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, Alaska Airlines and Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Nashville and takes around 2h 24m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving South Portland, followed by Acela. The train journey from South Portland to Wells takes 1h 51m and costs around $25 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Haven, expect to pay about $22 for a 2h 22m 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 Bus, OurBus and FlixBus. From New York, the bus ride to South Portland takes 235 miles and will cost you around $21. 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, Alaska Airlines and Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Nashville and takes around 2h 24m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving South Portland, followed by Acela. The train journey from South Portland to Wells takes 1h 51m and costs around $25 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Haven, expect to pay about $22 for a 2h 22m 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 Bus, OurBus and FlixBus. From New York, the bus ride to South Portland takes 235 miles and will cost you around $21. 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

KLM
Good (1,405 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,518 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,982 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,468 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,772 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,023 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,997 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,994 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,477 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,383 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,657 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (863 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,349 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,537 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,282 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,134 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,161 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,333 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,038 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,387 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

See all
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1175 reviews)
$164+
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Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1713 reviews)
$96+
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The Westin Portland Harborview
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 990 reviews)
$119+
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Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 681 reviews)
$101+
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Portland Airport ME
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 562 reviews)
$129+
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Comfort Inn South Portland Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8, 993 reviews)
$109+
View

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $86 per day, on average, or $171 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 4% more expensive than at Boston Logan Intl.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72. The most frequently booked car type in South Portland is Economy (Kia Rio or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 4% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $86 per day, on average, or $171 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 4% more expensive than at Boston Logan Intl.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72. The most frequently booked car type in South Portland is Economy (Kia Rio or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 4% 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.