Dollar Car Rental
Portsmouth

Portsmouth International Airport is designed for straightforward navigation, making it easy to find your rental car. After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars." The Dollar service counters are conveniently located within the terminal building, allowing you to complete your paperwork efficiently. Once you have your keys, the staff will direct you to the adjacent parking lot where the rental vehicles are staged, just a short walk from the terminal doors.

When arriving late at night, efficiency is key to a smooth start. Have your driver's license and reservation confirmation ready to expedite the process at the rental counter. Once you get to your vehicle, take a moment in the well-lit rental lot to adjust your mirrors, seats, and connect your phone to the car's system. It's also wise to enter your first destination into your GPS before you start driving, which prevents you from fumbling with navigation while on unfamiliar roads in the dark.

Before leaving the rental lot, conduct a quick but thorough inspection of your vehicle for peace of mind. Do a walk-around to check for any pre-existing scratches or dings, ensuring they are noted in your rental agreement. Inside the car, take a moment to locate the controls for headlights, windshield wipers, and hazard lights. It's also a good idea to check the air conditioning or heat to make sure everything is in working order before you merge onto major routes like I-95 or the Spaulding Turnpike.

The best place to get organized is right in the airport's rental car lot before you officially depart. However, if you've already started driving, your safest option is to pull into a nearby gas station or the parking lot of a large retail center. The commercial areas along Woodbury Avenue, just a minute or two from the airport, offer plenty of safe, well-lit spaces where you can pull over to program your navigation, adjust your belongings, and get settled for your drive.

The drive from Portsmouth International Airport to the Kittery Premium Outlets is remarkably quick and simple, making for an ideal first trip in your rental car. The most direct route is to take I-95 North, which you can access just a few minutes from the airport. Without significant traffic, the journey typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. This straightforward highway drive involves crossing the Piscataqua River Bridge into Maine, with the exit for the outlets clearly marked shortly after.

For the most direct and least complicated drive to Ogunquit, your best bet is to utilize the interstate. From the airport area, get on I-95 North and continue past the York exits until you see signs for Ogunquit and Route 1. Taking the highway allows you to bypass the potential stop-and-go traffic that can build up on the more scenic but slower coastal roads like Route 1A. Once you exit, you'll have a much shorter drive on local roads to reach the heart of the town.

To reach coastal towns like Rye and North Hampton, the most scenic and direct route is to avoid downtown Portsmouth initially. From the airport, you can take local roads like Route 33 east toward the ocean. This will connect you directly with Route 1A, also known as Ocean Boulevard. Turning south on Route 1A will take you on a beautiful drive right along the coastline, leading you straight through Rye and into North Hampton, with easy access to hotels and inns along the way.

Navigating downtown Portsmouth for the first time requires careful attention due to its network of narrow, one-way streets, a characteristic of its historic layout. Relying on a GPS is essential, but it's also wise to review the last few turns of your route on a map before you enter the busiest areas. This helps you anticipate lane changes and turns, reducing the stress of last-minute maneuvers. Be prepared for tight corners and allow extra time to find your destination without feeling rushed.

When checking into a downtown hotel with limited street access, a coordinated approach works best. The driver can temporarily pull up to the hotel entrance while a passenger quickly goes inside to check in and inquire about the best place to unload. Many hotels have a designated short-term loading zone or can direct you to the nearest convenient spot. After unloading your bags with the hotel's assistance, you can then proceed to find long-term parking in a nearby garage.

For a less stressful driving and parking experience, consider exploring the areas just outside the immediate Market Square. The West End of Portsmouth has more accessible street parking and a growing number of shops and restaurants. Additionally, the areas along the waterfront near Prescott Park can sometimes offer easier parking options. For guaranteed simplicity, heading directly to a municipal garage like the Hanover Parking Garage allows you to park once and explore the entire downtown area on foot.

To ensure a relaxed start to your evening, plan to arrive in the vicinity of downtown Portsmouth at least 30 to 45 minutes before your dinner reservation, especially on a weekend. This provides a comfortable buffer to navigate to a parking garage, find a spot, and enjoy a short walk to the restaurant. Heading directly to a structure like the Hanover or Foundry Place garage is often more efficient than circling for limited on-street parking, saving you time and frustration.

A frequent challenge for visitors is navigating the approaches to the bridges connecting Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine. A common mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough, leading to last-second maneuvers. The traffic circle on the Kittery side of the Memorial Bridge can also be confusing, so it's important to yield to traffic already in the circle and be certain of your exit. Paying close attention to overhead and roadside signs well in advance is the best way to ensure a smooth crossing.

Visiting the historic island of New Castle requires mindful driving, as the roads are exceptionally narrow and often lack shoulders. It's crucial to drive slowly and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic. Parking is strictly enforced and very limited, so plan to use the designated public lot at the Great Island Common. Avoid turning around in private driveways; instead, use public cross-streets or designated pull-offs to reverse your direction legally and safely.

