Where to Find a Hop On Hop Off Bus in Portland, Maine

Ride the City Loop Jitney in Downtown Portland

new sightseeing city bus loop

We’re excited to offer a convenient and inexpensive opportunity to explore our Eastern Promenade, Historic Downtown District, Art’s District, and Top of the Old Port. The City Loop Jitney operates when larger cruise ships visit. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or anytime at the Visitor Information Center at the Ocean Gateway Terminal. The Jitney is a sightseeing opportunity, not a narrated tour.

A route map identifying each stop and what is featured at each stop is available. Riders are free to get on and off at any stop throughout the day. The City Loop Jitney begins service one hour after ship arrival and concludes one- and one-half hours before departure on most days. More information is available at our Visitor Information Center at Ocean Gateway.

2024 City Loop Jitney Days of Operation*

May 7, 15

July 4, 7, 13, 20, 27

August 3, 10, 25, 27, 29

September 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29

October 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29

Book Tickets

*Dates are subject to be added, removed, and altered due to Cruise Ship schedules.

Stops and Highlights

Shuttle Map

Ocean Gateway International Marine Passenger Terminal:
Ocean Gateway was built in two phases. Construction began in September 2005 with a grand opening in May 2008. Phase two, Ocean Gateway Pier II, a deep-water pier for larger cruise ships opened in September 2011. Visit Portland operates a visitor information center year-round on-site helping not only cruise sailors, but all Greater Portland visitors navigate our great city and its foodie scene, nightlife, entertainment, museums, and attractions. The event venue at the end of the pier is a local hub for all kinds of activities including festivals, weddings, conferences, reunions, and other important gatherings.
Eastern Promenade at Congress Street:
The Eastern Prom offers a fantastic view of Portland’s unique harbor and islands. On the Eastern boundary lies Fort Allen. Built in the 1890s, it features historical monuments and artifacts honoring efforts to guard Portland from enemy invaders. At the base of the hill is Portland’s public boat landing with food trucks often available to augment picnic lunches enjoyed on the many benches available to enjoy the views.
Portland Observatory:
The Observatory is a historic maritime signal tower built in 1807. Before modern communication technology, sea captain-turned-entrepreneur Lemuel Moody climbed the 100 steps to a look-out balcony and used a telescope to identify incoming vessels. Then he waved signal flags to alert subscribing merchants of ship arrivals. Nearby is a great photo opportunity on North Street. Fort Sumner Park has great views of Portland’s Back Bay and Mount Washington in the western White Mountains. Great local eateries are scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Washington Avenue & East Bayside:
New Mainers from Europe a century ago helped pave the way for new Americans from Cambodia, Vietnam, Sudan, Somalia, and Iraq to create a vibrant fast-changing neighborhood. Washington Avenue has gained notoriety recently as a chic and hip area noted for its fine restaurants, distilleries, and artisans. It also serves as a gateway to the bustling East Bayside area where more brew pubs, artists and makers call home. Recreational fields, parks, and walking/bike trails crisscross the area.
India at Congress Street:
This bustling hub connects Lower Munjoy Hill to the Working Waterfront. This East End neighborhood features the Maine Jewish Museum which hosts 8-week rotating exhibitions of Maine connected artists and themes relevant to Maine’s Jewish community. This stop is also a Metro stop for the Freeport bound Breeze public bus service. Across the street is a Walgreen’s pharmacy, food co-op and nearby are great restaurants and galleries.
City Hall:
Portland City Hall is located at the “Top of the Old Port” and was built between 1909 and 1912. Its tower measures 200 feet and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. An addition on Myrtle Street includes the Merrill Auditorium, a 1908-seat performance venue that is also home to the Kotzschmar Organ. The instrument is one of only two U.S. municipal organs in the nation still owned by a municipality. City Hall hosts public restrooms during opening hours.
The Maine Historical Society:
The Maine Historical Society is the official historical society of the U.S. state of Maine. It operates the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the childhood home of celebrated poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Visitors can also access the Portland Public Library and Monument Square. Our Maine College of Art and the Institute of Contemporary Art are located a block away as well as a CVS pharmacy and Maine’s famous Reny’s Department store.
The Portland Museum of Art:
The Portland Museum of Art anchors Congress Square and the Art’s District. It is the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine. It houses more than 22,000 works of art. The collection features the work of Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, John Marin, Louise Nevelson, and Andrew Wyeth. It also owns works by Degas, Cassat, Monet, Rodin, and Picasso. Across the street is the Westin Hotel with its landmark “Top of the East” restaurant and lounge offering a panoramic 360-degree view of Greater Portland and the White Mountains. Keep an eye out for Portland’s creative arts scene on display in Congress Square Park. Nearby are the Victoria Mansion ( a quick 7-minute walk) and the Maine Irish Heritage Center, many galleries, shops, boutiques, and salons.
Tommy’s Park and Post Office Park:
In the heart of the Old Port sit two small, cobbled parks on either side of Exchange Street. Each plaza is tree lined and offers plenty of shade and benches to enjoy a book or watch city dwellers and tourists alike as they wander the surrounding pubs, restaurants, shops, and galleries. Musicians and local dancers may be entertaining in front of the abstract mural. Seasonal visitor information is available at the kiosk. Great examples of Federalist Architecture abound throughout the vicinity.
Portland Ocean Terminal:
Portland Ocean Terminal and the Maine State Pier are home to Portland’s first cruise ship terminal and Casco Bay Lines serving the island communities outside Portland Harbor. It is part of the Working Waterfront and adjacent to the historic Old Port. Many locals try their luck fishing off its end and watch as commercial and recreational boats travel up and down the harbor. Within walking distance visitors will find fisher women and men at work, the hub for city and lighthouse tours at Long Wharf, as well as a lively dining scene with stylish restaurants and traditional seafood spots with entertainment. Here, a Metro stop for the Number 8 Peninsula Loop bus connects with the City Loop Jitney. Nearby is the Waterfront Trail stretching along the shore and overlooking Portland Harbor.