Car Rental at Portland Airport

Airport travel guide

Known for its green areas, many artists, and high quality of living, Portland is one of the most interesting cities in the Pacific Northwest. Very few places are as culturally busy, and that’s not to mention the beautiful nature of Oregon that’s within easy reach of the city. Here are four suggestions for your trip:

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. About to celebrate its 80th birthday in 2024, the OMSI is one of the most notable museums of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Interactive and family-friendly, it has a planetarium, a turbine hall, and famous exhibits like the original USS Blueback submarine (and that’s not to mention Theory Eater, the on-site restaurant). Visit the museum’s official website to learn more.
• Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Located in downtown Portland alongside the Willamette River, this is one of the nicest green areas in Portland. In addition to being popular for outdoor activities, it is also the home of various landmarks such as the Founders’ Stone, the Japanese American Historical Plaza, and the Salmon Street Springs fountain.
• Portland Art Museum. Not just one of the oldest and largest, it is also one of the most relevant art museums across the United States. With a diverse collection, it has sections dedicated to indigenous art, artists of the Pacific Northwest, and Asian art, but also works by world-famous creators like van Gogh, Renoir, and Rothko. The museum also frequently hosts various rotating exhibitions and events. Visit its official website to learn more.
• Oaks Amusement Park. Open without interruption since the early 20th century, Oaks is itself something of a heritage site as it is one of the oldest amusement parks in all of the United States. As fun as ever, it offers visitors several iconic and thrilling attractions such as the Adrenaline Peak roller coaster and Rock-O-Plane ride. The park can be found a short drive south of Downtown Portland. Visit its website to learn more. 

Top international routes

• Seattle
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Phoenix
• Denver
• Las Vegas
• Sacramento
• Seattle
• Salt Lake City
• San Jose

Main airlines

Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Horizon Air, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines

Terminals

Concourses A, B, and C are located in South Terminal, while Concourses E and F are in North Terminal. The South and North Terminals are divisions of one large building, and you can easily walk between them.

Location

Portland Airport is about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Downtown Portland. You can reach it via I-205 and I-84. It serves the greater area including Vancouver (Washington), Bend, Columbia River Gorge towns, and Salem.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $53 per day
• Medium cars - from $46 per day
• Large cars - from $45 per day
• SUVs - from $47 per day
• Premium cars - from $80 per day
• Vans - from $85 per day

Car rental desks

The rental car pickup and dropoff location changed in November 2021. The Rental Car Center is now a short walk from the baggage claim. When returning your car, follow the signs on the lower level of the roadway.

Services and facilities

You’ll find a variety of restaurants, fast food outlets, bars, and coffee shops, as well as all kinds of shops. Since the state of Oregon has no sales tax, basically all the stores in Portland Airport are duty free. You’ll also find ATMs, two currency exchanges, an on-site hotel, a children’s play area, baby changing rooms, a spa, a massage salon, a pharmacy, and a barber shop. The airport hosts frequent art exhibitions and live music shows. There’s a left luggage service near carousel 10, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. The facilities at Portland Airport are well equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. Special assistance and wheelchairs are also offered, but make sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service.

In 2024, the city is bringing back the iconic #PDXcarpet, an abstract green, blue, and purple pattern that was slowly stripped away as renovations took place. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy this world-famous pattern and snap a photo of your feet as you pad through the new terminal.

Nearest gas station

There is a 7Eleven at the airport, but keep in mind that its prices are significantly higher than those of other stations in the area. A Shell station located at the exit before the airport from I-205 (when coming from Downtown Portland is a viable alternative and will likely save you money).

Popular one-way rentals

• Bend (159 miles / 257 km)
• Salem (61 miles / 99 km)
• Eugene (123 miles / 198 km)
• Seattle (173 miles / 278 km)
• Redmond (142 miles / 229 km)
• Olympia (114 miles / 183 km)