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Getting Around Portland

Getting Around Portland

Portland Maine, USA Travel Guide

Public Transportation: Greater Portland METRO

The Greater Portland METRO bus system offers a convenient and affordable way to get around the city and to nearby towns like Westbrook and Falmouth. It is Portland's main public transit provider, connecting attractions, neighborhoods, and commercial centers.

The main transfer hub is the Elm Street Pulse in downtown Portland, where most METRO routes converge. Route maps and detailed schedules are available on the Greater Portland METRO website (gpmetro.org), and paper maps are also available at the Elm Street Pulse and the Portland Visitor Center. All METRO buses are wheelchair accessible.

Fares & Accessibility

  • Single Fare: $1.50 - $2.00 (exact cash required on board).
  • Day Pass: Approximately $4.00 - $5.00 for unlimited 24-hour rides.
  • Payment: Use cash or the Umo Mobile App for convenient mobile ticketing and real-time tracking.
  • Accessibility: All buses are equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair access.

Route 5 Jetport LINK

Connects downtown Portland with Portland International Jetport (PWM).

Route 7

Provides service to areas near Portland Head Light (requires a walk from the stop) and South Portland.

Hours & Frequency

Buses generally run from early morning to late evening, with reduced weekend/holiday service.

Tips for Navigating METRO

Pre-Planning & Payment
  • Download the Umo App for real-time bus tracking and mobile ticketing.
  • Plan your route in advance using Google Maps or the METRO trip planner.
  • Have exact cash ready if you prefer paying on the bus, as drivers do not make change.
On-Board Etiquette
  • Signal the bus at designated stops to confirm you wish to board.
  • Be patient; buses can experience delays due to traffic.
  • The Umo app provides real-time bus tracking.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Identification

Look for yellow vehicles or "TAXI" signage with a visible meter.

Hailing

Hail on street in high-traffic areas or find at designated stands.

Fares & Payment

Metered fares. Most accept cash and credit cards.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are widely available; use their apps for service.

Rental Options

Renting a car offers maximum flexibility for exploring Portland and surrounding regions. Other rental options cater to specific interests.

Car Rental

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP if not English), major credit card, minimum age 21 (under 25 may incur surcharge).
  • Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National at PWM and some downtown locations.
  • Booking: Book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Compare prices online (e.g. DiscoverCars.com).
  • Insurance: Consider rental car insurance for damage or liability.

Driving Laws & Parking

  • Driving Laws: Standard U.S. Laws (drive on right, seatbelts mandatory, no handheld cell phones).
  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained, but Old Port has cobblestones. Winter roads can be snowy/icy.
  • Parking: Challenging and expensive downtown. On-street metered parking (pay stations or Passport Parking app) or public parking garages.
  • Motorcycle/Scooter/Bike: Limited motorcycle/scooter rentals. Several shops offer daily bike rentals (no city-wide bike share).

Walking & Cycling

  • Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Downtown & Old Port are highly walkable. Eastern Promenade (2.1 miles paved trail) and Back Cove Trail (3.5 miles loop) are excellent for walks/bikes.
  • Walking Tours: Guided tours (history, culinary, ghost) and self-guided maps are available.
  • Bicycle Infrastructure: Increasing network of dedicated bike lanes; Eastern Promenade and Back Cove trails are excellent for safe cycling.
  • Safety: Always wear a Helmet (recommended for adults, required for under 16). Be aware of traffic, follow laws, use lights at night.
  • No-Go Areas: No specific "no-go" areas. Use caution on busy streets without dedicated bike lanes/sidewalks, especially at peak traffic. Use marked crosswalks.
  • Bike Rentals: Several local shops offer daily or multi-day bike rentals including electric bikes.

Specialized Transportation & Accessibility

Tour Buses & Trolleys

Old Port Trolley Tours offer narrated tours of Portland's historic sites and attractions.

Boat Taxis & Charters

Casco Bay Lines ferries transport to islands. Private operators offer water taxi services or harbor tours.

Accessibility Services

Greater Portland METRO buses are ADA-compliant. Historic areas may have challenges; check specific venues.

Travel Planning Tip

Portland's compact nature means many areas are accessible by walking or cycling.

For longer distances, the public bus system or ride-shares are good choices.