Ready to hit the road in Portland? Use the search form above to find your ideal car at the best price. Enter your Portland pick-up location, we serve all major points, including Portland International Airport (PDX), downtown Portland, Union Station, and neighborhood locations, then select your dates and let our system compare real-time deals from multiple car rental companies across Portland. In seconds, you’ll see options for every need: compact cars for zipping through city streets, SUVs for family mountain trips, luxury vehicles for arriving at that business meeting in style, even 12-passenger vans if you’ve got a group heading to a Ducks game or a wine tour. Booking is fast and secure. Most rentals in Portland let you reserve now and pay later at pick-up, and include free cancellation if your plans change. In just a few clicks, you’ll lock in the ideal ride for your Portland adventure. With a great rate confirmed, you can focus on planning your must-see stops, perhaps a food cart feast downtown, a drive to Multnomah Falls, or a coastal day trip, knowing your transportation is sorted.
Introduction: Welcome to Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses”, a city of vibrant neighborhoods, lush parks, and a gateway to the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders. Having a rental car in Portland means you can experience all sides of this unique city and beyond at your own pace. Portland is a blend of quirky culture and stunning scenery: one minute you’re browsing Powell’s City of Books or sampling artisan coffee in the Pearl District, the next you’re driving across the St. Johns Bridge toward towering evergreens. With a rental car, you’re free to explore every corner of Portland and its surroundings on your schedule. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in Portland, OR. We’ve packed it with money-saving deals, local driving intel, parking tips, and trip ideas so you can hit the road with confidence. Whether you’re a visitor flying into PDX, a business traveler needing to zip between meetings in Beaverton and Gresham, or a local looking for a weekend escape from the city, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly and at a great price. Let’s get you on the road in PDX, stress-free and affordably!
Rent a Car in Portland? Absolutely, while Portland has a decent public transit system (MAX light rail, streetcars, and buses), there’s a lot a car unlocks for you here. Depending on your plans, renting a car in Portland can be a game-changer for convenience and exploration. Here are some top reasons to consider getting your own set of wheels in PDX:
Of course, renting a car in Portland isn’t necessary for everyone, if you’re staying strictly downtown and have no plans to roam, you might manage fine with walking and the occasional rideshare. But for flexibility, comfort, and the full Oregon experience, many visitors find a car invaluable. (Plenty of locals rent from us too for weekend getaways or when they need an extra vehicle!) Read on to see how we make renting in Portland easy and advantageous.
Our Portland Car Rental Benefits
Why choose AirportVanRental for your Portland wheels? Simply put, we know Portland. We leverage our local know-how plus a nationwide network to give you unbeatable value and service. When you book with us, you’re getting the convenience of an OTA with the personalized touch of a local expert. Here are some benefits we provide to make your Portland car rental experience smooth:
Top Portland Car Rental Deals
Here are some top Portland rental car deals by category. These starting prices are illustrative (they may vary by season), but they give you an idea of the great value you can find. Each category includes an example model and why it might be perfect for your Portland trip:
Economy Car $29/day Kia Rio or Nissan Versa
Super easy to maneuver and park downtown. Ideal for 1-2 travelers checking out Portland’s urban scene or making short trips. Great gas mileage (helpful if you’re driving out to Multnomah Falls or up to Pittock Mansion). Plus, high competition at PDX keeps economy rates low.
Full-Size Sedan $39/day Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima
A bit more room for family or business needs. Comfortable for freeway drives (like Portland to Seattle or down to Eugene). Blends into local traffic, nobody will know you’re a tourist. At under $40/day off-peak, it’s a steal for the space and comfort if you’re planning day trips to the suburbs or wine country.
Midsize SUV $45/day Hyundai Tucson or Subaru Forester
A popular pick in Oregon. Seats 5 with ample cargo space for hiking gear or shopping hauls. The higher ground clearance is nice for occasional snow or gravel roads. Many visitors snag SUVs for ski trips to Mt. Hood Meadows or Timberline, or fall drives through the Gorge, and they’re plentiful, keeping prices reasonable.
