Payless Car Rental
Portsmouth

After collecting your luggage at Portsmouth International Airport, you can proceed directly to the rental car counters located within the terminal building. Look for the overhead signs directing you toward "Rental Cars" to find the Payless service desk. The convenience of an in-terminal location means you won't need to wait for or board a shuttle bus. Simply walk to the counter to complete your paperwork and get the keys to your vehicle.

During a peak travel time like a summer weekend, it's wise to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the moment your plane lands to when you drive off. This timeframe accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and completing the rental agreement process at the counter. Planning for this buffer helps ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your visit to the Portsmouth area.

For the most straightforward drive into downtown Portsmouth, exit the airport onto International Drive and turn right onto Pease Boulevard. Follow Pease Boulevard for about two miles until it merges onto the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16 South). From there, take Exit 7 for Downtown Portsmouth, which will guide you directly onto Market Street. This route minimizes complex merges and provides a clear path into the city's historic center.

In downtown Portsmouth, streets like Congress, Market, and Daniel can be challenging for loading luggage due to their narrow lanes and high volume of foot traffic. These historic streets offer very limited space to pull over without disrupting the flow of traffic. It's best to contact your hotel in advance to ask about their specific loading zone or plan to use a nearby public parking garage for a brief stop.

The bridges connecting Portsmouth to Kittery, Maine, such as the Memorial Bridge and the I-95 bridge, can feel narrow to drivers unfamiliar with them. It's advisable to maintain a consistent speed with the flow of traffic and stay centered in your lane. Be aware that these bridges are exposed and can be windy, so a firm grip on the steering wheel is helpful. Approaching with caution and focusing on the road ahead will ensure a comfortable crossing.

The most convenient and popular option for visitors is the Hanover Parking Garage, located on Hanover Street. This large, multi-level facility is centrally located and just a short, pleasant walk from Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park, and the waterfront shops. Using this garage allows you to park your rental car once and explore the entire historic downtown area on foot for several hours.

For an evening event at Prescott Park, especially during the summer, you should plan to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the show begins. This will give you ample time to find a spot in the nearby Hanover Parking Garage or search for available street parking in the surrounding South End neighborhood. Arriving early helps avoid the last-minute rush and allows for a relaxed walk to the park.

Yes, the historic South End neighborhood, particularly the area around Strawbery Banke Museum, can be tricky for GPS navigation. The dense network of narrow, one-way streets and lanes that change names can sometimes confuse mapping apps. It's helpful to have a general sense of your route beforehand and always pay close attention to posted street signs to avoid getting turned around.

Immediately after leaving the airport, the most convenient area for a quick stop is near the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Just a few minutes' drive from PSM via the Spaulding Turnpike, this commercial hub features several major grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers. You can easily stock up on any necessary supplies here before continuing on to your hotel or final destination.

Driving your rental car from Portsmouth to Kittery is a simple and common trip, as you just cross one of the Piscataqua River bridges. However, be prepared for significant traffic congestion on Route 1 in Kittery, especially around the popular outlet malls. This area gets very busy on weekends and during the summer, so it's wise to budget extra travel time for your shopping excursions.

For a successful half-day trip to Ogunquit, plan to arrive before 10 a.m. to get ahead of the biggest crowds. Once you arrive, instead of trying to park in the small, congested lots at Perkins Cove, use one of the larger municipal lots in the center of town. From there, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Marginal Way or use the local trolley service to get to the cove and beach.

To avoid the worst traffic on a day trip to Kennebunkport, it's best to visit on a weekday if possible. If you must go on a weekend, start your drive from Portsmouth early and aim to arrive in town before 11 a.m. This strategy helps you find parking in the lots around Dock Square more easily and allows you to explore the shops and waterfront before the peak afternoon crowds arrive.

The Hanover Parking Garage is the quintessential 'park once' spot for a weekend in Portsmouth. Its central location provides easy walking access to Market Square, the waterfront, Prescott Park, and the majority of downtown's restaurants and boutiques. Another excellent option is the Foundry Place Garage, which is also convenient for exploring the city on foot, particularly the West End.

