Payless Car Rental
Portland

Upon collecting your luggage at Portland International Jetport, your first step is to look for the airport signs directing you toward Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center. Most rental car counters, including Payless, are conveniently located within the terminal building. Simply follow the overhead signage from the baggage claim area, which will guide you on a short walk to the rental car desks. Once you complete your paperwork at the counter, the staff will direct you to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are located.

Portland International Jetport is a relatively compact and easy-to-navigate airport, which is helpful for late-night arrivals. The rental car counters are located inside the terminal, so you won't need to worry about finding an external shuttle in the dark. After you exit the secure area and collect your bags, follow the clear, well-lit signs for "Rental Cars." The walk is short and entirely indoors, leading you directly to the service desks where you can pick up your keys before heading to the connected garage.

During a peak summer weekend, it's wise to budget around 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you drive away. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, and waiting for your luggage, which can take 20-30 minutes. The rental car counter may have a line, which could add another 20-40 minutes depending on the time of day. The final steps of locating your vehicle in the garage and completing a walk-around inspection are usually quick, but building in this buffer ensures a stress-free start to your trip.

For a straightforward drive to the Old Port, the best route avoids the most complex city streets. From the airport, follow signs for I-295 North. This interstate offers a direct path toward the city. Take Exit 7 for Franklin Street, which is a wide, multi-lane arterial road that leads directly down to the waterfront and the heart of the Old Port. This approach helps you bypass many of the narrow, one-way streets you might encounter if your GPS chooses a more direct but complicated surface street route.

If you prefer more convenient parking, consider staying in neighborhoods just outside the immediate Old Port. The East End, near the Eastern Promenade, often has more available on-street parking and a less congested feel. Similarly, the West End offers beautiful historic streets with more residential parking options, though you should always check for permit restrictions. Staying in nearby South Portland is another excellent choice, as many hotels there provide ample free parking lots and it's just a short drive over the bridge into downtown.

Navigating the Old Port's narrow, historic streets requires a bit of planning for luggage drop-off. Many hotels have small, designated loading zones directly in front of their entrance, often marked for 15-minute standing. The best strategy is to call your hotel ahead of time and ask for their specific recommendation. If there's no designated zone, one person can run in to check-in while the driver circles the block, or you can briefly pull over with your hazard lights on, unloading as quickly and safely as possible.

Yes, downtown Portland has a few tricky spots for newcomers. The intersection of High Street, Spring Street, and Congress Street can be confusing due to its multi-road convergence and specific turning lanes. Additionally, many streets in the Old Port, like Fore Street and Exchange Street, are narrow one-ways that can be challenging to navigate during busy times. Using a GPS is highly recommended, and it's always a good idea to drive slowly and be prepared for pedestrians, especially in the evenings.

To make a convenient grocery run after leaving PWM, you can easily avoid downtown traffic. Instead of heading directly toward the peninsula, use your GPS to navigate to a supermarket in South Portland, which is very close to the airport. There are several major grocery stores located just a few minutes' drive from the airport along Maine Mall Road or Payne Road. This allows you to stock up on supplies for your trip before you even cross the bridge into the more congested areas of Portland.

Portland is an excellent city for a park-and-explore strategy. The best approach is to secure your car in a long-term parking garage in the Old Port or at your hotel for the day. The downtown peninsula is very walkable, with the Old Port, Arts District, and East End all connected by pleasant walking routes. For destinations that are a bit farther apart, such as some breweries in the East Bayside neighborhood, ride-sharing services are readily available and are a great way to travel responsibly between stops.

For an early-morning weekday flight, it's wise to account for local commuter traffic. The drive from the Old Port to PWM can take as little as 15 minutes without traffic, but during the 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM rush hour, this can easily double to 30 minutes or more. To be safe, plan to leave the Old Port about 2.5 hours before your flight's departure time. This provides a comfortable cushion for the drive, the car rental return process, and airport security.

