Getting To Bates — FAQ
This page is designed to answer commonly asked questions about travelling to Bates.
I plan on arriving by plane, which airport should I fly into?
Two options include:
- Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, MA. Logan International is about a 2.75 hour drive to campus.
- Logan International Airport offers bus service, via Concord Coach Lines, DIRECTLY from the terminal to the Portland Transportation Center. You will need to visit the website link to purchase a bus ticket (Northbound schedule).
- Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, ME. The Jetport is about a 45 minute drive to campus.
Most commercial air carriers offer service to both of these airports.
For additional information regarding transportation options from both Logan International and the Portland Jetport see the following FAQ’s below:
- “How do I get from Logan International Airport to Bates?”
- “How do I get from the Portland Jetport to Bates?”
Other nearby airports include:
Bangor International Airport (BGR) Bangor, ME**
Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) Portsmouth, NH**
**Note: Commercial air carrier service may be very limited or nonexistant at some of these airports. Check with the specific airport to see which commercial or private air carriers offer service for that location.
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
How do I get from Logan International Airport (BOS) to Bates?
A convenient and usually the most cost effective way to get from Logan International Airport to Bates is via bus.
Concord Coach Lines has a pickup location at Logan International and offers direct service to the Portland Transportation Center. From there, students can arrange for the LAP Commuter Bus to take them directly to Bates.
Other options to get from Logan International Airport to Bates Campus:
- Greyhound Bus Lines does not offer a pickup location at Logan International. Greyhound departs from Boston’s South Station, a 15-20 minute drive from Logan (depending on day/time). From the South Station they offer direct service to Lewiston (Bates College).
- Travel from Logan to Boston’s South Station can be provided by:
- Uber/Lyft/Rideshare App accessed via your smart phone
- Taxi located at the terminal.
- Travel from Logan to Boston’s South Station can be provided by:
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
How do I get from the Portland Jetport (PWM) to Bates?
Neither Concord Coach Lines nor Greyhound Bus have stops at the Portland Jetport. If you are flying into the Portland Jetport you could independently schedule and pay for one of the companies, listed below, to get you from the Jetport to Bates directly or contract with them to get you to the Portland Transportation Center. If you have questions about travel from PWM to the Portland Transportation Center, please see the FAQ “How do I get from the Portland Jetport (PWM) to the Portland Transportation Center?”.
•Uber/Lyft/Rideshare App accessed via your smart phone
•Taxi located at the terminal.
•National Cab Maine – (207) 766-6669
•Maine Airport Express – (207) 807-9250
•Portland Airport Express – (207) 423-4642
•Portland Cab Airport LLC – (207) 893-8294
•Mermaid Transportation – (207) 885-5630
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
How do I get from the Portland Jetport (PWM) to the Portland Transportation Center?
It’s about a 5 minute drive from the Portland Jetport to the Portland Transportation Center at 100 Thompson’s Point Rd, Portland ME 04102.
Travel options from the Jetport to the Transportation Center include:
•Uber/Lyft/Rideshare App accessed via your smart phone.
•Taxi- located at the terminal.
•National Cab Maine – (207) 766-6669
•Maine Airport Express – (207) 807-9250
•Portland Airport Express – (207) 423-4642
•Portland Cab Airport LLC – (207) 893-8294
•Mermaid Transportation – (207) 885-5630
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
How do I get from the Portland Transportation Center to Bates? UPDATED 7/22/24
The most convenient and cost effective way to get from the Portland Transportation Center to Bates is via the LAP, a new commuter bus service between Lewiston/Auburn and Portland. Schedule details and ticket information can be found on the Token Transit app. Tickets can be purchased on the app by selecting “Buy Passes” and then searching for “The LAP.” Drivers will also accept cash payments with exact amounts. A one-way fare is $8.
Additional options include:
•Uber/Lyft/Rideshare App accessed via your smart phone.
•Taxi-located at the terminal.
•National Cab Maine – (207) 766-6669
•Maine Airport Express – (207) 807-9250
•Portland Airport Express – (207) 423-4642
•Portland Cab Airport LLC – (207) 893-8294
•Mermaid Transportation – (207) 885-5630
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
How do I get to campus on the Amtrak Downeaster Train from Boston?
Amtrak Downeaster train service from Freeport, Brunswick, and Portland is provided to/from Boston.
- If you take the Amtrak Downeaster to Portland you will be dropped off at the Portland Transportation Center. Please see the FAQ “How do I get from the Portland Transportation Center to Bates?” for more information
- If you take the Amtrak Downeaster to Freeport or Brunswick, you will likely need to schedule a car service to bring you to campus. Please see the “Are there any other travel options?” FAQ for these services.
Amtrak offers a discounted College 6Tix program. You will receive six one-way trips on the Amtrak Downeaster at a reduced rate! Trains depart from Brunswick, Freeport and Portland and continue onto Boston North Station.
To schedule a trip using Amtrak Downeaster, visit their website: https://amtrakdowneaster.com/
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
Are there any other travel options?
Independent Transportation Services
National Cab Maine offers rides to/from the Jetport for Bates affiliates. This taxi service in Portland has transported students with promptness and courtesy for a number of years. Students with plans to depart or return to campus outside of bus times can use them to and from Portland Jetport or the Portland Transportation Center with their special Bates price for 1–4 passengers. Text or Call them at the number listed below.
- Phone: (207) 766-6669
Maine Airport Express cab service advertises services to Bates College
- Phone (207) 807-9250
Portland Airport Express offers a flat rate for transportation to and from the Portland Airport, Portland Transportation Center or the Portland Park and Ride. Pets/Service cat/dog permitted. PAEC has been providing on-time and safe transportation to Bates students for over 15 years. Also available for transportation to Logan Airport in Boston.
- Phone: (207) 423-4642
- Email: portlandairportexpresscab@gmail.com
Portland Cab Airport LLC is available 24 hours 7 days a week, you can call for instant taxi ride or make an appointment for future pick up as well.
- Phone: (207) 891-6900
- Email: Portlandllccab@gmail.com
Mermaid Transportation is a service which will provide one-way service to and from the Portland Jetport on an individual basis.
- Phone:(207) 885-5630
- Toll Free: 1-800-MY-MAINE (800-696-2463)
L/A Cab Service Auburn, ME
- Phone: (207) 689-5080
Maine Limousine Service Scarborough, ME
- Phone: (800) 646-0068
- Email: mainelimo@mainelimo.com
PRIOR arrangements must be made, well ahead of your travel day, for any of these travel options and are to be done through the respective company/service you choose to use. See each service provider for their specific schedules, fares and to book your travel arrangements.
ALL ARRANGEMENTS AND FARE PAYMENT OUTLINED ABOVE MUST BE MADE WITH THE COMPANY PROVIDING YOUR TRAVEL SERVICES. Bates College Transportation is not responsible for fare payment, arranging any travel or for schedule changes involving outside/third party services. Content of schedules and services may change without notice. This information is provided to outline potential transportation options students could utilize to get to campus.
All forms of transportation listed here (except for the Bobcat Express) are offered by third party companies and are not endorsed by or affiliated with Bates College.
This information is provided to outline potential transportation options students could utilize to get to campus.