Avis Car Rental
Portsmouth

The Avis rental facility is conveniently located right at Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), making it an integral part of the terminal complex. This on-site presence is designed to provide a seamless transition for arriving passengers. You can proceed directly from your flight to the rental counter without the need for a shuttle bus or taxi. Having the cars on-airport property allows you to collect your vehicle and begin your journey into Portsmouth and the Seacoast region with minimal delay.

Since the Avis counter is located within the PSM terminal building, the process is very straightforward, even with luggage. After you collect your checked bags from the baggage claim area, you can simply walk to the designated rental car section. The airport is compact and well-signed, directing you to the counters just a short distance away. Once you complete your paperwork, you will be directed to the adjacent lot where the vehicles are parked, keeping the entire process under one roof.

For late-evening arrivals at Portsmouth International Airport, it is always a good practice to check the location's specific hours of operation beforehand. Including your flight number in your reservation is also highly recommended, as it allows staff to track your arrival status. While airport rental locations are accustomed to serving passengers from the day's final flights, planning ahead ensures a smoother process. This helps the team prepare for your arrival and can streamline your pickup experience after a long day of travel.

To ensure a stress-free start to a weekend in Portsmouth, aim for a mid-day pickup, perhaps between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This window typically allows you to avoid both the morning commuter rush around the Portsmouth Traffic Circle and the surge of travelers arriving for Friday afternoon hotel check-ins. Picking up your vehicle during this quieter period generally means lighter traffic on the Spaulding Turnpike and other main roads. This makes the short drive from the airport into downtown Portsmouth much more relaxed.

Returning your rental car at PSM is designed to be simple for all travelers. As you approach the airport, follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you directly to a dedicated lane and parking area for rental vehicles. For first-time visitors, the easiest approach is typically via the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) or Route 33, following the main airport exit signs. Once on airport grounds, the specific signage for Avis will direct you to the correct drop-off stalls.

For an early-morning flight, it's wise to build a comfortable time cushion into your rental car return plan. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport rental lot about 30 minutes earlier than you normally would for your flight. This extra time accounts for unloading your luggage, completing the vehicle check-in process, and walking from the return lot back into the terminal. This ensures you are not rushed as you proceed to your airline's check-in counter and security.

The drive from PSM to downtown Portsmouth is quite direct and manageable for visitors. The most straightforward route is to take International Drive out of the airport and follow signs for the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) South. You will then merge onto the Portsmouth Traffic Circle; stay in the appropriate lane and take the exit for Downtown/Route 1 Bypass South. From there, signs will clearly direct you towards the historic downtown area, leading you onto key streets like Market Street or Congress Street.

Visitors often find the areas immediately surrounding Market Square to be the most challenging to navigate by car. Streets like Bow Street and Ceres Street, which run along the waterfront, are particularly narrow and can be congested with pedestrians. Additionally, the dense network of one-way streets in the historic core requires careful attention to signage. It's helpful to use a GPS and to drive slowly and deliberately when exploring these charming but compact parts of the city for the first time.

Unloading luggage near Market Square requires a bit of planning due to the area's busy nature and limited on-street stopping. Many hotels have small, designated pull-off areas for temporary check-in parking, so it's best to call your hotel in advance for their specific instructions. If there is no designated zone, one person may need to stay with the vehicle while the other quickly brings the bags inside. After unloading, you can then proceed to a nearby public garage, like the Hanover Street Garage, for longer-term parking.

The most reliable and convenient parking options for exploring downtown Portsmouth are the city's public parking garages. The Hanover Street Parking Garage is centrally located and provides easy access to Market Square, shops, and restaurants. Another excellent choice is the Foundry Place Garage, which is a short, pleasant walk from the heart of downtown. While metered street parking is available, it can be difficult to find during busy times, making the garages a less stressful option for visitors.

Strawbery Banke Museum has its own dedicated parking lot for visitors, which is conveniently located right next to the entrance. However, during peak times such as summer weekends or special event days, this lot can fill up quickly. If you find the museum lot is full, your next best option is to use nearby street parking or walk from one of the downtown public garages. Arriving earlier in the day generally increases your chances of securing a spot in the museum's primary lot.

Driving to Prescott Park is not complicated, but parking directly adjacent to it is extremely limited and challenging, especially during popular summer events. The small number of spots along Marcy Street fill up very early. The best strategy for visitors is to park in a downtown garage, such as the Hanover Street Garage, and enjoy the scenic ten-minute walk through the historic South End to the park. This approach avoids the frustration of searching for a non-existent spot and makes for a more pleasant overall experience.

For an evening of dining in Portsmouth, relying on the city's main parking garages is the most dependable plan. The Hanover Street and Foundry Place garages are well-lit, centrally located, and open late, making them ideal for evening activities. Street parking becomes very scarce at night, and it's easier to park once in a garage and explore the restaurant scene on foot. Be aware that some streets, particularly in the Market Square area, may have increased pedestrian traffic or occasional closures for events, making garage parking even more advantageous.

