National Car Rental
Portland

After you retrieve your bags from the baggage claim area, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Center. The National Car Rental counter is located within this dedicated facility, which is conveniently housed inside the main terminal building. You will not need to take a shuttle or go outside to find it. The walk is short and the signage is clear, making for a smooth transition from your flight to your vehicle.

The rental car area at Portland International Airport is integrated directly into the main terminal, making access exceptionally convenient. Once you have your luggage, you can walk to the Rental Car Center without needing a shuttle bus. The walk from the baggage claim carousels typically takes only about five to ten minutes. Just follow the prominent airport signs, and you will arrive directly at the counters and the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are located.

If your flight to PDX is delayed, the best approach is to proceed calmly to the National Car Rental counter once you land. It's helpful to have your flight information included in your reservation, as this alerts the staff to potential delays. The rental car center is located inside the terminal, so you won't have to worry about catching a late-night shuttle. Simply collect your bags and walk over to the counter, where staff can assist you with the pickup process, ensuring you can get on your way safely, even after a late arrival.

When leaving the PDX rental car facility, you will exit onto NE Airport Way. To reach I-205, stay in the appropriate lanes and follow the large, clear signs for I-205 North (to Vancouver) or I-205 South (to Salem/Portland). For I-84 West into downtown Portland, you will first take I-205 South for a very short distance and then follow the signs for the I-84 West exit. Using a GPS for the first few minutes of your drive is highly recommended to ensure you are in the correct lane for these immediate highway transitions.

Upon exiting the airport onto NE Airport Way, your route will diverge based on your destination. For downtown Portland, you will follow signs for I-205 South and then quickly merge onto I-84 West, which leads directly into the central city and across the Willamette River. If you are heading to the west side suburbs like Beaverton or Hillsboro, you will also start by taking I-84 West through downtown, then connect to US-26 West. This route will take you through the Vista Ridge Tunnel and out towards the western suburbs.

Driving from PDX to the Pearl District involves navigating a dense urban grid with many one-way streets. After taking I-84 West into downtown, you'll transition to city streets that require careful attention to signage. The Pearl District is known for its loading zones and metered parking, so finding a spot to unload can be tricky. It's best to know your hotel's specific unloading instructions in advance. Be prepared to circle a block to find a temporary spot or use the hotel's designated pull-in area.

Driving on NW 23rd Avenue can be challenging, particularly on weekends, due to its popularity as a shopping and dining destination. The street itself is narrow with heavy pedestrian traffic and frequent bus stops. Parking is almost exclusively on-street, metered, and in high demand, often with strict time limits. Your best strategy is to look for parking on the adjacent residential side streets, but be sure to read all signs carefully for permit restrictions. Arriving early in the day or being prepared to walk several blocks is key to a less stressful experience.

When checking into a downtown hotel with limited street access, the best plan is to call the hotel ahead of time for their specific instructions. Many establishments have a small, designated loading zone or will advise you to briefly use the valet lane. If no such option exists, one person can run inside to check in while the driver circles the block. This avoids the risk of a parking ticket while you get your room key and find out where to park the car long-term.

For drivers new to Portland, the Morrison and Hawthorne bridges are generally the most straightforward for crossing between downtown and the east side. The Morrison Bridge offers direct, multi-lane access to and from I-5 and I-84, making it a simple choice for highway travel. The Hawthorne Bridge is also a good option, with clear lanes that feed directly into major east-side thoroughfares like SE Madison and Hawthorne Boulevard. Both are less complex than the Burnside Bridge, which has more intricate turn lanes and streetcar tracks.

When driving in downtown Portland, it's crucial to be aware of the MAX light rail and streetcar tracks. Never stop your car on the tracks, and be mindful that trains have the right of way. You will often share lanes with streetcars, so stay alert and be prepared to pull over to the right to let them pass if necessary. Also, pay close attention to signs and pavement markings, as some lanes are designated for transit only during certain hours. Always cross tracks at a perpendicular angle, especially in wet conditions, to maintain traction.

Washington Park has a comprehensive parking system with multiple lots spread throughout the park, serving the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden. You can pay at any of the numerous pay stations and your ticket is valid for any spot within the park, allowing you to drive between attractions if you wish. On busy weekends or sunny days, lots fill up quickly, so arriving early is highly recommended. The park also offers a free shuttle service that connects the major attractions and parking areas.

For a major event at the Moda Center, it's best to plan your arrival at least 60 to 90 minutes before the start time. This provides a comfortable buffer to navigate event traffic, which can be heavy on I-5 and the surrounding streets. The Rose Quarter has several large parking garages on-site, but they fill up fast. Arriving early ensures you can secure a spot in one of these convenient garages and avoid the stress of searching for off-site parking and rushing to the venue.

