Portland Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Portland is easily accessible via Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1, making it a straightforward drive from Boston (2 hours) or Portsmouth, NH (1 hour). The Amtrak Downeaster provides rail service from Boston with five daily round-trips, stopping at Portland's Transportation Center about 10 minutes from the ferry terminal. For those flying in, Portland International Jetport is just 15 minutes from downtown, with taxi and rideshare services readily available. The METRO bus system connects major transport hubs to the waterfront area, while ample parking is available near the ferry terminal for those arriving by car, though summer visitors should arrive early as spaces fill quickly.

Perched on a peninsula in Casco Bay, Portland blends New England charm with maritime heritage to create one of America's most vibrant coastal cities. Its historic Old Port district features cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, and working waterfront piers that have defined the city for centuries. As Maine's largest city and a key ferry hub, Portland offers visitors the perfect blend of urban sophistication and easy access to the region's stunning island communities.

Portland shines from June through September, when temperatures hover between 65-80°F and conditions for ferry excursions are optimal. Summer brings extended daylight hours and the most frequent ferry departures to surrounding islands. Fall (September-October) offers spectacular foliage and fewer crowds while maintaining reliable ferry schedules. Winter visits (December-March) showcase Portland's cozy side with snow-dusted landscapes, though some ferry routes operate on reduced schedules. May and early June provide good value with pleasant weather, lighter tourist numbers, and the beginning of peak ferry service.

Portland serves as the jumping-off point for exploring Maine's island communities. Peaks Island, just a 17-minute ferry ride away, offers scenic beaches, charming village streets, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for day trips. The longer journey to Chebeague Island (1 hour) rewards visitors with uncrowded beaches and a genuine Maine island experience. Bailey Island, accessible via a scenic ferry route, features dramatic rocky coastlines and the iconic Land's End gift shop. For the more adventurous, the Maine State Ferry Service connects to several Down East islands, making Portland a practical base for island-hopping adventures throughout Casco Bay.

Portland's compact, walkable downtown invites exploration, starting with the Old Port district where historic brick buildings house good restaurants, craft breweries, and unique shops. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss the chance to sample Maine's lobster rolls at Portland Lobster Company or the seafood dishes at Eventide Oyster Co. Art lovers will appreciate the Portland Museum of Art and the galleries along Congress Street. For views of Casco Bay, stroll the Eastern Promenade's waterfront path. Before or after your ferry journey, explore the Victoria Mansion or take a guided tour of the Portland Observatory for insights into the city's maritime history.

Portland's name isn't as straightforward as it seems, it was actually named after the Isle of Portland in England, not its more famous Oregon namesake which came later. The city has risen from ashes multiple times, having been destroyed by fire four separate times, earning it the phoenix on its city seal and the nickname 'The Phoenix of the East.' Portland has more restaurants per capita than nearly any other U.S. city except San Francisco, making it a notable foodie destination. The iconic Portland Head Light, commissioned by George Washington in 1791 and located just outside the city in Cape Elizabeth, is the most photographed lighthouse in America.