Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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.

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Activities & attractions in South Portland

The Axe Pit - Axe Throwing, Beer Garden, Game Lounge
Activities•Fun & Games

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 December
Estimated hotel price
$99
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Portland in December
Estimated hotel price
$99
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, Air France and JetBlue. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 3h 13m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving South Portland, followed by Acela. The train journey from South Portland to Providence takes 0h 45m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 4h 09m trip.

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 Turo and Movly, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus and CoachRun. From New York, the bus ride to South Portland takes 235 miles and will cost you around $41. From Rensselaer, the ticket costs about $32 for a journey of 305 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, Air France and JetBlue. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 3h 13m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving South Portland, followed by Acela. The train journey from South Portland to Providence takes 0h 45m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 4h 09m trip.

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 Turo and Movly, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus and CoachRun. From New York, the bus ride to South Portland takes 235 miles and will cost you around $41. From Rensselaer, the ticket costs about $32 for a journey of 305 miles. South Portland’s bus station is located 5 miles from the city center.

Airports near South Portland

BOSBoston Logan Intl
PWMPortland
MHTManchester

Airlines serving South Portland

Lufthansa
Good (7,409 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,386 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,367 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,961 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,737 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,966 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,925 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,925 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,339 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,622 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,156 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,486 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,117 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,251 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,896 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,324 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (998 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (359 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $118 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $702 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Portland By IHG and Best Western Merry Manor Inn.

Where to stay in popular areas of South Portland

Most booked hotels in South Portland

See all
Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1696 reviews)
$114+
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Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1166 reviews)
$175+
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Aloft Portland, Me
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 559 reviews)
$120+
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Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 675 reviews)
$101+
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Home2 Suites By Hilton Portland Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 553 reviews)
$129+
View
Comfort Inn Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8, 961 reviews)
$109+
View

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $35 per day, on average, or $71 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 94% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. The most frequently booked car type in South Portland is Premium (RAM Pickup or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Nissan Versa or similar) are, on average, 79% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $35 per day, on average, or $71 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 94% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. The most frequently booked car type in South Portland is Premium (RAM Pickup or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Nissan Versa or similar) are, on average, 79% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in South Portland

South Portland Travel Guide - View the KAYAK South Portland city guide for the best South Portland travel tips. To help you organize your South Portland trip ideas, this South Portland visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.