Portland Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Portland

Renting a car in Portland offers you the freedom to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and have the flexibility to create your own travel plans. This is particularly appealing for families and those seeking outdoor or city-themed experiences. You can conveniently visit key attractions like Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which is perfect for family outings, or the Portland Japanese Garden for a serene escape. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is also accessible, providing cultural enrichment suitable for all ages. Additionally, a car allows you to explore nearby destinations such as Downtown Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard, each offering unique attractions like the Wineries of Washington County Oregon and Tualatin Hills Nature Park. With a rental car, you can seamlessly navigate between these locations and enjoy the scenic beauty and diverse experiences that the Portland area has to offer, all while maintaining the comfort and convenience of your own schedule.

Most popular car rentals in Portland

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. With a spacious interior, a midsize SUV offers the comfort needed for longer journeys while providing ample space for luggage, allowing you to explore Portland and its surroundings with ease.
• Compact: The compact car is perfect for up to 5 travellers, accommodating up to 3 medium suitcases. Its size is particularly beneficial for city driving, as it makes navigating tight streets and finding parking much simpler. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the compact car allows for an efficient and economical way to experience Portland.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car caters to up to 5 travellers and can hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it an ideal option for families or larger groups who require extra space for both passengers and their belongings. Renting a fullsize vehicle ensures comfort during your travels, allowing everyone to enjoy the journey through Portland and nearby areas.

Top rated car suppliers in Portland

• Thrifty Car Rental: With a rental location in Portland, Thrifty Car Rental provides a reliable option for travellers seeking flexibility. Their most booked vehicles are Fullsize and Midsize SUVs, making them an excellent choice for those needing extra space for luggage or passengers. Enjoy the convenience of exploring Portland and its scenic surroundings at your own pace with Thrifty's well-maintained fleet.
• Budget: Budget stands out with five rental locations throughout the Portland area, offering travellers ample access to their services. Known for their Fullsize and Midsize SUVs, Budget provides great value for those looking to explore the region comfortably. With numerous pick-up points, you’ll find renting a car from Budget both easy and efficient, allowing you to embark on your adventures seamlessly.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car features a convenient rental location in Portland, catering to tourists who prefer a straightforward rental experience. Their popular offerings include Compact and Midsize SUVs, ideal for those who want a balance of comfort and manoeuvrability. With Alamo, you can enjoy the freedom to discover Portland and its beautiful surroundings without any hassle.

Where to stay in Portland

• Downtown Portland: Ideal for family, city, and business-themed experiences, Downtown Portland offers easy access to attractions like Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. With numerous shopping centres, restaurants, and wineries nearby, it serves as a vibrant hub. Visitors can explore the local sports facility stadium and convention centre, making it a perfect base for urban adventures.
• Northeast Portland: Known for its family-friendly and outdoor activities, Northeast Portland features attractions such as The Grotto and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This neighbourhood combines urban parks with shopping centres and arena facilities, providing a great mix of culture and leisure. With a variety of restaurants and wineries close by, it’s a delightful area for those seeking city experiences alongside nature.
• Beaverton: A city that caters to families and business travellers alike, Beaverton offers attractions like the Wineries of Washington County Oregon and Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Visitors can enjoy shopping centres and urban parks, enhancing the experience of this suburban area. With a selection of local restaurants and wineries, Beaverton is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the broader Portland vicinity.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Portland

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience it offers may justify the additional cost.
7. Know your payment options: Numerous car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's straightforward to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Portland

The best time to rent a car in and around Portland is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. Following closely, January and March also offer good value with similar pricing and average demand. As the year progresses, June tends to be the busiest month with slightly high prices, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Additionally, December is the most expensive month, though it sees lower demand compared to other peak times.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.8°F (4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	70.3°F (21.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly High