Top Strategies to Save Money on Your Maine Trip

Maine attracts countless tourists each year with its stunning landscapes and charming coastal towns. Millions visit this northernmost state of New England for a week at the lake, to send their kids off to summer camp, or for a weekend getaway in Portland, the largest city in the state.

This popularity can lead to rising prices for flights, car rentals, and accommodations during the busy season. The lingering effects of pandemic-related inflation have further strained Maine’s tourism sector, often causing meal, room, and service costs to climb.

Luckily, many of Maine’s attractions are either free or budget-friendly, especially its lush mountains, rugged beaches, vibrant fall foliage, and Acadia National Park. Here are some tips for reducing expenses during your visit to Vacationland.

Consider Traveling in the Shoulder Season

Explore Maine during the spring and fall, when accommodation prices are more affordable. The tourist season has been extending later into the year as visitors come to New England to witness the stunning autumn leaves. Prices typically decrease after Indigenous Peoples' Day and are lower in May and early June as well.

With fewer crowds at popular attractions, you’ll have more time to appreciate the sights without waiting in lines. In the spring, many seasonal businesses reopen after winter, leading to more welcoming service from innkeepers, servers, and shop staff.

Reserve prime accommodations well ahead of time

If you’re planning a trip in July and August, Maine’s peak season, make sure to book as early as possible to secure the best rates. Hotels in Portland often fill up quickly on busy weekends, as do vacation rentals in sought-after areas. Hotel prices can skyrocket to $800 per night in August, so don’t delay your reservations until the last minute.

Look to the next town over for savings

Maine’s most popular towns tend to have the highest lodging prices due to the influx of visitors. However, you can find affordable stays in nearby towns that offer a similar charm at a lower cost.

Instead of choosing Kennebunkport, consider Biddeford (home to the new Lincoln Hotel); choose Southwest Harbor rather than Bar Harbor; and opt for Wiscasset instead of Boothbay Harbor. Keep in mind the potential rise in fuel costs if you’ll be driving more, but if you’re visiting multiple locations in the state, this strategy can help your budget.

Fly into Boston and take a budget-friendly bus north

Flights to Boston Logan International Airport from various US cities are frequently more affordable than those to Portland. Plus, direct flights to Logan are often available, saving you time, money, and the hassle of potential missed connections. Logan is located about two hours south of Portland and is easily reached by bus.

Consider booking a seat on Concord Trailways, which operates comfortable charter buses equipped with clean restrooms and a movie for a round trip to Portland at just $59. If you wish to explore further, car rentals are available in Portland.

Bus services are limited but budget-friendly — and one option is even free!

While in Portland, you won’t need a car as the city is quite walkable. The Portland METRO bus line offers $2 fares and several routes that connect to nearby towns like Old Orchard Beach and Brunswick.

If you plan to visit Acadia National Park, you can leave the car behind and explore the island using the Island Explorer, the park service’s complimentary shuttle. The bus navigates the Park Loop Road, stopping at popular attractions like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach, as well as trailheads and campgrounds. You can simply flag down the bus to hop on. Enjoy more sightseeing and less driving!

Embrace a bit of ruggedness to save money.

Maine's rustic charm offers a variety of affordable camping options. Numerous privately-owned campgrounds are scattered throughout the state, featuring tent and RV sites. Many also offer cabins that can be quite comfortable, complete with electricity, mini-fridges, and mattresses on sturdy bed frames.

Additionally, many of Maine's public lands host campgrounds, including two in Acadia National Park and several in Baxter State Park. The cabins at Daicey Pond in Baxter State Park are among the most sought-after camping spots in the state, providing adventurous travelers with cozy access to Maine's unspoiled wilderness.

For outdoor enthusiasts who still crave the comfort of a hot shower and a hearty meal at day's end, Maine Huts and Trails is a fantastic option. Three eco-huts, reachable by foot, mountain bike, or cross-country ski, provide both shared and private lodging. With a lodge, hot showers, and heated bunkrooms, you can savor your time in the picturesque Western Maine mountains more comfortably.

Set sail for a day of exploration.

Maine's coastline is dotted with islands accessible via the state's ferry system. Casco Bay alone boasts several hundred islands, with the ferry from Portland making stops at six of them. A day trip to a Maine island is a budget-friendly adventure, with round-trip ferry tickets costing just $20.

While most islands offer overnight stays, limited options often drive up prices. Instead, consider a day trip to Peaks Island from Portland, Vinalhaven from Rockland, or the Cranberry Isles from Southwest Harbor. Adventurous travelers might also want to explore Monhegan, famous for its artistic community and hiking trails with breathtaking views of the island’s rugged cliffs.

Savor lunch at some of Portland's hottest restaurants.

Portland boasts many top-notch restaurants that serve lunch, allowing you to dine at James Beard Award-nominated venues without overspending. Lunch reservations are typically easier to secure than dinner ones and provide the same access to Maine's renowned seafood and local produce at a more affordable price.

Look for food trucks and diners to cut meal costs.

Maine has a vibrant diner and truck-stop culture, offering generous meals at budget-friendly prices. Visit Becky’s Diner in Portland, where you might share the counter with local lobstermen enjoying a late breakfast after a morning of hauling traps. A1 Diner in Gardiner features creative local specials, while Palace Diner in Biddeford serves elevated takes on classic dishes.

In Portland, consider a budget-friendly outdoor meal by exploring the city's array of food trucks. These mobile eateries set up with ocean views along the Eastern Promenade, one of the largest green spaces in the city. Enjoy a delicious lunch for under $20 from various trucks offering cuisines like Mediterranean, Vietnamese, and Mexican.

If the rising prices of lobster have you feeling down, consider trying a crab roll instead.

Like many sectors, the rising costs of supplies have driven lobster prices up in recent years. By 2022, some popular lobster shacks were charging as much as $40 for a lobster roll. This is where the crab roll comes in. While Maine crab isn't as famous as its lobster counterpart, it’s still incredibly tasty.

Crab rolls tend to be more budget-friendly than lobster rolls while still offering the same delightful taste of fresh seafood. However, if you can't bear the thought of passing up lobster during your trip to Maine, the money you save by following our tips can allow you to indulge in this local delicacy.

Typical daily expenses in Maine

• Hostel room: $55

• Basic room for two: $250

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from $200

• Portland Metro (public regional bus system) ticket: $2-$5

• Coffee: $2-$5

• Lobster roll: $30

• Dinner for two: $80-$100

• Beer/pint at the bar: $8