The drive up to Pittock Mansion and Council Crest involves navigating through the West Hills on roads that are winding and can be quite narrow in places. While the drive is scenic, it requires your full attention, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. The roads are well-paved but have sharp turns and can be shared with cyclists and local traffic. Drive cautiously, adhere to the speed limits, and be prepared to pull over at designated spots to let faster local drivers pass if needed.

A day trip to Multnomah Falls requires careful planning, as it is an extremely popular destination. The parking lot, located directly off I-84, often fills up by mid-morning, especially on weekends and during the summer. To secure a spot, plan to arrive very early, ideally before 9 AM. During peak season, a timed-use permit system may be in effect for access via the Historic Columbia River Highway, so check the official recreation websites before you go. An alternative is to use the Sasquatch Shuttle from a designated lot to avoid parking hassles altogether.

For a scenic and relatively straightforward drive to Hood River, taking the Historic Columbia River Highway is a fantastic choice. You can access it by taking I-84 East to Exit 22 (Corbett). This route winds through lush forests and past stunning viewpoints and waterfalls, moving at a much slower pace than the interstate. While it can be busy, it's designed for sightseeing. To avoid the heaviest traffic, consider making the trip on a weekday or starting early in the morning on a weekend.

When driving to Mount Hood, especially from late fall through spring, you must be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Oregon has laws requiring all vehicles to carry tire chains or have traction tires when driving in designated snow zones, which includes the routes to Timberline and Government Camp. Check the TripCheck website from the Oregon Department of Transportation for real-time road conditions and chain requirements before you depart. Weather can shift from clear to a blizzard in a short time, so having a full tank of gas and emergency supplies is always a wise precaution.

The drive from Portland to the coast, primarily via US-26 West, is generally not challenging as it's a well-maintained highway. However, it is a two-lane road in many sections through the Coast Range, so be prepared for slower traffic, especially on summer weekends. Once in Cannon Beach or Seaside, parking is the main difficulty. Both towns have limited free street parking that fills up quickly. Arrive early in the day to find a spot in one of the public lots or on a side street, and be prepared to walk a few blocks to reach the beach or downtown shops.

When exploring Willamette Valley wineries, a good strategy is to plan your route in advance and aim to finish your tastings before dusk. Many wineries are located on smaller, poorly lit rural roads that can be difficult to navigate at night. Use a reliable GPS and consider downloading offline maps, as cell service can be spotty. Group your winery visits by location to minimize driving time between them. Always have a designated driver and plan to head back towards a main highway like 99W before it gets completely dark for a safer and less stressful return journey.

A classic Columbia River Gorge loop starts by driving east from Portland on I-84, stopping at viewpoints and waterfalls like Multnomah Falls. Continue east to Hood River, where you can cross the Hood River Bridge into Washington. From there, you can drive west on Washington's scenic Highway 14, which offers different but equally spectacular views of the Gorge. To return to Portland, cross back into Oregon over the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks or the I-205 bridge from Vancouver, completing a beautiful and varied loop without retracing your steps.

To visit Powell's City of Books and the Portland Saturday Market in one trip, the best strategy is to park once in a central location. A SmartPark garage near the market or Powell's is an excellent option, as it allows you to pay by the hour and leave your car for an extended period. From the garage, you can easily walk between the two destinations. The Saturday Market is under the Burnside Bridge, and Powell's is a short walk away in the Pearl District, making it very feasible to enjoy both without the hassle of reparking.

For stress-free errands, consider driving to neighborhoods just outside the central downtown core. Areas like the Hollywood District in NE Portland or parts of Beaverton and Hillsboro on the west side offer numerous shopping centers with large, free parking lots. These suburban-style commercial areas have major grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers, allowing you to run errands efficiently. This approach helps you avoid the complexities of one-way streets, metered parking, and traffic congestion found in the downtown area.

Portland's rush hour can be quite intense, especially on the major arteries. Locals typically avoid the freeways between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays. I-5 through the city center, the I-84/I-5 interchange, and US-26 heading west through the tunnel are notorious bottlenecks. I-205 also sees significant congestion, particularly near the airport and the bridge to Washington. Planning your travel outside of these peak windows will result in a much smoother and faster driving experience.

Navigating the interchange around the Vista Ridge Tunnel (US-26) and the Fremont Bridge (I-405) requires focus, as lanes split and merge rapidly. When heading west on US-26, be in your desired lane well before entering the tunnel. Approaching the Fremont Bridge, signs for different exits appear quickly, so it's crucial to know your exit number or destination in advance. Using a GPS with lane guidance can be extremely helpful in this area to prevent last-minute, unsafe lane changes. Pay close attention to overhead signs and be decisive.

