You just landed at Logan. Your bags are (hopefully) circling the carousel, and now you’ve got to figure out how to bridge the 100-mile gap between Boston airport to Portland Maine. Most people just pull up a map app, see a straight line up I-95, and figure it’s a breeze. It is. Sorta. But if you hit the Tobin Bridge at 4:30 PM on a Friday? You’re going to have a bad time.
New England travel is all about timing and knowing which specific bus gate or train platform actually gets you where you need to be without a meltdown.
The Reality of Driving the Route
If you’re renting a car, you’re looking at about a two-hour drive. Sometimes less if the state troopers are elsewhere and the road is clear. You’ll exit Logan and immediately face the Sumner Tunnel. Just a heads up—MassDOT has been doing massive renovation work on the Sumner for years. While the 2024-2025 summer closures are technically behind us, the ripple effects on traffic patterns around the airport are still annoying.
Once you’re out of the tunnel, you’re basically following I-95 North the whole way. You’ll cross the Piscataqua River Bridge into Kittery, Maine. It’s a massive green structure. You can't miss it. That’s the moment you actually feel like you’re on vacation.
But here’s the thing: the tolls are real. You’ll hit the Hampton toll plaza in New Hampshire and the York toll in Maine. If your rental car doesn’t have E-ZPass, they’ll bill you by mail, often with a "convenience fee" that’s anything but convenient. Honestly, just get the transponder.
Parking is the Portland Secret
When you finally arrive, don’t expect easy street parking in the Old Port. It’s tight. Cobblestones everywhere. Most travelers from Boston airport to Portland Maine end up in the Casco Bay Lines garage or the Fore Street garage. It’s pricey, but better than a ticket from a very efficient Portland parking officer.
Why the Concord Coach Lines is the Secret Winner
Most frequent flyers don't drive. They take the bus. Specifically, the Concord Coach Lines.
It sounds weird to suggest a bus as a "premium" experience, but this isn't some sketchy cross-country Greyhound. The Concord Coach picks up right at the terminal curbside at Logan. You look for the orange and white signs. It’s incredibly easy.
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The bus has power outlets, decent Wi-Fi, and—this is the kicker—they usually give you a little snack and a bottle of water. It drops you off at the Portland Transportation Center (PTC). From there, it’s a $10 Uber to any hotel downtown.
Pro tip: If you're traveling during the holidays or a big summer weekend, buy your ticket online in advance. They do sell out. The "Logan Express" is a different thing entirely; don't get on that unless you want to end up in a suburban Boston parking lot. You want the one that specifically says "Portland" or "Bangor" on the digital display.
The Amtrak Downeaster: Great Views, Complex Logistics
People love trains. I love trains. The Amtrak Downeaster is a beautiful way to see the coastline, but it’s not the most direct way to get from Boston airport to Portland Maine.
Why? Because the train doesn't leave from the airport. It doesn't even leave from South Station (where most trains go). It leaves from North Station.
To get from Logan to North Station, you have to:
- Hop the Blue Line on the "T."
- Switch to the Orange Line at State Street.
- Get off at North Station.
- Or take a $25 Uber through city traffic.
If you have three suitcases, this is a nightmare. However, if you have time to kill and want to grab a cannoli in the North End first, the train ride is stunning. It cuts through salt marshes and stops in cute towns like Exeter and Old Orchard Beach.
Is There a Flight?
Technically, yes, you can find connections, but honestly? Don't. By the time you clear security at Logan, wait for a regional jet, fly for 35 minutes, and land at Portland International Jetport (PWM), you could have driven there twice.
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The only reason to fly is if your ticket is booked as a single itinerary from somewhere like London or LA and the connection is seamless. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time in terminal seating when you could be eating a lobster roll at Eventide.
Seasonal Hazards and What to Expect
New England weather isn't a joke. If you're making the trek from Boston airport to Portland Maine between December and March, check the "Nor'easter" reports.
- Winter: I-95 is well-plowed, but the stretch near the New Hampshire/Maine border gets very windy. Black ice is a genuine threat near the Kennebunk area.
- Summer: Friday afternoons are a parking lot. Everyone from Boston is "heading camp" (going to their lake houses or coastal rentals). If you leave Logan at 3:00 PM on a Friday in July, that 2-hour drive becomes 4 hours.
- Fall: Leaf peepers. They drive slow. They pull over randomly to take photos of trees. Be patient.
Breaking Down the Costs
Let’s be real about the budget.
A one-way rental car with a different drop-off location (Logan to Portland) can easily run you $150 to $200 with fees and gas. The bus is roughly $30-$40. The train is similar, usually around $25-$35 depending on how early you book.
If you're a solo traveler, the bus is the logical choice. If you're a family of four, the rental car wins for the sake of your sanity.
Private Car Services
There are companies like Mermaid Transportation or various limo services. They’re great if you have the budget ($300+), but for most of us, they’re a luxury. They do offer door-to-door service, which is nice if you're heading to a specific rental house in Cape Elizabeth or Falmouth and don't want to deal with the PTC bus station.
Common Misconceptions About the Route
A lot of people think they can just "wing it" with a rideshare like Uber or Lyft from Boston airport to Portland Maine.
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Can you find a driver? Maybe.
Will they be happy? Absolutely not.
Most Uber drivers will see a 100-mile trip that takes them out of their Massachusetts licensing zone and cancel the ride. They can't pick up passengers in Maine to head back, so they’re looking at a 2-hour "deadhead" drive home for no pay. If you do find a driver willing to do it, expect to pay north of $200, and you should probably tip them heavily for the trouble.
Another myth: "The train is faster."
It’s not. The Downeaster has a top speed that’s respectable, but with all the stops, it takes about 2.5 hours from North Station. Add the transit time from Logan to North Station, and you’re looking at a 3.5-hour journey.
Essential Stops if You’re Driving
If you opted for the car, don't just hammer through.
Stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s roughly the halfway point. It’s a walkable, historic brick city with some of the best coffee shops in the region. Check out Ceres Bakery or grabbed a quick sandwich at The Friendly Toast.
In Kittery, right after you cross the bridge into Maine, you'll see the outlets. If you need gear for the Maine outdoors, the Kittery Trading Post is a massive, locally-owned alternative to the big-box stores. It’s a landmark.
The "Secret" Coastal Route
If you have an extra hour, get off I-95 at exit 7 in Maine and take Route 1 instead. You’ll go through Ogunaquit and Kennebunkport. It’s slow. There are many traffic lights. But you get to see the actual ocean, which you won't see from the highway.
Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
- Check the Sumner Tunnel Status: Before you even leave the terminal, check Google Maps for the "Sumner Tunnel" traffic. If it's backed up, use the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) to loop around.
- Download the Concord Coach App: Or just bookmark their schedule. Their "Logan to Portland" route is officially titled the "Maine Coastal" or "Boston Express" depending on the specific line, but the Portland arrivals are frequent.
- Get Your Maine Toll Pass: If you're a frequent visitor, an E-ZPass is essential. If not, make sure your rental agreement covers "PlatePass" or similar, but be wary of the daily fees.
- Pin the Portland Transportation Center: If taking the bus or train, remember this is NOT downtown. You will need a ride to get to the Old Port or the East End.
- Pack a Jacket: Even if it’s 85 degrees in Boston, the "sea breeze" in Portland can drop the temperature by 15 degrees the second you step off the bus.
The trip is straightforward, but New England geography is quirky. Stick to the Concord Coach for simplicity, or the rental car for freedom. Just don't try to walk it—I've seen people try to navigate the airport exits on foot and it never ends well.