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Car rental in Portage - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Portage

Portage

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Portage

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Portage

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Portage

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Portage?

Portage is a charming city with attractions both in and around its limits. While there are public transport options, a rental car provides unmatched convenience and flexibility, particularly if you plan to explore beyond the immediate city.

Explore Regional Gems. Many of the surrounding attractions are a short drive away. A rental car lets you visit these places without being tied to bus routes or tour schedules.

Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with family, luggage, or on business? A car simplifies getting around compared to public transportation or taxis.

Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car is often more economical than multiple bus or train tickets, especially for day trips outside Portage.

Independent Travel. Public transport adheres to fixed timetables, but a rental car allows you to go where you want, when you want. Enjoy a scenic drive or a spontaneous adventure with complete control over your itinerary.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Portage

Before you book a rental car in Portage, ensure you meet the minimum age (typically 21+), hold a valid driver's license, and comprehend the rental agreement, including insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply for optional extras or young drivers.

Area

Approximately 11.7 square miles

Population

Around 13,000 residents

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT)

Ideal for

Exploring the surrounding region

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commute times

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Portage require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for specific vehicle types. Young driver surcharges often apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is necessary for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. Ensure you also have your passport and a credit or debit card in your name.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is generally included in rentals, with additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter's credit card and refunded upon the vehicle's safe return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary—some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons such as GPS navigation and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Portage – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $12 / €11 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, leading to price increases of 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Typically offers discounts due to lower demand

*Additional costs might be incurred for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking in advance and comparing options can help secure better deals.

How to Book a Car in Portage?

Compare prices, select the right car, and understand the rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early ensures the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your license, credit card, and ID when you pick up your rental.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle requirements.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that meets your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city trips or an SUV for more rugged terrain.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and improved vehicle availability by booking early, particularly during peak travel periods.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Portage

Portage offers a blend of natural beauty and local charm. Ideal for exploring regional attractions, driving requires an understanding of local traffic patterns, parking, and access to fuel.

Portage is a friendly city known for its community spirit and proximity to natural attractions. Located conveniently, it provides a gateway to explore the wider area. While Portage itself is easily navigable, renting a car becomes invaluable if you plan to discover the surrounding parks, lakes, and smaller towns. Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations, fuel availability, and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Silver Lake

    A beautiful spot for recreation and relaxation.

  • Wisconsin Dells

    A popular tourist destination with waterparks and attractions.

  • Cascade Mountain

    Great for winter sports and scenic views.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Lots

    Available in downtown Portage and near major attractions, these lots provide convenient parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on some streets, so check signs for time limits and rates.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider parking outside the main areas and using local transport to reach central locations.

Gas Stations in Portage

  • Main Fuel Chains

    Find gas stations from brands like Shell, BP, and local providers in Portage.

  • Refueling

    Gas stations are conveniently located throughout the city and on major routes.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Tools like Google Maps can help you locate the nearest gas station in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Portage

  • Be Aware of Wildlife

    Watch out for deer and other animals, especially when driving during dawn and dusk.

  • Check Weather Conditions

    Be prepared for varying weather conditions, particularly during winter months.

  • Allow Extra Travel Time

    Traffic can be heavier during peak tourist seasons, so plan your trips accordingly.

  • Support Local Businesses

    Explore the local shops and restaurants to experience the authentic Portage community.

Key Transportation Hubs in Portage

Major Bus Stations

Portage Municipal Bus

Provides local bus services within the city and connections to nearby towns.

Railway Stations

Amtrak Station

Serves as a stop for Amtrak routes, providing rail connections to major cities.

Airports

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

Located in Madison, approximately 40 miles from Portage, offering regional and national flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Portage?

Renting a car in Portage is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements to get behind the wheel. Here's what you’ll need

  • If you're a resident, your standard driver's license is sufficient. International visitors may use their home-country license for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and additional fees may apply for those under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of photo identification may be required, especially for international renters.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Portage as

4.6

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Back in Portage after ages! So much has changed. The downtown area felt a bit…sparse, but it was great to revisit.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 01.06.2025

Quick trip to Portage to see friends was perfect! Getting around with a rental car made things so easy.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 03.06.2025

Efficient Portage business trip! Car rental was a breeze.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 29.11.2024

Pretty chill vibe

KW

Kevin Wilson

Reviewed: 02.08.2025

Portage visit was great! Seeing friends and exploring with my rental car made it easy and fun.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 17.08.2024

Portage felt so familiar, yet new! Getting around was easy, and I loved rediscovering this place after all these years.

AR

Ashley Roberts

Reviewed: 14.12.2024

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