where to stay in casco bay¿

July 1, 2009 9:10 AM

Portland, Maine filter: Planning a trip to Portland this mid-August and would like to know 1. About how much does it cost to take a cab from the amtrak station to the old port? and 2. Is it possible to stay two nights on one of the casco bay islands serviced by the ferry somewhat affordably?
posted by maca to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

1) There's a bus that's $1. Goes somewhat frequently during the day.

2) In the summer, somewhat affordably might be tough, but I don't know. I think there's a hotel on one of them. Peaks is the closest island to Portland and there is a nice small hotel there, but I'm not sure about the prices.

Maybe camping? They would be awful nice places to camp.

Try Duckfat in Portland for a relatively cheap lunch and definitely get the fries.
posted by sully75 at 10:28 AM on July 1

Cabs are $1.90 for the first 1/10th mile, then .30 cents for each additional mile. Its about 3 miles from the Portland Transportation Center to the Old Port.

The website (Click the link, click on Transportation Connections on the right) says:

"METRO Bus connects most Downeaster trains to destinations throughout the city, including Portland’s Waterfront, Arts District, and Old Port, as well as the Jetport and Maine Mall. Show your Downeaster ticket stub for one FREE ride from the PTC (Portland Transportation Center)! (Same-day service)

Taxis are available on site, and usually awaiting your arrival at the PTC. Fares to downtown Portland are usually under $10.

Car rental companies will pick up at the station with advance reservations.

So, yeah, the free bus is probably the best way to go if you don't have a lot of stuff. The number 5 bus will take you from the Transportation Center (PTC) to Monument Sq intown. From there its a short walk to the ferry terminal.
posted by anastasiav at 10:49 AM on July 1

I think there are only two hotels on Peaks:
Inn on Peaks and Peaks Island House. Apparently you can also stay at the 8th Maine Regiment Lodge, and the rates look pretty reasonable. No idea how the accommodations are, though. Here are some photos.

On Chebeague there is the Chebeague Island Inn, Sunset House, and Chebeague Orchard Inn.

Long Island has Chestnut Hill Inn. The Portland Water Taxi website also references lodging at Christine's By the Sea or Cove Side, but they don't seem to have websites. (Phone numbers on the water taxi page I linked.)

There is no public lodging on Cliff Island.
posted by anastasiav at 11:12 AM on July 1 [3 favorites]