Payless Car Hire
Bangor

Navigating from baggage reclaim to the rental car area at Bangor International Airport is usually very straightforward. After collecting your luggage, follow the prominent signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." The rental counters, including Payless, are located within the terminal building, so a shuttle is typically not required. Once you have completed your paperwork at the counter, the staff will direct you to the adjacent car park where the hire vehicles are staged for collection, generally just a short walk from the terminal doors.

To ensure a smooth collection after a late flight, it is wise to confirm the Payless location's opening hours at Bangor airport ahead of your travel day. The most important step is to include your flight number in your car hire reservation. This allows the rental staff to track your flight's status and anticipate your arrival, even if it is delayed. Having this information on file helps the team prepare for your arrival and can significantly streamline the collection process outside normal hours.

The main baggage reclaim area is the most convenient and logical meeting point for your group at Bangor International Airport. It's a spacious, well signposted area that everyone arriving will pass through to collect their luggage. You can gather everyone and their bags there before designating one or two people to go to the rental car counter. This prevents the counter area from becoming crowded and ensures no one gets lost while you finalise the hire agreement.

For a straightforward drive into downtown Bangor, the best route is to follow the main airport exit road, Godfrey Boulevard, until it meets Hammond Street (Route 2). Turn right onto Hammond Street and continue east for about two miles. This road leads directly into the heart of downtown Bangor, passing major landmarks and bringing you near the waterfront. It's a primary thoroughfare with clear signage, making it an easy drive for those new to the area.

The road network immediately around Bangor airport is relatively simple, but the first key decision point is accessing Interstate 95. As you leave the airport on Godfrey Boulevard, you will see signs for I-95 North (towards Orono) and I-95 South (towards Portland). Having your satnav or navigation app ready before you start driving is the best way to ensure you choose the correct slip road for your destination. Pay close attention to these initial motorway signs to avoid a wrong turn at the start of your trip.

Immediately after leaving the airport area you'll find numerous options for supplies along Union Street and Hammond Street, the two main roads connecting BGR to the rest of the city. Within a five-minute drive you'll encounter several large supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores. Simply head east on either of these main roads and you will have plenty of safe and easy places to pull in, park and stock up on whatever you need for your journey.

The most practical place to get organised is right in the rental car pickup lot itself. Before you even leave the parking bay, you can take the time to fit child seats, arrange luggage and get snacks and drinks set out for the children without any traffic pressure. If you prefer more space, a large retail car park, such as a nearby supermarket on Union Street, offers a safe, low-traffic environment where you can take a few extra minutes to get everyone settled comfortably before heading onto the main road.

When returning your vehicle to Bangor airport, the most common mistake is missing the dedicated turn-off for "Rental Car Return" and accidentally following the signs for "Departures" or "Passenger Drop-off." This often requires circling the entire airport loop again. As you approach the terminal, slow down and stay in the appropriate lane, looking specifically for the rental return signage, which typically directs you to a separate entrance before the main terminal kerb.

For a morning flight, it's a good rule of thumb to plan to arrive at the airport hire car return lot about two hours before your scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable buffer to complete the vehicle return process, gather your luggage and walk to the terminal for check-in and security. While the process at a smaller airport like Bangor is often quick, building in this extra time helps eliminate any stress related to potential queues or unexpected delays.

The most direct and least complicated route from the airport area to the Bangor waterfront is via Hammond Street. After leaving the airport, take Hammond Street east and follow it for approximately two miles. It will merge with Union Street and then lead you directly into the downtown core. As you approach the Penobscot River, Hammond Street intersects with Main Street, putting you right in the centre of the waterfront district where most hotels are located.

To avoid the hassle of time-limited on-street parking, the best option for exploring downtown Bangor is to use one of the public multi-storey car parks or long-stay surface lots. The Pickering Square Parking Garage, located right in the city centre, is a popular and convenient choice that allows you to pay for several hours or the whole day. Parking here lets you leave your car in one spot and comfortably explore the waterfront, shops and restaurants on foot.

Hammond Street is one of Bangor's primary commercial and commuter corridors, so you should expect increased traffic during typical morning and evening rush hours (around 7:30–9:00 and 16:00–18:00). The area around Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center can also experience congestion during shift changes. It's wise to allow a little extra travel time if you're driving through these zones during peak periods, but otherwise the traffic flow is generally manageable.

To avoid post-concert traffic jams, consider parking in a downtown Bangor car park, such as the one at Pickering Square, and walking across the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge to the amphitheatre. While there is parking closer to the venue, it can be very slow to exit after the event. Parking downtown and enjoying the short walk allows for a much quicker departure, as you'll be away from the immediate congestion and can access main roads more easily.

