This 151-mile drive from Bangor to Cornish, Maine, is a straightforward 3-hour journey, making it a perfect day trip. You'll spend about 79% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing I-95 and the Maine Turnpike before transitioning to Ossipee Trail West. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $24, and with only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficiency. This route stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travel within Maine. It's an uncomplicated option for a direct trip between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
75.5 miles from Bangor, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
80.1 mi
1h 27m
Maine Turnpike
39.2 mi
42m
Ossipee Trail West
8.2 mi
12m
Chadbourne Road
6.3 mi
9m
Ossipee Trail East
4.1 mi
6m
Tandberg Trail
3.6 mi
7m
West Gray Road
3.3 mi
6m
Main Street
2.2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 80.1 mi, about 1h 27m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,611 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,052
Quietest
1 AM
~58 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
27.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bangor, ME and Cornish, ME.
1
Start on US 2; ME 100
1.2 mi·3 min·Hammond Street
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
3
Merge onto I 95; ME 15
80 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 95; ME 15
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
2.7 mi·2 min·Maine Turnpike
Toward I 95 South: Lewiston, Portland
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
33 mi·35 min·Maine Turnpike
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
3.8 mi·4 min·Maine Turnpike
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 63Toward US 202, ME 115, ME 4: Grey, New Gloucester
8
Turn left onto US 202; ME 4
3.3 mi·6 min·West Gray Road
9
Continue on ME 115
3.6 mi·7 min·Tandberg Trail
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on Chadbourne Road
6.3 mi·9 min·Chadbourne Road
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on ME 35
2.2 mi·3 min·Northeast Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Turn right onto ME 25
4.1 mi·6 min·Ossipee Trail East
13
Enter roundabout onto ME 25
118 ft·2 sec·Ossipee Trail West
14
Continue on ME 25
8.2 mi·12 min·Ossipee Trail West
15
Continue on ME 25; ME 117
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
16
Arrive at destination
ME 5; ME 25
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3-hour duration, this trip from Bangor to Cornish is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your time at your destination or allow for a relaxed drive. You'll encounter a significant 80.1-mile stretch on I-95 before needing to make a stop, so plan your breaks accordingly. The estimated fuel cost is about $24, so factor that into your budget. Keep an eye on signage for the transition from the Maine Turnpike to Ossipee Trail West to ensure you stay on track for this efficient Maine adventure.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 75.5 miles from Bangor, ME, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 33 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 75.5 miles or 1h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cornish, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bangor, ME so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bangor, ME
This is one driving day of about 151 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Bangor, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 80.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 8
5 decision points cluster between mile 81.6 and 140.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
81.6 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|I 95 / Maine Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Maine Turnpike toward I 95 South: Lewiston, Portland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 South: Lewiston, Portland
4
84.3 mi into trip|~1h 34m in|I 95 / Maine Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Maine Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
117 mi into trip|~2h 9m in|I 95 / Maine Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Maine Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
120.8 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward US 202, ME 115, ME 4: Grey, New Gloucester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 63
Toward US 202, ME 115, ME 4: Grey, New Gloucest...
4
140.6 mi into trip|~2h 47m in|ME 25 / Ossipee Trail West
Enter roundabout onto ME 25 / Ossipee Trail West
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.69 one way
$53.39 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg53 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$29.24
$58.47
premium
$5.29
$31.44
$62.88
diesel
$5.35
$31.81
$63.61
Estimated Tolls: $2.35
Maine Turnpike
(39.2 mi)$2.35
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.3
0
$15.86
$7.25
Efficient EV
37.8
0
$13.21
$6.04
EV Truck/SUV
60.4
0
$21.14
$9.66
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Bangor, ME
Afternoon
in Bangor on Wednesday
Local time
3:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Patchy Fog
NE 2 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Cornish, ME
Afternoon
in Cornish on Wednesday
Local time
3:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Chance Rain Showers
NE 5 mph57% chanceLive forecast
74°F
Auburn, ME
76 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 3m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Frances Perkins National Monument
National Monument
Known as the first woman to hold a presidential cabinet position and the “Woman behind the New Deal,” Frances Perkins championed many labor rights that Americans enjoy today, including safety standard...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 83.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 151-mile route, with 79% of the journey on major roadways like I-95 and the Maine Turnpike. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.1 miles on I-95, so prepare for sustained highway speeds. As you move towards Cornish, the route shifts to Ossipee Trail West, likely offering a change of pace from the earlier interstate segments. This transition means you'll experience a mix of faster travel and potentially more local road characteristics as you near your destination.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.1 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Maine Turnpike. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 81.6 miles in near I 95 / Maine Turnpike.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 151 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 81.6 miles (I 95 / Maine Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.3 miles (I 95 / Maine Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 117 miles (I 95 / Maine Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
348 ft116 ft
Total Climb
541 ft
Total Descent
309 ft
Highest Point
348 ft
~21.6 mi in
Elevation Range
233 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bangor, ME and Cornish, ME, road signs point toward Portland and New Gloucester.
Portland
81.6 mi in|~1h 31m|via I 95
New Gloucester
120.8 mi in|~2h 13m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Bangor is a small city of 32,000 people (2019) in the Highlands region of Maine. Bangor is the third-largest city in the state and the retail, cultural and service center for central, eastern and northern Maine. It is a good base for exploring Aroostook County, Down East & Acadia, the Maine Highlands and Maine’s Mid-Coast.
Top landmarks
•Mount Hope Cemetery — cemetery in Bangor, Maine
•Bangor Public Library — library in Bangor, Maine
•Great Fire of 1911 Historic District — historic district in Bangor, Maine
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 3m. Total distance: 151 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.1 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.35 in tolls one way, starting with Maine Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cornish, ME before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through ME can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.6 miles (I 95 / Maine Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.3 miles (I 95 / Maine Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 117 miles (I 95 / Maine Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Frances Perkins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Cornish, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.