Returning your rental car at PWM is quite straightforward as the airport has excellent signage. As you approach the airport on Jetport Boulevard, stay in the left-hand lanes and look for the large, clear signs that say "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance for the parking garage where all the rental companies are located. Following these specific signs, rather than the ones for "Departures" or "Arrivals," will guide you directly to the correct drop-off area without any confusing loops.

The rental car pickup area at PWM is located in a covered and well-lit parking garage, providing an ideal environment for a thorough vehicle inspection. Before you even load your luggage, take a few minutes to walk around the car right in the designated parking spot. The lighting is consistent, allowing you to easily spot any pre-existing scratches or dings. This controlled setting is much better than trying to do an inspection on an open, busy lot, ensuring you can document the car's condition calmly and accurately.

The rental car garage at PWM itself is a great place to install car seats without pressure. After you've picked up your vehicle, you can remain in the assigned parking spot for as long as you need to get everything set up safely. The area is covered, protecting you from the elements, and it's out of the way of moving traffic. If you prefer more space, there are several large shopping center parking lots in South Portland, just a five-minute drive from the airport, where you can pull into a quiet corner to make adjustments.

Driving in Portland during a winter storm requires extra caution and slower speeds. Bridges, like the Casco Bay Bridge, can become very icy, so it's crucial to avoid sudden braking or acceleration while crossing them. The city's hills, particularly in the West End and East End neighborhoods, can be challenging, and it's often best to stick to the main, flatter arteries that are prioritized for plowing and salting. Always allow significantly more travel time and braking distance, and check local weather advisories before heading out.

When coastal fog descends on Portland, the most important adjustment is to significantly reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use your low-beam headlights, as high beams can reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Be especially cautious on bridges and near the waterfront where the fog is thickest. Locals know to build extra time into their travel plans, as traffic naturally slows down, and to be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists who are much harder to see.

The most direct route to Portland Head Light is to take State Street out of downtown Portland, which becomes Broadway in South Portland. Follow Broadway until you can turn onto Cottage Road, and then follow signs for Shore Road and Fort Williams Park. The drive is scenic and well-marked. Parking backups typically occur right at the entrance to Fort Williams Park on busy summer weekends and holidays. The main lots near the lighthouse fill up first, so be prepared to use overflow lots and enjoy a short walk.

To ensure easy parking for a sunrise visit to Portland Head Light, plan to arrive at Fort Williams Park at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sunrise. This allows you to secure a prime parking spot in the lot closest to the lighthouse and gives you plenty of time to walk to a good viewing location. During the peak summer months, arriving even 45 minutes early is a good idea, as it's a popular activity for photographers and other early risers. The park officially opens at sunrise, so you'll be arriving right on time.

For a smooth shopping trip to Freeport, timing is key to avoiding traffic on I-295. Plan to drive north from Portland either mid-morning, after the 9:00 AM commute, or in the early afternoon. The drive itself is only about 20-25 minutes. To avoid the evening rush hour on your return, aim to leave Freeport either before 3:30 PM or after 6:00 PM. A mid-day trip, for example from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is often the most relaxed and traffic-free option.

The most straightforward way to drive to Old Orchard Beach from Portland is to take I-295 South to I-195 East, which leads you directly toward the coast. Follow the signs for Route 9/Saco Avenue, which will take you right to the pier and beach area. In the summer, expect parking to be challenging and to come at a premium. There are numerous private lots charging a daily rate, and the closer you get to the pier, the more you can expect to pay. Arriving early in the morning is the best strategy for finding a more convenient spot.

If you prefer a more relaxed drive to Kennebunkport, you can take Route 1 South instead of the Maine Turnpike (I-95). While it has more towns and traffic lights, the speed limits are lower and it offers a classic New England road trip feel. For an even more scenic and leisurely journey, you can branch off Route 1 onto Route 9 as you get closer to the coast. This coastal route will take you through beautiful scenery and directly into Dock Square, though it will add some time to your trip.

