freeport before 15:30 or after 18:00. A mid-day trip, for example 10:00–15:00, is often the most relaxed, traffic-free option.

The most straightforward route to Old Orchard Beach is to take I-295 South to I-195 East, which leads you directly towards the coast. Follow signs for Route 9/Saco Avenue, which takes you to the pier and beach area. In summer expect parking to be challenging and often paid. There are numerous private lots charging a daily rate, and the closer you get to the pier, the higher the price. Arrive early in the morning to increase your chances of a convenient spot.

If you prefer a more relaxed drive to Kennebunkport, take Route 1 South instead of the Maine Turnpike (I-95). Although it has more towns and traffic lights, speed limits are lower and it offers a classic New England road-trip feel. For an even more scenic route, branch off Route 1 onto Route 9 as you approach the coast. This coastal route passes through attractive scenery and into Dock Square, though it adds time to your journey.

For a beautiful coastal drive north from Portland, Route 1 is the classic scenic choice. While I-295 is faster, Route 1 winds through charming towns and offers water views. Good places to stop include the picturesque village of Wiscasset, known for antiques, or the harbour town of Boothbay. Further north, Damariscotta is another excellent stop with a pleasant main street and riverside cafés — ideal for stretching your legs before continuing to Camden and Rockland.

To make the three-hour drive from Portland to Acadia feel manageable, plan for one or two strategic stops. A good first stop is about halfway in a town like Camden for 30–45 minutes for coffee and harbour views. As you near the destination, consider a quick stop in Ellsworth to pick up any last-minute supplies before heading onto Mount Desert Island. This breaks the journey into three shorter segments so you arrive in Bar Harbour refreshed and ready to explore.

In peak season the main traffic bottleneck towards Bar Harbour begins in Ellsworth, where several routes converge before the bridge to Mount Desert Island. The final stretch on Route 3 onto the island can also be slow, especially Friday and Saturday afternoons. To avoid the worst, experienced travellers often plan to arrive mid-day on a weekday or aim to be on the island before 11:00 on weekends. Leaving Portland early in the morning is the most effective strategy.

Ferries to Peaks Island depart from the Casco Bay Lines terminal on the Portland waterfront. As you can’t take a hire car on the ferry for a day trip, parking in a nearby garage is the best option. The Casco Bay Parking Garage is located right next to the terminal and is the most convenient choice. Several other private and municipal car parks are a short walk away in the Old Port and offer competitive day rates.

On a sunny weekend the Eastern Promenade gets very busy. The best plan is to arrive earlier, before 11:00, to secure a spot in the free car parks along Cutter Street or find on-street parking along the Promenade. If you arrive later, be prepared to park on a side street in the Munjoy Hill area and walk a few blocks. For the main waterfront area in the Old Port it’s usually easier to park once in a central car park and explore on foot rather than circle for limited street parking.

To avoid the busiest crowds and parking issues at Fort Williams Park, plan your visit for a weekday if possible. If you must go at the weekend, the best times are early morning (before 10:00) or later afternoon (after 15:00). The peak period is typically late morning through mid-afternoon when the lots closest to Portland Head Light fill up. An early or late visit provides a much more relaxed experience and easier access to prime parking spots.

A common point of confusion when leaving PWM is the split between I-295 and I-95 (Maine Turnpike). When heading north towards downtown Portland or Freeport, follow signs for I-295. If your destination is south of Portland or you prefer the faster toll road further north, follow signs for I-95. The signage is clear, but the decision point comes up quickly after leaving the airport, so it helps to know which motorway you need in advance.

Driving across the Casco Bay Bridge, which links Portland and South Portland, is generally smooth with great harbour views. It’s best to avoid it during peak weekday commuter hours — roughly 07:30–09:00 inbound to Portland and 16:00–18:00 outbound — when traffic can back up. Also bear in mind the bridge is a drawbridge; openings for large ships are uncommon but can cause temporary delays, so allow a little buffer in your schedule.

