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

Where to Eat in South Portland

If you’re looking for affordable options, Sea Dog Brewing Co. - So. Portland (125 Western Ave) and David's 388 (388 Cottage Rd) 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, Alaska Airlines and Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Charleston and takes around 2h 21m.

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 Turo and Movly, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Concord Coach Lines, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Boston, the bus ride to South Portland takes 115 miles and will cost you around $54. From New York, the ticket costs about $170 for a journey of 360 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 Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Charleston and takes around 2h 21m.

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 Turo and Movly, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Portland, including Concord Coach Lines, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Boston, the bus ride to South Portland takes 115 miles and will cost you around $54. From New York, the ticket costs about $170 for a journey of 360 miles. South Portland’s bus station is located 5 miles from the city center.

Airports near South Portland

Airlines serving South Portland

KLM
Good (1,410 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,562 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,004 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,508 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,037 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,781 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,012 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,007 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,661 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,405 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,486 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (864 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,429 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,288 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,570 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,056 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,335 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,135 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,260 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,393 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $113 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

Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1724 reviews)
$88+
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1183 reviews)
$124+
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1639 reviews)
$103+
The Westin Portland Harborview
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 990 reviews)
$108+
Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 684 reviews)
$101+
Home2 Suites by Hilton Portland Airport ME
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 569 reviews)
$129+

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $41 per day, on average, or $82 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 68% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $41 per day, on average, or $82 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 68% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51.