Payless Car Rental
Maine

After collecting your luggage at Portland International Jetport, you can find the rental car counters conveniently located inside the terminal building. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" which will guide you directly to the customer service desks. Once you have completed your paperwork at the Payless counter, you will be directed to the adjacent covered parking garage where the vehicles are staged. The entire process is indoors and just a short walk from the baggage claim area, making for a smooth start to your trip.

Departing from PWM late at night is generally straightforward due to minimal traffic. As you exit the rental car garage, follow the main airport road, Jetport Access Road, and look for the large, well-lit signs for I-95. The route is designed to flow directly onto the interstate, so you won't have to navigate complex city streets. Using a GPS is always helpful for confirmation, but the signage is clear and will guide you toward either I-95 North (for Augusta/Bangor) or I-95 South (for Kittery/Boston) with ease.

For an early-morning flight, it's wise to budget at least 30 minutes for the car return process itself. This includes driving to the airport, following signs for "Rental Car Return," completing the vehicle check-in, and walking from the garage back into the terminal. PWM is a compact airport, so the walk is short. However, adding this buffer ensures you have ample time to check your bags and clear security without feeling rushed, as both airline counters and security lines can be busy during the morning peak.

A great option for a quick organizational stop is the Maine Mall area, located just a five-minute drive from the airport. The large, open parking lots of major retailers like Target or The Home Depot provide a safe and low-stress environment to pull over. Here, you can take a few minutes to adjust your mirrors, properly arrange your luggage in the trunk, and program your destination into your phone's navigation app. This allows you to get settled before merging onto the interstate or navigating Portland's city streets.

The most straightforward and least stressful route for a first-time visitor is to use the interstate. From the airport, follow signs to I-295 North toward Portland. Take Exit 7 for Franklin Street, which provides a direct artery into the eastern side of the peninsula. This route helps you avoid the more confusing one-way streets and intersections in the city's West End. Following Franklin Street will lead you right to the edge of the Old Port, with clear access to parking garages and Commercial Street.

Portland's Old Port is characterized by historic cobblestone streets, many of which are one-way and can be narrow. For a visit lasting several hours, your best strategy is to park your rental car in one of the numerous public parking garages. This eliminates the need to constantly check a meter for street parking, which is often limited. Once parked, the entire Old Port district is very compact and easily explored on foot, allowing you to enjoy the shops and waterfront without worrying about your vehicle.

Since you cannot take your rental car on the ferry to Peaks Island, you will need to park near the Casco Bay Lines terminal on the Portland waterfront. The most convenient options are the multi-level parking garages located within a block or two of the ferry. These garages offer hourly and daily rates, providing a secure place to leave your vehicle for the day. Arriving with some extra time is recommended, as it allows you to park, walk to the terminal, and purchase your ferry tickets without rushing.

To have the best experience at Portland Head Light, plan your visit for a weekday or aim to arrive early in the morning, before 10 a.m., on a weekend. The lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park, which has several parking lots that can fill up quickly, especially on sunny summer days. An alternative is to visit later in the afternoon, after 3 p.m., when the midday crowds have started to thin out. This timing strategy helps you avoid the peak congestion both in the park and on the roads leading into Cape Elizabeth.

A simple and scenic lighthouse loop can be done by first driving to Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth to see Portland Head Light. After your visit, instead of heading back the way you came, follow Shore Road south. This beautiful coastal drive will take you directly to Two Lights State Park, home of the other iconic Cape Elizabeth lighthouse. This route is intuitive, well-marked, and keeps you along the coast, offering beautiful ocean views between your main stops and minimizing the need for GPS rerouting.

Driving in Portland on a summer weekend or when a cruise ship is in port can be challenging due to increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The Old Port and waterfront areas become particularly congested. The best approach is to adopt a patient mindset and plan ahead. Start your day early to find parking before the lots fill up, rely on parking garages instead of searching for street spots, and be prepared to walk more than you might otherwise. Once you're parked, exploring the city on foot is often faster and more enjoyable.

Yes, Portland's peninsula, especially the Old Port and Arts District, features a dense grid of one-way streets that can be confusing for first-time visitors. While GPS is generally reliable, it's important to also pay close attention to street signs. The intersections around Franklin Street, Congress Street, and Commercial Street can be particularly busy with complex turning lanes. Always give yourself extra space and time to navigate these areas, and don't be surprised if your GPS has to recalculate after a missed turn.

The most reliable and stress-free option for overnight parking in downtown Portland is to use a public or private parking garage. Many hotels have their own parking facilities or arrangements with nearby garages for their guests. If your accommodation does not offer parking, there are several well-lit, secure municipal and private garages throughout the downtown area. This approach is far more convenient than searching for limited overnight street parking, which often has time restrictions or requires moving the car early in the morning.

When arriving at your hotel on a narrow or busy street, the best strategy is to pull into the hotel's designated loading zone, even if it's only for a few minutes. If no zone exists, have one person from your party go inside to check in while the driver stays with the car or circles the block. This prevents you from blocking traffic and allows the front desk to provide instructions on where to park long-term. A quick phone call to the hotel as you approach can also help you coordinate a smooth arrival.