For a low-stress family outing, attractions outside of the downtown core are your best bet. The Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye and Water Country Water Park both feature large, dedicated parking lots designed for easy visitor access. These venues allow you to park close to the entrance without the challenge of navigating city traffic or searching for a spot.

Driving Route 1 offers a scenic, leisurely journey through charming coastal towns with plenty of opportunities to stop at shops and beaches, but it is much slower due to frequent traffic lights and lower speed limits. In contrast, I-95 is a direct, multi-lane highway designed for efficient travel between major points. Choose Route 1 for the experience and sightseeing, and use I-95 when speed and directness are your priority.

The Portsmouth Traffic Circle is a major interchange and can be very busy, especially during commuter hours. The most common point of confusion for visitors is not getting into the correct lane far enough in advance for their desired exit. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs as you approach and merge carefully, as traffic enters from multiple directions, including I-95 and the Spaulding Turnpike.

Driving from PSM to downtown Portsmouth late at night is generally a straightforward and calm experience. The main roads, including the Spaulding Turnpike, are well-lit and clearly signed, and traffic will be minimal. However, be aware that most nearby services like gas stations and restaurants will likely be closed, so it's best to plan ahead if you need anything upon arrival.

The most direct and scenic route to Hampton Beach is taking Route 1A South from Portsmouth, which follows the coastline. On warm summer days, traffic congestion is almost guaranteed, typically starting a few miles out and becoming most intense near the main beach area. To minimize your time in traffic, plan to arrive very early in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m.

For a brief stop during a coastal drive, look for the designated scenic pull-offs along Route 1A in Rye and North Hampton. These areas are specifically designed for cars to safely pull over and enjoy the view. State parks like Odiorne Point and Wallis Sands also have parking lots with excellent ocean vistas, though you should check their operating hours for access.

A day trip to Portland is very manageable, with the drive taking about one hour each way on I-95 without traffic. A good plan is to leave Portsmouth by 9 a.m., spend the late morning and afternoon exploring Portland's Old Port, and head back south around 4 p.m. to avoid the worst commuter traffic. For a nice break on the return trip, consider a brief stop in Kennebunkport or York.

The drive from Portsmouth to Newburyport is short and simple, usually taking less than 30 minutes. Parking can be challenging right in the main downtown area, especially on weekends. Your best strategy is to head for one of the municipal parking lots located just a block or two off the main streets, which usually have more availability and allow for a pleasant walk into the shopping district.

The biggest challenge for a day trip to Salem is parking, particularly during the fall season. The drive itself is about an hour, but the city's public garages and lots fill up very early in the day. It is essential to arrive in the morning and have a primary and a backup parking garage identified before you leave Portsmouth to avoid spending too much time circling the congested historic streets.

You will encounter toll roads in this region, most notably on I-95 in New Hampshire and the Maine Turnpike. Most tolling is now electronic, meaning cameras capture your license plate or a transponder is read. To ensure a smooth journey, it's a good practice to discuss the rental company's tolling policies at the counter when you pick up your car so you understand how payments are processed.

Downtown Portsmouth primarily uses metered on-street parking and public garages. Street parking usually has a two- or three-hour time limit that is strictly enforced, so it's best for short stops. Always read the signs carefully for hours of enforcement and any residential permit restrictions. For longer stays, using a public facility like the Hanover Garage is the most convenient and worry-free option.

For easy access to the waterfront, a good drop-off point is the loading zone area on Market Street near the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. To visit Prescott Park, you can briefly pull over on Marcy Street for a quick and convenient drop-off. Many restaurants in Market Square also have nearby spots where you can safely let passengers out before you go to park the car.

The easiest and most pleasant way to get to Odiorne Point State Park is to take Route 1A south from Portsmouth. This scenic coastal road takes you directly to the park's entrance, avoiding major highways and traffic circles. The route is well-marked, and the park itself has a large, accessible parking lot right at the entrance, making for a very low-stress arrival.

