Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Portage travel guide

Portage Tourism | Portage Guide

You're Going to Love Portage

With a population of 36,828, Portage is a must-see destination in Indiana, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Portage has to offer.

When to visit Portage

Portage in January
Estimated hotel price
$83
1 night at 3-star hotel
Portage in January
Estimated hotel price
$83
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Portage in July, when the average temperature is 73.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 82.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 17.6 °F, with an average temperature of 24.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in June, when precipitation is around 4.3″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Portage, with an average rainfall of 1.8″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Portage

Plane

Although Portage doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 32 miles from Portage. The shortest domestic flight to Portage departs from Las Vegas and takes around 3h 32m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Portage, followed by Train. The train journey from Portage to Champaign takes 2h 37m and costs around $22 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Grand Rapids, expect to pay about $33 for a 4h 08m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Portage is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 31 miles from Portage. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Portage, including Amtrak, American Airlines and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Portage takes 80 miles and will cost you around $56. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $78 for a journey of 195 miles.

Plane

Although Portage doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 32 miles from Portage. The shortest domestic flight to Portage departs from Las Vegas and takes around 3h 32m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Portage, followed by Train. The train journey from Portage to Champaign takes 2h 37m and costs around $22 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Grand Rapids, expect to pay about $33 for a 4h 08m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Portage is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 31 miles from Portage. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Portage, including Amtrak, American Airlines and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Portage takes 80 miles and will cost you around $56. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $78 for a journey of 195 miles.

Airports near Portage

Airlines serving Portage

KLM
Good (1,422 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,998 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,539 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,675 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,046 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,421 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,497 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,354 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,099 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,886 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,630 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,170 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,658 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (675 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (478 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,038 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (537 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,173 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Excellent (394 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (238 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Portage

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Days Inn by Wyndham Portage/Indiana Dunes National Park and Affordable Suites of America Portage.

Where to stay in popular areas of Portage

Most booked hotels in Portage

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portage By IHG
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 226 reviews)
$107+
Spring House Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1444 reviews)
$104+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson; Portage, IN
3 stars
Excellent (8, 761 reviews)
$117+
Comfort Inn and Suites Porter near Indiana Dunes
2 stars
Good (7.6, 421 reviews)
$88+
Baymont by Wyndham Portage Indiana Dunes
2 stars
Good (6.5, 679 reviews)
$71+
Comfort Inn Hobart-Merrillville I-65
2 stars
Good (6.5, 775 reviews)
$64+

Renting a car in Portage

Renting a car in Portage costs $83 per day, on average, or $250 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 30% more expensive than at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Portage (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Portage is Mini (Chrysler Town & Country or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are, on average, 27% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Portage costs $83 per day, on average, or $250 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 30% more expensive than at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Portage (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Portage is Mini (Chrysler Town & Country or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are, on average, 27% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.