Portland International Jetport (PWM) Car Rental | AirportVanRental

PWM Car Rental Quick Info:

• Available Vehicle Types: At Portland Jetport, you’ll find a full range of vehicles. Economy and compact cars (easy for city driving and great on gas), midsize and full-size cars for comfort, SUVs (popular for families and winter trips), minivans for larger groups, and even trucks or premium cars with some agencies. Whether you need a small runabout or a spacious 7-seater for a Maine road trip, the airport fleet has you covered.
• Lowest Daily Rates: Economy cars at PWM often start around $27–$30 per day in off-peak seasons. Average prices for a standard sedan hover $40–$60/day. Summer rates can be higher due to demand, so booking ahead is wise. We constantly scan all the on-airport deals to ensure you get the lowest available price for your dates, often with special offers like a free GPS or additional driver included.
• Rental Companies On-Site: Portland Jetport hosts all the major rental brands right at the airport. You’ll find Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Thrifty, Dollar, and more, all with counters conveniently located in the Rental Car Center connected to the terminal. (No need for a shuttle, it’s a short walk from baggage claim to the rental garage.) We bring their rates together in one search for you.
• Quick Pick-Up/Drop-Off:Picking up at PWM is a breeze: after you land, head to the car rental counters on the lower level near baggage claim. Paperwork is usually quick (especially if you’ve preregistered a loyalty profile). Then walk a few steps to the adjacent parking garage where the cars are parked, no off-site shuttling needed. Dropping off is just as easy: follow airport signs for “Rental Car Return” (usually the same garage), park in your agency’s designated area, and drop keys at their counter or drop-box. From there, it’s a 2-minute walk into the terminal, super convenient for early flights.
• Nearest City: The Jetport is just 3 miles west of downtown Portland. In normal traffic it’s about a 10-minute drive via I-295 or Congress Street into the heart of the city. (Our Portland, Maine Car Rental guide offers info on parking and city driving once you get there.) Basically, you can land at PWM, pick up your car, and be checking into your Portland hotel or grabbing a bite in the Old Port in no time.

Why rent a car at Portland International Jetport?

• Immediate Mobility: Renting at the airport means no waiting around. Flights can be tiring, and the last thing you want is to navigate public transit or expensive rideshares with luggage. With a car ready at PWM, you can load up and go directly to your destination on your own schedule. Early morning arrival? Late-night landing? Rental counters at PWM typically align with flight schedules (often open past midnight when late flights arrive), so you won’t be stranded.
• Explore All of Maine (and New England): The airport is right next to I-95, Maine’s main highway. This puts you on the fast track to anywhere: south to Portsmouth, NH and Boston, MA, or north towards Freeport, Augusta, and Bangor. If Maine is one leg of a bigger journey, an airport rental is ideal, many travelers drive one-way from Portland to Boston or vice versa (we support that!). With your own car, you can turn a simple trip into a multi-stop adventure, hitting charming towns and scenic spots en route.
• No Need to Haul Luggage Around: When you grab a car at PWM, you can immediately stow all your bags, sports equipment, or baby gear in the trunk. It’s especially convenient for those traveling with skis (headed to the slopes), golf clubs (there are great courses around), or lots of kid gear. You won’t have to lug everything to a bus or pay extra for a large rideshare, just toss it in your rental and off you go.
• Freedom to Change Plans: If you were relying on scheduled transportation, spontaneous detours are hard. With a rental car from the airport, if your flight arrives and the weather’s gorgeous, you might decide “let’s not go straight to the hotel, let’s catch sunset at Cape Elizabeth!” And you can do that. Likewise, if departure day comes and you have a few hours, you could squeeze in a last-minute stop at a beach or store on the way to the airport. That flexibility can really add to your trip experience.
• Often More Cost-Effective: Surprisingly, renting at the airport can be quite economical. By comparing all the agencies at PWM through our site, you’ll often find competitive rates. When you factor in the cost of a taxi to town and back, or the limited operating hours of off-airport rental locations, many travelers find the convenience and price at PWM the best value. Plus, our airport rentals usually come with unlimited mileage, so you can drive freely without counting miles.

