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 January
Estimated hotel price
$94
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Portland in January
Estimated hotel price
$94
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 American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Charleston and takes around 2h 25m.

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 New York, expect to pay about $197 for a 10h 31m 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 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 New York, the bus ride to South Portland takes 579 km and will cost you around $190. From Washington, D.C., the ticket costs about $161 for a journey of 1360 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 American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Charleston and takes around 2h 25m.

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 New York, expect to pay about $197 for a 10h 31m 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 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 New York, the bus ride to South Portland takes 579 km and will cost you around $190. From Washington, D.C., the ticket costs about $161 for a journey of 1360 km. South Portland’s bus station is located 8 km from the city center.

Airports near South Portland

Airlines serving South Portland

Lufthansa
Good (8,009 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,517 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,986 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,449 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,373 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,948 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,219 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,588 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (913 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,737 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,570 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,726 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,781 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,191 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,058 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (408 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,396 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,252 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,332 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,376 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $102 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $1,138 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

Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1203 reviews)
$227+
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 377 reviews)
$173+
Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 714 reviews)
$106+
Aloft Portland, Me
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 620 reviews)
$158+
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 243 reviews)
$124+
Inn at St John
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1879 reviews)
$121+

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $66 per day, on average, or $132 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 23% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $66 per day, on average, or $132 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 23% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31.