Avis Car Hire
Portland

The Avis rental desk is conveniently located within the consolidated Rental Car Centre at Portland International Airport. After collecting your luggage from baggage reclaim on the lower level, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for Rental Cars. You will be directed to exit the terminal and cross the road to a designated shuttle bus stop. These free shuttles run frequently and the ride to the rental facility is only a few minutes.

Planning for a late-night arrival is common and generally straightforward. It's always a good idea to confirm the rental location's opening hours match your flight's scheduled arrival. The drive from PDX to downtown Portland is often quicker late at night due to much lighter traffic. Using a satnav for the most direct route, typically via I-205 South to I-84 West, will guide you efficiently into the city centre, making for a smooth and stress-free start to your visit.

When travelling with bulky items like skis or multiple large bags, it's wise to add an extra 20 to 30 minutes to your pickup plan. This buffer accounts for the time needed to navigate the airport terminals and manoeuvre your gear onto the rental centre shuttle. It also gives you unhurried time at the vehicle to adjust seats and securely load everything before you depart. Planning for this additional time ensures a more relaxed and organised start to your journey.

A convenient and easy-to-find meeting point is the baggage reclaim area of the last person to arrive. This allows earlier arrivals to collect their bags and wait in a comfortable indoor space. Alternatively, the main lobby of the Rental Car Centre itself serves as an excellent rendezvous point. The first person can take the shuttle over and wait there, allowing the entire group to proceed to the desk together once everyone has arrived.

The most reliable and direct route into the city is usually I-205 South to I-84 West. This interstate route is designed to handle higher traffic volumes better than surface streets. As I-84 approaches the Willamette River, follow signs for the City Centre exits. From there, your satnav can provide the final turn-by-turn directions into the heart of the Pearl District, helping you navigate the final few city blocks with ease.

The most complex interchange for newcomers is often where I-84 West merges with I-5 South, which then leads to the I-405 split and the exit for US-26 West. This sequence requires several lane changes in quick succession. Further west, the junction where US-26 (Sunset Highway) meets Highway 217 can also be tricky. Keeping your navigation app active and reviewing the route beforehand will help you anticipate these key decision points.

Driving in downtown Portland requires extra attention due to its unique layout. The area features an extensive network of one-way streets, so a reliable satnav is essential. Be particularly mindful of the MAX light rail and streetcar tracks, as they can be slippery when wet and require deliberate turns. You'll also encounter dedicated bus and cycle lanes, so always check signage carefully before turning or changing lanes.

For overnight parking in these dense urban neighbourhoods, the most common options are hotel parking facilities or public parking garages. While hotels offer the convenience of on-site parking, nearby public garages, often marked with a blue and white "P" sign, can sometimes be a more economical choice. On-street parking is typically scarce and subject to strict time limits, making a secure garage the most practical and worry-free solution for visitors.

If your itinerary is focused on downtown Portland and adjacent neighbourhoods, you may find a car less necessary due to excellent public transport and parking challenges. However, a rental car provides invaluable freedom for exploring the incredible destinations just outside the city, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood or the Oregon Coast. For a trip that combines urban exploration with regional day trips, keeping the car is highly practical and offers the best of both worlds.

To have the best experience, start your day early, aiming to be on I-84 East before 09:00, especially at weekends. The primary bottleneck is often the limited parking at the most famous sites like Multnomah Falls. Consider visiting the stunning but slightly less crowded waterfalls first, such as Latourell or Wahkeena Falls. For your return, taking the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway from Ainsworth State Park back towards Troutdale offers a beautiful, slower-paced alternative to the interstate.

Yes, during the peak season, which typically runs from late spring through early autumn, a timed-use permit is often required to access the parking area for Multnomah Falls. These systems are put in place to manage crowds and ensure a better visitor experience. It is essential to check the official recreation.gov or Oregon State Parks website for the most current permit requirements and to reserve your slot in advance of your trip.

A great approach is to take the Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. Route 30) starting from Troutdale. This road runs parallel to I-84 and leads you directly to iconic spots like the Portland Women's Forum viewpoint, Vista House at Crown Point, and multiple waterfalls. After you've explored the falls, you can easily rejoin the faster I-84 East to continue the rest of the way to Hood River. This plan efficiently combines the must-see scenic route with the direct highway for the longer portion of the drive.

Driving to Mount Hood in winter requires careful preparation for changing mountain weather. Before you leave Portland, it is critical to check the road conditions on the Oregon Department of Transportation's website, as traction tyres or chains are often legally required. When you pick up your vehicle, it's a good practice to enquire about its features for winter driving. Packing an emergency kit with water, snacks and warm blankets is also a wise precaution for any mountain travel.

