Flying into Portland International Airport (PDX)? With the right plan, pick‑up and return are smooth—and the Oregon Coast is an easy day trip away. Start by reserving your Portland Airport car rental and decide whether you’ll grab keys on arrival or wait until after your first downtown night using Portland car hire.
Pick‑Up: From Terminal to Keys
Follow airport signage for rental shuttles and counters. Keep your license and payment method ready, confirm toll handling (for occasional express corridors), and photograph the exterior and fuel gauge before leaving the lot. Families should request a midsize or full‑size SUV for strollers and coolers; couples can travel light in a compact or midsize sedan.
Return Lanes: Read Signs Early
As you approach the airport on Airport Way, watch for “Rental Car Return” well before the terminal split. Top off within a few miles, save the receipt, and snap the dashboard for fuel and mileage. Taking a moment to re‑pack the boot—heavy items low and forward—speeds the inspection and protects against shifting gear.
Oregon Coast Day Trips
For a postcard day, aim west on US‑26 to Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park. Prefer a loop? Take OR‑6 through the Tillamook Forest to the dairy‑coast, then head north on US‑101 and return on US‑26. Expect fog, drizzle, and dazzling sunbreaks in any season; keep lights on and leave extra distance.
- Timing: Leave before 8 a.m. on sunny weekends; beach town parking fills quickly.
- Parking: Pack a credit card for meters and beach access lots.
- Vehicle choice: A midsize SUV balances cargo and tight street parking in Astoria and Cannon Beach.
Driving Confidence with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals makes budgets and coverage simple: All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, and cashback on tolls where applicable. If you prefer familiar brands, compare Alamo at PDX, Avis at PDX, and Budget at PDX—booked on our platform with transparent pricing.
City vs. Airport Pick‑Up
Staying downtown on night one? Skip garage fees by riding the hotel shuttle or a ride‑hail, then collect your car the next morning. Use Portland car hire to price a neighborhood pick‑up; for early coastal drives, an airport pick‑up may still win on time.
Pack Once, Adventure More
- Soft duffels stack better in hatchbacks and crossovers than hard luggage
- Keep rain layers accessible for beach walks between showers
- Bring a cooler for seafood markets and picnic stops
Ready for bridges, coffee, and coastal views? Secure your PDX car rental with Hola Car Rentals today and drive Oregon with confidence.
Another Classic: Columbia River Gorge
If you’d rather stay inland, the Historic Columbia River Highway offers waterfalls and viewpoints in quick succession—Multnomah, Latourell, and Bridal Veil among them. Parking fills early; start at dawn on sunny weekends and keep a light jacket handy for misty viewpoints.
Weather & Road Notes
Coastal weather changes quickly. Fog can move in like a curtain, then lift within minutes; slow down smoothly and avoid sudden braking. In winter, mountain passes east of the city can see snow—if you plan Mount Hood or Government Camp, request an SUV and confirm suitable tires at the counter.
Simple Packing for PDX Trips
- Compact umbrella and microfiber towel for on‑off showers
- Portable phone battery and offline maps for forested areas
- Reusable coffee cup—handy on scenic pullouts
Pro tip: Leave a spare 15 minutes at return to top off windscreen washer fluid and empty trash. A tidy, fueled car speeds inspection and helps you clear security without stress.
