Car Rental - Portland

 

Rent a car in Portland, Maine to transport yourself to New England’s largest and northmost state.

We’ve got pick up locations in and around Portland, including car rental at Portland International Jetport. From here, you’re less than half an hour from Cape Elizabeth, home of the iconic Portland Head Light. Meanwhile, the lumber capital of the world, Bangor, is two hours away.

The Pine Tree State is well known for its luscious landscapes, breezy coastline and historic cities. You’ll be in a prime spot to explore it all with your Portland rental car.

Choose from a selection of stylish and spacious vehicles. Our luxury sedans are ideal for romantic drives along Maine’s rocky coast, while our practical pickup trucks and SUVs will tackle Maine’s wild forestry with ease.

Reserve your Portland rental car at Hertz to explore the laidback coastal city of Portland and beyond.

Portland Locations

Google
Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

A Quick Guide to Portland

Fort-Williams-Park

Fort Williams Park

1000 Shore Road, ME, 04107

Home of the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the US, Fort Williams Park provides the perfect day out away from the city. Enjoy a walk along the cliffside with a lobster roll or explore the batteries - these were originally designed to defend the shore from naval attacks. There are parking fees in the main lot in high season (April 1st – November 15th), but you can leave your Portland rental car in the overflow parking lot for free year-round.

Portland-Museum-of-Art

Portland Museum of Art

7 Congress Street, ME, 04101

Located in downtown Portland’s Art District, this museum is the oldest and largest of its kind in Maine, with more than 18,000 artworks on display. Marvel at Andy Warhol’s eccentric pop art and gaze in wonderment at Winslow Homer’s perfect capture of Maine’s coast as you wander the gallery. There is no parking on-site but you will find parking garages for your Portland rental car on Spring Street, High Street and Free Street, within easy walking distance.

Palace-Playland

Palace Playland

1 Old Orchard Street, ME, 04064

Have you really visited the coast without taking a spin on the Ferris wheel or a ride on the carousel? Palace Playland has all this and more in its beachfront amusement park just south of Portland. Leave your Portland rental car at one of the two municipal parking lots on Milliken Street or in Memorial Park while you enjoy the rides.

Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown

Waterfront 321 Commercial Street, ME, 04101

Stay along Portland’s glistening waterfront in the heart of the action at this Downtown hotel. Treat yourself to a room with a view of Portland’s harbor and wake up to a fresh coffee and signature breakfast sandwich in the on-site Bistro restaurant. Choose valet parking for your Portland rental car, and charge up on-site if you choose to rent an electric vehicle.

Portland Harbor Hotel

468 Fore Street, ME, 04101

Set in Portland’s Old Port, this four-star hotel perfectly captures Maine’s laidback atmosphere. Each room is modern and bright with a coastal twist, while the on-site amenities including an outdoor fire pit, complimentary coffee and free bicycle rentals. Indulge yourself with the valet parking service for your Portland car rental.

Inn by the Sea

40 Bowery Beach Road, ME, 04107

Just outside of Portland, along Cape Elizabeth’s sandy beach, sits this luxurious coastal resort. Nestled away from the bustling city, it’s the perfect retreat for couples and families wanting to make the most of the state. Each room has its own living space, fully equipped kitchen, furnished deck and soaking tub. There is on-site parking for your Portland rental car.

Fore Street Restaurant

288 Fore Street, ME, 04101

Food is widely celebrated in Portland, no more so than at Fore Street Restaurant. Get there early to secure a spot facing the open kitchen and watch the chefs work their magic over the open wood-fire grill, serving up Maine mussels and roasted chicken.

Eventide Oyster Co.

86 Middle Street, ME, 04101

This tiny oyster bar is a local favorite and regularly sees foodies pouring out of the building with a famed brown butter lobster roll in hand. Reserve your spot to dine in the warm and welcoming eatery to enjoy the taste and smells of fresh Maine seafood.

Green Elephant

608 Congress Street, ME, 04101

In a city celebrated for its seafood comes this modern and colorful vegetarian bistro. Inspired by the flavors of Asia, this meat-free menu will satisfy the senses with its curries, stir-fries and fried rice dishes.

Driving In and Around Portland

  • Fore Street Parking Garage (04101) is in the heart of Old Port, close to Portland’s waterfront. It’s open daily, with more than 400 spaces.
  • Spring Street Parking Garage (04101) has more than 800 spaces in downtown Portland, just moments from the Portland Museum of Art and Monument Square.
  • On-street metered parking is available throughout Downtown, with free parking on Sundays.
  • Interstate 95 (I-95) is the main highway on the east coast that starts at the border of Maine and New Brunswick and runs all the way down to Florida. You can join it from Portland via the I-295.
  • Interstate 295 (I-295) cuts through central Portland and is your main route towards Portland International Jetport in the south.
  •  U.S. Route 302 (US-302) starts at the University of Southern Maine from the I-295 and runs north-west towards Sebago Lake and Raymond.

How to Get From Portland Car Rental to Scarborough

It takes 15 minutes to drive the eight miles from car rental in downtown Portland to the coastal resort of Scarborough.

  1. Leave the city via Elm Street, then turn left onto Marginal Way.
  2. Join Forest Avenue and keep right as it merges onto the I-295 South.
  3. Stay on the I-295 for around three miles, then take exit 2 towards Scarborough.
  4. Continue on the ME-701 towards the town as it becomes the US-1.

 

How to Get From Portland Car Rental to Bangor

Bangor is a two-hour drive awa y when you rent a car from downtown Portland. Head north on the I-295 and carry on straight as it becomes the I-95. Then take exit 183 into downtown Bangor.

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