The Ross Island Bridge and its approaches can be confusing, especially during peak traffic. A common mistake is being in the wrong lane on SE Powell Blvd when approaching the bridge from the east, leading to an unintended turn instead of getting onto the bridge. When heading east off the bridge, the lanes split quickly to different destinations in SE Portland. The key is to get into your target lane as early as possible and follow the overhead signs carefully, rather than relying on the flow of traffic around you.

In popular SE Portland neighborhoods like Division or Hawthorne, overnight parking is primarily on the street. While much of it is free and without time limits, finding a spot can be challenging, especially in the evenings near restaurants and shops. You may need to park a few blocks away from where you are staying. Always read signs carefully to check for any restricted parking zones or street cleaning schedules. The further you are from the main commercial streets, the easier it generally is to find a spot.

During a typical Portland winter, the most common driving condition you'll encounter is rain, often ranging from a light drizzle to a heavy downpour. Snowfall in the city itself is infrequent, but when it does happen, it can cause significant disruptions as the city is not equipped for heavy snow removal. Ice, particularly black ice on bridges and overpasses, can be a hazard during cold snaps, especially in the early mornings. If your plans include visiting higher elevations like the West Hills or Mount Hood, you should be fully prepared for snow and ice.

Driving in hilly areas like the West Hills requires extra caution, particularly when roads are wet from rain. Increase your following distance to allow for longer braking times on steep descents. When parking on a hill, always turn your wheels toward the curb when facing downhill and away from the curb when facing uphill, and be sure to set your parking brake firmly. This prevents the car from rolling into traffic in the unlikely event of a brake failure and is a standard, safe practice in hilly cities.

Getting to Vancouver, Washington from PDX is very direct and allows you to completely bypass downtown Portland traffic. From the airport, you will follow signs for I-205 North. This interstate takes you directly over the Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge across the Columbia River and into Vancouver. The entire drive is typically short and straightforward, as you are heading north immediately after leaving the airport grounds. Just stay on I-205 North until you see the exits for your specific destination in Vancouver.

To avoid the worst bridge traffic between Portland and Washington, timing is crucial. The I-5 Bridge and the I-205 Bridge are the main crossings and both get heavily congested during weekday rush hours. For a day trip, try to cross north after 9:30 AM and head back south before 3:00 PM or after 7:00 PM. If your trip takes you further east, the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks is a scenic, lower-traffic alternative, though it is a toll bridge and further from the metropolitan area.

On event days at the Portland International Raceway or the Expo Center, traffic on I-5 North can become extremely congested. The best strategy is to leave much earlier than you think you need to, aiming to arrive at least an hour before your event begins. This allows you to get through the inevitable traffic backup near the venue and find parking without stress. Check the event's website for any specific traffic advisories or alternative routes they might suggest for the day of your visit.

For a less stressful parking experience in the Columbia River Gorge, consider visiting trailheads that are slightly less famous than Multnomah Falls. Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, located at the western end of the Historic Highway, often have more parking availability. Another excellent option is to park at a larger, designated lot like the one for the Sasquatch Shuttle service and use the shuttle to hop between multiple popular trailheads. This eliminates the need to circle for a spot at each individual waterfall.

If you need to reorganize your luggage or switch drivers before your rental return, the cell phone waiting lot is the ideal spot. It offers free, convenient parking just a few minutes away from the rental car return entrance. This allows you to take your time sorting bags and getting organized for your flight without holding up traffic or feeling rushed at the curb. Once you are ready, it's a very short and direct drive back to the terminal to complete your return.

For a morning flight, it's wise to build a significant time cushion into your rental return plan at PDX. During weekday morning rush hour, from about 7 AM to 9 AM, traffic on I-205 and the airport access roads can be heavy. Plan to arrive at the rental car return facility at least two and a half to three hours before your flight's departure. This accounts for potential traffic delays, the time it takes to complete the return process, walk to the terminal, and get through airline check-in and security.

Missing the rental car return entrance at PDX is an easy mistake to fix. Don't panic or try to make an unsafe turn. Simply continue following the main airport roadway as it loops around. The signs will guide you past the departures and arrivals levels and then back around towards the parking garages and rental car return area again. The entire loop is well-signed and designed for this purpose, typically taking only a few minutes to complete without forcing you back onto the freeway.

The best way to pick up friends at PDX is to use the airport's cell phone waiting area. Have your friends call or text you once they have collected their luggage and are standing outside at the designated passenger pickup curb. You can then drive from the nearby cell phone lot to the terminal in just a couple of minutes. This strategy is far more efficient and less stressful than endlessly circling the busy arrivals roadway while you wait for them to emerge.