Freeport is designed for a park-once-and-walk experience. The most convenient plan is to head directly to the large, free parking lots surrounding the main L.L.Bean campus. From there, your car can stay put for the entire day. All the major outlets and downtown restaurants are concentrated within a few blocks and are easily accessible on foot. This strategy saves you the hassle of trying to find new parking spots as you move from store to store.

While the direct drive from Portland to Bar Harbor on the highway takes about three hours, a scenic coastal drive requires a much more generous time budget. To truly enjoy the journey along US-1 with a few stops in towns like Camden or for a lobster roll in Wiscasset, you should plan for at least five to six hours of travel time. This allows for a relaxed pace, giving you the flexibility to explore charming villages and scenic overlooks without feeling rushed to reach your destination.

When traveling along US-1 from Portland to Acadia, several towns offer convenient and rewarding stops. Wiscasset is famous for its waterfront and lobster shacks, making it a perfect lunch spot. A bit farther north, the town of Camden offers a stunning harbor view from the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, located right off the main road. The city of Belfast also has a lovely waterfront walkway and downtown area that is easy to access for a quick break.

Arriving in Bar Harbor mid-afternoon during peak season means you will encounter significant traffic and very limited parking. Most on-street and public lot spaces will already be occupied by this time. Your best strategy is to head for the larger parking lots on the edge of the downtown area and be prepared for a short walk into the center of town. Patience is key, as you may need to circle a few times before a spot becomes available. Arriving earlier in the day is always the recommended approach.

The Island Explorer shuttle is an excellent way to navigate Acadia without parking hassles. The most common strategy is to drive your rental car to the large Hulls Cove Visitor Center, which serves as the primary hub for the shuttle system. You can park your car there for free and then hop on the appropriate bus route to reach popular destinations like Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, or various trailheads. This park-and-ride approach saves you from the stress of searching for limited parking at the park's busiest attractions.

Catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain requires advance planning, as a vehicle reservation is mandatory during the busy season and must be booked online ahead of time. Plan to drive up the summit road at least 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled sunrise time. This gives you a buffer to find a parking spot in the summit lot, which can fill up quickly even with the reservation system. It also allows you time to walk to a good viewing spot and get settled before the colors begin to appear.

To best enjoy the Park Loop Road, an early start is crucial. By entering the park and starting the loop before 9 a.m., you can stay ahead of the largest crowds and have a better chance of finding parking at popular sites like Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. Another effective strategy is to drive the loop in the late afternoon, as many visitors begin to leave for the day. During midday, consider exploring less-trafficked parts of the park or using the Island Explorer shuttle to avoid the most congested areas.

Yes, it is very common to encounter weak or non-existent cell service in many parts of coastal and inland Maine. Acadia National Park, in particular, has notoriously spotty coverage, as do many rural stretches of US-1 and smaller state routes. It is highly recommended that you download offline maps of the entire region you plan to visit onto your navigation app before you leave Portland. This simple step ensures you can navigate confidently even when you don't have a reliable signal.

October brings significant "leaf-peeper" traffic, especially on weekends. Expect popular scenic routes like US-1 along the Midcoast and roads leading into New Hampshire's White Mountains to be much busier than usual. Traffic can slow considerably in charming towns and near popular photo spots. To avoid the worst of it, try to plan your scenic drives for weekdays. If you must travel on a weekend, start your day as early as possible to get ahead of the main crowds.

Driving US-1 offers a classic Maine experience, taking you through picturesque towns and along the coast, but it is significantly slower than I-95. During the summer, especially on weekends, US-1 can become a slow crawl in popular towns like Wiscasset, Camden, and Rockland due to traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. I-95 is a standard interstate designed for efficient travel over long distances. Choose US-1 for the journey and scenery, but opt for I-95 if your primary goal is to get to your destination quickly.

When visiting Boothbay Harbor, the key is to avoid trying to park directly in the congested waterfront area. As you drive into town, look for signs directing you to the large municipal parking lots. These lots are located just a short, pleasant walk from the main downtown footbridge and shops. Parking here allows you to easily explore the entire harbor area on foot without the stress of navigating extremely narrow streets and searching for a non-existent spot by the water.

For a low-stress visit to Kennebunkport in the summer, timing is everything. Arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m., to secure a spot in one of the paid public lots near Dock Square. This allows you to park once and explore the main village on foot. If you are arriving later in the day, be prepared for heavy traffic entering the town and consider visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend for a much more relaxed experience.

Ogunquit is very walkable, and the best strategy is to park your car for the day in one of the large, paid municipal lots. The main lots are conveniently located near the beach, the entrance to the Marginal Way cliff walk, and the main village. Once you've parked, you won't need your car again until you're ready to leave. You can easily walk between the beach, shops, restaurants, and Perkins Cove, or use the local trolley service for a fun alternative.

