Cruise port Portland (ME)

Port information & tips for Portland (ME)

Portland is the maritime gateway to the US state of Maine and a shining jewel on New England's rugged Atlantic coast. The city captivates with its authentic charm, combining historic brick architecture with a vibrant, modern dining scene right on the water. In the immediate vicinity, the charming Old Port district with its cobblestone streets and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad invite exploration, while Casco Bay Lines ferries depart directly from the harbor for the picturesque islands. Cruise ships dock at the modern Ocean Gateway Terminal or the Portland Ocean Terminal, and thanks to this central location, allow for a convenient walk of just a few minutes directly into the pulsing heart of the city center.

Arrival & Departure

Getting around

Highlights & Districts

Useful tips

Returning to the ship

Portland in Maine is a picturesque starting point for cruises along the US East Coast and impresses with the central location of its terminals directly in the historic harbor district. Both the Ocean Gateway Terminal and the Maine State Pier are harmoniously integrated into the waterfront promenade, providing direct access to the charming city center.

Airplane

Portland International Jetport (PWM) is located only about 8 kilometers west of the terminals and offers a fast connection to the port via US hubs such as Newark, Philadelphia, or Washington. Many travelers from the DACH region also use Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) for direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich and reach Portland via Interstate 95 after an approximately two-hour drive through the idyllic coastal landscape.

Train & Shuttle

Thanks to the Amtrak Downeaster, guests can comfortably reach the Portland Transportation Center from Boston North Station in about 2.5 hours. From there, short taxi rides of about 10 minutes lead directly to the pier. Additionally, comfortable long-distance buses from Concord Coach Lines offer regular direct connections from Boston Logan Airport to the center of Portland.

Car & Parking

The port is directly connected to the long-distance road network via Interstate 295 and US Route 1, making it easily accessible for rental car travelers from all directions. Directly at the waterfront, parking garages such as the Ocean Gateway Garage offer secure long-term parking spaces. Furthermore, Park & Cruise packages from numerous hotels in the Old Port District allow for a relaxed arrival the day before, including a convenient transfer to the ship.

Check-in & Embarkation

Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.