Portland, ME Ranks 59th. Boston Is 100 Miles South and Cheaper.

Maine's only airport in the national top 100 sits slightly above the national average for domestic airfares, but the state's southern residents have a well-positioned alternative just over the New Hampshire border.

Only In Your State analyzed recently released Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, and Portland International Jetport (PWM) averaged $403.80 per domestic ticket in 2025—ranking 59th out of 100 airports nationally. That's $16.80 above the national average of $387.

The Boston Alternative

Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston averaged $379.09 in 2025—ranking 40th most affordable nationally and $7.91 below the national average. For southern Maine travelers, particularly those in the Portland area and south, Logan is roughly 100 miles away and $24.71 cheaper per ticket.

Logan ranked 5th nationally by passenger volume—one of the busiest airports in the Northeast, with a wide range of nonstop routes and carriers. The combination of lower average fares and a broader route network makes it worth comparing to Portland for trips where the destination doesn't have direct PWM service.

Maine's Geographic Reality

Portland International ranked 94th nationally in passenger volume, reflecting Maine's status as the most rural and least densely populated state in New England. A smaller passenger base means fewer competing carriers and, typically, above-average fares per ticket.

For travelers in central and northern Maine, Portland is often the most practical airport regardless of price. But for those in the southern tier—Portland and south—comparing Logan and PWM is worth building into trip planning.

Factoring in Commute & Transit Costs

While saving around $25 per ticket at Logan Airport can add up for families or frequent flyers, Maine travelers should weigh the total cost of ground transportation. Driving to Boston involves toll fees on I-95, higher airport parking rates, and navigating heavy metropolitan traffic around Metro Boston. However, for those looking to avoid driving altogether, regional transit options like the Concord Coach Lines bus or the Amtrak Downeaster offer direct, hassle-free service from Portland straight to Boston, making Logan a seamless alternative.

Ground travel considerations aside, Logan’s primary advantage remains its robust selection of carriers and direct flights. Nonstop options often eliminate layovers required when departing from PWM, saving valuable travel time and reducing the risk of delayed connections. For long-haul or international trips, the price gap and route availability at Boston often far outweigh the extra commute time from southern Maine.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. Smart booking habits, particularly early booking and date flexibility, can help Maine travelers find value regardless of which airport they use. Knowing how to find cheap flights is especially valuable in smaller markets like Portland.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find cheap flights and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further once you've already got a head start.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.