Tips for Renting a Car at PWM Airport

• Pick-Up Process: After landing at PWM and collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the “Rental Cars” area. Portland’s airport is small and user-friendly, the rental car counters are in the same building as baggage claim, just steps away. If you’ve booked with us, you’ll already know which company you’re with, head to their counter (they’re all next to each other). Have your driver’s license, credit card, and reservation number handy. The agent will confirm details, offer any upgrades or insurance (your choice to accept or decline), and then direct you to your car. The cars are parked in the adjacent garage, a covered walkway will lead you there. No shuttle buses needed! This means even in winter, you won’t be trudging through snow to get your car, a nice perk at PWM.
• Inspect Your Car: Before driving off, do a quick walk-around of the vehicle. While all agencies at PWM maintain their fleets well, it’s good practice to note any pre-existing scratches or dents and inform the agent (they often give you a form or have an app to mark these). Also check the fuel level (should be full) and familiarize yourself with the controls (lights, wipers, Maine weather can change fast!). Set up your GPS or phone map while parked, and you’re ready to roll.
• Leaving the Airport: Getting out of PWM is straightforward. The airport exit road leads to I-295 and I-95 ramps. If you’re headed into Portland, I-295 South will get you downtown in about 10 minutes. Want to take the scenic route? Congress Street runs from the airport area straight into downtown as well, passing through city neighborhoods. Just be mindful of speed, the limit on airport property and Congress St is 25–35 mph as you enter town.
• Plan for Weather: If you’re renting in winter, ask the rental agent if the car has an ice scraper/brush, you’ll likely need it. They usually provide one. It’s also wise to let the car warm up and defrost if it’s cold; Maine winters can leave frost on the windshield. In summer, on the other hand, many rentals will have AC (of course), but also check if they have EZ-Pass toll transponders. Some agencies offer them; they can be convenient if you plan to hit toll roads (like heading down to New Hampshire/Boston). If not, you can always pay cash for tolls as mentioned.
• Filling Up: Most rentals at PWM come with a full tank and should be returned full. There are a few gas stations near the airport: a Irving station on Congress St about 0.5 miles from the terminal is very handy (prices a touch higher), or a Cumberland Farms on Jetport Blvd just before entering the airport. It’s a good habit to fill up a few miles out to avoid last-minute scrambling. For example, if coming from I-95 north, hop off at Exit 46 (Jetport exit), there’s a gas station right there you can use before heading to the rental return.
• Returning Your Car: As you approach the airport, follow signs for Rental Car Return. At PWM, returns are in the same garage where pick-up occurs. Each company has a marked area, drive into the appropriate lane. An attendant may meet you, or you’ll park and drop keys at the counter. Aim to arrive a little earlier during peak travel times, as the return area can get busy on Sunday afternoons, etc. However, since the terminal is small, even a short walk from the garage puts you right at airline check-in. If you have an early flight before rental counters open, check if your agency allows an after-hours drop (most do, usually you park and put keys in a drop box). It’s very traveler-friendly.

Road Trip Ideas from Portland Jetport (PWM)

Once you’ve picked up your car at the airport, the adventures begin immediately. Here are a few road trips you can embark on straight from Portland Jetport:

Lighthouse Trail (Portland to Midcoast Maine)
Distance: ~100 miles round-trip (if you go from Portland down to Kennebunkport and up to Pemaquid Point and back). Can be done in a day (~2–3 hours driving total), but better over a weekend with stops.
Route: From PWM, start by heading into South Portland/Cape Elizabeth (only 15 minutes away) to see Portland Head Light. Then drive south along Route 77/Route 1 to visit Kennebunkport (30-40 min south of Portland). After that, reverse direction and drive north on US-1 through Brunswick to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol (about 1.5 hours north of Portland). Return to Portland via US-1 or I-295.

Highlights: This trip is all about classic Maine lighthouses and coastal charm. Portland Head Light (in Fort Williams Park) is a must-see, it’s Maine’s oldest lighthouse (1791) and among the most photographed in the world. Walk around the park for ocean vistas and maybe a picnic with a lobster roll from Bite Into Maine food truck (often on site). Next, Kennebunkport offers the small-town coastal feel: check out Goose Rocks Beach or the shops in Dock Square, and see the picturesque Cape Porpoise Light from a distance at the pier. Then, driving north past Portland, you could detour into Bath to see the Maine Maritime Museum (lots of shipbuilding history) on your way up to Pemaquid Point. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a gem, sitting atop dramatic rocky ledges, you can even climb its tower for a panoramic view. It’s featured on the Maine state quarter for a reason. As you drive, you’ll pass through quaint villages like Wiscasset (try the famous Red’s Eats if you haven’t had your lobster roll yet) and Damariscotta (known for oysters!). By the time you loop back to Portland, you’ll have a camera full of postcard-worthy shots.

Tips: The Jetport’s location means you can do this loop efficiently. If you’re arriving in the morning, you could realistically see Portland Head Light and Kennebunkport on day 1, and Pemaquid Point plus Midcoast on day 2. Watch for seasonal road traffic: summer weekends will be busy on Route 1, especially through Wiscasset, earlier in the day is better. All parks mentioned have parking lots (Fort Williams can fill up on nice days but usually has turnover). Pack a light jacket, even in summer, ocean breezes at lighthouses can be cool. And be aware that Portland Head Light and Pemaquid have museums that typically close by 5pm, so plan those visits accordingly. Flying in and immediately immersing yourself in coastal scenery, that’s the beauty of grabbing a car at PWM and hitting the road!

2. Inland Adventure to Moosehead Lake
Distance: ~300 miles round-trip (Portland to Greenville (Moosehead Lake) and back), about 4 hours each way. Best as a 2-3 day trip to enjoy the area.
Route: From the airport, jump on I-95 north. Go about 1.5 hours to Newport, then take Route 7/Route 15 north through Dexter and Greenville. You’ll end up in Greenville, the main town on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake. Return via the same route (or for a scenic variation, come back via Route 201 south through Jackman to rejoin I-95 at Waterville).

