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 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to South Portland include American Airlines, Delta and Southwest. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Columbus and takes around 1h 51m.

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.

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 Southwest. The shortest domestic flight to South Portland departs from Columbus and takes around 1h 51m.

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.

Airports near South Portland

Airlines serving South Portland

Lufthansa
Good (8,078 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,530 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,055 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,419 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,409 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,971 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,238 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,610 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,862 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (937 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,591 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,835 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,221 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,201 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,412 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (412 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,454 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,382 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,285 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Portland

Average rates range from around $139 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $794 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 (8.7, 377 reviews)
$286+
Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1831 reviews)
$221+
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1741 reviews)
$267+
The Westin Portland Harborview
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1014 reviews)
$243+
Comfort Inn South Portland Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8, 1083 reviews)
$99+
Home2 Suites by Hilton Portland Airport ME
3 stars
Excellent (8, 597 reviews)
$167+

Renting a car in South Portland

Renting a car in South Portland costs $75 per day, on average, or $150 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 28% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $4.47 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 $53.60 and $71.47. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in South Portland, while also 46% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in South Portland costs $75 per day, on average, or $150 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 28% cheaper than airport locations in South Portland.

Expect to pay $4.47 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 $53.60 and $71.47. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in South Portland, while also 46% cheaper than other types, on average.