For a beautiful coastal drive north from Portland, taking Route 1 is the classic scenic choice. While I-295 is faster, Route 1 winds through charming towns and offers glimpses of the water. Excellent places to stop for a break include the picturesque village of Wiscasset, known for its antique shops, or the harbor town of Boothbay. Further north, Damariscotta is another great stop with a lovely main street and riverside cafes, perfect for stretching your legs before continuing on to the Camden and Rockland area.

To make the three-hour drive from Portland to Acadia feel manageable, plan for one or two strategic stops. A great first stop is about halfway, in a town like Camden, where you can grab a coffee and enjoy the harbor views for 30-45 minutes. As you get closer, consider a second quick stop in Ellsworth to pick up any last-minute supplies before heading onto Mount Desert Island. This breaks the drive into three shorter, more comfortable segments, allowing you to arrive in the Bar Harbor area feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

During peak season, the main traffic bottleneck heading to Bar Harbor begins in Ellsworth, where several routes converge before the bridge to Mount Desert Island. The final stretch on Route 3 onto the island can also be slow, especially on Friday and Saturday afternoons. To avoid the worst of it, experienced travelers often plan their arrival for mid-day on a weekday or aim to be on the island before 11:00 AM on weekends. Leaving Portland early in the morning is the most effective strategy for a smoother journey.

When taking the ferry to Peaks Island, you'll be leaving from the Casco Bay Lines terminal on the Portland waterfront. Since you cannot take your rental car on the ferry for a day trip, parking in a nearby garage is the best option. The Casco Bay Parking Garage is located right next to the terminal and is the most convenient choice. Several other private and municipal parking garages are within a short walking distance in the Old Port, offering competitive day rates.

On a sunny weekend, the Eastern Promenade can get very busy. The best plan is to arrive earlier in the day, before 11 AM, to secure a spot in the free parking lots along Cutter Street or find on-street parking along the Promenade itself. If you arrive later, be prepared to park on a side street in the Munjoy Hill neighborhood and walk a few blocks. For the main waterfront area in the Old Port, it's almost always easier to park your car once in a central garage and explore the area on foot to avoid circling for limited street parking.

To avoid the biggest crowds and parking challenges at Fort Williams Park, plan your visit for a weekday if possible. If you must go on a weekend, the best times are early in the morning (before 10 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM). The peak period is typically from late morning through mid-afternoon, when the lots closest to Portland Head Light fill up completely. An early or late visit allows for a much more relaxed experience with easier access to prime parking spots.

A common point of confusion for visitors leaving PWM is navigating the I-295 and I-95 (Maine Turnpike) split. When heading north toward downtown Portland or Freeport, you'll want to follow signs for I-295. If your destination is south of Portland or you want the faster toll road north, you'll follow signs for I-95. The signage is clear, but the decision point comes up quickly after leaving the airport, so it's helpful to know which interstate you need ahead of time.

Driving across the Casco Bay Bridge, which connects Portland and South Portland, is generally a smooth experience with great views of the harbor. However, it's best to avoid it during peak weekday commuter hours, roughly 7:30-9:00 AM heading into Portland and 4:00-6:00 PM leaving the city, when traffic can back up significantly. Also, be aware that the bridge is a drawbridge, and while openings for large ships are not frequent, they can cause temporary delays, so it's always good to have a little buffer in your schedule.

The simplest way to drive from South Portland into downtown is by taking the Casco Bay Bridge and then immediately turning right onto Commercial Street. This wide, waterfront street runs the entire length of the Old Port and provides easy access to numerous parking garages. Alternatively, you can cross the bridge and continue straight onto York Street, which leads to the West End and Arts District. Both routes allow you to access central parking areas without having to navigate the narrowest one-way streets first.

A great driving loop from Portland starts by heading to Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light. From there, continue south on Shore Road, which is a beautiful coastal drive that will take you directly to Two Lights State Park. After visiting the park, you can continue just a bit further to Crescent Beach State Park. To complete the loop without backtracking, you can then take Route 77 back inland, which will connect you to major roads leading back to South Portland and Portland.

