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Hire a car in Portland with Hertz
Hiring a car in Portland is the most convenient way to visit the city’s major sites and explore wider Maine. From countless museums showcasing jaw-dropping art to vibrant cultural haunts and indulgent shopping experiences, this place has it all.
Portland is the beating heart of New England, with fantastic connections to cities around the region. We’ve got pick-up locations across town, including at Portland International Jetport. Whether you’re driving here from another state or flying in from overseas, collect then drop off your hire car at a time and place that suits you.
While in Portland, make sure to stop by some of the local landmarks. Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, is just a short 20-minute drive from Congress Street and the thriving Old Port area.
Whether you need an easy way to travel around the city or want to drive further out to other parts of Maine, Hertz car hire helps you get the most out of your New England trip. Book online to browse our collection of vehicles.
Pickup locations in Portland
- Portland - Northeast Air FBO (Private Flights Only)
- Portland - Warren Avenue HLE
- Portland Maine International Jetport
- Portland Box Truck Rentals
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You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
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Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
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Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Portland car rental driving guide
Parking in Portland
- Portland has ample parking facilities downtown and along the waterfront.
- Drivers should use parking pay stations in busy locations such as Commercial Street and Federal Street. The stations accept coins and cards.
- Metered street parking is free between 6pm and 6am, as well as on Sundays and public holidays.
- There are several parking garages in the downtown area which allow free parking for two hours.
Traffic in Portland
- In the US, you’ll be seated in the front-left seat, driving in the right-hand lane.
- Rush hour in Portland tends to peak between 7am and 9am, then again between 3pm and 6.30pm.
- Congress Street, Forest Avenue and Commercial Street are the busiest urban areas in Portland, so time your journey if you’re heading to this part of town.
Portland International Jetport to Portland
- Head off Jetport Boulevard and Western Avenue to get on to the I-295 N in South Portland.
- Continue following the I-295 N to Portland for around five minutes.
- Turn right onto Congress Street and you’ll reach the city centre.
Roads and motorways
- The I-295 is the main Interstate highway, stretching more than 53 miles. This road links the I-95 in Scarborough to the I-95 in West Gardiner.
- The Maine turnpike (I-95) runs across the entire state and is 303 miles long. You can reach Portland from the I-95 by taking junction I-495.
Driving rules and regulations
- The speed limit is 70mph on freeways in Maine.
- The maximum speed limit on highways is 55mph.
- Not all speed limits are signposted – the standard limit in residential areas is 25 mph.
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A quick guide to Portland
Black Point Inn
This beautiful oceanfront hotel is one of Maine’s original luxury inns, having first opened its doors in 1878. From the moment you walk through the front door to when you’re calling it a night while wrapped in sumptuously soft sheets, every aspect of your stay at the Black Point Inn oozes New England charm. Book one of the Commodore’s Chambers for an ocean view, or enjoy ultimate pampering with a massage in your room.
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Regency is an oasis of tranquility. It has more than seven spa rooms, offering full-body massages, facials, sauna room and a jacuzzi. It’s also a haven for foodies, with the on-site restaurant serving up a large menu of distinctively New England dishes. Their specialities include lobster stew and white crab meat. All ingredients are locally sourced – with the delicious ice cream with origins even closer to home, as it’s made in-house.
Danforth Inn
Since its construction in 1823, The Danforth has been a prohibition safehouse, a boarding school and a bank. The area surrounding it was once a neighbourhood filled with wealthy families and merchants – and this premium vibe is mirrored in the luxe rooms inside the hotel. Snuggle up in front of a built-in fireplace and dig into the pantry to indulge on complimentary pastries and snacks.
Bite into Maine
With fantastic views of the ocean and Portland Head Light, Bite into Maine is more than just a food truck. The owners have perfected their signature picnic style grab-and-go menu, using the freshest lobsters, bread and butter. Choose from classic New England style lobster rolls and more exotic options like curry rolls.
Fore Street
Overlooking the historic Old Port, Fore Street welcomes diners into its high-ceilinged warehouse to feast on the best oysters in the city. The chefs man a wood-burning over and turnspit-fire in the large open kitchen. Masters of seafood, watch as they crack open dozens of fresh local oysters and pick locally farmed herbs and vegetables from in-house humidor.
Arabica Coffee
The floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed brick walls of Arabica Coffee give this cosycafé a unique edge. Arabica is stylishly decorated with local art and trailing house plants, and there’s plenty of dark-wood tables to sit at. Over 24 years, they’ve nailed their speciality lattes, serving up delicious blends which are beautifully presented.
The Old Port area
The city’s picturesque Old Port area is lined with 19th-century warehouses and cobblestone roads. On the other hand, Congress Street is more of a cultural hub – filled with independent boutiques, art galleries and theatres. You can trace Maine’s coastal heritage down by the waterfront, where you’ll find fishing wharfs and seafood restaurants.
The Old Port area
The city’s picturesque Old Port area is lined with 19th-century warehouses and cobblestone roads. On the other hand, Congress Street is more of a cultural hub – filled with independent boutiques, art galleries and theatres. You can trace Maine’s coastal heritage down by the waterfront, where you’ll find fishing wharfs and seafood restaurants.
Portland Head Light
The oldest lighthouse in Maine, Portland Head Light first lit up in 1791. Perched on the rocky coastline of Fort Williams State Park, it’s been safely guiding ships into the Casco Bay for many centuries. This historic site is surrounded by a lush park featuring old fort structures. What’s more, there’s a museum in the original keeper’s quarters. The fresh air coming in from the coast will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Black Point Inn
This beautiful oceanfront hotel is one of Maine’s original luxury inns, having first opened its doors in 1878. From the moment you walk through the front door to when you’re calling it a night while wrapped in sumptuously soft sheets, every aspect of your stay at the Black Point Inn oozes New England charm. Book one of the Commodore’s Chambers for an ocean view, or enjoy ultimate pampering with a massage in your room.
FAQs about car hire
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