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 6 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to South Portland include JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Raleigh and takes around 1h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to South Portland. The train journey from South Portland to Boston takes 2h 30m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Newark, expect to pay about $119 for a 9h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to South Portland is to pick up a car rental from Boston, which is about 157 km from South Portland. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Kyte, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Concord Coach Lines, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Boston, the bus ride to South Portland takes 185 km and will cost you around $32. From Bangor, the ticket costs about $62 for a journey of 386 km. South Portland’s bus station is located 8 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to South Portland, you’ll arrive at Portland Airport (PWM), which is located 6 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to South Portland include JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Raleigh and takes around 1h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to South Portland. The train journey from South Portland to Boston takes 2h 30m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Newark, expect to pay about $119 for a 9h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to South Portland is to pick up a car rental from Boston, which is about 157 km from South Portland. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Kyte, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Concord Coach Lines, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Boston, the bus ride to South Portland takes 185 km and will cost you around $32. From Bangor, the ticket costs about $62 for a journey of 386 km. South Portland’s bus station is located 8 km from the city center.

Airports near South Portland

Airlines serving South Portland

Lufthansa
Good (4,697 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (954 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,586 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,269 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (491 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,599 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,957 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,437 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,935 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (224 reviews)
Finnair
Good (863 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,170 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (820 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,725 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $152 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $671 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, 637 reviews)
$320+
Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area ME
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 486 reviews)
$163+
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 753 reviews)
$268+
Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1043 reviews)
$217+
Aloft Portland, Me
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 747 reviews)
$208+
Home2 Suites By Hilton Portland Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 511 reviews)
$180+

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $62 per day, on average, or $124 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 39% 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 Standard rental cars (Toyota Tacoma or similar) are, on average, 58% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $62 per day, on average, or $124 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 39% 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 Standard rental cars (Toyota Tacoma or similar) are, on average, 58% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.