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
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Portland in January
Estimated hotel price
$93
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, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 2h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving South Portland, followed by Acela. The train journey from South Portland to Mystic takes 1h 42m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 4h 08m 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 OurBus, FlixBus and CoachRun. From Portland, the bus ride to South Portland takes 130 miles and will cost you around $27. From New York, the ticket costs about $54 for a journey of 238 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, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 2h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving South Portland, followed by Acela. The train journey from South Portland to Mystic takes 1h 42m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 4h 08m 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 OurBus, FlixBus and CoachRun. From Portland, the bus ride to South Portland takes 130 miles and will cost you around $27. From New York, the ticket costs about $54 for a journey of 238 miles. South Portland’s bus station is located 5 miles from the city center.

Airports near South Portland

Airlines serving South Portland

KLM
Good (1,454 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,784 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,739 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,203 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,216 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,872 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,115 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,289 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,734 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,534 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,516 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (896 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,682 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,717 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,179 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,394 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,362 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,162 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (384 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,882 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $79 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $382 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

Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 376 reviews)
$91+
Hyatt Place Portland Old Port
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1526 reviews)
$103+
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1196 reviews)
$105+
Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 833 reviews)
$94+
Tru by Hilton Portland Airport Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 701 reviews)
$80+
Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1771 reviews)
$79+

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $47 per day, on average, or $94 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $47 per day, on average, or $94 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48.