By Car
Most visitors drive to Bar Harbor. Mount Desert Island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway. Bar Harbor is at the northeast corner of the island.
From Boston, MA
~5 hours via I-95 N to US-1A through Ellsworth. Scenic alternate: US-1 along the coast (adds ~1 hr).
From Portland, ME
~3 hours via I-95 N to US-1A. Straightforward drive through midcoast Maine.
From New York City
~8–9 hours via I-95 N through Connecticut and Boston. Consider an overnight stop in Portland.
Parking in Bar Harbor
Limited and expensive in peak season. Use the Village Green garage or free lots outside town and walk in. The Island Explorer bus is free and covers Acadia.
Nearest Airports
Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport
Located 12 miles from Bar Harbor in Trenton. Cape Air offers seasonal service from Boston Logan. Small airport, limited routes.
Bangor International Airport
60 miles from Bar Harbor (~1 hr drive). Best option for most flights — served by Delta, American, United, and Allegiant.
Portland International Jetport
140 miles from Bar Harbor (~2.5 hr drive). Most flight options. Great if you want to start a scenic coastal drive up US-1.
By Ferry
The Cat Ferry (Bay Ferries) runs a seasonal high-speed service between Portland, ME and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Not a direct route to Bar Harbor, but a great option for a Nova Scotia–Maine combination trip.
Nova Scotia visitors can also take the Digby–Saint John ferry, then drive through New Brunswick and Maine.
