- Must visit
Erie Maritime Museum
State museum interpreting Erie’s naval and maritime history, including the War of 1812 and the U.S. Brig Niagara. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$170
Average price
$170
Fastest journey
20 h 10 m
Average duration
20 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
818 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portland, ME to Erie, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portland, ME to Erie, PA will cost around $170 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $170.
It's difficult to get from Portland, ME to Erie, PA without transferring at least 3 times.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, ME to Erie, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $123. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 17h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $123, and a train costs an average of $256.
Distance: 508 miles (818 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$163 Average price Cheapest | $456 Average price | $121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 18m Average total duration 26h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 16m Average total duration Fastest 17h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Portland, ME to Erie, PA:
A bus is $293 (€240) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, ME to Erie, PA costing on average $456 (€373).
Other travel options to Erie, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 48m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:59AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 33h41 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Amtrak Thruway | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $200 |
Operator Amtrak Thruway | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $203 |
The table below shows live departures for Portland, ME to Erie, PA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:30 PM Portland, ME | 20h10 | 9:40 AM Erie, PA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Portland, ME to Erie, PA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 26h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $123 (€101) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 13:15, the last at 19:20. The fastest bus covers the 508 miles (818 km) distance in 19h 55m.
Distance 508 miles (818 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $123 (€101) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 19h 55m |
First bus 1:15 PM |
Last bus 7:20 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Erie — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erie trip today.
State museum interpreting Erie’s naval and maritime history, including the War of 1812 and the U.S. Brig Niagara. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Hands-on children’s museum with interactive science, art, and play exhibits. Popular with families visiting downtown Erie.
Well-regarded regional art museum with permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and a strong local cultural role in downtown Erie.
Erie’s signature natural attraction with beaches, trails, sunsets, and lake views. Essential for first-time visitors and highly popular with photographers.
Waterfront promenade area by the bay, home to major views, public art, and access to the Bicentennial Tower. A top place for walking and photos.
Scenic corridor along Erie’s waterfront connecting key attractions, viewpoints, and marina areas. Popular for driving, strolling, and sunset stops.
Lightly breaded or pan-fried yellow perch from Lake Erie, a classic regional fish dish prized for its mild flavor and local freshwater heritage.
A beloved local freshwater fish, often grilled, broiled, or fried. It is a staple around Erie because of the lake's long fishing tradition.
A long-running Erie favorite: natural-casing hot dogs with a distinctive snap, commonly served at local stands and cookouts.
A well-known fine dining restaurant focused on steaks, seafood, and contemporary American cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
A popular local restaurant serving Southern-inspired dishes, seafood, and creative specials in a lively, colorful atmosphere.
An established upscale spot in Erie known for polished American dining, seafood, steaks, and a refined but approachable atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10%, and round up for cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, ME to Erie, PA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Erie, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portland, ME to Erie, PA buses use the Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) to Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Portland, ME and Erie, PA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need