Find The Best PDX Airport Rental Car Deals By Using These Insider Booking Tips

Renting a car at Portland International Airport (PDX) provides convenient transportation for Oregon travelers. While PDX rental branch locations are plentiful, pricing can vary greatly by company and vehicle type. Savvy renters can uncover big savings with insider knowledge of the Portland airport rental market.

This detailed guide unlocks tips, tricks and hacks for scoring the cheapest PDX airport rental car. Learn how to compare rates across providers, find coupons and deals, avoid extra fees, and get the best rental experience in Portland.

Overview of PDX Rental Car Locations

Most major nationwide rental brands operate branches within Portland International Airport's terminal:

• Alamo - Counter located in the airport garage Level 1 ticketing lobby.
• Avis - Pickup desk on airport garage Level 4, take elevator from baggage claim.
• Budget - Counter situated upstairs Level 4 in short-term parking garage.
• Dollar - Booth upstairs Level 4 of hourly parking garage, take elevators or stairs.
• Enterprise - Agency located on the airport garage Level 1 ticketing level.
• Hertz - Primary counter downstairs on the airport garage Level 1 ticketing floor.
• National - Located upstairs on Level 4 of the short-term parking garage.

Kiosks are also available in the baggage claim area to start the pickup process for some providers before heading to their desk. Offsite rental locations requiring a shuttle ride also serve Portland Airport.

Cost to Rent a Car at PDX Airport

Daily rental car rates at PDX vary by vehicle type, demand seasons, booking timing, and added services. Here are typical sample PDX rates:

Car Class	Average Cost Per Day
Economy	$45 - $75
Compact	$50 - $85
Midsize	$70 - $120
Standard SUV	$100 - $175
Full Size	$125 - $225

Renting for a full week lowers the per day rate, while add-ons like GPS or extra insurance increase costs. Always compare total quote pricing across rental companies.

How to Get the Cheapest PDX Car Rental

The key strategies for securing the lowest rental rates include:

• Advance booking - Reserve 21-56 days prior to pickup for best rates on travel weeks. Last minute deals can happen too.
• Prepay - Paying upfront yields discounts over pay later options. Just ensure prepaid fee is refundable if plans change.
• Price compare - Check rates across all on-airport and local Portland rental companies. Significant variances exist.
• Rental coupons - Search for Portland Airport rental coupon codes which offer percent savings off base rates.
• Join loyalty programs - Sign up for rental company member programs to receive discounted member pricing.
• Limit insurance - Decline extra insurance if your own auto policy or credit card covers rentals.

Taking advantage of these savings opportunities yields the best PDX rental car values.

Insider Tips for the Cheapest PDX Car Rentals

In addition to general money saving strategies, utilize these Portland Airport specific hacks:

• Rent just off-airport to avoid airport fees and taxes adding 10-25% to costs.
• Book one-way rentals with downtown pickup and airport dropoff to dodge surcharges.
• Join rental corporate codes for discounted business, government and org rates.
• Reserve larger vehicles like vans and trucks which have lower demand and better deals in Portland.
• Consider Turo, GetAround or other car share apps for hourly rentals under 4 hours.
• PDX rental prices are lowest in Jan-Feb off-season and higher in peak summer.

Doing homework on the Portland market unlocks extra savings opportunities.

Added Fees to Watch For on PDX Rentals

While base rates may seem reasonable, extra charges at the rental counter can balloon costs. Watch for fees like:

• Airport concession recovery fees - 11.1% added tax
• Vehicle licensing recovery fees - $2 per day passed on cost
• Energy recovery fees - $1 per day for fuel costs
• Additional driver fees - $10-$15 per day for other drivers.
• Young renter surcharges - Under 25 upcharges
• Late return or early return - Outside grace period adds extra day

Understand the full rate details to avoid surprises tacking on fees upon pickup.

Age Requirements for PDX Car Rentals

Most rental companies at Portland Airport require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with those under 25 incurring daily surcharges around $25. Some policies include:

• Alamo/National - Minimum age 21, fee for under 25
• Avis - Minimum age 25 to avoid young renter fee
• Budget - Age 21 but charge added under 25 fee
• Dollar - Age 20 with hefty young driver surcharge
• Hertz - Minimum rental age 20 with additional fee

So while legally able to rent at 18 or 19 in Oregon, underage additional charges make it far more expensive.

Driver’s License Requirements for PDX Car Rentals

Along with the minimum age requirements, renting a car at Portland Airport requires:

• Presenting a valid driver’s license
• License must have been held for at least 1 year
• License must be in renter's name matching reservation
• International travelers require valid foreign license and passport

Some rental locations also accept other officially-issued IDs like passports. Double check qualifications before booking to avoid issues at pickup.

Debit Cards for PDX Car Rentals

Most PDX rental locations accept valid debit cards to reserve and pickup vehicles with some caveats:

• Debit card must have either the Visa or Mastercard logo
• Card holder's name must match the reservation
• Some insurers restrict debit cards for renters under 25
• Available credit limit must cover rental deposit amount
• Proof of return travel like airline ticket may be required

Calling rental branches directly in advance regarding debit card policies prevents problems. Bring a backup credit card just in case.

