Getting Around Portland


Portland is easily accessible from I-295 and offers various modes of transportation, including bus, taxi, train, and ferry services. It is also a 10-minute ride from the Portland Jetport (PWM). The city is perfect for walking while enjoying the historic buildings, water views, and working waterfront.

Below are directions to find the four major sections of our city by car. Portland offers METRO Bus services, garages, and designated metered parking options. There are many bike racks and paths to enjoy, as well as designated free moped & motorcycle parking. Get out on the water to enjoy Casco Bay on our ferries and tours!

The four major sections of Downtown Portland are the Arts District, covering most of Upper Congress Street to the West End; the Old Port, located along the cobblestone streets, fishing piers, and waterfront streets; the Government District, which includes City Hall and Historic Lincoln Park; and the Waterfront District, located on Portland’s wharves along the ocean.

The City of Portland & Tandem Mobility have teamed up to bring bike share to Portland Maine. With 200 bikes at over 40 stations and affordable pricing, exploring Portland has never been easier! Come Ride with Us!

Bike Option 2

Old Port

From I 295 (North or South), take exit 7 (Franklin Street). Follow Franklin, take a right on Middle Street for the Old Port, or continue straight to Commercial Street for the Waterfront.

Waterfront District

The Waterfront is seamlessly connected to the Old Port District. From I 295 (North or South), take exit 7 (Franklin Street). Follow Franklin and turn onto Commercial Street for the Waterfront.

Government District

Located along Congress Street, find Portland’s City Hall and Merrill Auditorium in the Government District. Visit Lincoln Park to view a historic fountain dating back to the 1870s.

Arts District

From I 295 (North or South), take exit 6A ME-100 S/Forest Ave. Follow Forest Ave until you end at Congress Street. The Arts District area runs along Congress Street to your left and right.

Parking


Transportation


METRO provides bus service throughout the Greater Portland region and makes convenient stops within walking distance of museums, shops, restaurants, historic landmarks, and other attractions. Connect to Casco Bay Ferry, Amtrak Downeaster, Portland Jetport, and other regional transportation options. Express bus service runs between Portland, Yarmouth, Freeport, and Brunswick. For schedules, maps, fare information, and more, click here or call 207-774-0351.

The Casco Bay Ferry carries passengers, vehicles, and freight between Portland, Maine, and the islands of Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long Island, Chebeague, and Cliff. It also offers scenic cruises, summertime music cruises, private charters, and lobster bakes. Ride the Casco Bay Ferry and see where the Maine coast really begins.

Concord Coach Lines serves points in New Hampshire and Maine to Boston’s South Station & Logan International Airport, as well as a direct route from Portland to Midtown Manhattan in New York City. 

The Downeaster operates daily round-trips between Brunswick, ME, and Boston, MA.

Maine’s largest airport, the Jetport, is compact and close to town: it occupies less than 700 acres and is just five miles from the heart of Portland.

Affordable bus travel from Greyhound

Cruise ships dock at both the new Ocean Gateway Terminal and the Maine State Pier near the foot of Commercial and Franklin Streets.

This is a collaboration between Portland & Tandem Mobility to bring bikeshares to Portland! Find over 40 stations with 200 bikes for convenient and affordable downtown transportation.

Getting Around Portland Header

Biking