Minivan $59/day Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan
Travelling with the whole crew? Minivans are heroes for families or groups of up to 7-8. Sliding doors for easy in/out, and room for luggage, strollers, you name it. Perfect for a family vacation to the Coast or moving a student into college. Splitting ~$60/day among 6 people often makes minivans the cheapest per-person option.
Luxury & Convertible $75/day BMW 3-Series, Tesla Model 3, or Ford Mustang Convertible
Treat yourself while in Portland! Drive a luxury sedan to that important meeting or cruise the West Hills in style. Or, in summer, rent a convertible for a scenic drive in the Columbia Gorge with the top down. Surprisingly, Portland’s rental market often has affordable rates on luxury models outside of major event weekends. Enjoy a bit of indulgence, you deserve it.
Pricing Note:“From $X/day” reflects typical low-season rates in Portland (late fall, winter) or special weekend deals. Expect higher rates in peak summer (July-August) or during big events (Portland Rose Festival, major conventions). Always enter your exact dates for up-to-date pricing, you might catch a special! And remember, booking a few weeks in advance usually yields the best rates.
Road Trip Ideas from Portland, OR
Portland isn’t only a fantastic city to explore, it’s also a perfect launching pad for road trips around Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. With your rental car, you have the freedom to venture into diverse landscapes just a short drive away. Here are three exciting road trip ideas that start in Portland:
Highlights: Head out east from Portland on I-84 and within 30 minutes you’re in the famous Columbia River Gorge, an area studded with waterfalls. Exit at Historic Columbia River Highway (exit 22) to drive the old scenic route: you’ll pass Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and of course the iconic Multnomah Falls (620 ft drop!). Park and take the short walk to Benson Bridge for an up-close view. Continue to Hood River, a lovely town on the Columbia River (about 1 hour from Portland) known for windsurfing, on a windy day you’ll see dozens of colorful sails on the water. Grab lunch in Hood River (try a farm-to-table cafe or one of the local breweries). From Hood River, take OR-35 South, which climbs through orchards (stop at a fruit stand in summer for cherries or peaches) and dense forests toward Mt. Hood. You’ll catch stunning views of the mountain on clear days as you drive. You can detour to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood (about 6,000 ft elevation) for a closer look at the glacier-clad peak and maybe a summer snowball fight, even in July there’s often some snow up high! Finally, loop back to Portland via US-26 westbound. On the way, you might stop at Trillium Lake for a serene lake view of Mt. Hood. By evening, you’ll descend into Portland from the east, completing a full day of Oregon splendor, waterfalls, a mighty river, and a volcano all in one trip.
Pro Tip: This route is popular, especially on summer weekends. To beat the crowds, start early (on the road by 7 AM if you can). Multnomah Falls parking fills up quickly; going early (or on a weekday) helps, as does visiting off-peak (e.g., late afternoon after crowds thin). Also, consider downloading an offline map, cell service can be spotty in parts of the Gorge and around Mt. Hood. Lastly, keep some cash for fruit stands or the toll if you decide to cross the Bridge of the Gods ($2). This trip packs in a lot, so feel free to break it into two days with an overnight in Hood River or Government Camp if you have time.
Highlights: This journey takes you to the Northern Oregon Coast, beloved for its dramatic shorelines. From Portland, drive ~80 miles west on US-26 to Cannon Beach (about 1.5 hours). Cannon Beach will steal your heart with its expansive sandy beach and the famous Haystack Rock looming offshore, a 235-foot sea stack that’s a photographer’s dream (and home to puffins certain times of year!). Stroll the beach, explore tide pools (at low tide you can walk right up to Haystack Rock’s base and see starfish and anemones), and wander the town’s charming boutiques and cafés. Just north of town, don’t miss Ecola State Park (a short drive through a lush forest) for stunning cliff-top views of the coast and a panoramic lookout at Indian Beach, you might recognize it from movies (The Goonies finale was filmed nearby). After soaking in the ocean air, continue south on US-101. If you’re a cheese or ice cream lover, you must stop at the Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook (about 40 miles south of Cannon Beach). Tour the visitor center to see cheese being made, sample cheeses, and enjoy their delicious (and famous) ice cream, the Tillamook cheese factory is a hit for all ages. From Tillamook, head back toward Portland via OR-6, a scenic highway following the Wilson River through forests (approximately 75 miles back to Portland). You’ll return filled with fresh ocean breezes and probably a cooler full of cheese.
