Cheap Car Hire at Portland International Airport Oregon USA
Welcome to Portland International Airport!
Arriving at Portland International Airport (PDX) means entering a gateway to the rugged natural beauty and diverse attractions that make the enthralling State of Oregon unforgettable. The airport, known for its ease of navigation and consistently high rankings among U.S. airports, greets visitors with a distinctly Pacific Northwest vibe. Featuring local artwork, live music, and friendly service, this airport introduces visitors to Portland’s creative spirit right from the terminal. Once you’ve collected your bags, picking up a rental car is a breeze. Portland International Airport’s dedicated rental car centre is easily accessible, with a variety of trusted car hire agencies. Renting a car opens the doors to a quintessential Oregon road trip with Portland’s intricate urban tapestry complemented by nearby natural wonders, all accessible within a few hours’ drive. Whether you’re drawn to the Oregon coast, the mountainous terrain of the Cascades, or charming towns, your hire car is the key to a remarkable journey. The beautiful city of Portland’s landscape offers so much to explore by car, from lush forests and snow-capped mountains to stunning coastlines and bustling cities.
In the city of Portland itself, the downtown district’s buzzing restaurants, funky bars and vibrant creativity intermingle with lush green urban spaces. Neighbourhoods such as the Pearl District and Alberta Arts District are a short drive from the airport, yet showcase an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, and coffeehouses. While here, make time to visit the iconic Powell’s City of Books or stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden for a peaceful retreat with stunning views of Mount Hood. Portland’s convenient highways link to some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes. Head west on U.S. Route 26 to reach the Oregon coast, or drive east to discover the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, where waterfalls like Multnomah Falls cascade from towering cliffs. One of the joys of exploring Oregon by car is the sheer variety of landscapes. The state’s famous scenic byways offer everything from coastal drives to alpine routes, making each mile an adventure.
Driving in Portland Oregon
Driving through Portland, Oregon, is a captivating blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Cruise along the city’s scenic bridges, framed by Mt. Hood’s majestic silhouette. Explore lively neighbourhoods brimming with art, food trucks, and culture. Venture into lush parks or the Columbia River Gorge, where the city’s magic seamlessly meets the wild. For an unforgettable drive to the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, head east on I-84, and within an hour, you’ll find yourself immersed grandeur of the river views flanked by steep canyon walls.There’s access to numerous waterfalls here, including the iconic Multnomah Falls. The Historic Columbia River Highway provides several scenic pull-offs, perfect for unbeatable photos or a picnic. For an alpine experience, continue past the gorge on U.S. Route 26 to Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak. The drive up to Mount Hood is scenic year-round, with wildflowers blooming in spring and snowy vistas in winter. You’ll find charming towns like Government Camp along the way, where cozy lodges and alpine activities await. This route showcases Oregon’s natural diversity, with everything from dense evergreen forests to volcanic landscapes. If coastal scenery is calling, the Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. Route 101) is an unforgettable road trip. This westward journey from Portland brings you to Cannon Beach, where Haystack Rock rises dramatically from the shore. Further south, you’ll encounter quaint coastal towns, rugged cliffs, and sweeping ocean views. With numerous viewpoints, state parks, and cozy coastal towns, the Oregon coast is perfect for leisurely exploration.
Road-tripping to other Oregon cities offer a scenery-packed day trip or short break in your hire car, with two top destinations Eugene and Bend. Eugene is around 177 km south of Portland via I-5, and known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor activities as the home of the University of Oregon. With student hang-outs all over town, from coffee shops to book stores, Eugene city buzzes with youthful energy and is blessed with riverside bike trails to artisan markets. Eugene is also an ideal gateway to explore Oregon’s wine country, where grape-rich vineyards spread across the lush Willamette Valley. A bit further southeast, Bend is nestled in the high desert along the Deschutes River and is renowned for its outdoor recreation. About a 3-hour drive from Portland, Bend’s landscape shifts dramatically from Portland’s green forests to volcanic terrain. This drive is a journey through diverse scenery, passing by forested mountains, sagebrush plains, and ancient lava fields. Once in Bend, enjoy world-class breweries, river rafting, and easy access to the breathtaking Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Portland Tips and FAQs
Exploring by car allows you to sample the region’s farm-fresh produce and wine tasting rooms in the surrounding areas. Many wineries in the Willamette Valley, just an hour’s drive from Portland, offer scenic tours and tastings. With your rental car, consider a day trip to the valley, where pinot noir reigns supreme, and the rolling vineyards provide a stunning backdrop. Portland is a haven for foodies and boasts a renowned culinary scene rooted in farm-to-table fare and eclectic flavours. The city’s food carts are legendary, with entire pods dedicated to creative dishes from around the world. Oregon’s speed limits are lower than in some states—usually around 65 mph on highways. Pay attention to signs, especially in scenic areas where the speed may drop to allow for safer viewing.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Number of Terminals: 1 main terminal
Location of Car Rental Desks: Ground level of the terminal
Distance to Fuel Station: Approximately 1 mile
Nearest City: Portland, Oregon
Major Roads: I-205, I-84
Our Protection Levels for you
Protection Comparison
Protection Comparison
Third-Party Protection: What you need to know
No hidden fees. Ever.
Free cancellation.
Always here to help.
Key Information to Help You Decide
Not sure where to start? Let us guide you through the car rental process, from start to finish:
More Information Made Simple
Questions?
Helpful assistance is below
Top Destinations for Affordable Car Rentals
Sign up to FarAway
the essential newsletter from ReservAway
For exclusive offers, deals and discounts on partner brands