Highlights: This road trip takes you from Maine’s biggest city to its largest lake, talk about a change of scenery! Moosehead Lake is often called “Maine’s Crown Jewel” of wilderness. On the way up, you’ll transition from highways to country roads. Once past Newport, watch for Moose Crossing signs, this is where moose country truly begins. Greenville is a charming small town with outfitters, cafes, and seaplanes buzzing around (you can even book a seaplane tour of the lake!). Explore the Moosehead Marine Museum and take a cruise on the historic Katahdin steamship if schedules allow. Drive a bit further north along the lake to Rockwood for a view of Mt. Kineo, a massive cliff rising out of the lake (reachable by a short ferry, if you have half a day for a hike). If you return via Route 201 (the “Old Canada Road” scenic byway), you’ll follow the Kennebec River, a good chance to spot bald eagles or take in views at Attean Overlook near Jackman (gorgeous especially in fall). You can even say you almost went to Canada, Jackman is just 20 miles from the Quebec border (but don’t forget your passport if you actually plan to cross!).

Tips: This is a true Maine adventure, so prepare accordingly. Fill up on gas in Newport or Skowhegan; gas stations are fewer in the north woods (Greenville has some, but prices might be higher). Cell service will get spotty the closer you get to Moosehead, download offline maps. Keep your camera handy, seeing a moose along Route 15 or 201 is not uncommon, especially around dawn or dusk (just be very cautious driving if it’s dark; colliding with a moose is dangerous, so better to avoid night driving up here if possible). Pack bug spray in summer, the woods are beautiful but mosquitos and flies like it too. If you’re not staying overnight, start early: a same-day up-and-back is a lot of driving (8+ hours), but feasible in summer when days are long. Better yet, spend a night at a lakeside lodge to stargaze under truly dark skies. This trip showcases Maine’s wild side, it’ll be hard to believe you were at the airport or in a city just a few hours before!

3. The Historic Cities Tour (Portland to Augusta and Bangor)
Distance: ~260 miles round-trip (Portland -> Augusta -> Bangor -> Portland), about 2 hours to Augusta, then 1 more to Bangor, and 2 back to Portland. Can be done in one very full day, or comfortably in two.
Route: From PWM, get on I-95 north. Augusta, Maine’s capital, is about 60 miles up. Continue on I-95 another 75 miles to Bangor. Return to Portland via I-95 south (or detour along coastal US-1/Route 1A between Bangor and Portland for a change of scenery).

Highlights: This trip is great for those interested in Maine’s cultural and historical side (with some beautiful drives in between). Augusta is one of the nation’s smaller capitals, but it has charms: tour the Maine State House (Capitol building) and visit the Maine State Museum (wonderful exhibits on Maine’s history and natural environment, if it’s open during your visit). A few miles from downtown is Old Fort Western, a preserved 1754 fort on the Kennebec River, a neat stop for history buffs. Next, head to Bangor, known as the Queen City. Bangor has a thriving waterfront with parks and a statue of hometown author Stephen King’s famous character Paul Bunyan. Drive by Stephen King’s own mansion (on West Broadway), fans often take a photo of its unique wrought-iron “bat” gate. Check out the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor for a quirky collection of old cars, trains, and even tanks that tell Maine’s transport history. If you’re up for a slight detour, the town of Orono just 15 min from Bangor hosts the University of Maine and the beautiful Hudson Museum (Native American artifacts) on campus. On your way back, if time allows, consider taking coastal Route 1A from Bangor to Belfast, then Route 1 down through Camden and back to I-295 in Brunswick, this gives you some bonus ocean views and charming towns as a different return route. It’s a longer drive, but makes a loop.

Tips: This itinerary mixes interstate cruising with city driving. Traffic on I-95 is usually light outside the Portland area, so it’s smooth sailing. Augusta and Bangor are easy to navigate and parking is typically free or inexpensive in both cities (Bangor’s waterfront has public parking lots). Keep an eye on the time; Bangor to Portland is about 130 miles, roughly 2 hours on the highway, so plan your departure from Bangor to avoid too late of a night. If you want to break the journey, you could stay overnight in Bangor (perhaps catch a show at the Cross Insurance Center or a local brewery). As always, watch for moose/deer especially around dusk on the I-95 stretches near Augusta and north, it’s a well-traveled road but wildlife can wander. This road trip showcases Maine’s city life beyond Portland and gives you context about the state’s past and present, a nice complement to the scenic nature trips.

Whether you’re craving ocean vistas, mountain air, or a taste of Maine’s history, starting your journey at Portland Jetport puts it all within reach. With a reliable rental car and these ideas in hand, you can turn your arrival into an unforgettable road trip almost immediately. Just landed? Adventure awaits on Maine’s open roads!