Pro Tip: Weather on the Oregon Coast can change quickly. In summer, mornings might be foggy but often clear by afternoon; in other seasons, be ready for rain or wind. Dress in layers and bring a light rain jacket just in case. Parking in Cannon Beach is free but can be crowded in peak season, there’s a large public parking lot as you enter town which is a good first stop. At Ecola State Park, there’s a day-use fee (around $5 cash or card). Watch out for deer on the roads, especially around dusk on the forested highways. And if you have extra time, consider staying for sunset at Cannon Beach, it’s magical watching the sun dip behind Haystack Rock. You can always grab dinner in town (fresh seafood, anyone?) and then make the drive back to Portland in the late evening; traffic will be minimal.
Highlights: Oregon’s Willamette Valley, just south of Portland, is famous for its Pinot Noir and beautiful countryside. Start by driving down toward Newberg/Dundee (around 25 miles via OR-99W, about 45 min). The Dundee Hills are dotted with wineries, you could spend all day hopping between tasting rooms with fantastic vineyard views. Some popular stops include Stoller Family Estate (great wine and scenery), Argyle (known for sparkling wines) in Dundee, or Domaine Serene for a more upscale tasting experience. If wine’s not your thing, this area also has farm stands, lavender fields, and small-town charms. After indulging in the valley’s bounty (remember to taste responsibly, designate a driver or limit yourself if driving), head east toward Silver Falls State Park. From the Newberg area, it’s roughly a 1.5-hour drive through Salem (the state capital) to Silver Falls, located in the Cascade foothills. Silver Falls State Park is often called the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks, and for good reason. It features the Trail of Ten Falls, a renowned hiking loop where you can see ten waterfalls in a few hours, including the 177-foot South Falls, which you can actually walk behind! Even if you’re not up for the full hike, a short stroll from the parking area will take you to the rim of South Falls for a stunning view, and a paved path can lead you down to the base. There are picnic areas and a lodge café (seasonal) if you need a snack. After enjoying the waterfalls, drive back to Portland (about 60 miles, ~1.5 hours via I-5 north). This loop gives you a taste of Oregon’s gentle valley life and its lush forests in one go.
Pro Tip: Wine tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley typically open late morning (11 am or so) and many close by 5 pm, plan accordingly. Reservations might be needed on weekends for popular wineries, especially during summer and harvest season (Sept/Oct). As for Silver Falls, try to arrive with a few hours of daylight to enjoy at least part of the Trail of Ten Falls; the full loop is ~7 miles, but you can do a shorter section to see 2-3 major falls. Wear good shoes, the path behind waterfalls can be wet and slick (you’re literally walking under dripping water). There’s a $5 day-use parking fee at Silver Falls (bring cash or card for the self-pay station). This loop is best done between spring and fall; in winter, some winery experiences and trails might be limited (and driving is fine year-round, though occasionally a dusting of snow can hit the higher elevations near Silver Falls in mid-winter).
Quick-Reference: Portland Car Rental at a Glance
For a handy overview, here’s a quick-reference table with key information about renting a car in Portland:
Popular Car Types
Compact & Economy Cars (easy city parking), Midsize SUVs (for outdoor trips and winter driving), Minivans (families/groups), Luxury Cars (business or splurge). Eco-friendly travelers will find hybrids and even some EVs available at PDX and downtown locations. Choose what fits your plans, a small car for urban exploring or a roomy SUV for Mt. Hood adventures.
