Hertz Car Rental
Portland

Planning for about 60 to 90 minutes is a realistic timeframe from the moment you deplane to when you're driving away. This accounts for walking from your gate to the baggage claim area, which can take 10-15 minutes at Portland International Airport. Waiting for your luggage to arrive on the carousel can vary greatly, but budgeting 20-30 minutes is safe. From there, it's a short walk to the dedicated rental car center where you'll finalize your rental agreement before heading to the garage to find your vehicle.

Upon arrival at PDX, you will first proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. From there, follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." These signs will guide you on a short walk across the main roadway via a covered walkway directly to the airport's consolidated rental car center. Inside this facility, you will find the Hertz counter where you will complete the necessary paperwork with an agent before being directed to the adjacent garage to pick up your vehicle.

The most efficient way to locate your vehicle is to check your rental agreement paperwork or the confirmation on your mobile app. This document will specify the exact parking stall number, which typically includes the level and row information. The PDX rental garage is well-organized with large, clear signage for each level and numbered rows. By noting your assigned spot before you enter the garage, you can navigate directly to the correct area without any unnecessary searching.

A convenient and comfortable meeting spot is the main seating area located just outside the rental car center, back toward the main terminal. This area is less congested than the immediate baggage claim carousels. Alternatively, the pre-security food court and shops near the security checkpoints offer a place to sit and wait. Agreeing to meet at a specific baggage claim carousel number, even if you aren't using it, can also serve as an easy-to-find landmark for everyone in your party.

As you exit the rental car garage, pay close attention to the overhead signs for "Airport Exit" and "All Freeways." The airport's road system is designed to guide you away from the terminal loops. To reach I-205, you will follow signs that direct you onto NE Airport Way heading east. From there, clear signage will point you to the on-ramps for either I-205 North (towards Seattle) or I-205 South (towards Salem and I-84). Using a GPS is highly recommended for the first few turns.

Portland's rush hour typically runs from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. During these times, the drive from PDX to downtown on I-84 West can easily take twice as long as it would in light traffic. For the most relaxed journey, plan your drive during the late morning or early afternoon, generally between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Arriving after 7:00 PM also usually ensures a much smoother and quicker trip into the city center.

This decision depends on your itinerary for the first day or two. If you plan to explore the central city, which is very walkable and well-served by public transit, it's often easier to take the MAX light rail from the airport to your hotel. This allows you to avoid the immediate hassle and expense of downtown parking. You can then pick up a rental car from a city location later, specifically when you're ready for day trips to the coast, the Gorge, or wine country.

Driving in downtown Portland requires extra awareness due to its multimodal design. Always be mindful of the streetcar (MAX) tracks and avoid driving on them; cross them at a perpendicular angle when turning. Pay close attention to the numerous dedicated bike lanes, especially when making right turns, and always yield to cyclists. The downtown grid features many one-way streets, so it's crucial to check signs at every intersection and have your route planned in advance to avoid sudden, confusing maneuvers.

The primary challenge in these popular downtown areas is the scarcity of available on-street parking, which is almost always metered with strict time limits. Circling blocks in search of a spot can be a frustrating experience, especially during business hours or on weekends. A more reliable strategy is to identify a public parking garage, such as one of the city's SmartPark locations, before you arrive. While this involves a fee, it saves considerable time and eliminates the stress of hunting for a curbside spot.

Washington Park utilizes a unified parking system with lots spread throughout the park, and payment is required everywhere. The lots closest to the main attractions like the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden fill up extremely quickly, often by 10:00 AM on sunny days and weekends. To secure a spot, arriving early in the morning is your best strategy. During peak season, consider using the free seasonal shuttle service that connects the park with overflow parking areas to avoid congestion.

The streets immediately surrounding Powell's are part of the busy Burnside Bridgehead and are often congested with traffic, pedestrians, and public transit. On-street parking is very limited and difficult to find. For a much less stressful experience, plan to park in a nearby public garage. The city-operated SmartPark garage at 10th & Yamhill is a popular and convenient option, located just a few blocks away, allowing for a pleasant walk to the bookstore without the hassle of circling for a spot.

Portland's east side neighborhoods are known for their vibrant dining and shopping scenes, which leads to high demand for street parking, especially in the evenings and on weekends. While parking is generally free, it can be very competitive, and you should be prepared to park several blocks away from your destination and walk. Always read posted signs carefully for any time limits or permit-only restrictions. Evening traffic can be slow on the main thoroughfares as people head out to restaurants and bars.

The most direct route is to take I-84 East from Portland for about 30 miles. The exit for Multnomah Falls is clearly marked. However, the parking situation is the main challenge; the dedicated lot at the base of the falls is small and fills up extremely early, often leading to closures. During the busy season (typically late May to early September), a timed-use permit is required to access the lot via the interstate exit, so be sure to reserve one online in advance to guarantee access.

