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Trip from Biddeford, ME to Damariscotta, ME

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 36m

Distance

69.8 mi

112 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 29m ★
6 AM
1h 37m
8 AM
1h 51m
10 AM
1h 42m
12 PM
1h 40m
3 PM
1h 43m
5 PM
1h 51m
8 PM
1h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in York County, Maine, United States

Biddeford, ME

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Damariscotta, ME, ME

Damariscotta, ME

Ever Rayan

Trip Overview

Spanning 69.8 miles of Maine’s coastline, this drive from Biddeford to Damariscotta typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $11 for fuel to complete the journey. The route primarily utilizes I-295, Route 1, and Mill Street to navigate through the Northeast region. It is a practical, efficient path for travelers looking to move between these two coastal Maine communities quickly. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick getaway, the logistics are simple enough to manage in a single morning or afternoon.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

34.9 miles from Biddeford, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 295 28.2 mi 34m
Route 1 11.3 mi 15m
Mill Street 9.2 mi 13m
Maine Turnpike 8.8 mi 9m
Bath Road 4 mi 7m
Main Street 3.9 mi 7m
North Street 1.4 mi 2m
Pleasant Street 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 295 — 28.2 mi, about 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Biddeford, ME and Damariscotta, ME.

1

Start on US 1 Alternate

0.9 mi · 1 min · Main Street
2

Turn left onto ME 112

162 ft · 5 sec · Beach Street
3

Continue on ME 5; ME 112

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Street
4

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 North: Portland
5

Merge onto I 95

8.8 mi · 9 min · Maine Turnpike
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295

28 mi · 34 min · I 295
Exit 44 Toward Downtown Portland Use the slight right lane.
7

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Exit 28 Toward US 1: Brunswick, Bath, Coastal Route Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on US 1

1.2 mi · 2 min · Pleasant Street
Use the left lane.
9

Turn left onto Mill Street

9.2 mi · 13 min · Mill Street
Use the left lane.
10

Continue on US 1

1.0 mi · 2 min · Main Street
11

Continue on US 1

4.9 mi · 6 min · Route 1
12

Continue on US 1

4.0 mi · 7 min · Bath Road
13

Continue on US 1; ME 27

0.5 mi · 1 min · Main Street
14

Continue on US 1; ME 27

6.4 mi · 9 min · Route 1
15

Take the exit onto US 1 BUS

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Main Street
Toward US 1 BUS: Pemaquid Beach, Pemaquid, Damariscotta, Bristol
16

Continue on US 1 BUS

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street
17

Arrive at destination

US 1 BUS

Trip Plan

Since the total drive time is under two hours, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure schedule. We recommend checking traffic patterns on I-295 before you head out, as highway congestion can occasionally impact your travel time. Because there are no mandatory stops scheduled in this 69.8-mile itinerary, feel free to pull over whenever you need a break rather than sticking to a rigid plan. Keep your $11 fuel budget in mind, and consider topping off your tank in Biddeford before you merge onto the interstate to avoid higher prices along the highway. Taking advantage of the short duration allows you to arrive in Damariscotta refreshed and ready for your next activity.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 34.9 miles from Biddeford, ME, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.2 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 15 miles or 18m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 34.9 miles or 42m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 19m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Damariscotta, ME than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Biddeford, ME so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Biddeford, ME

This is one driving day of about 69.8 miles and 1h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Biddeford, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 295 for about 28.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brunswick, ME

35 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

South Portland Gardens, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Freeport, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 34.9 miles from Biddeford, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Maine Military Museum & Learning Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 14.9

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12077678227

Visit website

Eartha Globe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 29.9

Yarmouth, Maine

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 44.8

Brunswick, Maine

Hours: Closed

+12077297216

Visit website

Maine Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 14.9

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 1–7 pm

+12072746007

Visit website

Castle Tucker

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 59.8

Wiscasset, Maine

Hours: Closed

+12078827169

Visit website

Monkey C Monkey Do

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 59.8

Wiscasset, Maine

+12078826861

Visit website

The Escape Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 14.9

Portland, Maine

Hours: 12–8:15 pm

+12076193775

Visit website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 14.9

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 4–8 pm

+12078087696

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 68.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 95 North: Portland

Navigation decision point

Toward I 95 North: Portland
8
11.6 mi into trip | ~14m in | I 295

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward Downtown Portland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 44 Toward Downtown Portland
8
39.9 mi into trip | ~49m in

Take the exit toward US 1: Brunswick, Bath, Coastal Route

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 28 Toward US 1: Brunswick, Bath, Coastal Route
5
42.3 mi into trip | ~53m in | Mill Street

Turn left onto Mill Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
68.3 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in | US 1 BUS / Main Street

Take the exit onto US 1 BUS / Main Street toward US 1 BUS: Pemaquid Beach, Pemaquid, Damariscotta, Bristol

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 1 BUS: Pemaquid Beach, Pemaquid, Dama...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.24 one way

$22.47 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 24 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $12.36 $24.73
premium $4.86 $13.37 $26.73
diesel $5.61 $15.41 $30.82

Estimated Tolls: $0.53

Maine Turnpike (8.8 mi) $0.53

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

$11

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 24.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 20.9 0 $7.33 $3.35
Efficient EV 17.5 0 $6.11 $2.79
EV Truck/SUV 27.9 0 $9.77 $4.47

Gas CO2

24 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (67% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Biddeford, ME

Late night in Biddeford on Sunday

Local time

3:47 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Damariscotta, ME

Late night in Damariscotta on Sunday

Local time

3:47 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

46°F

Brunswick, ME

35 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

2 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

1h 36m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 69% of your total mileage spent on high-speed roads. You will find your longest uninterrupted stretch on I-295, which covers 28.2 miles of the journey. As you progress from the interstate onto Route 1 and Mill Street, the character of the drive shifts from a fast-paced transit experience to more localized road conditions. Expect a consistent pace for the majority of the trip, though you should be prepared for the transition between major highway infrastructure and smaller thoroughfares as you approach Damariscotta. It is a functional, no-nonsense route that prioritizes efficiency over technical mountain driving or winding backroads.

69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.2 mi on I 295.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 295 and Route 1. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 36m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.6 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Biddeford, ME and Damariscotta, ME, road signs point toward Portland, Bath and Coastal Route.

Portland

11.6 mi in | ~14m | via I 295

Bath

39.9 mi in | ~49m

Coastal Route

39.9 mi in | ~49m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 36m. Total distance: 69.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (69%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 28.2 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.53 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. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

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 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.6 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Damariscotta, ME before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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