Cheapest Rental Rates
Off-peak daily rates from $29/day for economy cars (especially in winter or non-holiday periods). Average mid-size car around $40–50/day. Prices peak in summer (June–August) and during big events. Tip: Book 4–6 weeks in advance for the best deals, and consider weekend rentals, Portland often has lower weekend rates as business travel drops.
Airports & Hubs
Portland International Airport (PDX), largest selection, open early (some counters 5am) to late (around midnight). Many downtown agencies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, etc.) serve city travelers, hours typically 8am–6pm on weekdays, shorter on weekends. Other nearby options: Hillsboro Airport (HIO) for west side, though limited rentals; also, some suburban rental offices in Beaverton, Tigard, Gresham if those are more convenient to your stay.
Driving Side
Right-hand side of the road. Passing on the left on highways. Oregon follows standard U.S. rules of the road, if you’re from abroad, it’s an easy adjustment. Remember to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and be mindful of bicyclists (especially in central Portland).
Speed Limits
Generally 20–25 mph on city residential streets (Portland is 20 mph in many areas), 30–35 mph on arterial city roads, 55–65 mph on highways/freeways (65 on rural interstates, 55 in urban zones unless posted otherwise). Watch for posted signs; speeding tickets in school zones (20 mph when flashing) and highway work zones are strictly enforced.
Fuel
Regular unleaded gas (87 octane) is standard for most rentals. Oregon now allows self-serve gas statewide, but many stations in Portland still have attendants who will pump for you (same price). Gas stations are plentiful in the city and along interstates. Current fuel price around $4.00/gal (it fluctuates). If renting a hybrid or EV: Portland has many EV charging stations (esp. downtown and in eco-conscious neighborhoods).
Tolls
None in Portland city or on Oregon highways. No need for a toll pass in the Portland area. The only tolls nearby are some Columbia River crossings outside the metro (Bridge of the Gods, etc., which take cash) and highway bridges in Seattle if you venture north (which use electronic billing, your rental can handle it via plate if needed). The I-5 and I-205 bridges between Portland and Washington are currently toll-free (though congestion pricing is being discussed for the future).
Parking
Downtown Portland: street parking is about $2.00–$2.50 per hour (Mon-Sat 8am-7pm, free overnight and Sundays). City-owned SmartPark garages offer affordable covered parking, roughly $1.80/hr or $12–$20 for a full day, varying by garage (max tends to be ~$15/day on weekdays, less on weekends). Neighborhoods like NW 21st/23rd and the Central Eastside have metered or permit parking, read signs carefully. Many Portland hotels charge for overnight parking (around $25–$45/night). Outside of the downtown core, parking is generally easy and free (shopping centers, residential areas, etc.). Tip: Use a parking app (like Parking Kitty) to pay meters by phone and top up time remotely. And watch for any signage about street cleaning or permit zones in residential areas, Portland loves its parking rules!
Rental Requirements
Valid driver’s license (foreign licenses are okay if in English, otherwise bring an IDP for translation), and a major credit card in the renter’s name for the security deposit. Minimum age is usually 21 (see FAQ above about under-25 fees). Debit cards are accepted by some companies at airport locations but may require proof of travel (return flight) and a credit check, credit cards are simpler. All renters will need to sign the rental agreement and provide a contact phone. Insurance: bring proof if you’ll decline coverage and use your own policy. Additional drivers usually need to present their license at pickup; most companies in Oregon allow a spouse for free, others may charge ~$10/day for extra drivers (check terms or look for deals that include free additional driver, which we often highlight).
