Cruising to Portland, Maine

Question

We are in port from 7am til 6pm. I’m October Cruise excursion are super expensive. Guess I gotta figure where the ship docks. Do you know if the HOHO bus works in that area

Answer

Portland is one of the easiest cruise ports to explore on your own, and you definitely don’t need to book an expensive ship excursion to enjoy your day. Because your ship is in port from 7am to 6pm, you’ll have plenty of time to see the Old Port, the waterfront, and nearby scenic spots at your own pace.

Most cruise ships dock at either the Ocean Gateway Terminal or the Portland Ocean Terminal (also called the Maine State Pier). Both are extremely close to the Old Port area—usually a 5–15 minute walk depending on where you dock. The location is very visitor-friendly, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and scenic waterfront viewpoints.

Portland does not have a traditional “Hop-On, Hop-Off” (HOHO) double-decker bus system like some big cities. However, it does have a seasonal trolley-style “hop-on, hop-off” loop operated specifically for cruise passengers. It typically runs May through October and stops right at or very close to the cruise terminals, making it easy to use.

Yes, a HOHO-style trolley operates when cruise ships are in town. It usually runs a loop around the Old Port, downtown Arts District, and the Eastern Promenade.
Pickup is usually right outside the ship terminals. You’ll see signs and staff on cruise days.
It’s much cheaper than cruise excursions. Generally $25–$35 per adult, depending on the season.
You can hop off at scenic viewpoints—including the Eastern Prom for harbor views and possible lighthouse photo stops.

Even without the trolley, Portland is incredibly walkable. From the cruise terminal, you can walk into the Old Port waterfront in minutes, grab chowder or lobster rolls, shop cobblestone streets, or wander toward the Eastern Prom trail along the water.

For a DIY day that stays affordable and still covers the best highlights, you can pair walking with a short trolley ride, or skip the trolley entirely and simply explore the harbor area, enjoy seafood, and take a ride to a lighthouse.

Walk the Old Port—easy, beautiful, and full of shops and restaurants.
Take the mailboat ferry to see Casco Bay from the water (cheap and scenic).
Uber/Lyft to Portland Head Light (Fort Williams Park), the #1 lighthouse in Maine, only about 15 minutes away.
Stroll the Eastern Prom Trail for gorgeous views—walkable from the cruise dock.

Your port day is simple to manage, even without a ship excursion. The HOHO-style trolley is convenient, but the walkability of Portland and access to local transportation make it easy to enjoy a full day on your own.

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