The simplest way from South Portland into downtown is to take the Casco Bay Bridge and then immediately turn right onto Commercial Street. This wide waterfront street runs the length of the Old Port and provides easy access to numerous car parks. Alternatively, you can cross the bridge and continue straight onto York Street, which leads to the West End and Arts District. Both routes allow access to central parking areas without navigating the narrowest one-way streets first.

A good driving loop starts at Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light. From there continue south on Shore Road, a scenic coastal drive that takes you to Two Lights State Park. After visiting, continue a short distance to Crescent Beach State Park. To complete the loop without backtracking take Route 77 back inland, which connects you to main roads leading back to South Portland and Portland.

When stopping at a popular lobster shack on a coastal road, parking etiquette is important. Many establishments have small private lots that fill quickly. If you must park on the shoulder, pull as far off the carriageway as possible and be completely clear of the road. Observe "No Parking" signs and private driveways. Always be cautious when walking along the road and when rejoining traffic, as these scenic routes can be narrow and winding.

The drive between Portland and Bangor on I-95 has several convenient service areas for food and toilet breaks. The Gardiner service plaza and the West Gardiner service plaza are right on the highway and offer fuel, fast food options and clean facilities. Augusta, roughly halfway, has numerous junctions with a wide variety of restaurants and shops just off the motorway. These stops are well signed and provide reliable options without major detours.

When driving around Portland, be prepared for some New England driving quirks. There are several multi-lane roundabouts where you must yield to traffic already in the circle and pay close attention to signs for your exit. You’ll also encounter many junctions without traffic lights that rely on yield signs, so adopt a defensive approach. Additionally, some on-ramps for I-295 are shorter than on modern motorways, requiring you to get up to speed more quickly to merge safely.

For easy beach access with convenient parking, Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth is an excellent choice. It has a large dedicated car park just steps from the wide sandy beach. Scarborough Beach State Park is another good option with ample paid parking close to the shore. Both state parks are a short drive from Portland and are designed to handle summer crowds, making them less stressful than hunting for street parking at smaller local beaches.

To minimise traffic stress on a day trip to Ogunquit, consider visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend. If you go at the weekend, arrive very early, before 09:30, to secure a spot in one of the main beach car parks. An alternative is to park at a peripheral lot along Route 1 and use the town’s trolley service to get about. This lets you avoid severe congestion in the village centre and near the main beach access points and the Marginal Way.

A popular fall foliage loop from Portland is to drive west on Route 25 towards the Sebago Lake region. You can circle the lake using local roads such as Route 35 and Route 302 for stunning views. To avoid traffic and get the best light for photographs, start mid-morning on a weekday. Weekends can be very busy during peak foliage season. An early start lets you enjoy quieter roads and make plenty of stops before afternoon crowds arrive.

While mobile coverage is generally strong in Portland and its immediate suburbs, it can become patchy on more rural coastal routes. Areas such as the Phippsburg peninsula or stretches of Route 1 between smaller towns can have dead zones. It’s sensible to download maps for offline use in your navigation app before you leave. That way you can navigate confidently even if you temporarily lose data signal while exploring Maine’s coastline.

During major waterfront events, such as the Old Port Festival or large concerts at Thompson's Point, expect significant road closures and diversions. Commercial Street along the waterfront is almost always impacted, with sections frequently closed to vehicles. Streets immediately surrounding the Old Port, like Fore Street and Wharf Street, will also be heavily congested or closed. It’s best to park on the periphery of downtown and walk into the event area to avoid festival-related traffic.

To manage multiple check-ins efficiently, plan your route logically by geography. For example, start in the Old Port and then move to a coastal town like Kennebunkport; spend your Portland day exploring the city and the next morning check out and treat the drive south as part of your day, stopping at places like Portland Head Light on the way out. This linear approach avoids backtracking into city traffic and turns transfers between hotels into a scenic part of your itinerary.

The most efficient sequence is to drive to the "Departures" level at the main terminal first. Drop off all passengers and their luggage there so they can proceed straight to check-in without handling bags again. After they are safely on the kerb, the driver can follow signs for "Rental Car Return." This separates the two tasks, avoids confusion and allows the driver to return the car quickly and unencumbered before walking back into the terminal to join the party.