$83 Car Rental Portsmouth, NH

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth grants you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and families looking to manage luggage easily while enjoying scenic drives. With your own vehicle, you can conveniently visit popular attractions such as Long Sands Beach, located 10 miles away, or the historic Nubble Lighthouse, which is 11 miles from Portsmouth. The University of New Hampshire, also 10 miles away, offers cultural experiences for those interested in local history. Additionally, you can venture to nearby cities like Kittery, just 2 miles from Portsmouth, featuring The Music Hall and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club, or head to York Beach, which is 10 miles away and offers charming coastal experiences. For a lively atmosphere, Hampton, located 10 miles from Portsmouth, boasts Hampton Beach and Casino Ballroom. A rental car makes it all possible, allowing you to explore these wonderful destinations with ease and comfort, making your trip memorable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in Portsmouth

• Economy: An ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, and families, economy cars comfortably fit 5 travelers and accommodate up to 2 medium suitcases. Their compact size makes them easy to maneuver, especially in urban areas like Portsmouth, while providing the freedom to explore the scenic surroundings at your own pace. This option is perfect for those looking for affordability without sacrificing comfort.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, midsize SUVs offer ample space for up to 5 travelers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases. This car type is particularly well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who need extra room for gear or luggage. With a midsize SUV, you can enjoy the flexibility to navigate both city streets and scenic routes around Portsmouth comfortably.
• Compact: A great option for solo travelers, couples, or families, compact cars can accommodate up to 5 travelers and up to 3 medium suitcases. Their smaller size makes them easy to park while still providing enough room for your luggage. This makes compact cars an excellent choice for those looking to explore Portsmouth and its surroundings efficiently, without the bulk of larger vehicles.

Top rated car suppliers in Portsmouth

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations conveniently situated in and around Portsmouth, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. Known for friendly service, this supplier boasts an overall rating of 7 out of 10. The most booked vehicles from Enterprise are Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, providing options for various travel needs. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore the area at your own pace.

Where to go in and around Portsmouth

• Kittery: Located only 2 miles from Portsmouth, Kittery offers a charming blend of outdoor activities and scenic spots. Visitors can explore attractions like The Music Hall, an arts center that showcases cultural performances, or enjoy a round at the Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club. Long Sands Beach, a popular beach destination, provides opportunities for sunbathing and relaxation. Kittery is a great choice for families and those looking to experience local shopping and dining, especially during the peak season from June to August.
• York Beach: About 10 miles away from Portsmouth, York Beach is renowned for its beautiful coastline and family-friendly atmosphere. This destination is particularly vibrant from June to August, when the number of travelers peaks. Key highlights include Long Sands Beach, perfect for a beach vacation, and the historic Nubble Lighthouse, ideal for culture enthusiasts. For outdoor lovers, Perkins Cove offers stunning scenery and a relaxing bay experience. York Beach is perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
• Hampton: Situated 10 miles from Portsmouth, Hampton is another excellent option for travelers, especially during the high season from June to August. It boasts attractions like Hampton Beach, which is well-suited for beach vacations, and the Casino Ballroom, an arena entertainment facility. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Hampton Beach State Park, perfect for adventure and scenic views. Families will find plenty of recreational areas and activities to enjoy, making Hampton a versatile destination for visitors.

10 tips to save on your Portsmouth car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to accommodate extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers younger than 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides added peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy 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 additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Portsmouth

The best value period to rent a car in and around Portsmouth is January, when both prices and demand are low. March also offers slightly low prices with moderate demand, making it a good choice. From April to June, prices and demand level out to average, providing a balanced rental experience. However, July emerges as the most expensive month, characterized by higher demand and pricing, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	27.3°F (-2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
March	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	33.6°F (0.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Portsmouth

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Portsmouth into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Portsmouth and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Portsmouth

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Portsmouth. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Portsmouth

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $83.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals