To Acadia National Park From Portland Maine: 3 Great Ways To Travel

Are you planning a road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park? I can help you have the perfect trip (in my personal opinion) with some of the most outstanding stops in coastal Maine, while also providing a great experience.

As someone who loves the beauty of Acadia and has driven along the Maine coast quite a few times, I felt confident that I had optimized the perfect plan for my trip to Acadia National Park from Portland Maine. The great thing is that you can tailor this trip to your liking and tailor the itinerary to fit your interests and schedule. Remember that you can also visit half the stops on the way to Acadia and the other half on the way back.

Ready to go? Let’s start planning!

How far is Portland from Acadia National Park?

The city of Portland, ME is approximately a 3-hour drive away from Acadia National Park if you take the most direct route without making any stops. But if you decide to make stops along or near Route 1, which is the scenic coastal route, it could add an extra 30 minutes to your travel time (and that’s without factoring in the time spent at each stop).

Ultimately, the total duration of your journey will be influenced by the specific stops you opt to make and how long you choose to stay at each location.

How to get from Portland Maine to Acadia National Park?

Navigating the route to Acadia National Park from Portland Maine can seem daunting, but with a little planning and research, the journey can be both enjoyable and efficient.

Portland, the largest city in Maine, is known for its vibrant and trendy atmosphere. It is a coastal city with the state’s busiest airport. If you travel about 150 miles north along the picturesque Maine coast, you will reach Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor.

Having your own car is recommended for this trip, but if you are resourceful or willing to spend some money, you can also consider taking a bus or plane. It’s important to note that Acadia can get very crowded in the summer, leading to heavy traffic. Even if you drive your own car or rent one to get to Bar Harbor, you might want to switch to the free Island Explorer shuttle bus, which stops at various locations in town and within the park.

Here are some ways and methods of getting to Acadia National Park from Portland Maine:

What is the cheapest way to get to Acadia National Park from Portland Maine?

Driving from Portland to Acadia National Park is the most cost-effective option if you have your own vehicle. However, if you need to rent a car, it’s important to look for deals that make driving affordable, as other transportation options can be expensive or inconvenient.

Luckily, rental cars are easily accessible at Portland International Jetport, which is convenient for travelers arriving at Maine’s busiest airport. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Acadia National Park and its surrounding areas at your own pace, without having to rely on public transportation schedules. Plus, you can enjoy the scenic drive along the coast of Maine as you make your way to this beautiful national park.

The Fastest Route Between Acadia National Park and Portland Maine

If you’re looking to quickly get to Acadia National Park and its famous natural attractions, driving on Maine’s interstates is the most efficient way to go. Typically, when you input Acadia National Park into your GPS, it will direct you out of Portland on I295, which later merges with I95. From there, you continue north to Exit 182A and then take I395 East until you reach Exit 6A for US1A. In Ellsworth, you can then take ME3 East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Alternatively, if you want to take a slightly different route, you can leave I95 at Exit 113 and follow ME3 East/US1 North through Belfast and Searsport before reaching Bar Harbor. Both routes will get you to Acadia National Park in approximately the same amount of time, allowing you to start enjoying the park’s beauty and outdoor activities sooner.

2 Great options to Acadia National Park from Portland Maine

Option 1: Stay Overnight For One Night

If you have an additional day, it would be ideal to spend the night either on the way to Acadia or on the way back. The following options are conveniently located on the fastest route between Acadia and Portland, so it won’t require any extra travel time.

My recommendation is to drive directly from Portland to Acadia, and then stay overnight places to stay near Acadia National Park after you visit the park. This way, after a long and exhausting day, you can enjoy a short drive to your hotel instead of a lengthy journey back to Portland.

Option 2: Stay Overnight For Two Or More Nights

If you have the time, another driving route you can consider is Route 1. During the summer, this drive could take around 3.5 hours, but it may be longer due to traffic. Route 1 will take you through some small towns along midcoast Maine, and if you have the time, it’s definitely worth it.

This scenic drive will lead you from Portland through charming smaller towns and rural areas in Maine. It’s a wonderful way to experience the state’s unique coastal vibe.

If possible, dedicate a whole day to exploring the towns along Route 1. You could spend a day at Acadia, stay overnight nearby, and then take Route 1 back home. This will allow you to make quick stops in the lovely little towns along the way.

While trying to see everything in just 48 hours isn’t ideal, it’s still better than missing out on these charming towns.

When is the best time to Travel to Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is a popular destination year-round, each season offering its own unique advantages and considerations for travelers. Understanding the best time to visit Acadia National Park can help you make the most of your trip and enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Consider planning a visit to Acadia National Park during the summer or fall months, as this is when the park is at its most beautiful. This time also gives you easier access to things to do in Acadia. Although summer weekends tend to be crowded, visiting on weekdays is usually less crowded. Hotels near Acadia National Park or campgrounds may also have lower prices over the weekend.

Additionally, August is an ideal time for swimming because of warmer water temperatures, while late September to early October offers the chance to witness vibrant fall foliage. I therefore suggest that if you are coming here for the first time, go from May to October. Note in particular that the park is closed in winter, from November to April. Although you can visit the Acadia National Park in winter but there will be less to do. Some famous businesses are also closed during this time.

How many days should be spent getting to Acadia National Park from Partland Maine?

If you are driving from Portland to Acadia National Park and want to make multiple stops, I recommend planning a minimum of 4 nights, including time in Bar Harbor and Acadia. This will allow you to stop one night on the way to Acadia, spend 2 nights in Bar Harbor/Acadia and then stop another night on the way back to Portland. I recommend staying overnight while driving to and from Acadia because it will keep you from feeling rushed at each stop along the way.

If you’re short on time, you can also just spend 2 nights in Bar Harbor and try not to spend the night driving there or back. In that case, you can do this trip on the weekend.

If you have more than 4 nights then I recommend giving yourself 5-6 nights for this trip, this would be ideal. Acadia National Park is truly amazing with tons of best places to visit and you could easily spend 3 nights just in Acadia and Bar Harbor. And then you still have the flexibility to stay overnight on the way there and back so you don’t feel rushed.

Traveling to Acadia National Park from Portland Maine offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for the fastest route, the most scenic drive, or the best time to visit, careful planning and consideration can help you make the most of your journey. Remember to take into account your personal preferences, travel timeline, and budget when making decisions about routes, timing, and activities.