The Maine Turnpike (I-95) around Portland is a major hub where it intersects with I-295. This area can be busy, with a lot of merging traffic. It's important to pay attention to overhead signs well in advance of your exit to ensure you are in the correct lane. During peak travel times, be prepared for drivers making last-minute lane changes. Maintaining a safe following distance and being aware of the major upcoming exits will help you navigate the area smoothly.

One of the most important rules to be aware of is Maine's strict pedestrian crosswalk law. Drivers are required to stop—not just yield—for pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk, and local drivers and pedestrians fully expect this. This is especially critical in busy downtown areas like Portland's Old Port and in coastal tourist towns. Being extra vigilant for people crossing the street will ensure a safe experience for everyone and help you blend in with local driving habits.

Roundabouts are becoming more common in southern Maine, particularly at highway interchanges and busy intersections in towns like Scarborough and South Portland. The rule is simple: yield to all traffic already circulating within the roundabout before you enter. Once inside, proceed counter-clockwise to your desired exit. They are designed to keep traffic flowing, so avoid stopping once you are in the circle unless traffic ahead requires it. Just slow down on approach and be prepared to yield.

The most responsible way to enjoy Portland's brewery scene is to not drive. Many of the city's most popular breweries are clustered in the East Bayside neighborhood, making them easily accessible on foot from each other. The best plan is to park your rental car at your hotel or in a central garage for the day. From there, you can walk or use a rideshare service to get to your starting point, allowing you to safely enjoy your crawl without worrying about driving.

For families with kids, attractions with dedicated, ample parking are ideal. The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland has an adjacent parking garage, making access very easy. Fort Williams Park, home of Portland Head Light, offers multiple large parking lots and wide-open green spaces for kids to run. Additionally, many of the sandy beaches in nearby Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth, like Crescent Beach State Park, have large lots that provide direct access to the shore.

Before leaving the rental lot during winter, it's essential to do a quick vehicle check. Make sure the car is equipped with an ice scraper and that the windshield washer fluid reservoir is full. Take a moment to locate and test the controls for the front and rear defrosters so you know how they work before you're on the road. It's also a good idea to briefly inspect the tires to ensure they have adequate tread for potentially slick conditions.

When driving on Maine's rural coastal roads at night, reducing your speed is the most important safety measure. Use your high beams whenever there is no oncoming traffic to better illuminate the road and roadsides, but be ready to dim them for other drivers. Constantly scan the edges of the road for signs of wildlife, as deer and moose can appear suddenly. Staying alert and driving cautiously will make your nighttime journey much safer and less stressful.

Returning your car from South Portland or Scarborough is very convenient as you can bypass downtown Portland entirely. From most locations in these towns, you can easily access I-295 or the Maine Turnpike (I-95). You will take the interstate for just one or two exits to the clearly marked exit for Portland International Jetport (PWM). This direct highway route is the quickest and most efficient way to get to the airport, avoiding city traffic.

Several beautiful sandy beaches are just a short drive from Portland. Crescent Beach State Park and Higgins Beach in Scarborough are excellent choices with dedicated parking lots. The key to a successful beach day is to arrive early, especially on a sunny summer weekend. Parking lots at popular beaches can fill to capacity by 10 or 11 a.m., so planning to get there in the morning is the best way to guarantee a spot and a relaxing day by the water.

When planning a multi-park day, it's best to choose parks that are geographically close to each other, such as Two Lights and Crescent Beach State Parks in Cape Elizabeth. Be realistic about your schedule; budget at least 30-45 minutes of travel time between each location, plus additional time for parking, which can be challenging at peak hours. It's often more enjoyable to fully explore one or two parks rather than rushing to see three or four in a single day.

Many popular trailheads in the greater Portland area, such as those at Bradbury Mountain State Park or Mackworth Island, have relatively small parking lots. These can fill up very early, particularly on weekends with good weather. It is crucial to have a backup plan in mind, like a second, less-popular trail you'd also like to hike. Never park illegally on the side of the road, as this can be unsafe and lead to ticketing or towing.

For a scenic and relaxed loop, take the classic US-1 North route along the coast from Portland up to Acadia National Park. This allows you to enjoy the charming seaside towns and coastal views. For the return journey, an easier and faster drive is to take Route 3 off the island to Ellsworth, then connect to I-95 South. This major highway provides a direct and straightforward inland route back to Portland, avoiding the potential traffic of the coastal road.

Before heading into downtown Portland, it's a smart idea to do a quick online search for events scheduled at major venues like the Cross Insurance Arena, Merrill Auditorium, or Thompson's Point. If a large event coincides with your plans, consider arriving in the area earlier than you normally would or using a parking garage that is several blocks away from the venue. Alternatively, planning your dinner or activities in a different neighborhood can help you avoid the worst of the pre- and post-event congestion.

When arriving in poor weather, the best initial step is to take a few extra minutes in the rental car garage to get fully comfortable. Adjust your seat, mirrors, and familiarize yourself with the wiper and defroster controls before you start moving. For the first leg of your drive, stick to major, well-lit roads like the Jetport Access Road and then I-95 or I-295. These highways are generally better maintained and easier to navigate in low visibility than unfamiliar city streets or dark rural roads.