Getting to Bar Harbor
It's worth the drive. Here's how to get here.
Arrival map
Bangor sets up the Bar Harbor arrival.
This map shows the main arrival choices before the rest of the trip gets locked in. Bangor is the primary approach to compare first. Portland is the helpful backup or add-on choice. The lines are planning corridors, not turn-by-turn road geometry, so use live directions before you drive.
- Tap a marker for the practical role each place plays in the trip.
- Solid line is the main approach; dashed lines are alternate regional approaches.
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.
Road Trip Essentials
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum H…
Bushnell H2O Xtreme Binoculars_FullyMultiCoated_Waterpr…
OLUKAI Ohana Men's Beach Sandals, Water Resistant Flip…
G GOOD GAIN Waterproof Picnic Blanket Portable with Car…
67mm CPL Filter for Phone/DSLR, HD Circular Polarizer P…
67mm CPL Filter for Phone/DSLR, HD Circular Polarizer P…
New England Soups from the Sea: Recipes for Chowders, B…
