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Portland’s best outdoor adventures
The laid-back and welcoming capital Portland should be your first port of call for your Oregon adven...
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Car hire in Portland with Hertz
Portland is the kind of city that rewards a flexible pace. Walk a neighborhood, stop for food, then reset with a short drive to somewhere completely different. That’s exactly where Hertz car hire in Portland makes a big difference.
With Hertz, you can shape your day around your plans, not around transit schedules or waiting on a ride. Having your own vehicle makes it easier to get from downtown to the east side, Forest Park, or out toward the Columbia River Gorge. Having a car rental in Portland, you’re free to choose when to move, how long to stay, and what kind of vehicle best fits your trip.
With Hertz, that stop-and-go flow becomes effortless, letting you cover more ground without feeling rushed.
Pickup locations in Portland
- Portland - Southwest Pine HLE
- Portland Oregon International Airport
- Portland - South East Stark HLE
- Portland - Atlantic Aviation Services (Private Flights Only)
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
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.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving Guide: Car Rental in Portland
Parking Information
- SmartPark Naito & Davis is a practical choice when your day includes the Saturday Market, Waterfront Park, or an Old Town walking loop. The parking space has 408 parking stalls, remains open 24/7, and has EV charging stations as well on-site.
- SmartPark 10th & Yamhill is at 730 SW 10th Ave, which remains open 24/7. This spot works well when you want a central base near Pioneer Courthouse Square and the downtown shopping blocks. The garage has 701 parking spaces and offers an EV charging facility.
- SmartPark 4th & Yamhill is a dependable option when you want to leave your car and walk around the government district and the central downtown grid. The parking has 645 spots and EV charging stations (three on Level 8).
Key Roads in Portland
- I-5 (North–South spine through the metro): The main corridor for getting into and out of central Portland, and for connecting to regional routes. It’s the road that can tighten up fast during commuter windows, so it helps to keep your driving moves intentional.
- I-405 (Downtown loop): Useful for skirting the edge of the downtown core and positioning for a single clean entry into the city grid. It can save time when you want to avoid multiple cross-town turns.
- I-84 (Eastbound connector): A key route when you are heading toward the Columbia River side, the Gorge direction, or east Portland. It’s also a common approach route when you want to get out of downtown with fewer surface-street hops.
Electric Car Hire
If you’re aiming for a lower‑emission way to explore, Hertz electric car hire in Portland fits naturally with how most days unfold.
You often drive into one neighborhood, park, and spend a good stretch walking, eating, or shopping before moving on. That kind of pacing makes EVs easy to live with, since charging can happen during stops you were already planning to make.
Hertz also helps make electric driving feel approachable, even if you don’t use an EV every day. You can choose an electric car rental that suits your route, keep your day focused on a few key areas, and let charging happen quietly in the background while you’re parked.
Charging Points
Portland has a strong public-charging footprint for city driving and short day trips. Public charging maps list 746 public charging ports within 15 km of Portland (Level 2 and Level 3 combined), making the city have a strong charging connectivity for electric vehicles.
This access and the growing adoption of EV charging make getting an EV rental a reliable option for a greener city.
Congestion Charges
Portland does not currently have a formal congestion charge zone where drivers pay a fee simply for entering busy areas of the city, like some global cities do.
Local transport officials and regional groups have discussed the idea of congestion pricing as a tool to manage traffic and emissions, and past plans looked at tolling parts of I‑5 and I‑205 around the Portland metro area, but major regional congestion pricing proposals have been halted or remain uncertain.
Getting from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Vancouver
After collecting your car at Portland International Airport (PDX), this route takes you north on a long interstate drive. It is a good option when you want to travel on your own schedule and continue directly to your destination by road.
Here’s how to follow the route with your Hertz car rental:
- Get onto I-205 N from NE Airport Way, NE Airport Way Frontage Road, and NE Airport Way.
- Follow I-5 N and take exit 164A.
- Continue on local roads via 7th Avenue and drive to Madison Street.
Getting from Portland to Multnomah Falls (Columbia River Gorge)
The drive from Portland to Multnomah Falls is one of the most scenic and popular day trips in Oregon. It typically takes about 30–40 minutes by car, depending on where you start in the city.
Here’s how to reach it with your Hertz car hire:
- Start in Portland and join I-84 East.
- Stay on I-84 as you head into the Gorge corridor.