For an easy and scenic loop, take the Historic Columbia River Highway. A great first stop is the Vista House at Crown Point, which has a dedicated parking lot with stunning views. Further along, Latourell Falls and Wahkeena Falls both have convenient pull-out parking areas directly off the road. These stops are designed for visitors, making it simple to park, enjoy the scenery for a short time, and merge back onto the historic highway to continue your journey toward I-84.

To ensure a smooth and traffic-free drive to Hood River, it's best to leave Portland before 8:00 AM, especially on a Friday or a weekend. The drive along I-84 East is beautiful, but outbound traffic can start to build after mid-morning as others head to the Gorge for recreation. An early start not only helps you avoid congestion but also gives you a better chance of finding prime parking in downtown Hood River, which gets busy by lunchtime.

Winter driving to Mount Hood requires careful preparation. Always check the latest road conditions on Oregon's TripCheck website before you depart, as weather can change rapidly. Oregon law often requires all vehicles to carry tire chains or have traction tires installed. The final ascents to the ski areas, such as the routes to Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood Meadows off of Highway 26, are the steepest and most likely to have snow-packed or icy conditions, demanding slow and cautious driving.

The key to easy parking in Cannon Beach, especially on a summer weekend, is to arrive early, ideally before 10:00 AM. While there is some street parking closer to Haystack Rock, it is extremely limited. A better strategy is to head for the larger public parking lots located in the main downtown area. From there, it's a beautiful and easy walk along the beach or through the town to reach the iconic sea stack, saving you the frustration of circling for a closer spot.

The drive to Cannon Beach via US-26 is mostly an inland highway route through forests until you reach the coast. In contrast, the drive to Astoria along US-30 follows the scenic Columbia River for a significant portion, offering expansive river views and passing through several small, historic towns that make for great break spots. Both highways are well-maintained and comfortable for driving, but the US-30 route to Astoria generally provides more varied scenery and points of interest along the way.

A logical approach for a Willamette Valley wine tour is to drive south from the Portland area and start in the northern towns like Forest Grove or Hillsboro. From there, you can follow Highway 99W southward, which acts as the main artery through the heart of wine country. This route takes you sequentially through key towns like Newberg, Dundee, and McMinnville, creating a linear path that minimizes backtracking and allows you to visit wineries in a geographic progression.

On weekends, Highway 99W, the main road through Dundee, often becomes a significant traffic bottleneck due to the high volume of visitors heading to the many surrounding wineries. Be prepared for slow-moving traffic through the center of town. In McMinnville, the historic downtown area is charming but finding street parking can be a challenge. It's often easier to use one of the public lots located a block or two off the main street. Navigation is generally straightforward as the towns are laid out on a grid.

The primary route through Beaverton and Hillsboro is US-26, also known as the Sunset Highway. This freeway experiences heavy congestion during standard commute hours, roughly 7:00-9:30 AM heading east toward Portland and 3:30-6:30 PM heading west toward the suburbs. Major choke points include the interchange with OR-217 and the areas around the large tech campuses. If your visit is time-sensitive, plan to travel during off-peak hours or allow significant extra time for your drive.

Crossing downtown Portland on I-405 during peak times can be challenging due to heavy volume and several complex interchanges. The freeway loop is short, requiring quick lane changes to prepare for your exit. A common spot that surprises visitors is the merge from US-26 onto I-405 South near the Vista Ridge Tunnels, which requires immediate lane decisions. It's highly advisable to study your route on a map beforehand and get into your target lane well in advance of your exit.

The best strategy for navigating Portland's bridges is to use a GPS and pay close attention to overhead lane signs. Know which lane you need to be in well before you get on the bridge, as some have exits that appear quickly with little warning. The Fremont Bridge (I-405) and Marquam Bridge (I-5) are particularly complex. Avoid last-second lane changes, stay predictable in your driving, and if you happen to miss your exit, it's safer to proceed to the next one and reroute from there.

The two primary crossings into Washington are the Interstate Bridge on I-5 and the Glenn Jackson Bridge on I-205. Both bridges are major commuter routes and can experience significant traffic delays, especially during rush hour and on weekends. The I-5 bridge is older and has a steel drawbridge that can cause unexpected stops. Once in Vancouver, the traffic is generally less congested than in Portland, but the bridge crossings themselves are the main logistical challenge to plan around.

A day trip to Mount St. Helens requires planning, as it's a 2 to 2.5-hour drive each way from Portland. It's essential to start with a full tank of gas, as there are very few fuel stations once you exit I-5 and begin the scenic drive up State Route 504. Services like restaurants and stores are also sparse near the monument, so packing water, snacks, and lunch is a wise idea. Allow a full day for the trip to accommodate the drive and have ample time to explore the visitor centers.

As you approach the airport on NE Airport Way, stay in the left lanes and look for the large overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return." These signs will appear well before the exits for Departures and Arrivals. Following this dedicated signage will route you directly to the entrance of the rental car garage, allowing you to completely bypass the congested passenger drop-off and pick-up loops in front of the main terminal.

