How to find a cheap car hire deal in Portland (PDX)
Searching for a cheap Portland rental car? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging $343 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
$97 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Portland.
Staying a little longer in Portland and want to go beyond the guidebook highlights? $679 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to get the best price, book your PDX car hire around one week in advance.
Thrifty, Budget and Hertz are some popular providers at Portland.
The coverage Thrifty or another supplier offers for your Portland car hire can vary, so remember to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in PDX.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Portland with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of $343 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $286, this provider takes the runner-up spot.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $261 a day with this provider.
If you're having trouble deciding what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle at PDX.
Compare car hire types from Portland (PDX)
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this cheap Portland rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this PDX car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Portland that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your PDX car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Portland.
Good to know
You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your PDX car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in the United States, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you think you'll be drinking, pass the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay by card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Drive smarter from the start
Wave goodbye to arrivals and hello to adventure once you've collected your PDX car hire. Central Portland is around 10 kilometres to the southwest if that's the direction you're heading.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Portland to the centre to take up to 40 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
If you don't need to drive right away, consider picking up a car hire in Portland instead of at the airport. Simply collect your ride when it works for you and only pay for the days you need.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Portland (PDX)
Visit the leading attractions in Portland before you do anything else. Portland Japanese Garden and Peninsula Park Rose Garden set you up for a memorable trip.
Buckle up and make tracks to Salem. Around 80 kilometres southwest of PDX, you'll find must-see sights like Hallie Ford Museum of Art and Oregon State Capitol State Park.
Alternatively, hop in your Portland car hire and drive around 16 kilometres southeast to Gresham. Featuring Lower Oneonta Falls and Gresham Japanese Garden, there's no shortage of attractions that demand a visit.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Eugene, around 177 kilometres south of PDX. From Museum of Natural and Cultural History to Owen Rose Garden, it'll round out your trip nicely.
