Hertz Car Rental
Portland

Navigating from baggage claim to the Hertz rental counter at Portland International Jetport is very straightforward. After collecting your luggage on the lower level, simply look for the prominent 'Rental Cars' signs located within the terminal building. The Hertz desk is conveniently situated in this consolidated rental car area, so you won't have to go outside or take a shuttle. Once you've completed your paperwork, you'll be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are located, just a short and easy walk away.

Arriving late at PWM is generally a smooth process for getting your rental car and heading to your hotel. The rental car counters are located directly in the terminal, allowing for a quick transition after you claim your bags. To expedite your journey, have your reservation details ready when you approach the counter. The drive into downtown Portland is typically less than 15 minutes without traffic, so a late-night arrival often means a clear and direct route to your accommodation. Using a GPS will ensure you take the most efficient path, even in the dark.

For the most straightforward drive from PWM to the Old Port, a great option is to use I-295. After leaving the airport, follow signs for I-95 North and then quickly merge onto I-295 North toward Downtown Portland. Take the Franklin Street exit (Exit 7), which provides a direct, multi-lane artery into the heart of the city, minimizing complex turns on narrow side streets. This route brings you right to the edge of the Old Port, making it much easier to navigate to your hotel or a parking garage.

The road system immediately leaving PWM is well-signed, but the key is to be prepared for quick decisions. The most common point of confusion is choosing the correct lane for either I-95 or I-295 shortly after exiting the airport circle. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for 'South Portland/Downtown Portland' to get onto I-295. Missing this turn can lead you onto the Maine Turnpike (I-95), which is a different route. Keeping your GPS active from the moment you leave the rental garage is the best way to ensure a smooth departure.

When staying in the Old Port, the most practical approach is to pull up directly in front of your hotel to unload your luggage first. Most hotels in this historic area have a designated temporary loading zone or are accustomed to guests briefly stopping at the entrance. Have one person stay with the vehicle while the other brings the bags inside to check in. Once your luggage is secure, you can then proceed to find a nearby parking garage for longer-term parking without the stress of carrying bags through the cobblestone streets.

Driving on Commercial Street during a busy weekend requires extra patience, as it's a popular area with significant foot traffic and historic cobblestone sections. Expect slow-moving vehicles and be extra watchful for pedestrians exploring the shops and waterfront. Street parking is extremely limited and highly sought after, so your best strategy is to head directly for one of the several public parking garages located just a block or two away. Once you've parked, the entire Old Port is wonderfully walkable, allowing you to enjoy the area without the stress of moving your car.

Yes, some of the parking garages in downtown Portland, particularly in the more historic Old Port area, can be older structures with tighter turns and lower clearances. While most standard sedans and compact SUVs will have no trouble, choosing a larger vehicle like a full-size SUV or minivan might require more careful maneuvering. If you anticipate frequent garage parking, opting for a mid-size or smaller vehicle can make navigating these spaces much easier. It's always a good idea to pay attention to any posted clearance signs at a garage entrance.

A great plan is to use your rental car for day trips and exploring areas outside the downtown core, then parking it for the duration of your time in the city center. The Old Port and Arts District are very compact and best explored on foot. The car becomes more of a hassle when you try to move it short distances between downtown spots, as you'll spend more time searching for parking than walking. Use your vehicle to visit lighthouses, beaches, or breweries in surrounding towns, and then leave it in a garage near your hotel while you enjoy the city's walkable neighborhoods.

For a food-focused weekend, the best strategy is to park your car once and explore different neighborhoods on foot. Park in a central garage in the Old Port and you can easily walk to dozens of acclaimed restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. For destinations further afield, like breweries in the East Bayside neighborhood, consider grouping them together for one part of the day. You can drive to that area, find a single parking spot, and then walk between the different locations before returning to your car.

For popular spots like the Eastern Promenade, arriving earlier in the day is always your best bet for convenient parking, especially on a sunny summer weekend. Before 10 a.m. is ideal to secure a spot along the main road or in one of the designated lots. In the afternoon, these areas become much busier with locals and visitors alike. If you're planning a visit for sunset, consider arriving about an hour beforehand to give yourself time to find parking as others may be leaving from their afternoon activities.