Upon entering the airport's parking and rental car garage structure, immediately follow the signs that specify "Rental Car Return." Do not follow the signs for general "Parking." The return area is typically on a specific level of the garage, and once you arrive on that level, you will see prominent signs for each rental agency, including Hertz. Pull into the designated lane where staff will be present to check in your vehicle and complete the return process.

After you've returned your vehicle, the walk to the main terminal is quick and convenient. You will take an elevator or escalator from the garage to a covered skybridge that leads directly into the terminal building. The walk itself takes only about 5-10 minutes. During busy morning periods, it's wise to budget a total of 20-30 minutes to account for the entire process, including the walk and any potential lines at the airline ticket counters or security.

A straightforward plan is to use one of the several gas stations located directly on NE Airport Way, the main road that leads into PDX. These stations are situated within two miles of the rental car return entrance, making them extremely convenient. By planning to refuel at one of these locations, you can avoid navigating unfamiliar side streets or making complex turns when you're on a tight schedule to catch your flight. Simply fill up and continue straight to the airport.

The rental car garage at PDX generally offers adequate space around each parking stall. The best method is to pull your car completely into the assigned spot first. Then, you can use the area directly behind your vehicle as a staging zone for luggage, strollers, and car seats. This keeps your belongings out of the flow of traffic in the driving lanes. Loading up here is much calmer and more organized than attempting to do so at the busy terminal curbside.

The rental car garage is the ideal place to load bulky gear. To give yourself maximum space, try to find a corner parking spot or one with an empty stall next to it, which allows you to open all doors fully. The upper levels of the garage are often less busy than the main floor, providing a calmer environment. Take your time to arrange your skis, boards, or packs securely inside the vehicle before you even start the engine, ensuring a safe and organized start to your trip.

In the dim lighting of the garage, it's a good idea to use your phone's flashlight for a thorough inspection. Pay special attention to the lower portions of the car, like bumpers and side skirts, where scratches can be hard to see. Check the windshield carefully for any small chips or cracks that might be masked by rain or low light. Be sure to document any pre-existing damage on the rental paperwork before you leave the garage to ensure you are not held responsible.

When it rains in Portland, especially after a dry period, the roads can become slick with oil residue. It's crucial for visitors to increase their following distance from the car ahead to allow for longer braking times. Reduce your overall speed and be cautious of lane markings, which can become less visible. Also, be aware of the potential for hydroplaning in areas with standing water and always use your headlights to improve your visibility to other drivers.

Safety is paramount for pre-dawn drives. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave. Drive at a reduced speed, especially on winding roads like the Historic Columbia River Highway or US-26 to the coast. Use your low-beam headlights in fog to reduce glare, and be prepared for strong crosswinds in the Gorge. Be particularly alert for wildlife, such as deer, which are more active during dawn and dusk hours.

A frequent GPS mistake is having the destination set to "PDX" generally, which can lead the navigation to the main terminal's passenger drop-off loops. To avoid this, be very specific with your destination. When picking up, search for the "PDX Rental Car Center." When returning, enter the exact address of the Hertz return facility. Better yet, supplement your GPS by following the large, clear airport road signs that explicitly direct traffic to the rental car areas.

An excellent plan is to take the MAX light rail directly from the airport to downtown Portland. This allows you to check into your hotel and explore the highly walkable central city, including areas like the Pearl District and the waterfront, without a car. The next morning, you can pick up a rental from a downtown location for a specific excursion, like a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, before driving back to the airport for your departure, minimizing your time dealing with city parking.

Using a car for exploring these popular neighborhoods can be challenging due to limited parking. A more practical approach is to drive to one neighborhood, find a single parking spot in a residential area a few blocks off the main street, and then explore that area on foot. Trying to drive and re-park between multiple spots in the same evening will likely be frustrating. Alternatively, using a rideshare service for your food and drink explorations can be a much more relaxed experience.

While the Moda Center has its own parking garages, they can be slow to exit after a major event. A smart strategy is to park in a garage in the nearby Lloyd District or even across the river in downtown. This allows you to walk 10-15 minutes to the venue, which is often faster than sitting in post-event traffic. Parking further away gives you access to less congested streets, making for a much quicker getaway once you're back to your car.

When booking a hotel, it's wise to confirm the details of their parking facility. Ask about the nightly fee and whether they offer in-and-out privileges, as some may charge each time you exit. If you've rented a large SUV or van, check the garage's height clearance restrictions. It's also a good idea to understand their process for late-night entry, as some hotel garages are secured after a certain hour and may require a room key for access.

For a low-stress day trip, consider driving east on I-84 into the Columbia River Gorge. Stops like the Bonneville Dam have large, easy-to-access parking lots and are located right off the freeway. Another simple option is a trip to the Oregon Garden in Silverton, which involves a pleasant drive through the countryside and has ample on-site parking. These destinations provide a great taste of Oregon's beauty without requiring you to navigate complex urban traffic or search for parking.