When stopping at a popular lobster shack on a coastal road, parking etiquette is key. Many establishments have their own small lots, which can fill up quickly. If you need to park on the shoulder of the road, make sure your vehicle is pulled over as far as possible and is completely off the pavement. Be mindful of "No Parking" signs and private driveways. Always be cautious when walking along the road and when pulling back into traffic, as these scenic routes can be narrow and winding.

The drive between Portland and Bangor on I-95 has several convenient service centers for food and restroom breaks. The Gardiner service plaza and the West Gardiner service plaza are both located right on the highway and offer gas, fast food options, and clean facilities. Augusta, located roughly at the halfway point, has numerous exits with a wide variety of restaurants and stores just off the highway. These stops are well-signed and provide reliable options without requiring a major detour.

When driving around Portland, be prepared for some New England driving quirks. The area has several multi-lane roundabouts, where it's crucial to yield to traffic already inside the circle and pay close attention to the signs for your desired exit. You'll also encounter many intersections without traffic lights that rely on yield signs, so a defensive approach is best. Additionally, some on-ramps for I-295 are shorter than on modern highways, requiring you to get up to speed more quickly to merge safely.

For easy beach access with convenient parking, Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth is an excellent choice. It features a large, dedicated parking lot just steps from the wide, sandy beach. Another great option is Scarborough Beach State Park, which also has ample paid parking very close to the shore. Both of these state parks are a short drive from Portland and are designed to handle summer crowds, making them much less stressful than trying to find street parking at smaller local beaches.

To minimize traffic stress on a day trip to Ogunquit, consider visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend. If you go on a weekend, arrive very early, before 9:30 AM, to secure a spot in one of the main beach parking lots. An alternative strategy is to park at a peripheral lot along Route 1 and use the town's trolley system to get around. This allows you to avoid the severe congestion that builds up in the village center and near the entrances to the main beach and Marginal Way.

A popular and beautiful fall foliage loop from Portland is to drive west on Route 25 towards the Sebago Lake region. You can circle the lake using various local roads like Route 35 and Route 302 for stunning views. To avoid traffic and get the best light for photos, start your drive mid-morning on a weekday. Weekends can be very busy, especially during peak foliage season. An early start allows you to enjoy the quiet roads and make plenty of stops before the afternoon crowds arrive.

While cell service is generally strong in Portland and its immediate suburbs, it can become spotty as you drive along more rural coastal routes. Areas like the Phippsburg peninsula or stretches of Route 1 between smaller towns can have dead zones. It's a wise practice to download maps of the region for offline use on your GPS app before you leave. This ensures you can navigate confidently even if you temporarily lose your data connection while exploring Maine's beautiful coastline.

During major waterfront events, such as the Old Port Festival or a large concert at Thompson's Point, expect significant road closures and detours. Commercial Street along the waterfront is almost always impacted, with sections often closed to vehicle traffic entirely. The streets immediately surrounding the Old Port, like Fore Street and Wharf Street, will also be heavily congested or closed. It's best to park your car on the periphery of downtown and walk into the event area to avoid getting stuck in festival-related traffic.

To efficiently manage multiple check-ins, plan your route logically based on geography. For instance, if you're starting in the Old Port and moving to a coastal town like Kennebunkport, spend your Portland day exploring the city. The next morning, check out and treat the drive south as part of your day's adventure, stopping at places like Portland Head Light on your way out of town. This linear approach prevents backtracking into city traffic and turns the travel between hotels into a scenic part of your itinerary.

The most efficient sequence is to first drive to the "Departures" level at the main terminal. Drop off all passengers and luggage there, so they can proceed directly to check-in without having to handle bags again. After they are safely on the curb, the driver can then follow the airport loop signs for "Rental Car Return." This separates the two tasks, avoids confusion, and allows the driver to return the car quickly and unencumbered before walking back into the terminal to join their party.