To avoid traffic on your drive to Portland Head Light, plan your visit for a weekday morning if possible. The drive from Portland to Cape Elizabeth is relatively short, but traffic can build up in the late afternoon as people commute home and head to the parks. A mid-morning departure, say between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., usually offers a clear route. This timing also helps you find better parking at Fort Williams Park before the peak afternoon crowds arrive, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit.

Catching the sunrise at Portland Head Light is a fantastic plan, and early-morning access is generally straightforward. Fort Williams Park, where the lighthouse is located, typically opens its gates at sunrise, allowing vehicle access. In the pre-dawn hours, you will find ample parking available in the lots closest to the lighthouse, which is a major advantage over visiting mid-day. Driving there in the dark is easy with a GPS, and having your rental car allows you to arrive comfortably on your own schedule to set up for the perfect shot.

An efficient half-day loop from Portland starts by driving directly to Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth first. After enjoying the rocky coastline views there, it's a very short and scenic drive of just a few minutes to get to Crescent Beach State Park. The two parks are practically neighbors, making it easy to visit both. After enjoying the sandy beach, you can complete the loop by taking a different local road back toward Portland, perhaps stopping at a lobster shack along the way for a classic Maine lunch.

The most direct route from Portland to Freeport is to take I-295 North. It's a simple and well-marked highway drive that typically takes about 20-25 minutes without heavy traffic. Take Exit 22 for 'Freeport/Durham,' which will lead you right into the heart of the shopping village. LL Bean and most of the town's outlets and restaurants are located right on Main Street, with plenty of public parking lots available just off the main drag, making it a very easy and low-stress day trip.

When visiting Kennebunkport for the day, the most convenient strategy is to park in one of the large, paid public lots located just outside of Dock Square. These lots are well-signed as you drive into town and are just a short walk from the main cluster of shops and restaurants. Trying to find on-street parking in the immediate center of town can be very difficult, especially during the busy season. Parking once in a designated lot allows you to leave the car for several hours and comfortably explore the entire village on foot.

When an event is letting out at the Cross Insurance Arena, you should plan for significant traffic delays in the immediate downtown area. It's wise to add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your expected travel time if you need to drive through or near the arena district. The streets surrounding the venue, like Spring Street and Center Street, can become very congested. If possible, use a navigation app with live traffic updates to find an alternate route that bypasses the arena, which can save you considerable time and frustration.

The easiest way to visit Peaks Island is to leave your rental car on the mainland, as the island is best explored by foot, bike, or golf cart. The Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal is located on the Portland waterfront, and there are several large parking garages within a few blocks. The most convenient option is often the Casco Bay Garage, which is adjacent to the terminal. Parking here allows you to walk directly onto the ferry and enjoy a car-free day on the island without worrying about your vehicle.

Having a rental car makes visiting several kid-friendly attractions much easier due to ample parking. The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine has its own dedicated parking garage, which is a huge convenience. Similarly, visiting the lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth, like Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, is simple with large, accessible parking lots. Driving to nearby beaches like Scarborough Beach or Crescent Beach is also far more practical with a car, as you can easily transport all your gear and find designated parking areas.

The setup at PWM is very convenient for travelers with children and extra gear. After getting your bags, you can use a luggage cart to transport everything to the rental car counters, which are located inside the same terminal building. Once you have your keys, one adult can walk the short distance to the adjacent garage to get the car while the other waits with the children and luggage in the terminal's comfortable waiting area. The driver can then pull the car around to the passenger pickup curb for easy loading.

Commuting into downtown Portland for dinner from areas like South Portland or Westbrook is generally quite easy. The drive is typically short, around 15-20 minutes, but plan for some traffic during the evening rush hour between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The best strategy is to drive directly to a downtown parking garage rather than searching for street parking. This simplifies your arrival and lets you enjoy your evening. The return drive later at night is usually very quick with minimal traffic.