The most convenient approach is to select a hotel that offers dedicated on-site parking for its guests. This allows you to park your rental car securely upon arrival and leave it there for the duration of your stay in town. You can then explore Portsmouth's walkable downtown on foot without worrying about moving your car or paying for public parking daily. When you're ready for a day trip to the coast or into Maine, your vehicle is readily accessible without any added hassle.

A day trip to the Kittery outlets is a very short and simple drive from Portsmouth. The most direct route is taking I-95 North across the Piscataqua River Bridge into Maine. The primary point of traffic congestion is often the bridge itself, especially during peak commuter hours and on summer weekends. To avoid backups, plan your shopping trip for a weekday morning or mid-day, as this will help you cross the bridge and navigate the outlet area with much less traffic.

To fully enjoy the beautiful coastal drive on Route 1A to York and Ogunquit, timing is key to avoiding traffic. The best strategy is to start your journey early in the morning, ideally before 9:00 AM, particularly on a summer weekend. Alternatively, visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall offers the same stunning views with significantly fewer cars on the road. An early start allows you to enjoy the winding roads and ocean vistas at a leisurely pace before the beach crowds arrive.

Ogunquit's Main Beach is serviced by large, paid municipal parking lots located right at the beach entrance, making the walk to the sand very short. The key challenge is that these lots fill to capacity extremely early on sunny summer days, often by 9:00 AM. If you arrive later, you will likely need to use satellite lots further away, which may require a longer walk or a trolley ride. For the most convenient access, plan to arrive very early to secure a spot in the main lot.

A half-day trip to Kennebunkport is very manageable, as the drive from Portsmouth typically takes less than an hour. The drive itself is pleasant and straightforward. However, upon arrival, parking in the main Dock Square area can be challenging, especially during peak season. You'll find a mix of limited on-street parking and several paid public lots that fill up quickly. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday will greatly improve your chances of finding a convenient spot.

When planning a lighthouse tour, be aware that parking situations can vary. The lot for viewing the Cape Neddick "Nubble" Lighthouse in York is quite small and requires patience, as turnover can be slow during peak viewing times. In contrast, Portland Head Light is located within Fort Williams Park, which has ample parking, though the lots closest to the lighthouse fill first. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle has very limited parking, so it's best to park nearby and walk.

The most direct and scenic route to New Castle is to follow Route 1B from Portsmouth. This road is designed for visitor access and takes you through the heart of the island. While the roads are narrower than a typical highway, they are well-paved and clearly marked. The key to a stress-free drive is to adhere to the low speed limits, be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, and enjoy the historic scenery. Following the main road will lead you directly to Fort Constitution and the Great Island Common.

A trip to Hampton Beach in the summer requires planning for significant traffic, especially on Route 1A on sunny weekends. Expect the drive to take longer than anticipated. For drop-offs, you can briefly pull over along the main boulevard, but be prepared for slow-moving traffic. Parking consists of a large state park lot at the south end and numerous private lots, all of which charge a fee. Arriving early is essential to secure a spot and avoid a long and frustrating search.

The ideal plan is to park your rental car once for the entire evening. The Hanover Street Parking Garage is located just a block away from The Music Hall, making it the most convenient option. Arrive downtown with enough time to park, have a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant, and then enjoy a short walk to the theater. This strategy eliminates the stress of searching for a second parking spot right before your show begins.

Parking availability along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail varies by location, as the trail winds throughout the city. For sections near Prescott Park or Strawbery Banke, parking can be limited and competitive, especially in the summer. The easiest approach is to park your car in a central public garage, like Foundry Place or Hanover Street. From there, you can access nearly all points of the trail on foot. Seasonal restrictions primarily affect on-street parking time limits, which are more strictly enforced during the busy tourist season.

When visiting Portland's historic Old Port, the most convenient and stress-free option is to use one of the many commercial parking garages or surface lots in the area. There are several located along Fore Street and Commercial Street that provide easy walking access to the shops, restaurants, and waterfront. While some metered street parking exists, it is in high demand and often has strict time limits. Using a garage allows you to park once and explore the cobblestone streets for as long as you like.

Driving from Portsmouth to Boston involves navigating I-95, which can have heavy traffic, especially during commuter hours. Most visitors find it much easier to avoid driving into downtown Boston altogether. A highly recommended strategy is to drive to a subway station at the end of a line, such as Alewife on the Red Line or Wonderland on the Blue Line. These stations have large parking garages, allowing you to park your car for the day and take the train into the city.

For a beautiful and relaxed fall foliage drive from Portsmouth, you don't need to head to the mountains. Consider taking Route 4 west towards Durham and Concord, which offers classic New England scenery with rolling hills and charming towns. Another excellent option is to explore the country roads inland from the coast, such as Route 155 or Route 108. These routes provide stunning autumn colors, farm stands, and a peaceful driving experience without the steep grades or sharp turns of mountain passes.