The towns of Sandy and Government Camp are the two primary service hubs along Highway 26 on your way to the mountain. Sandy is the last large town and offers a wide selection of petrol stations, supermarkets and restaurants, making it an ideal place to stock up. Further up the highway, the alpine village of Government Camp provides more limited but convenient options for a final toilet break or a quick snack before you reach Timberline or other resort areas.

To secure a parking spot at popular Mount Hood trailheads like Trillium Lake or Timberline Lodge, especially on a summer or autumn weekend, it's best to leave the Portland area by 07:00. The drive itself takes about 90 minutes, but parking lots can fill up surprisingly early with hikers and sightseers. An early start not only guarantees you a space but also lets you enjoy the trails with fewer people and in the beautiful morning light.

The key to a smooth coastal drive is timing your departure to miss the peak rush. At the weekend, try to leave Portland either before 08:00 or after 11:00 to avoid the heaviest traffic on US-26 West. For the return trip, leaving the coast before 15:00 or waiting until after 19:00 can help you bypass the significant congestion that builds as everyone heads back to the city. This strategy can make the journey much more pleasant and relaxing.

A frequent error for first-time visitors is navigating the complex series of interchanges west of downtown Portland to get onto US-26 West. It's also common to underestimate travel time, as much of US-26 is a two-lane road where progress can be slowed by traffic. As you near the coast, the highway splits to go north to Seaside or south to Cannon Beach, so be sure your satnav is set to your final destination to avoid taking the wrong fork.

A fantastic stop to break up the drive is the Tillamook Creamery, located a short drive south of the US-26 and Highway 101 junction. It offers food, world-famous ice cream and plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs. For a more low-key option, the Camp 18 Restaurant & Logging Museum on US-26 provides a unique setting with interesting historical equipment to see. Both are excellent choices for a mid-journey break during the 90-minute trip.

Parking in popular coastal towns like Cannon Beach and Seaside can be extremely challenging at weekends, particularly during the summer. Public lots and on-street spaces often fill completely. To significantly increase your chances of finding a spot, plan to arrive before 10:00. Arriving early allows you to secure a space and enjoy the morning on the beach before the biggest crowds appear. Be prepared to walk several blocks from your car to the main attractions.

When planning your wine tour, budget about 45 to 75 minutes of driving time from Portland just to reach the heart of wine country. Once you are there, travel between wineries will be on scenic but often narrow, two-lane country roads, so allow for a relaxed pace. It's also a good idea to download maps for offline use, as mobile coverage can be unreliable in some of the more rural, hilly areas, ensuring you can navigate smoothly between tastings.

For the most straightforward drive, take I-5 South from Portland and look for the exit to Highway 99W toward Tigard and Newberg. This route keeps you on a major, well-signed highway for the majority of the trip. Following Highway 99W will lead you directly through the key wine towns of Newberg and Dundee, and it's the primary artery for reaching McMinnville. This path helps you avoid more complex backroads until you are well into wine country.

Most wineries provide dedicated on-site parking lots, but these can fill up quickly on popular weekends. The best strategy is to make tasting reservations in advance, as this helps wineries manage capacity and ensures a smoother experience for you. Arriving earlier in the day, before the peak afternoon hours, also makes finding a convenient parking spot much easier. At some of the busiest locations, you may be directed to an overflow lot, so be prepared for a short walk.

Accessing Forest Park trailheads requires planning, as parking is extremely limited, especially at popular spots like Lower Macleay Park or near Pittock Mansion. On weekends, lots are often full by mid-morning, so an early arrival is essential. The access roads leading to these trailheads can be narrow and winding. Always ensure your vehicle is parked completely off the pavement to avoid a ticket and to allow emergency vehicles to pass safely.

A rental car is most convenient for attractions with ample parking or those located outside the city centre, such as the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park or any day trips to the coast or mountains. It offers the flexibility to store items like buggies and easily manage mobility needs. For destinations in the dense downtown core where parking is difficult, such as Powell's Books or the Portland Art Museum, a rideshare can be a simpler choice, saving you the time and hassle of finding a parking spot.

The most effective strategy is to arrive early, ideally before 10:00, and park your car once for the entire day. The park uses a unified pay-by-space parking system that is valid across all its attractions. After parking, you can use the free, convenient in-park shuttle bus to travel between the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center, the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden. This eliminates the stress of finding a new spot at each popular location.

Driving across Portland's bridges is manageable if you anticipate your route and get into the correct lane early. For highway travel, the large, multi-lane I-405 (Fremont Bridge) is often the least stressful as it functions like a standard interstate crossing. For accessing downtown, the Morrison and Hawthorne bridges are common choices but require more awareness of city traffic, cyclists and pedestrians. Using your satnav and knowing your turn immediately after the bridge will make the experience much smoother.