The most straightforward route is to take Interstate 95 North from Bangor for about 10 miles to Orono. For university events, the Kelley Road exit (Exit 191) or the Stillwater Avenue exit (Exit 193) are typically the best options, with signs directing you towards the campus. On a busy game day, be sure to leave Bangor at least 45–60 minutes earlier than you normally would to allow for heavy traffic approaching the exits and on the local roads leading to the university.

For official university events, the University of Maine typically designates specific lots for visitor and event parking, so be sure to follow the signs as you arrive on campus. On busy days these lots can fill up quickly. Some visitors choose to park in public lots in downtown Orono and then walk to campus, which can be a good strategy to avoid the most intense traffic right at the university. Always check posted signs for any parking restrictions to avoid a citation.

The drive from Bangor to the Hulls Cove Visitor Centre at Acadia National Park typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes without significant traffic. To arrive before the park gets busy, especially during the peak summer and autumn seasons, plan to leave Bangor no later than 07:00. This should get you to the park entrance well before the main rush, giving you a better chance to find parking at popular spots like Sand Beach or Jordan Pond House.

The town of Ellsworth is the perfect midway point for a break on your drive from Bangor to Bar Harbour. Located about 30 minutes from Bangor along the main route (Route 1A), Ellsworth serves as the commercial hub for the region. You'll find numerous petrol stations, large supermarkets, fast-food chains and local cafés right on the main road. It's an ideal and convenient place to refuel both your car and your family before continuing the final leg of your journey to Mount Desert Island.

A comfortable day-trip schedule would involve leaving Bangor around 08:00 to arrive at the park by 09:30. This gives you a full day to drive the scenic Park Loop Road, visit a key attraction like Cadillac Mountain or Jordan Pond, and enjoy lunch in Bar Harbour. To keep the day relaxed, plan to start your drive back to Bangor between 16:00 and 17:00, which gets you back before it gets too dark and avoids the worst of the evening rush leaving the island.

Arriving mid-day in peak season means on-street parking will be nearly impossible to find. The best strategy is to head directly to one of the larger, long-stay public car parks located on the edge of the town centre. From there you can easily walk to the main shops and restaurants. An even better option is to park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Centre just outside of town and use the free, convenient Island Explorer shuttle bus to get into Bar Harbour and around the park.

First, you must secure a vehicle reservation online in advance, as they are required for sunrise access to Cadillac Mountain. The drive up the mountain road is paved and well maintained, but it is winding with no streetlights. The key is to drive slowly and cautiously, using your dipped headlights. Plan to leave Bangor at least 90 minutes before the scheduled sunrise time to allow for a relaxed, unhurried drive up the mountain in the dark.

When driving on Mount Desert Island, especially on the Park Loop Road, expect roads that are narrower than typical highways and often winding. You must share the road with many cyclists and pedestrians, so maintaining a lower speed and a high level of awareness is crucial. Wildlife, particularly deer, is very common, so be especially vigilant during the early morning and at dusk. Patience is key, as traffic often moves slowly due to sightseeing.

For a more tranquil coastal experience, head south of Ellsworth towards the Blue Hill Peninsula and the town of Stonington. This area offers stunning coastal scenery, charming small towns and significantly less traffic and parking congestion than the Bar Harbour area. The drive from Bangor is scenic and straightforward, taking you through rolling countryside before reaching the classic Maine coastline. It's an excellent alternative for a peaceful day of exploration.

The drive from Bangor to the Baxter State Park area is very straightforward, primarily following Interstate 95 north to Millinocket. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. However, Millinocket is the last town with reliable services. Before heading towards the park entrance it is essential to fill your car with a full tank of petrol and stock up on all the food, water and supplies you'll need for the day, as there are no shops or petrol stations once you pass through town.

Your key planning point is the town of Millinocket. This is the last reliable stop for services before you enter the more remote Katahdin region. Before you continue on to Baxter State Park or any trailheads, make it a priority to stop in Millinocket to get a full tank of petrol. It's also the place to visit a supermarket for snacks, sandwiches and plenty of water, as amenities are non-existent inside the park itself.

During peak fall foliage, major routes leading to scenic areas, especially Route 1A towards Acadia and Route 15 towards Moosehead Lake, can experience significant traffic slowdowns, particularly at weekends. To avoid the heaviest congestion, try to plan your scenic drives for weekdays. If you must travel on a Saturday or Sunday, start your day as early as possible, aiming to be on the road by 08:00 to get ahead of the main wave of leaf-peepers.

After a winter storm, drivers should be extra cautious on bridges and motorway overpasses, such as those on I-95 and I-395, as they freeze before other road surfaces. Some of the steeper hills within Bangor's streets can also become slick and challenging. Main roads are typically well-ploughed, but it's always wise to reduce your speed, increase your following distance and allow for much longer stopping times when conditions are icy.