The most common point of confusion for visitors is the Portsmouth Traffic Circle, where I-95, the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), and the Route 1 Bypass all converge. It's a large, multi-lane rotary that can be intimidating for first-timers. The key mistake is not knowing which exit you need ahead of time and being in the wrong lane. It is crucial to use your GPS and pay close attention to the overhead signs well in advance of reaching the circle to ensure a smooth navigation.

A mid-size SUV is often the perfect balance for travelers with strollers and luggage in Portsmouth. It provides ample cargo space to easily accommodate your gear without requiring you to pack everything perfectly. At the same time, a mid-size SUV is still maneuverable enough to comfortably navigate the city's parking garages and some of the narrower historic streets. This choice prevents the space constraints of a smaller car and the parking challenges of a very large vehicle.

When traveling with car seats, it's wise to allocate an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your pickup schedule at the airport. This allows you to install the seats properly in the rental lot without feeling rushed or stressed. You can take your time to ensure everything is secure and your children are comfortable before you even begin your drive. It's much easier to manage this task in a well-lit, stationary environment than at your first stop after a flight.

Portsmouth and the surrounding Seacoast region are well-equipped to handle winter weather, and main roads are typically well-plowed and treated. However, visitors should always be cautious of potential black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses where temperatures can be lower. Coastal winds can be strong, which can cause drifting snow and affect vehicle stability on exposed bridges. Driving at a reduced speed and allowing extra space between vehicles is always the safest approach in winter conditions.

Coastal fog is a relatively common occurrence in the Seacoast region, particularly during the spring and early summer months, and it can significantly reduce visibility. It often forms overnight and can linger into the morning before burning off. Heavy rain can happen any time of year, also impacting driving conditions. In either case, it is essential to use your headlights, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance to ensure you can react safely to traffic ahead.

The key to a comfortable drive over the Piscataqua River bridges, like the I-95 bridge, is to prepare in advance. Before you get on the bridge, make sure you are in the correct lane for your intended exit on the other side. Once on the bridge, focus on maintaining a consistent speed with the flow of traffic and keeping your eyes on the road ahead. Avoiding last-minute lane changes will make the crossing feel much more stable and secure.

The most direct and easiest route from PSM to Dover or Durham is the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) North. The drive is generally quick and straightforward. The primary area for potential congestion is right at the beginning of your trip, around the Portsmouth Traffic Circle, especially during peak morning and evening commuter hours. Once you are past the circle and heading north on the turnpike, the traffic typically flows much more smoothly.

A great way to structure this day trip is to create a logical loop. Start your morning by driving from Portsmouth down to York, Maine, perhaps taking the scenic Route 1A along the coast. After exploring York, head north on Route 1 to the Kittery outlets for some afternoon shopping. From Kittery, it's a very short and direct drive back over the bridge into Portsmouth, completing the loop without unnecessary backtracking and maximizing your time at each location.

For early morning sunrise photography, you'll find parking is much easier than during the day. Excellent options include the parking area at Fort Constitution in New Castle, which offers stunning views of Portsmouth Harbor Light and the river mouth. Another great spot is Peirce Island in Portsmouth, which has a public lot and provides a different perspective of the bridges and waterfront. At that hour, you should have no trouble finding a spot at either location.

Travelers will find several conveniently located gas stations to refuel before returning their vehicle to Portsmouth International Airport. There are multiple options along the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) and Route 33, the main arteries leading to the airport. These stations are just a few minutes' drive from the rental car return entrance, making it easy to top off the tank and comply with your rental agreement's fuel policy without going out of your way.

While cell service is generally good, it's smart to have a backup navigation plan. Before you leave, download offline maps of the New Hampshire and Maine Seacoast region onto your smartphone's GPS app. This allows your phone to navigate even without a data connection. For a completely foolproof option, consider picking up a traditional paper road map from a local visitor center or gas station, which can be invaluable in areas with spotty service.

When driving in downtown Portsmouth, it's crucial to be highly aware of pedestrians, especially in the Market Square area and along Congress, Bow, and Ceres streets. These areas are filled with shops and restaurants, and people frequently cross the street, sometimes outside of marked crosswalks. Always drive slowly, be prepared to stop unexpectedly, and make a habit of yielding to pedestrians. This cautious approach is key to safely navigating the vibrant and walkable city center.

A multi-beach day is a great way to explore the coast, and a few simple tricks can help keep your rental car clean. Bring along a couple of large towels or an old sheet to lay over the seats and floor mats to catch the majority of the sand. A small, stiff brush is also useful for brushing sand off feet and gear before getting into the car. Finally, pack a few large plastic bags or a waterproof tote to store wet towels and swimsuits in the trunk.

For any car rental pickup, the process is focused on ensuring you are ready for your journey, regardless of your specific destinations. It is always a good practice for travelers to have their valid driver's license and reservation confirmation details readily available. Presenting these items at the counter helps the staff complete your rental agreement efficiently. This ensures a smooth start, allowing you to get on the road and enjoy your trip through both New Hampshire and Maine without delay.