Best Time to Rent/Drive
Best weather: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (Sept) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and gorgeous scenery (flowers in spring, fall foliage in October). Peak tourist season: July-August, great weather (dry and warm) but highest demand and prices; reserve early. Winter: Dec-Feb can be rainy in Portland and snowy in mountains, rental rates are lowest, and roads are quieter (apart from holiday periods), but be prepared for wet driving and occasional ice. If you’re coming to ski, winter is ideal, just rent an appropriate vehicle. Avoiding traffic: Portland’s rush hour is roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on weekdays, mainly on I-5, I-84, I-205, and Highway 26. If you can, plan your driving outside those windows. Weekends traffic is light except when heading to popular recreation spots (Coast or Gorge) on summer Saturdays, go early. Overall, Portland is fairly easy to drive in most of the time compared to larger cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard minimum age to rent a car in Portland (and the U.S. generally) is 25 years old for no restrictions. That said, virtually all major rental companies in Portland will rent to drivers aged 21-24 with a “young driver” surcharge (usually around $25 per day) and possibly some car class restrictions (often luxury cars and large SUVs or vans are off-limits to under-25 renters). A few agencies, typically at the airport, might rent to 18-20 year olds if you’re traveling on official military orders or with certain corporate account codes, but this is not common and always carries a hefty fee plus tight restrictions. When you book through AirportVanRental, just enter your age and we’ll filter the options accordingly. If you’re under 25, expect that surcharge in the price. And regardless of age, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and usually a credit card in your name. One tip for younger renters (21-24): sometimes joining a rental company’s loyalty program can waive the underage fee or reduce it, if you qualify, worth checking if you plan a longer rental. But overall, yes, you can rent in Portland under 25, it’ll just cost a bit more. We clearly display those fees before you book so there are no surprises at the counter.
Compared to larger cities like San Francisco or Seattle, parking in Portland is relatively easier and more affordable, but there are still some considerations. Downtown Portland and popular districts (Pearl, Nob Hill, Hawthorne) have metered street parking which can get full at peak times. The good news is Portland’s meters are reasonably priced (around $2/hour) and are free overnight and on Sundays. The city also has several SmartPark garages downtown that offer cheaper long-term parking, these are a great option if you’re spending the day shopping or sightseeing downtown; you’ll find them clearly marked and usually with space. Many hotels in downtown Portland offer on-site parking (typically in a garage) but it often costs extra, anywhere from $20 to $45 per night is common. Always check your hotel’s parking policy: some boutique hotels might only offer valet parking service with a fee, whereas others have self-parking lots. If you’re staying in the suburbs or outside the city center, most hotels/motels provide free parking. In residential neighborhoods, parking is usually free on the street, though a few areas near downtown have permit requirements for long-term parking (signs will indicate this). One thing to watch: Portland enforces parking time limits and meter payments pretty actively (yes, the parking enforcement cars with scanners roam around). So don’t let your meter expire, you can refill via the Parking Kitty app if you’re running late. Also, keep an eye out for “No Parking” signs for street cleaning or special events; in some inner neighborhoods, one side of the street is off-limits for a few hours on certain days for cleaning. Overall, for a city its size, Portland is pretty driver-friendly. If you plan to park and leave your car while exploring, use a garage or lot for peace of mind and convenience. And if your hotel parking feels steep, remember the convenience, it might be worth it to avoid circling the block. We include parking tips in our city guide (see Quick-Reference above) and you can always ask locals or hotel staff for the best spots to park.
Portland traffic, by big-city standards, is moderate. Yes, we have a rush-hour slowdown like any city. Rush hours on weekdays are roughly 7:00–9:30 AM (inbound toward city and major employment centers) and 4:00–6:30 PM (outbound from downtown). The stretches that get the most congested include: I-5 southbound from Vancouver, WA into downtown in the morning (and reverse in evening); I-84 westbound into downtown in morning (and east in evening); I-5 northbound through the central eastside; I-205 can also bog down where it meets I-84 and near the Columbia River crossing; and Highway 26 west of downtown (the Sunset Highway toward Beaverton/Hillsboro) gets slow both commutes. It’s not Los Angeles, but you might add 15-30 minutes to a cross-town trip in rush hour. Outside of those times, traffic usually flows well. Midday, late evening, and early morning are generally easy driving. Weekends, traffic is typically light except if you’re heading to popular recreation spots. For instance, summer Saturday mornings see a stream of cars on US-26 toward the Coast or I-84 toward the Gorge. Sunday afternoons there’s often return traffic coming back into town from those places. Also, if there’s a big event (Timbers soccer match, a concert at Moda Center, etc.), you’ll see localized congestion. Portland drivers are generally polite, and you won’t encounter the aggressive driving of some larger cities, but do expect folks to drive at or just above the speed limit on highways (when it’s not jammed). One unique aspect: Portland has a lot of bikes and some dedicated bike lanes that run next to or even in place of car lanes, be careful turning and always check your blind spot for cyclists. In winter, occasional snow or ice events can paralyze traffic because the city isn’t used to heavy winter driving, if it snows significantly, best to wait it out (or if you must drive, go slow and be very cautious of hills). But those events are rare. So in summary, traffic isn’t too bad in Portland if you plan around peak times. And with a bit of timing strategy, leaving a bit earlier or later, you can often avoid the worst of it. As locals say, “You don’t like Portland traffic? Wait 15 minutes”, it usually clears up. If you need real-time info, local AM radio 1190 or Google Maps traffic layer will help.
