South Portland travel guide

South Portland Tourism | South Portland Guide

You're Going to Love South Portland

With a population of 25,002, South Portland is a must-see destination in Maine, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. South Portland deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in South Portland

If you’re looking for affordable options, Tuscan Table (390 Gorham Rd) and North43Bistro (1 Springpoint Drive) are great picks.

When to visit South Portland

South Portland in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Portland in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to South Portland

Plane

When flying to South Portland, you’ll arrive at Portland Airport (PWM), which is located 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to South Portland include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Frontier. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Islip and takes around 1h 30m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to South Portland.

Car

Another option to get to South Portland is to pick up a car rental from Boston, which is about 98 miles from South Portland. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Hertz, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Concord Coach Lines, FlixBus and Busbud. From Boston, the bus ride to South Portland takes 115 miles and will cost you around $32. From Bangor, the ticket costs about $31 for a journey of 130 miles. South Portland’s bus station is located 5 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to South Portland, you’ll arrive at Portland Airport (PWM), which is located 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to South Portland include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Frontier. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Islip and takes around 1h 30m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to South Portland.

Car

Another option to get to South Portland is to pick up a car rental from Boston, which is about 98 miles from South Portland. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Hertz, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Concord Coach Lines, FlixBus and Busbud. From Boston, the bus ride to South Portland takes 115 miles and will cost you around $32. From Bangor, the ticket costs about $31 for a journey of 130 miles. South Portland’s bus station is located 5 miles from the city center.

Airports near South Portland

Airlines serving South Portland

Lufthansa
Good (4,614 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (927 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,451 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,282 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $129 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $606 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of South Portland

Most booked hotels in South Portland

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
4 stars
Excellent (9, 618 reviews)
$228+
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 774 reviews)
$203+
Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area ME
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 498 reviews)
$129+
Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1016 reviews)
$140+
Aloft Portland, Me
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 721 reviews)
$147+
Casco Bay Hotel Ascend Hotel Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 232 reviews)
$97+

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $48 per day, on average, or $96 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 63% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in South Portland (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in South Portland is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Nissan Kicks or similar) are, on average, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $48 per day, on average, or $96 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 63% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in South Portland (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in South Portland is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Nissan Kicks or similar) are, on average, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.