- Take the signed exit for Multnomah Falls and follow the posted directions into the visitor area.
- Use one clear parking target, then do the falls viewpoints and short walks as one focused block.
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Popular vehicles to rent
A Quick Guide to Portland
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204, United States
A Downtown favorite known for its stylish rooms and a polished, full-service feel right above the city’s central shopping blocks. Guests like it for the rooftop dining and lounge scene, plus how easy it is to step out and cover Pioneer Courthouse Square, waterfront walks, and central museums without needing the car.
Heathman Hotel
1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, United States
A classic Portland hotel with a literary, old-Portland character that feels calm after a busy day out. It’s popular for its warm interiors, reliable service, and a location that works well for theatre nights, Downtown dining, and walkable city loops.
The Hoxton, Portland
15 NW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
A lively boutique option in Old Town / Chinatown, known for design-forward rooms and a social, neighborhood feel. Guests book it for the easy access to Pearl District streets, food spots, and downtown strolls, plus the fact that the hotel itself has strong hangout spaces for a slower evening reset.
Pok Pok (East Portland)
3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, United States
A well-known Portland name for Thai flavours and a menu built around bold, punchy plates. People like it for food that feels specific and memorable, which makes it a strong pick when you want dinner to be a highlight rather than a routine stop.
Le Pigeon (Eastside)
738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States
A small, popular restaurant known for French-inspired cooking with a creative edge. It’s a good choice when you want a slower, sit-down meal that feels special, especially on a night when you plan one main dining stop instead of stacking multiple short moves.
Voodoo Doughnut (Downtown / Old Town)
22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
A famous Portland stop for fun, over-the-top doughnuts that many visitors want to try at least once. It works well as a quick treat during a downtown walk, especially when you want something fast that still feels like a Portland moment.
Washington Park
4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States
A major green-space hub that bundles several of Portland’s best-known attractions into one area. It’s popular because you can mix gardens, trails, and viewpoints into a single visit block, and it gives you a quick nature break without committing to a full-day trip.
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
One of the city’s most loved spots for a calm, beautifully designed walk. Visitors go for the landscaping, seasonal changes, and the quiet, reflective feel that makes it a strong counterpoint to busier downtown blocks.
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
A classic Portland stop known for sweeping rose displays in season and views that open out over the city. It’s popular because it is easy to do in a short visit window, and it pairs naturally with a Washington Park half-day.
FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Portland?
It’s a smart decision to book a Hertz car rental in Portland ahead of time, especially if you’re coming in during a busy weekend, festival, or holiday season. You’ll have a better shot at the exact car you want, and you’ll save time when you arrive.
Do I need a driving permit to rent a car in Portland?
To rent a car in Portland, you’ll just need a valid driver’s license. If it’s not printed in the Latin alphabet, you’ll want to bring an International Driving Permit too, just to keep everything smooth at pickup.
Can I pick up a car in Portland and drop it off somewhere else?
Yes, one-way car rentals are definitely an option with Hertz. Just choose a different drop-off city when booking your rental vehicle, and if there’s a one-way fee, you’ll see it before you confirm.
When’s the best time to book a car rental in Portland?
If you’re traveling during popular times, like summer weekends or around big events, it’s best to book a rental car early. It gives you more options and often better rates.
Can I take the rental car outside of Portland?
Absolutely. Most rentals let you drive anywhere within Oregon and even beyond state lines. Still, it’s a good idea to check the rental terms if you’re heading on a long road trip or across borders.
What happens if I return the car late?
Returning rental cars late can come with extra charges. If your plans change, it’s best to update your booking or contact the branch ahead of time, it’s usually easier than dealing with last-minute fees.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Portland?
Usually, you need to be at least 21. Drivers under 25 might have to pay a young renter surcharge, and some premium cars may have higher age requirements.
Can I return the car to a different location in Portland or another city?
Yes, getting a rental car and returning it to a different location is totally doable. During booking, just pick your preferred return spot. The system will show you if any additional fees apply.
What kind of insurance options does Hertz offer in Portland?
You’ll see optional protection plans when you book online. These can include damage waivers, liability coverage, and more. Just choose what feels right for your trip.
Can I get a child seat with my Hertz rental in Portland?
Yes, child seats are usually available as an add-on. If you’re traveling during peak season or with little ones, it’s a good idea to reserve one in advance to make sure it’s ready when you are.
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