Deer and moose are most active at dawn and dusk, making these the most hazardous times for driving on rural roads outside of Bangor. When travelling during these low-light hours, significantly reduce your speed and actively scan the sides of the road for any signs of movement. Using your main beam when no other cars are present can help you spot an animal's reflective eyes sooner, giving you more time to react and brake safely.

Mobile coverage can become unreliable once you travel into the more rural parts of Maine. The most important precaution is to download maps of the region to your phone for offline use before you leave Bangor. This ensures your satnav will continue to work even without a cellular signal. It's also good practice to review your route beforehand and have a general sense of the major roads and towns along your path.

On many rural routes outside Bangor, especially northwards, you will encounter large logging trucks. It's important to give them plenty of space, as they are very heavy and require a much longer distance to stop. Avoid following too closely, as this can limit your visibility. If you need to pass one, only do so on a long, straight stretch of road with clear visibility, ensuring you have ample time and space to complete the manoeuvre safely.

A great scenic loop is to drive south from Bangor on Route 1A to the coastal town of Ellsworth. From there you can explore a portion of Route 1 east or west before heading inland on Route 46 through the town of Bucksport. This route will eventually connect you back to I-395 to return to Bangor. The loop offers a wonderful mix of coastal views, historic towns and rural Maine countryside, all within a manageable day trip.

The most direct and easy-to-navigate route to the coast is via Interstate 395 East from Bangor, which seamlessly becomes Route 1A South. You can simply stay on this road all the way to Ellsworth, which is considered the gateway to Mount Desert Island and the Downeast coast. This route requires very few turns and is well signposted, making it a stress-free option for reaching popular coastal destinations like Bar Harbour.

The downtown area of Bangor has a grid of one-way streets that can be confusing for first-time visitors. The area around the intersection of Main Street, Hammond Street and Central Street requires particular attention. When driving downtown, it's best to have a satnav active and pay close attention to street signs indicating one-way traffic. Driving slowly and being prepared for lanes that may suddenly become turn-only will help you navigate the city centre smoothly.

The easiest way to cross the Penobscot River between Bangor and Brewer is by using the Interstate 395 bridge (the Penobscot Bridge). This route helps you bypass most of the downtown traffic lights and congestion. While the two downtown bridges are also options, they are more susceptible to traffic backups during peak commuter hours. Using I-395 provides a quicker and generally less stressful connection between the two towns.

When you arrive at your hotel, pull into the designated check-in or loading area, even if it's only for a few minutes. Have one person from your party go inside to check in while the driver stays with the vehicle. Once you have your room key, you can quickly unload your luggage onto the kerb with your party, and then the driver can proceed to the hotel's designated car park without blocking traffic for an extended period.

Bangor International Airport has a designated cell phone lot where you can wait for free until your arriving passengers have collected their luggage and are ready at the kerb. The lot is located just a minute or two from the terminal. Waiting there is far more efficient and less stressful than repeatedly circling the passenger pickup area, and it helps keep traffic flowing smoothly at the terminal.

A great approach is to dedicate your arrival day to settling in and exploring sights within Bangor itself, such as the waterfront or Stephen King's house. Plan your longest day trip, for example to Acadia National Park, for the next full day, leaving early to maximise your time. Use your third day for another, shorter excursion or to revisit any local Bangor spots you enjoyed before your departure. This structure balances a major outing with more relaxed local discovery.

The most efficient strategy is to park your car once in a central location and explore on foot. Choose a public car park, like the Pickering Square Garage, or a long-stay surface lot in the downtown area. From there the waterfront, dozens of unique shops and a wide variety of restaurants are all within an easy and pleasant walking distance. This approach saves you the time and frustration of trying to find a new parking spot for each destination.

For popular trailheads, especially in places like Acadia National Park, parking lots can fill up extremely early, often before 09:00 on weekends in the summer or autumn. Arriving early is your best bet for securing a spot. Roads leading to more remote trailheads can sometimes be unpaved gravel, so it's important to drive slowly and cautiously. Later in the day parking may become available as early hikers leave, but it's less predictable.

During heavy rain or fog your top priorities should be to reduce your speed and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Always turn on your lights to improve your visibility to other drivers. Be particularly cautious in low-lying areas near the Penobscot River, where fog can become exceptionally dense. On I-95, move to the right lane and drive at a speed that feels safe for the conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

The most efficient sequence is to first drive to the "Departures" kerb at the main terminal. Here you can drop off all your passengers and unload all the luggage. While your party proceeds to the check-in counter, the driver can then take the car, now empty, and follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." This avoids the difficulty of managing luggage in the rental lot and allows the driver to complete the return process quickly and unencumbered.