Portland, like any city, has its little quirks. We’ve covered the big ones (right on red allowed, pedestrians having right-of-way, etc.), but here are a few Portland-specific driving tidbits: • Flashing Yellow Arrows: In Portland you’ll encounter traffic lights with a flashing yellow arrow for left turns. This means you are allowed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, it’s a permissive left turn, not a protected one. Don’t be confused; just treat it like a green ball (yield before turning). • Downtown One-Way Streets: Downtown Portland is a grid with many one-way streets. It’s generally easy to navigate, but pay attention to signage so you don’t go the wrong way. If using GPS, it will usually handle it fine. • Unmarked Intersections: In residential areas, you might find intersections with no stop signs for either direction. Oregon law says that the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way in an uncontrolled intersection. So if you approach an intersection with no signals or signs, slow down and yield to any car coming from your right. This often freaks out drivers from elsewhere, but locals handle it with caution and courtesy. • Four-Way Stop Etiquette: Portland drivers are typically polite at 4-way stop signs. The rule: first to stop is first to go. If two cars arrive at same time, the one to the right goes first. If facing each other and one is turning left, the one going straight goes first. Portlanders often do the little hand-wave “you go ahead” if there’s confusion. • Streetcar and MAX Tracks: In parts of downtown and the Pearl District, the streetcar runs on the road and there are tracks embedded in the pavement. Be careful not to drive on the tracks or in the streetcar lane (marked by signage), also avoid biking on them if you’re ever on a bike. When driving, just be mindful of the streetcar; it’s pretty slow and stops often. Same with MAX light rail in downtown, trains have dedicated lanes on some streets. Do not turn in front of an approaching train or stop on the tracks. It’s actually intuitive once you see it. • Bridges Up: Portland has several drawbridges (Broadway, Steel, Burnside, Hawthorne) that occasionally go up for river traffic. If you’re on one when the warning lights flash and gates come down, you’ll have to wait a few minutes for the boat to pass. Just a minor delay, but budget a few extra minutes if you’re crossing Willamette via those routes when a big barge or ship might be coming through. • Carpool Lane: Unlike some cities, Portland does not have widespread carpool (HOV) lanes on its freeways (just a short one on I-5 south of downtown). So you don’t need to worry about that in most cases. However, if you drive to Seattle, note that I-5 up there does have HOV lanes. • Snow Zone Signs: If you venture to Mt. Hood or other mountain areas, you’ll see signs that say “Carrying chains or traction tires required” during winter months. Oregon State Police can enforce chain-up rules if conditions warrant. Always heed those if traveling in snowy conditions, it’s for your safety. In general, Portland drivers are relatively patient. Road rage is uncommon. Do expect people to stop for pedestrians, even sometimes unexpectedly, like if someone is waiting to cross at a corner without a light, a driver might stop to let them go (legally you only must stop if they’re in your lane or approaching, but Portlanders often go above and beyond). Just stay alert, go with the flow, and you’ll be fine. If you’re unsure about a local rule, odds are other drivers will signal or make it clear. And as always, when in doubt, yield, a bit of caution goes a long way in a new city.