To make a Boothbay Harbor day trip feel relaxed, start your drive from Portland in the morning to avoid traffic and give yourself a full day. The drive itself is scenic, taking about 90 minutes. Once you arrive, park your car in one of the public lots and spend the majority of your time exploring the charming downtown on foot. You can enjoy a boat tour, browse the shops, and have a leisurely lunch without needing your car again until it's time to head back, making the experience feel less rushed.

A perfect one-day driving plan is to focus on the nearby Cape Elizabeth area. Start by driving to Fort Williams Park to see the iconic Portland Head Light. From there, it's just a five-minute drive to Two Lights State Park for a different, more rugged coastal view. To add a beach, continue another few minutes to Crescent Beach State Park for a beautiful sandy shoreline. This route keeps your driving time minimal between stops, maximizing your time enjoying the classic Maine scenery, all within a few miles of each other.

A drive north from Portland along the coast offers several wonderful stops. A great first stop is Freeport, perfect for a bit of shopping and a coffee break. Continuing north, consider a slight detour to Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park for a beautiful, easy coastal walk. Further on, the town of Brunswick has a lovely downtown area centered around Bowdoin College, ideal for lunch. Finally, the city of Bath, with its rich maritime history and the Maine Maritime Museum, makes for a fascinating destination before or after you continue your journey.

Driving to Acadia National Park from Portland for a day trip is ambitious but possible, though it makes for a very long day. The drive is about three hours each way, so you should plan to leave Portland very early in the morning to maximize your time in the park. Be aware that you will likely need a vehicle reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain or park at popular trailheads during peak season. A more relaxed approach might be to focus on just the Park Loop Road and a short hike before beginning the long drive back.

When driving to a rural venue at night, relying on a GPS is essential, but it's also wise to have a backup plan. Download the map of the area to your phone beforehand in case you lose cell service. It's also helpful to review the route during the daytime to familiarize yourself with key turns. Pay close attention to mile markers or unique landmarks mentioned in the directions provided by the venue. Driving slowly and using your high beams when appropriate will help you spot turns and road signs more easily.

The Maine Turnpike (I-95) near Portland is generally straightforward, but visitors should be prepared for the Portland-area exits which come up quickly. A common point of confusion is the split between I-95 and I-295 just south of the city. If your destination is downtown Portland, you'll want to follow signs for I-295. Traffic flow can be heavy during commuter hours, so staying in the middle or right lane as you approach your exit is a good strategy to avoid last-minute lane changes. Using a GPS provides helpful advance notice for these key decision points.

In heavy rain, the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes of the Old Port can feel the most stressful for unfamiliar drivers due to reduced traction and visibility. Major thoroughfares like Franklin Street or Forest Avenue are generally calmer and more predictable options for getting across town. The interstate highways like I-295 are also a good choice as they are well-maintained, though it's always important to reduce your speed and increase your following distance in wet conditions. Sticking to main roads will provide a more comfortable driving experience.

After a snow squall, the most important preparation is to adjust your driving style for the conditions. Even on a short drive from PWM to downtown, roads can be slick. Drive slowly, leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead, and allow for extra braking distance. The main roads are typically plowed and treated first, so your route should be manageable. Having a rental car equipped for the conditions provides peace of mind, allowing you to navigate to your hotel safely and confidently.

Making a quick grocery stop after leaving PWM is very convenient. As you exit the airport area onto International Parkway, you'll find several major grocery stores within a five-minute drive, directly on the way toward I-295 and downtown Portland. You can easily pull into a shopping plaza in South Portland to stock up on supplies for your trip. This allows you to get your shopping done efficiently before you even check into your hotel, without adding significant time or complicated detours to your journey.

Most breweries located in the industrial parks or suburban areas outside of downtown Portland have their own dedicated parking lots, making them very easy to visit with a rental car. For those in denser neighborhoods, it's a good idea to check their website or social media ahead of time, as they often provide parking tips for visitors. Arriving outside of peak hours, such as on a weekday afternoon, will almost always guarantee you an easy and stress-free parking experience right at the location.

