If any New Englander is making the trek to the Pine Tree State, it’s usually to visit the State’s buzzing capital city of Portland. With Portland’s tourism increasing, locals and tourists are venturing out to experience Maine untouched: que Biddeford, Maine.
A former mill city, Biddeford sits between Old Orchard Beach and Saco. Quaint streets, a gushing river, history, and home to Southern Maine’s first luxury hotel with a rooftop pool, it’s an affordable alternative without the crowds.
How to get to Biddeford, Maine
Only 30 minutes by car from Portland, Biddeford is actually relatively easy to visit. Whether you’re flying, taking a bus, or navigating the train, chances are you’ll have to stop in Portland first before venturing on. The only way to get to Biddeford directly without stopping over is by driving directly to the city (which will take around 1.5 hours from Boston).
Fly to Portland First
A lesser-known city, If you’re visiting Biddeford, chances are you’re traveling from Boston or Portland. For out-of-towners visiting from another town, city, or state, it’s probably easiest to drive, but Portland also has an airport (PWM) that operates Delta, AA, Breeze Airlines, Frontier, Jet Blue, South West, Sun Country, and United around the States.
From Portland Airport it’s a 25 minute uber drive to Biddeford.
Amtrak Downeaster Train
One of the most convenient options when traveling from Boston to Biddeford, Maine is to take the Amtrak Downeaster train from North Station to Saco transportation center. The stops along the way include: Boston, Woburn, Haverhill, Exeter, Durham, Dover, and Wells. The total ride should take around 2 hours, and will cost between $38-58 round trip (depending on ticket type).
- Boston North Station → Saco, ME
- From Saco to Biddeford → 10 minute walk
- Trains depart at: 8:50am, 11:50am, 3:45pm, 5:20pm, 10:30pm, and 11:25pm
Concord Bus
Oftentimes, the Amtrak Downeaster line limits services due to track work, etc. Always be sure to check schedules and alerts before booking! If this is the case, then the Concord Bus is just as comfortable and super reliant to get from Boston to Biddeford, Maine.
- Boston South Station to Portland Transportation Center
- Takes around 2 hours depending on traffic
- (Day dependent) Round Trip cost: $50-60
- From Portland transport center to Biddeford → 25 minute uber ride
Where to stay in the City of Biddeford, Maine
Walking into the redesigned textile mill building that is the Lincoln Hotel is like taking a step back in history with a few modern twists here and there. Industrial style designs, quirky artwork, bookshelves, a grand piano, decadent bar area, and plush couches throughout: it’s the central hub in Biddeford, ME for both visitors and locals alike.
As the first high-end Hotel to open in the small city, the 33 guest rooms blend vogue design with historic architectural details- from exposed brick walls to gas fireplaces. Most of the buildings that define downtown Biddeford were constructed during the 1800s when the city was a thriving textile mill town, and these historical ties can be found weaved throughout the hotel’s design and branding- like at Spinning Jenny’s Coffee shop inside the lobby.
With Southern Maine’s only rooftop pool, the Lincoln has become a destination rather than just a place to stay. Amenities include a full fitness center on site, coffee shop, lobby bar, underground event space featuring dueling piano nights, an on-site spa, rooftop, and direct access to Batson River Distillery.
Eating & Drinking in the City of Biddeford, Maine
Where to Eat
- Palace Diner
- Lincoln Hotel Lobby Bar
- Time & Tide Coffee
- The Run of the Mill
- Papous Pita
- Batson River Restaurant
- Fish & Whistle
- Magnus on Water
- Elda Restaurant
- Dizzy Birds Rotisserie
Breweries/Distilleries to Visit
- Blaze Brewery
- Banded Brewing Co.
- Lucky Pigeon Brewery
- Brickyard Hollow Brewery
- Sacred Profane Brewery
- Round Turn Distillery
- Batson River Brewery & Distillery
What to Do in Biddeford, Maine
- Biddeford River Walk
- Biddeford Museum
- East Point Audubon Sanctuary
- Biddeford Vintage Market
- Brewery Hopping
- Day trip to Portland
- Old Orchard Beach