On a sunny summer weekend, the parking lots at Wallis Sands State Beach and Jenness Beach in Rye often fill to capacity by 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. It is crucial to arrive early to secure a spot. Since there is very little alternative parking available nearby, your backup plan should be to visit on a weekday, go later in the afternoon when some people start to leave, or explore a different attraction for the day.

To best enjoy a visit to the Nubble Lighthouse, try to go on a weekday or very early on a weekend morning. The final road leading to the viewing area is narrow and the parking lot is small, causing significant backups during peak times. An off-peak visit allows for a much more pleasant experience and a better chance of finding a parking spot without a long wait.

During peak foliage season, popular inland routes like the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) heading north toward the mountains become very congested, especially on weekends. To time your drive better, plan to start very early in the morning to get ahead of the main crowds. Alternatively, consider exploring the coastal routes, which can be just as scenic with their own autumn colors but are often less crowded.

During winter weather, main roads like I-95 and the Spaulding Turnpike are typically well-plowed and treated, but caution is still essential. Side streets may take longer to clear. You should be particularly careful on bridges and overpasses, as they are prone to freezing first and developing black ice. Always reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and allow for extra travel time.

While cell service is generally strong in Portsmouth and along the main coastal routes, it can become spotty if you venture into more rural inland areas or some state parks. If you plan on hiking or exploring back roads away from the major towns, it's a smart precaution to download maps of the region to your phone for offline access. This ensures you can navigate even without a reliable signal.

A logical and efficient route for this trip is to start in Portsmouth, then drive north on the Spaulding Turnpike to explore Dover, and finally head west on Route 108 to visit Durham. This path minimizes backtracking. Parking is generally straightforward in Dover's public garages, and in Durham, it's easiest to use the designated visitor parking areas at the University of New Hampshire.

For a morning flight out of PSM, it's a good rule of thumb to leave downtown Portsmouth about two hours before your flight's departure time. While the drive itself is short, this provides a comfortable cushion to account for any potential morning commuter traffic, complete the rental car return process, and get through airport security without feeling rushed.

When staying at an inn with limited parking, the best first step is to call ahead and inquire about their specific parking arrangements. They may have a few reserved spots or an agreement with a nearby lot. If they have no on-site parking, your smoothest option is to plan on using one of the city's public garages, like Hanover or Foundry Place, for overnight parking.

The Hanover Parking Garage is an excellent and easy-to-find meetup spot, as it's a major, well-signed landmark that provides convenient parking for everyone. Another great option is to meet in Prescott Park along the waterfront; it's a beautiful, recognizable location, and your friends can park at the Hanover Garage and walk over. Both options are simple for people unfamiliar with the city to navigate to.

During evening dining hours, you should be especially cautious in and around Market Square, as well as on Congress, Daniel, and Bow Streets. These areas are filled with popular restaurants and bars, leading to a high volume of pedestrians crossing streets, often between parked cars. Driving slowly and with heightened awareness is crucial for safety in this bustling part of the city.

When taking the ferry, plan to park your rental car in a public garage for the day, as parking at the ferry terminal itself is extremely limited. The Hanover Parking Garage is a walkable distance from the dock on Market Street. Be sure to allow at least 30 extra minutes in your schedule to park the car and walk to the terminal so you arrive well before your ferry's departure time.

Visitors to Fort Constitution and Great Island Common in New Castle will find a dedicated public parking lot available for a fee. The entrance is clearly marked from the main road, making it easy to find. While the lot is sizable, it can fill up on nice summer weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a good strategy to ensure you get a spot.

The most common mistake is underestimating the complexity of the Portsmouth Traffic Circle interchange and not getting into the correct lane early enough. The exits for the Spaulding Turnpike and downtown Portsmouth come up quickly. To avoid this, review your map before you drive and pay close attention to the large overhead highway signs well in advance of the circle to prevent sudden, unsafe lane changes.

As you approach Portsmouth International Airport, look for and follow the specific signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you onto a dedicated roadway that leads to the return lots for all agencies, separate from the passenger drop-off and arrival lanes. Following these clearly marked signs will guide you directly to the Payless return area without any confusing loops around the main terminal.