Biddeford, ME to Limestone, ME is 318.6 miles and takes about 6h 9m via Maine Turnpike and I-295, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Maine, traversing the Northeast region from southern to northern parts of the state. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the trip, making it a straightforward option for getting from point A to point B. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient drive with minimal complexity.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
159.3 miles from Biddeford, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Maine Turnpike
207.1 mi
3h 36m
I 295
52.5 mi
1h 1m
Houlton Road
12 mi
17m
Route 1
9.1 mi
14m
Limestone Road
8.4 mi
12m
Main Road
6.7 mi
10m
North Road
5.8 mi
8m
Fort Street
5.8 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Maine Turnpike
— 207.1 mi, about 3h 36m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 78 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,550 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,104
Quietest
2 AM
~86 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
29.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Biddeford, ME and Limestone, 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
52 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 295
Exit 44Toward Downtown PortlandUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 95
198 mi·3 hr 26 min·Maine Turnpike
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 302Toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
9
Turn left onto US 1
3.2 mi·5 min·North Street
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 1
5.8 mi·8 min·North Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Continue on US 1
0.7 mi·54 sec·US Highway 1
12
Continue on US 1
6.4 mi·10 min·Route 1
Use the straight / left lanes.
13
Continue on US 1
6.7 mi·10 min·Main Road
14
Continue on US 1
2.7 mi·4 min·Route 1
15
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi·40 sec·Military Road
16
Continue on US 1
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
17
Turn straight onto US 1A
0.1 mi·9 sec·Bridge Street
18
Continue on US 1A
5.8 mi·8 min·Fort Street
19
Continue on US 1A
12 mi·17 min·Houlton Road
20
Continue on US 1A; 167
1.0 mi·1 min·Presque Isle Street
21
Continue on US 1A
0.2 mi·20 sec·Bridge Street
22
Continue on US 1A
8.4 mi·12 min·Limestone Road
23
Continue on US 1A
1.2 mi·1 min·Fort Fairfield Road
24
Continue on US 1A
0.6 mi·59 sec·Main Street
25
Turn left onto Trafton Avenue
73 ft·3 sec·Trafton Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
Trafton Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour estimated drive time, departing in the morning will allow you to complete this trip in a single day. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or where you anticipate needing fuel. The longest stretch of highway is over 200 miles, so ensure your fuel tank is adequately full before embarking on this section. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Limestone, as services might become less frequent in the more rural northern Maine areas.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 159.3 miles from Biddeford, ME, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 207.1 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 70 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 159.3 miles or 2h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Limestone, 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.
+
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 Biddeford, ME
This is one driving day of about 318.6 miles and 6h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Biddeford, 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 Maine Turnpike for about 207.1 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 2.3 and 318.5 — 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
6
262.4 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 302
Toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
4
262.7 mi into trip|~4h 43m in|US 1 / North Street
Turn left onto US 1 / North Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
4
318.5 mi into trip|~6h 9m in|Trafton Avenue
Turn left onto Trafton Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.27 one way
$86.55 round trip
$3.45/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.85
$48.29
$96.58
premium
$4.15
$52.05
$104.11
diesel
$3.75
$47.04
$94.07
Estimated Tolls: $12.43
Maine Turnpike
(207.1 mi)$12.43
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
$43
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.5 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.6
1
$33.45
$15.29
Efficient EV
79.7
0
$27.88
$12.74
EV Truck/SUV
127.4
1
$44.60
$20.39
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Biddeford, ME
Evening
in Biddeford on Monday
Local time
8:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Sunny
S 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Limestone, ME
Evening
in Limestone on Monday
Local time
8:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Sunny
S 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
6h 9m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 54.9
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies that have a...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 230.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on highways for about 85% of this 318.6-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch on the Maine Turnpike is 207.1 miles, indicating a significant portion of your drive will be at highway speeds. After leaving the major highways, you'll transition to surface roads for the final segment. Be prepared for the dense exit pattern characteristic of major interstates as you navigate the initial part of this route.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 207.1 mi on Maine Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Maine Turnpike and I 295. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
Driving Effort5/10
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 318.6 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 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.6 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 262.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
732 ft46 ft
Total Climb
1,087 ft
Total Descent
555 ft
Highest Point
732 ft
~295.8 mi in
Elevation Range
685 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Biddeford, ME to Limestone, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Presque Isle along the way.
Biddeford is a city located in southern Maine. It was once a booming town full of textile mills, the service and manufacturing industries are the major city employers. Approximately 33% of the population speaks French, due to the influx of French-Canadian immigrants to the city's mills in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Top landmarks
•Biddeford City Hall — rathaus in Biddeford, United States of America
•Biddeford Main Street Historic District — historic district in Maine, United States
•St. Andre's Parish — historic church in Maine, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 9m. Total distance: 318.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 9m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 207.1 miles on Maine Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $12.43 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Limestone, 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 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.6 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 262.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Frances Perkins National Monument and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Limestone, ME before the return drive.