A perfect half-day coastal drive involves heading south from Portsmouth on Route 1A through Rye and North Hampton. This route, known as Ocean Boulevard, offers numerous scenic pull-offs and state parks like Odiorne Point that are ideal for quick stops. To keep the trip relaxed, choose just one or two main points of interest to explore. You can then loop back to Portsmouth via Route 1, which runs parallel to the coast and offers a more direct return journey.

Arriving in Portsmouth on a summer weekend afternoon requires patience, as you should expect significant traffic delays. The I-95 corridor and the main exits into the city can become very congested with beachgoers and tourists. To manage this, build extra time into your schedule and consider heading directly to a designated parking garage rather than searching for street parking. Once you're parked, the city's compact and walkable downtown makes it easy to explore without the car.

Driving to Mount Agamenticus from Portsmouth is a simple and rewarding trip. The most straightforward route is to take I-95 North into Maine and get off at the York exit. From there, follow Route 1 for a short distance and then look for the clearly marked signs directing you to Mount Agamenticus. The road leading to the summit is paved and well-maintained, making it easily accessible for any rental vehicle and offering fantastic panoramic views of the region.

When driving around the Portsmouth area, you will encounter toll roads, particularly on I-95 (the New Hampshire Turnpike) and Route 16 (the Spaulding Turnpike). To make your journey seamless, most rental vehicles are equipped with an electronic tolling transponder. This system allows you to drive through the high-speed E-ZPass lanes without needing to stop and pay with cash. Be sure to ask the rental agent at the counter how the service is activated and managed for your vehicle.

For a convenient stop with children, the shopping plazas along Woodbury Avenue or on Route 1 offer excellent options just minutes from the airport and downtown. These areas feature large, easy-to-navigate parking lots with familiar grocery stores, coffee shops, and fast-food restaurants. Another great choice is the I-95 service plaza in Hampton, which provides restrooms, a variety of food choices, and a gas station in one consolidated, highway-accessible location.

For a smooth day trip to Kennebunkport, stick to the main roads as much as possible. Take I-95 North to the Kennebunk exit (Exit 25), then follow Route 35 directly toward the coast. As you approach the bustling Dock Square area, the key is to park once and explore on foot. Look for the larger, clearly marked paid parking lots on the outskirts of the main village to avoid navigating the most congested streets and competing for very limited spaces.

The most stress-free way to drive to Portland is to take I-95 North directly to I-295 North, which leads right into the city. The drive typically takes about one hour without heavy traffic. To simplify parking, research and choose a parking garage in the Old Port or Arts District before you leave. Navigating directly to a garage address is far easier than circling the narrow, busy streets looking for an open spot, allowing you to start your visit relaxed and ready to explore.

The most practical route to Freeport is to take I-95 North from Portsmouth, then connect to I-295 North around Portland. The exits for Freeport are clearly marked from I-295, and the entire trip usually takes a little over an hour. Traffic tends to be heaviest during standard commute hours through the Portland area, roughly 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays. Planning your drive during the late morning or early afternoon can help you avoid the worst of the slowdowns.

The full drive from Portsmouth to Bar Harbor takes nearly five hours, which can be tiring after a flight. A more realistic and enjoyable plan is to break up the journey. Consider driving about three hours on the first day to a city like Augusta or Bangor. This allows you to check into a hotel at a reasonable hour and start the next day refreshed for the final scenic leg of the drive into Acadia National Park, making the overall trip feel less rushed.

When driving north to the White Mountains via the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), there are several reliable hubs for a break. The cities of Rochester and Concord offer numerous options for food, gas, and restrooms right off the main highway. Further north, the town of Conway serves as the gateway to the mountains and is an excellent place to stop for supplies or a meal before heading into the more remote scenic areas. These locations have plentiful services and are easy to get on and off the main route.

During fall foliage season, the biggest surprise for many visitors is the volume of traffic on scenic back roads, which can move very slowly. Drivers often pull over abruptly to take photos, so it's important to be alert and maintain a safe following distance. Additionally, wet fallen leaves can make road surfaces unexpectedly slippery, almost like ice, especially after a rain shower. Gentle braking and slower speeds are key to safe driving under these beautiful but sometimes tricky conditions.

Driving in Portsmouth during heavy rain or coastal fog requires heightened caution. Visibility can be severely reduced, particularly near the water and on bridges. It is essential to use your low-beam headlights to be seen, reduce your speed significantly, and increase the distance between you and the car ahead. At night, be especially wary of sharp turns on unlit coastal roads and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.

When snow is forecast, the most important consideration is allowing for significantly more travel time. While main arteries like I-95 and Woodbury Avenue are typically plowed quickly, conditions can change rapidly. Drive at a reduced speed, avoid sudden acceleration or braking, and leave ample space between your vehicle and others. Also, be aware that the city may declare a snow emergency, which means on-street parking is banned to allow for plowing, so a parking garage will be your best option.

