Traveling from Bar Harbor to Portland covers 160.5 miles of the Maine coastline, a journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 27 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stop. Your route utilizes a combination of I-295, the Belfast Augusta Road, and Route 1, making it a diverse experience compared to a standard interstate haul. Budgeting approximately $26 for fuel should keep you covered for the duration of the trip. Whether you are heading south for a change of pace or wrapping up a vacation, this drive is a straightforward way to transition between two of Maine's most iconic destinations.
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
80.2 miles from Bar Harbor, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
46.5 mi
52m
Belfast Augusta Road
17.6 mi
21m
Route 1
15.2 mi
18m
Acadia Highway
13.4 mi
15m
North Belfast Avenue
9.1 mi
13m
Bucksport Road
8.5 mi
9m
Bar Harbor Road
6.7 mi
11m
Maine Turnpike
5.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 46.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bar Harbor, ME and Portland, ME.
1
Start on ME 3
25 ft·6 sec·Main Street
2
Turn left onto ME 3
0.5 mi·43 sec·Mount Desert Street
3
Continue on ME 233
5.8 mi·8 min·Eagle Lake Road
4
Turn right onto ME 3; ME 198
1.4 mi·2 min·Sound Drive
5
At end of road, turn right onto ME 102; ME 198
0.6 mi·54 sec·Main Street
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on ME 102; ME 198
3.5 mi·5 min·State Highway 102
7
Continue on ME 102
0.1 mi·17 sec·Triangle Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
At end of road, turn left onto ME 3
0.1 mi·15 sec·State Highway 3
Use the left / right lanes.
9
Continue on ME 3
6.7 mi·11 min·Bar Harbor Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on ME 3
0.7 mi·1 min·High Street
11
Turn left onto Beechland Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Beechland Road
Use the left lane.
12
At end of road, turn right onto ME 230
1.0 mi·1 min·Bayside Road
13
Continue on ME 230
0.8 mi·1 min·Water Street
14
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.2 mi·10 sec·West Main Street
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
278 ft·3 sec·Main Street
16
Continue on US 1; ME 3
8.5 mi·9 min·Bucksport Road
17
Continue on US 1; ME 3
9.4 mi·10 min·Acadia Highway
18
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi·1 min·Route 1
19
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
135 ft·9 sec·Main Street
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.1 mi·16 sec·Route 1
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi·2 min·US Highway 1
22
Continue on US 1; ME 3
13 mi·15 min·Route 1
23
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi·4 min·Searsport Avenue
24
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi·1 min·Route 1
25
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi·38 sec·ME 3
26
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
373 ft·12 sec·ME 3
27
Merge onto ME 3
3.9 mi·4 min·Belmont Avenue
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi·5 min·Augusta Road
29
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi·3 min·Belfast Augusta Road East
30
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi·4 min·Acadia Highway
31
Continue on ME 3
18 mi·21 min·Belfast Augusta Road
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi·16 sec·Belfast Road
33
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi·11 min·North Belfast Avenue
34
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9
1.0 mi·1 min·North Belfast Avenue
Use the left lane.
35
At end of road, turn left onto US 201; US 202; ME 9; ME 100
0.6 mi·52 sec·Bangor Street
36
Enter roundabout onto US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
159 ft·3 sec·Memorial Drive
37
Continue on US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Memorial Drive
38
Enter roundabout onto US 201; ME 27
401 ft·7 sec·State Street
39
Continue on US 201; ME 27
0.2 mi·19 sec·State Street
40
Turn right onto Capitol Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Capitol Street
41
Turn straight onto Armory Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Armory Street
42
Turn left onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Western Avenue
43
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
44
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
45
Merge onto I 95
5.9 mi·6 min·Maine Turnpike
46
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
46 mi·52 min·I 295
Exit 103Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, BrunswickUse the straight lane.
47
Take the exit onto US 1A
0.7 mi·1 min·US 1A
Exit 7Toward US 1AUse the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue
0.4 mi·50 sec·Cumberland Avenue
Use the straight lane.
49
Turn left onto Preble Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·Preble Street
50
Turn left onto Congress Street
156 ft·5 sec·Congress Street
51
Arrive at destination
Congress Street
Trip Plan
Since this trip requires only one planned stop, you have plenty of flexibility to structure your day around your own pace. Aim to depart early to make the most of your travel time and ensure you have plenty of daylight for the more winding sections of Route 1 and the Belfast Augusta Road. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the local roads can make the drive feel longer than the 3-hour and 27-minute estimate, so factor in extra time for traffic or road conditions. Because you will be navigating a variety of road types, check your fuel levels before leaving Bar Harbor to ensure you stay within your $26 budget. A great way to manage the drive is to utilize your single stop for a break during the transition from the local roads onto the I-295 stretch.
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 80.2 miles from Bar Harbor, ME, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.5 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 35 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.2 miles or 1h 47m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portland, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor, ME
This is one driving day of about 160.5 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Bar Harbor, 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 295 for about 46.5 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.7 and 159.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
7.7 mi into trip|~11m in|ME 102; ME 198 / Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto ME 102; ME 198 / Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
11.9 mi into trip|~18m in|ME 3 / State Highway 3
At end of road, turn left onto ME 3 / State Highway 3
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
7
41.3 mi into trip|~58m in|US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
112.8 mi into trip|~2h 31m in|I 295
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Brunswick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 103
Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Bru...
7
159.2 mi into trip|~3h 24m in|US 1A
Take the exit onto US 1A toward US 1A
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 7
Toward US 1A
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.84 one way
$51.68 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg56 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$28.43
$56.86
premium
$4.86
$30.74
$61.47
diesel
$5.61
$35.44
$70.87
Estimated Tolls: $0.36
Maine Turnpike
(5.9 mi)$0.36
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
$26
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
48.2
0
$16.85
$7.70
Efficient EV
40.1
0
$14.04
$6.42
EV Truck/SUV
64.2
0
$22.47
$10.27
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Bar Harbor, ME
Night
in Bar Harbor on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portland, ME
Night
in Portland on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
45°F
Washington, ME
80 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
13 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 27m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Acadia National Park
National Park
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million...
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 121.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous highway cruise. With only 46% of the route on highways, you will spend most of your time navigating local roads that offer a much more intimate look at the region. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 46.5 miles on I-295, which provides a brief opportunity to settle into a steady pace before you return to the more technical sections. This mix of fast highway driving and winding local stretches ensures the drive stays engaging from start to finish. Be prepared to shift gears frequently as the road personality transitions throughout the 160.5-mile journey.
Only 46% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.5 mi on I 295.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.7 miles in near ME 102; ME 198 / Main Street.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 160.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 7.7 miles (ME 102; ME 198 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles (ME 3 / State Highway 3): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
513 ft-3 ft
Total Climb
822 ft
Total Descent
800 ft
Highest Point
513 ft
~80.2 mi in
Elevation Range
516 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bar Harbor, ME and Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Waterville
105.9 mi in|~2h 23m
Bangor
105.9 mi in|~2h 23m
Kittery
106.2 mi in|~2h 24m
Brunswick
112.8 mi in|~2h 31m|via I 295
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 27m. Total distance: 160.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.5 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.36 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Portland, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
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 7.7 miles (ME 102; ME 198 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles (ME 3 / State Highway 3): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Acadia National Park and Frances Perkins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Portland, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.
