Portland International Jetport Airport: where to stay, areas and…

The jetport is just a 10-15 minute drive from the Old Port, the historic waterfront district: here the question isn't whether to move away from the airport, but whether to stay in the practical strip near the highway exit or head downtown. The Metro 7 bus connects the jetport and downtown for those traveling without a car, but almost every hotel in the city offers its own shuttle anyway. Anyone with just one night or a dawn flight can stay close to the jetport; those staying longer gain a great deal by sleeping in the Old Port, within walking distance of restaurants, galleries and the working waterfront itself.

Airport area

The Hilton Garden Inn is a few steps from the jetport with its own shuttle; the Clarion, on Congress Street, is about 2 miles and a 5-minute drive from the terminal.

Best for: Anyone with a dawn flight, a late-night arrival or a short stopover who doesn't want to rely on I-295 traffic.

Pros

Minutes from check-in to gate, with no downtown traffic to worry about
Indoor pools handy for killing hours before a night flight

Cons

Nothing around but highway interchanges and warehouses, nothing to do on foot in the evening
Reaching the Old Port still needs a car or taxi, both ways

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport: A few steps from the terminal on Jetport Boulevard, with a free shuttle for those who'd rather not walk with luggage.
Clarion Hotel Portland Airport: On Congress Street about 2 miles from the jetport, with a large indoor pool and plenty of free parking.

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Old Port and the historic center

City centre · 10-15 minutes by car or taxi from the jetport; the Metro 7 bus reaches downtown for those traveling without a car.

Best for: Anyone who wants restaurants, galleries and the Old Port's evening life within walking distance.

Pros

Restaurants, bars and the working harbor itself within walking distance of the hotel
Old Port's brick buildings stay lively late into the evening

Cons

No fast direct link to the airport: only a slow bus or a car
On summer weekends, Old Port's streets get crowded with tourists

Recommended hotels in this area

The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection: In the former home of the Portland Press Herald newspaper, on the corner of Exchange and Congress Street, two minutes from the Old Port; décor that nods to the paper's history.
Portland Harbor Hotel: In the heart of the Old Port, one block from the harbor; terrace with an outdoor fire pit and free bikes for exploring the neighborhood.

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Arts District and Downtown Waterfront

Neighbourhood · Both hotels in this area offer a free direct shuttle to the jetport; on foot, the Old Port is 10-15 minutes away.

Best for: Anyone who wants to stay within walking distance of the Old Port but prefers a more practical hotel, with its own airport shuttle.

Pros

Free airport shuttle, useful for anyone who'd rather not rely on buses or taxis
Portland Museum of Art and the Arts District within walking distance

Cons

A few extra minutes on foot to reach the heart of the Old Port
A more institutional area, less picturesque than the brick alleys of the harbor

Recommended hotels in this area

Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront: Suites with kitchen and a free shuttle to the jetport; convenient for anyone staying more than one night near the harbor.
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay: One block from the Old Port and the Portland Museum of Art, with a free 13-seat shuttle to the airport and the surrounding area.

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