The Portland Commute Guide: Tourist season and snow routes
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Portland really takes.
Greg, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Greg moved to Maine before it was trendy, stayed when it got crowded, and 28 years later still loves it. He grew up here, went to UMaine, tried Connecticut, and survived eight years in Virginia before eventually packing up and moving back home. He is a former newspaper copy editor, pizza lover (Portland Pie, OTTO, & Cargo regular), and family man. At Snappy Scout, Greg helps newcomers decode Maine, a place that plays by its own rules and usually keeps them to itself.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
How Do You Get Around Portland?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
Twelve minutes, unless the bridge is up
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
Washington Ave., inbound, 8-9 am; Baxter Boulevard between Vannah and Preble, 4-6 pm
Ability to get around without a car
Walkable peninsula living, but you'll need a ride for a train or bus at the Portland Transportation Center
Locals dream of driving around in a
reliable pickup with a dog onboard and your kayaks/bikes/canoes strapped in good n tight.
The reality is that most locals drive
a salt crusted Subaru Outback, check engine light, faded Feel the Bern sticker not ready to let go
Quirky local driving habit
At four-way stops, waving the other guy on as if to say, "No, you first," regardless of who legally has the right of way.
The likelihood of finding parking
Old Port weekends, mythical. Eastern Prom and Back Cove, surprisingly doable
#1 driving tip
Check Casco Bay Bridge lifts and winter parking bans
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
Mackworth Island, just over the Falmouth town line, is accessible by bridge, has decent parking, and offers spectacular views of Casco Bay and the Eastern Prom along the loop of its one-mile trail. It's an easy hike, and you can sit on a rock and listen to the wind in the trees, the murmur of the waves, and look out on the blue-green water at passing boats of all kinds. It's a great escape for as much or as little time as you have. Or need. It's a reminder of why my wife and I chose Portland to raise our kids.
— Greg Reid
Maine Local Expert
Ready to See If Portland Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Portland guide for the bigger picture.