Insurance Requirements for PDX Car Rentals

Oregon law requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/20 for rented vehicles. However, most rental companies include basic liability coverage in their base rates. Consider extra products:

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) - Covers damage to rental car. Optional if you have adequate personal auto insurance and credit card coverage.
• Supplemental liability - Extra liability beyond state minimums for around $10 per day.
• Personal accident - Provides medical coverage for driver and passengers similar to PIP.

Accepting extra coverage may make sense depending on your existing insurance policies. But it quickly escalates rental costs.

One Way Airport Rentals at PDX

Renting one-way with pickup downtown and dropoff at PDX airport (or vice versa) adds convenient flexibility. However, significant one-way fees typically apply:

• Alamo charges $250 one way between PDX and downtown Portland
• Avis tacks on $200 for a Portland airport one way
• Budget adds $200 plus $20 per day for a PDX one way
• Hertz slaps on $250-$300 depending on final dropoff location

Sometimes regular rates can be cheaper than one-way base rates plus the additional airport fees. Check both options.

Weather Considerations for PDX Car Rentals

Portland's rainy climate demands extra caution driving rental cars:

• Add supplemental liability insurance for peace of mind if unfamiliar driving in wet conditions.
• Inspect tires carefully and request an alternate vehicle if treads seem inadequate for slick roads.
• Adjust driving habits by reducing speed, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.
• Turn off wipers and lights upon returning rental to prevent battery drain or fire risk.

Taking a few extra precautions ensures your PDX rental experience goes smoothly despite Portland's infamous rainfall.

Alternative Portland Transportation Options

Besides renting a car, Portland offers affordable transportation alternatives:

• MAX Light Rail – Links PDX to downtown and suburbs. $2.50 per ride.
• Trimet Buses – Extensive metro Portland bus system. $2.50-$5 per trip.
• Uber/Lyft – Rideshares to or from airport average $35 each way.
• Taxis – $40 flat rates from PDX to downtown Portland plus tips.
• Biketown Bikeshare – Bike rental stations around the city. $0.15 per minute.

Crunching numbers on total trip costs helps choose the best local transportation deal.

Best Rental Cars for Portland Sightseeing

When renting a car to tour Portland attractions, these vehicle types make sense:

• Compact Cars – Easy parking at sites like the numerous food truck pods around the city. Decent fuel economy for cruising around.
• Convertibles – For enjoying sunny days with the top down on the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway.
• SUVs – Provide more seating and cargo room when traveling with family. Help access hiking trailheads.
• Sports Cars – Fun splurge for driving along twisty riverside roads outside the city.

Choose a rental to match your Portland itinerary plans and group size needs.

Early Bird vs Last Minute Portland Airport Rental Deals

Early Bird Benefits

• Guaranteed availability of car class needed
• Lock in lowest base rental rates
• More prepaid discount opportunities
• Advance chance to find coupon codes
• Less stress about arrangements

Last Minute Benefits

• Possible grab leftover inventory not booked
• Take advantage of rate drops due to low demand weeks
• No change fees if trip gets cancelled or altered
• Can base decision on accurate weather forecasts

Booking early brings peace of mind while waiting for last minute deals poses risks. Weigh options carefully when timing Portland Airport rental reservations.

Portland Airport Rental Car Return Tips

Follow these handy tips when returning your PDX rental vehicle:

• Have your rental agreement handy to reference upon arrival.
• Return with a full tank of gas to avoid refueling charges.
• Arrive early and give yourself ample time to walk to the rental counter - PDX is a huge airport!
• Note exact mileage and tank level on printed return receipt.
• Double check no personal items are left behind in car.
• Inspect vehicle with agent for any new damages needing documentation.
• Only exit the vehicle when instructed to avoid additional rental days being charged.

Properly closing out your PDX rental and catching departing flights gets easier following this guidance.

How to Save Money on Portland Airport Parking

Parking on-site at PDX can be pricey. Ways to reduce parking costs:

• Use PDX economy lots and garages instead of terminal and short-term parking.
• Compare daily vs weekly airport parking rates based on the full trip length.
• Use off-airport private lots with free airport shuttles for extended trips.
• Have someone drop you off/pick you up at departures instead of leaving a vehicle parked.
• Ask your hotel about package deals to add discounted airport parking to room bookings.

Avoiding the high daily terminal garage rates saves a bundle on parking expenses.

FAQs

What is the cheapest car rental company at PDX Airport?

Off-airport rental providers like Advantage Rent a Car often have the lowest total rates once airport fees are factored in.

Does PDX Airport assess extra rental car fees?

Yes, rentals picked up at PDX pay an 11.1% airport concession recovery fee plus a $2 per day vehicle license fee.

How old do I need to be to rent at Portland Airport?

Most agencies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Those under 25 will pay added daily surcharges.

Can I take a PDX rental car into Washington State?

Yes, just notify the rental counter at pickup that you plan to cross the border so proper registration documents are provided.

Are there any car rental options at the PDX MAX train station?

Unfortunately there are not rental facilities directly at the MAX Red Line PDX airport stop. You need to take the train into the terminal.

https://wiack.com/car-rental-portland-airport/?feed_id=26532&_unique_id=64f4ba8f6193d #Wiack #Car #CarInsurance #CarRental #CarPrice #AutoLoans