Portland's morning rush hour typically peaks between 07:00 and 09:00. If you are returning your car for a morning flight during the week, it's crucial to add extra travel time. Plan to leave for the airport at least 30 to 45 minutes earlier than your navigation app suggests. This buffer will help absorb any unexpected delays on major arteries like I-5 or I-84, ensuring you have plenty of time for the return process without feeling rushed.

The Cascade Station shopping centre, located just a minute or two from the airport's rental car facility, is the perfect spot for this. It offers large, open car parks where you can comfortably sort through your luggage, gather any rubbish and do a final check of the vehicle. You can also find petrol stations there to refuel, as well as coffee shops and stores for any last-minute needs before heading to the airport.

A frequent mistake is missing the dedicated "Rental Car Return" exit from Airport Way. As you approach the main terminal complex, you must stay in the left-hand lanes and follow the specific overhead signs for returns, which is a separate entrance from the passenger drop-off and pick-up areas. Once inside the rental car facility, another potential point of confusion is the internal loop, so drive slowly and watch carefully for the signs directing you to the Avis return lane.

To break up the three-hour drive on I-5, consider a stop in Olympia to walk around the impressive Washington State Capitol grounds. Another excellent detour is the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, which is easily accessible from the interstate and offers a fascinating look at glass art. For a nature break, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge provides beautiful, easy walking trails just off the highway. These stops can turn a simple transit day into a more memorable part of your trip.

The drive from Portland to Bend typically takes about three to three-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The primary route is US-26 East over Mount Hood. For reliable rest stops, the town of Sandy offers plenty of services before you begin the mountain ascent. Further on, Government Camp provides a good place for a break at the summit, while the town of Madras has numerous options for fuel and food before the final stretch into Bend.

Winter drives to Bend require you to be prepared for true mountain conditions on US-26 over the Mount Hood pass. Weather can change very quickly, leading to snow, ice and significantly reduced visibility. It is absolutely essential to check the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck website for the latest road conditions and any chain or traction tyre requirements before you depart. Always allow for extra travel time and drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions.

The drive from Portland to Crater Lake is about four to five hours, making a day trip extremely long and rushed. A much more enjoyable plan is to treat it as an overnight excursion. You could drive south and stay the night in a city like Bend or Eugene, which are both interesting destinations in their own right. This allows you to arrive at the national park refreshed the next morning and spend a full day exploring before making the return journey.

In these vibrant neighbourhoods, parking is primarily on-street and can be highly competitive, especially during evenings and weekends. The best practice is to carefully read all posted signs for any time limits, permit requirements or street cleaning restrictions. Once you find a legal spot, it's often easiest to leave the car and explore the main commercial strips on foot. Always be courteous to residents by not blocking driveways on the often narrow side streets.

The most effective strategy is to park your car once and explore these downtown destinations on foot. Utilise one of the city's SmartPark garages, which are centrally located and well-signed. A garage near Pioneer Courthouse Square or in the Pearl District would be a great starting point. From there, you can easily walk to Powell's Books, the Saturday Market under the Burnside Bridge, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, avoiding the hassle of traffic and finding multiple parking spots.

First-time drivers in Portland should be prepared for some unique road characteristics. Many older highways, like parts of I-84, have very short on-ramps that require you to merge quickly. Be aware that lanes can end abruptly, so pay attention to signage. The city's numerous bridges also mean you need to be in your desired lane well before you cross. Using a satnav and maintaining a safe following distance will help you navigate these local quirks confidently.

The rental car garage at PDX is the ideal place to do this. After you've completed the rental process and located your vehicle, take a few minutes in the designated parking stall to get organised. This controlled, low-traffic environment allows you to safely load your skis, bikes or luggage and adjust your seats and mirrors without feeling rushed. You can get everything situated comfortably before you even start the engine and head toward the garage exit.

The most convenient location by far is the Cascade Station shopping centre, situated right next to the airport and rental car facility. It contains a large supermarket for food and drinks, a major sporting goods store for any last-minute kit, and other big-box retailers. You can easily stop here to stock up on all your provisions for the trip before you even merge onto the main interstate, saving you a separate trip later on.

A popular last-day strategy is to check out of the hotel and keep your luggage securely in the car. Enjoy a final morning activity, perhaps exploring a neighbourhood or park that you missed. Afterwards, drive toward the airport and stop at a convenient location like Cascade Station to refuel the car and reorganise your bags for the flight. This approach allows for a relaxed final few hours of sightseeing before a simple and stress-free vehicle return at PDX.