Car rental in Portsmouth, United States

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Find cheap car rentals in Portsmouth

These are the cheapest Portsmouth car rental prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

Select your Portsmouth pickup location

There are 4 car rental providers in Portsmouth. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyHertz
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$108
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Portsmouth

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Portsmouth car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Portsmouth

  • Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Portsmouth. With prices averaging $109 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From economy models to full-size family cars, we'll help you find the right ride at the right price.

  • Daily rental prices in Portsmouth start from just $58.

  • Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from $319 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • Book early to snap up the best price for a Portsmouth car hire. On top of better deals, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.

  • The coverage offered for your Portsmouth car rental can vary between companies, so make sure you know what you're agreeing to. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Portsmouth.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car rental options right now

  • Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging $167 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around $137, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $136 a day with this supplier.

  • Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travelers visiting Portsmouth.

Compare car rental types in Portsmouth

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Portsmouth may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this Portsmouth car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Portsmouth big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Portsmouth car rental providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Portsmouth.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat rules differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your Portsmouth car rental reservation.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • For first-time drivers in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.

  • Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.

  • You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Portsmouth for drivers

  • Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying your stay at The Davenport Inn. About 0.32 kilometers from central Portsmouth, it comes with accessible parking, Wi-Fi and luggage storage.

  • The Sailmaker's House keeps guests happy with parking and features like a games room and room service. It's roughly 0.64 kilometers from the city center.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Portsmouth for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • Once you've found a car rental deal in Portsmouth and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Kick things off with big attractions such as Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke Museum and Water Country Water Park.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Portsmouth

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in Portsmouth is a mini passenger van. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car rental company in Portsmouth is currently Enterprise, followed by Hertz.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Portsmouth is currently February.
On average, around $809. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Portsmouth is $319.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Portsmouth for a whole month is $2,565. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Portsmouth, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Portsmouth that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Portsmouth.
Most places – Portsmouth included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $57 per day. The average price per day is around $106.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Hertz, Turo and Thrifty offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Portsmouth.