
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 990 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine worth booking?
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine is a 0.8-hour experience in Portland, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 990 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (990)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $45 per person
This 50-minute sightseeing tour is a fun and unique way to discover Portland, Maine. Board a Vintage Fire Engine and travel back in time as your knowledgeable guide helps relive Portland’s colorful history from a local’s perspective. See lighthouses, Civil War forts, city parks and buildings, interesting stories and a multimedia experience packed with historic images of Maine. This is one family-friendly tour you should not miss out on!
What you get
About this experience
This 50-minute sightseeing tour is a fun and unique way to discover Portland, Maine. Board a Vintage Fire Engine and travel back in time as your knowledgeable guide helps relive Portland’s colorful history from a local’s perspective. See lighthouses, Civil War forts, city parks and buildings, interesting stories and a multimedia experience packed with historic images of Maine. This is one family-friendly tour you should not miss out on!
What's included
Included
- Driver/guide
- Tour
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities (suggested)
What you'll see and do
Old Port
The Old Port in Portland, Maine is a quaint historic district with cobblestone streets and shops selling clothing, gourmet food and souvenirs. It’s also a hot spot for nightlife where pubs, breweries and bars draw the younger crowds. There is also a fesh and lively dining scene.
Pass by without stopping
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal
Casco Bay Lines (also known as the Casco Bay Island Transit District, CBITD) is a publicly run transportation company that services the residents of the islands of Casco Bay. These islands include Peaks Island, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Diamond Cove, Long Island, Chebeague Island and Cliff Island.
Pass by without stopping
Shipyard Brewing Company
Shipyard Brewing Company, founded in 1994 is a brewery and soft drink manufacturer in Portland, Maine. Shipyard is the largest brewer in Maine and is the fourth largest microbrewery in New England.
Pass by without stopping
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is located and operates out of the former Portland Company Marine Complex, the organization was founded in 1993. The collection consists of passenger and freight equipment, as well as artifacts from the 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railways that ran in the state of Maine in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The organization operates a 1 1⁄2-mile (2.4 km) long railroad that runs along the waterfront of Casco Bay and parallels Portland's Eastern Promenade. Historic steam and diesel locomotives and a variety of restored coaches are used to run passenger services on the railroad.
Pass by without stopping
Portland Observatory
The Portland Observatory is a historic maritime signal tower at 138 Congress Street in the Munjoy Hill section of Portland, Maine. Built in 1807, it is the only known surviving tower of its type in the United States. Using both a telescope and signal flags, two-way communication between ship and shore was possible several hours before an incoming vessel reached the docks. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006; it is now managed by a local nonprofit as a museum, and is open to the public. The Portland Observatory is the only remaining maritime signal station in the United States. Tower operations were paid with annual fees collected from shipping merchants, who purchased the right to have their flags stored in the building and hoisted up its flagstaffs when their ships were sighted. A telephone was eventually installed, extending the tower's function until 1923, when the reliability of engine powered vessels and communication by radio made it obsolete.
Pass by without stopping
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a historic house and museum in Portland, Maine, United States. It is located at 489 Congress Street and is operated by the Maine Historical Society. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, and administratively added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Pass by without stopping
Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art, or PMA, is the largest and oldest public art institution in the U.S. state of Maine. Founded as the Portland Society of Art in 1882 It is located in the downtown area known area The Arts District in Portland, Maine.
Pass by without stopping
Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House or Morse-Libby Mansion, is a landmark example of American residential architecture located in downtown Portland. The brownstone exterior, elaborate interior design, opulent furnishings and early technological conveniences provide a detailed portrait of lavish living in nineteenth-century America. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 for its architectural significance as a particularly well-preserved Italianate mansion.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Portland
We are directly in front of Portland Lobster Co. Restaurant. We have a small kiosk in front of the blue fence. Meet the Fire Engine here! We leave prompltly on time so please plenty of time to park and to find us.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We are directly in front of Portland Lobster Co. Restaurant. We have a small kiosk in front of the blue fence. Meet the Fire Engine here! We leave prompltly on time so please plenty of time to park and to find us.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Portland Fire Engine Co. Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- PLEASE LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME FOR INCREASED TRAFFIC AND PARKING IN PORTLAND! Do Not trust your phones GPS for estimated time arrival.
- ***We leave promptly at the designated time! Refunds are not provided for missed tours due to late/non arrival**
- We just need the name that you booked with and the staff will check you in on the truck
- Our address is 180 Commercial St. Portland ME 04101
- Please provide a cell phone number that you will have with you when you are in Portland. We may need to contact you regarding your tour
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 980 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
980 verified traveler reviews for Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Short
Nice tour but to short need to stop for pictures. More scenes needed. No more to add! Sorry sorry sorry
via Viator
Perfect Way to See Portland!
Off the ship and just up the street to our pickup point. We shopped artisan stalls and gift shops. I recommend the Blue Lobster. Our tour guide on the truck knew her history and shared visuals to support our views. Wear your scarf because it’s chilly in the open truck. Do accept the offered lap blankets! Loved the experience.
via Tripadvisor
Fun Day of Learning
It was a well run tour from taking pictures before to having blankets to keep warm on board and pictures on a screen in case you couldn’t see what we were passing well. Our tour guide, Miles, was passionate about his city’s history and stuck in funny parts throughout. Our 7 year old enjoyed the ride too. Good tip is that the check in is at kiosk not a building so no bathroom.
via Viator
Fantastic tour
Wonderful tour Fantastic information Da definite for Portland
via Tripadvisor
Fun educational excursion...
Fun educational excursion Guide was fun and friendly Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooxxxxooooopp
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 347
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portland.
How much does Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portland is not rushed.
Is Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 990 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Portland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine?
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Around 347 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portland and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Portland?
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Portland sells lighthouse and lobster-boat tours in Casco Bay, Old Port food and brewery walks, seal and puffin cruises, and fall foliage runs up the Maine coast. On Outty we rank every Portland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local, Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour, A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Portland?
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June to October, with peak foliage in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Portland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine?
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Included: Driver/guide; and Tour. Not included: Food and beverages; and Gratuities (suggested). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine?
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We are directly in front of Portland Lobster Co. Restaurant. We have a small kiosk in front of the blue fence. Meet the Fire Engine here! We leave prompltly on time so please plenty of time to park and to find us. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine?
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Across 990 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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