GPS systems can sometimes struggle with the complex intersections and one-way streets in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, especially around Market Square. The traffic circle connecting to the Memorial Bridge in Kittery is another spot where GPS instructions can be unclear. You can recognize these areas by a rapid succession of commands or routes that seem illogical. In these situations, it's best to slow down, pay close attention to road signs, and use your own judgment to navigate safely.

When heading directly to a time-sensitive event like a wedding, it's wise to build in a generous buffer of at least 45 to 60 minutes. This accounts for the entire process: completing paperwork at the rental counter, loading your luggage, and getting familiar with the car's controls. This extra time also covers potential traffic delays and the challenge of finding parking at a specific venue, ensuring you arrive calm and on time for the ceremony.

To bypass the heaviest coastal traffic on your way to York Harbor or Cape Neddick, especially during the summer, use the interstate for the main part of your journey. Take I-95 North from Portsmouth to the York exit. From there, you can use Route 1 and local roads to approach your destination from the west. This strategy helps you avoid the often slow-moving traffic along the scenic but congested Shore Road (Route 1A).

For a beautiful sunrise with easy parking, Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye is an excellent choice. It's a simple drive south from Portsmouth along Route 1A and has a large parking lot that is accessible early in the morning. Another great option is Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine, which offers stunning views back toward New Hampshire. Both locations provide a hassle-free experience for an early-morning coastal visit before the crowds arrive.

Portsmouth has active parking enforcement, especially in the downtown area where meters and time limits are common. For travelers planning to leave a car parked for an extended period or overnight, the most reliable and stress-free option is to use a municipal parking garage. Garages like the Hanover Parking Garage offer hourly and daily rates and remove the worry about time limits or overnight street parking restrictions, which can vary by street and season.

When staying on a residential street, the most efficient method is to briefly pull up to your lodging, unload your bags onto the sidewalk, and then immediately move the car. It's helpful if one person can stay with the luggage while the driver finds a legal, long-term parking spot, such as in a nearby public garage. This approach avoids blocking narrow streets and ensures you comply with any residential parking permit requirements or time limits.

Many of the region's popular breweries and wineries are conveniently located near major thoroughfares, making them easy to visit. Plan your route using a reliable GPS and try to select destinations that are situated just off main roads like Route 1, Route 101, or the Spaulding Turnpike. This strategy will help you enjoy the local flavors without the stress of navigating a maze of unfamiliar rural back roads, ensuring a more relaxing and enjoyable outing.

The airport's cell phone waiting lot is the ideal place to coordinate your group's arrival. You can wait there comfortably in your rental car until your friends have collected their luggage and are standing at the arrivals curb. Once they call or text you that they are ready, it's just a very short drive to the terminal's passenger pickup area, making the entire process smooth and efficient for everyone.

For a stress-free early-morning return, follow the prominent "Rental Car Return" signs as you approach the airport terminal. These signs will guide you directly to the designated drop-off area. To save time, make sure your personal belongings are packed and ready to be removed from the vehicle quickly. The return process is typically very efficient, and the short walk from the drop-off lot to the airline check-in counters ensures you'll get to your gate with time to spare.

The traffic flow at Portsmouth International Airport is clearly marked to prevent confusion. First, follow the main signs for "Departures" to drop your passenger and their luggage at the upper-level curb. After they have exited the vehicle, simply continue following the airport roadway loop. The signs will then clearly direct you to a separate turn-off labeled "Rental Car Return," leading you to the correct drop-off location without having to circle the entire airport again.

When documenting your car's condition in poor light or rain, use your smartphone's camera flash to illuminate the surfaces. Stand back to take a wide shot of each of the four sides of the car, the roof, and the front and back bumpers. Then, move closer to take clear photos of any specific pre-existing scratches, dents, or scuffs you see. This creates a timestamped visual record, providing clarity and peace of mind for both pickup and return.

When a major event is happening, your best strategy is to plan your parking and walking route in advance. Check the official event website or the City of Portsmouth's website for information on road closures, detours, and recommended event parking. Typically, it's easiest to park at a garage on the periphery of the event, such as the Foundry Place Garage, and walk to the festivities. This allows you to avoid the most congested streets and the frustration of navigating unexpected detours.

When driving south from Portsmouth into Massachusetts on I-95, be prepared for a significant increase in traffic volume, especially during weekday commute hours. The stretch of highway from the border down to the I-495 interchange can become very congested. For a multi-stop day trip to towns like Newburyport or Salem, using a GPS with real-time traffic updates is invaluable for navigating potential slowdowns and choosing the most efficient routes between your destinations.

A 'base-and-explore' strategy works perfectly in Portsmouth. On the days you plan to explore the walkable downtown, leave your rental car parked in a long-term garage to avoid the hassle of moving it. Then, use the car strategically for dedicated day trips to destinations that are farther afield, such as the coastal towns of Maine, the beaches of New Hampshire, or even a trip inland. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: freedom to explore the region and a stress-free experience within the city itself.