The best place to wait for arriving friends at PWM is the cell phone lot. This designated waiting area is free and located just a minute's drive from the terminal, allowing you to park and wait comfortably in your car. Have your friends call or text you once they have collected their luggage and are standing outside at the passenger pickup curb. This system prevents you from having to circle the busy terminal roads and allows for a smooth, efficient pickup.

During the busy summer travel season, it's wise to allow ample time for your return trip from the Old Port to PWM. The drive itself is typically short, but morning commuter traffic can add unexpected delays. A good rule of thumb is to leave your hotel at least two hours before your flight's boarding time. This provides a comfortable buffer for returning the vehicle, getting through airport security, and reaching your gate without feeling rushed. Always check a real-time traffic app before you depart for the most current road conditions.

As you approach Portland International Jetport, be sure to stay in the left lane and look for the large, clear signs that read 'Rental Car Return.' The entrance for the return area is a dedicated turn-off from the main airport road, leading you directly into the parking garage. Following these specific signs will guide you away from the 'Departures' and 'Arrivals' lanes for passenger drop-off. Once you make the turn, signs for Hertz will direct you to the designated return stalls within the garage.

To avoid the worst traffic on a drive from Portland to Boston, it's best to travel during off-peak hours. The ideal time to depart is mid-morning, between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., after the morning rush hour has subsided in both Portland and the Boston area. Alternatively, a mid-afternoon departure after 2 p.m. can work, but be mindful of hitting Boston's evening commute. Avoid leaving on a Friday afternoon or Sunday evening, as these are peak times for weekend travel between the two cities.

Yes, Portsmouth is an excellent day trip from Portland, with the drive taking just under an hour. Having a rental car makes it an easy and flexible excursion. Once you arrive in Portsmouth, the most convenient place to park is the Foundry Place Garage, a large, modern facility located a very short walk from the central Market Square. This allows you to park once and explore the city's historic streets, waterfront, and shops entirely on foot for the rest of the day.

For a relaxed nighttime drive, using a GPS is your best tool for turn-by-turn directions and peace of mind. The route via I-295 to the Franklin Street exit is well-lit and avoids the narrower, more complex side streets of downtown. Before you leave the rental car garage, take a moment to adjust your mirrors and familiarize yourself with the headlight controls. Driving at a comfortable pace and focusing on the well-marked main roads will make the short journey from the airport to the Old Port feel simple and secure.

For easy-access photo opportunities, the Eastern Promenade in Portland offers numerous spots where you can park directly along the road and capture stunning views of Casco Bay. Just south of the city, the drive along Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth provides several roadside pull-offs with fantastic ocean vistas. The Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park also has parking lots situated very close to the main viewing areas, requiring only a very short walk for that iconic lighthouse shot, making it perfect for a quick stop.

A perfect short scenic drive is the loop around Cape Elizabeth. From Portland, drive south toward Route 77, which will take you on a beautiful coastal route. You can make quick stops at Portland Head Light for the classic lighthouse view and Two Lights State Park for dramatic rocky shores. The drive itself winds past beautiful homes and ocean glimpses. The entire loop can be completed in as little as an hour or two, depending on how long you stop, making it an ideal way to experience the quintessential Maine coast.

The drive from Portland to the Sebago Lake region is relatively short, usually under an hour, but you can still make it more enjoyable. A practical way to break it up is to plan a stop in the charming town of Windham for lunch or to grab coffee and snacks for your lake house. This gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs before the final leg of the journey. Planning your arrival for mid-afternoon also helps avoid any potential commuter traffic leaving Portland, ensuring a low-stress start to your lake vacation.

A common mistake visitors make is underestimating the one-way street system in the dense Old Port district, so it's helpful to rely on a GPS. Another frequent issue is misinterpreting parking signs, which can have specific time limits or residential restrictions, leading to tickets. Many travelers also try to find street parking on busy Commercial Street instead of using a garage, which can be a frustrating search. Finally, remember that Portland is a very walkable city with a lot of foot traffic, so driving with extra awareness is key to a smooth experience.