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Trip from City of Portland, ME to Albion, ME

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

Drive Time

2h 11m

Distance

86.9 mi

140 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 2m ★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 30m
10 AM
2h 18m
12 PM
2h 16m
3 PM
2h 19m
5 PM
2h 29m
8 PM
2h 6m

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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Downtown City of Portland, ME, ME

City of Portland, ME

Brett Sayles

Downtown Albion, ME, ME

Albion, ME

PhotoShoot Studio | Candid, Birthday Pre Wedding, Baby, Maternity & Child Photographer in Pune Ps Studio

Trip Overview

Portland, ME to Albion, ME is 86.9 miles and takes about 2h 11m via I 295, Maine Turnpike, and North Belfast Avenue, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, traveling from Maine to Maine. For the most part, you'll be on major highways, making it a straightforward drive. It's a route that's easy to plan for, especially if you're looking for a relatively quick trip within the state.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

43.5 miles from City of Portland, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 295 46.3 mi 52m
Maine Turnpike 9.8 mi 10m
North Belfast Avenue 8.1 mi 11m
US 202 7.1 mi 11m
China Road 4.7 mi 7m
Augusta Bypass 2.5 mi 3m
Portland - Peaks Island 2.5 mi 20m
Route 3 2.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 295 — 46.3 mi, about 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between City of Portland, ME and Albion, ME.

1

Start on Seashore Avenue

0.6 mi · 2 min · Seashore Avenue
2

At end of road, turn left onto Seashore Avenue

0.2 mi · 45 sec · Seashore Avenue
3

Continue on Whitehead Street

351 ft · 15 sec · Whitehead Street
4

Continue on Oakland Avenue

0.1 mi · 31 sec · Oakland Avenue
5

At end of road, turn left onto Welch Street

0.2 mi · 1 min · Welch Street
6

Continue on Portland - Peaks Island

2.5 mi · 20 min · Portland - Peaks Island
7

Continue

187 ft · 14 sec
8

Turn right onto Maine State Pier

74 ft · 30 sec · Maine State Pier
9

Continue on Maine State Pier

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Maine State Pier
10

Continue on US 1A

0.7 mi · 1 min · Franklin Street
11

Take the ramp onto US 1A

0.3 mi · 39 sec · US 1A
12

Merge onto I 295; US 1

46 mi · 52 min · I 295; US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto I 95

9.8 mi · 10 min · Maine Turnpike
14

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 26 sec
Exit 113 Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
16

Merge onto ME 3

2.5 mi · 3 min · Augusta Bypass
Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

8.1 mi · 11 min · North Belfast Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Belfast Road
19

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

2.4 mi · 3 min · Route 3
20

Turn slight left onto US 202; ME 9

7.1 mi · 11 min · US 202; ME 9
Use the left lane.
21

Turn right onto US 202; ME 9; ME 137

0.5 mi · 1 min · Albion Road
22

Continue on US 202; ME 9; ME 137

4.7 mi · 7 min · China Road
23

Turn left onto Benton Road

81 ft · 3 sec · Benton Road
24

Turn left onto Winslow Road

189 ft · 3 sec · Winslow Road
25

Arrive at destination

Winslow Road

Trip Plan

Since this 86.9-mile drive typically takes just over 2 hours, you have a lot of flexibility. Consider leaving Portland in the morning to give yourself ample time to reach Albion without feeling rushed. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it’s a good idea to fill up before you leave, as there are no specific stops recommended on this route. The longest stretch of highway is 46.3 miles, so plan for a break before or after this segment if needed. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition off the main highways onto North Belfast Avenue to ensure you're on the correct path into Albion.

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 43.5 miles from City of Portland, ME, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.3 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 19 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.5 miles or 1h 11m 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving City of Portland, 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 City of Portland, ME

This is one driving day of about 86.9 miles and 2h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from City of Portland, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 295 for about 46.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Gardiner, ME

43 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

Yarmouth, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brunswick, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.5 miles from City of Portland, 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.

Top Restaurant

Freeport Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Freeport, Maine

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.6

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12078695113

Visit website

Thai With Us

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Augusta, Maine

2.2 mi

Nom Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Portland, Maine

2.2 mi

Freeport Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.6

Freeport, Maine

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12078695113

Visit website

Thai With Us

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 62.1

Augusta, Maine

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12074801121

Visit website

Nom Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+12076139332

Visit website

West Gardiner Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Portland Observatory

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 6.2

Portland, Maine

+12072531800

Visit website

Maine Day Ventures/ formerly Maine Foodie Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 6.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12072337485

Visit website

Old Fort Western

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 62.1

Augusta, Maine

+12076262385

Visit website

The Escape Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 6.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 12–8:15 pm

+12076193775

Visit website

Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 6.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12077741822

Visit website

Eartha Globe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 18.6

Yarmouth, Maine

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

Old Port Historic Tours

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 6.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm

+12078070009

Visit website

Maine Military Museum & Learning Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 6.2

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12077678227

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 61.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1 mi into trip | ~3m in | Welch Street

At end of road, turn left onto Welch Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

5
5 mi into trip | ~28m in | I 295; US 1

Merge onto I 295; US 1

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
61 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Take the exit toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast

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

Exit 113 Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
5
61.2 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
61.3 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | ME 3 / Augusta Bypass

Merge onto ME 3 / Augusta Bypass

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.99 one way

$27.98 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $15.39 $30.78
premium $4.86 $16.64 $33.28
diesel $5.61 $19.19 $38.37

Estimated Tolls: $0.59

Maine Turnpike (9.8 mi) $0.59

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

$14

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.1 0 $9.12 $4.17
Efficient EV 21.7 0 $7.60 $3.48
EV Truck/SUV 34.8 0 $12.17 $5.56

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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 18, 2026

Origin

City of Portland, ME

Late night in City of Portland on Sunday

Local time

12:56 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Mostly Cloudy

E 10 mph 7% chance Live forecast

Destination

Albion, ME

Late night in Albion on Sunday

Local time

12:56 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Mostly Sunny

SE 10 mph 0% chance Live 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

11 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

2h 11m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is mostly highway, with 76% of the 86.9 miles on major roads like I 295 and the Maine Turnpike. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on I 295, covering 46.3 miles. Expect the highway portion to conclude as you transition to North Belfast Avenue, signaling a shift to more local roads as you approach Albion. The high percentage of highway driving means you'll likely experience consistent speeds for a significant part of the trip.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.3 mi on I 295.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 295 and Maine Turnpike. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near Welch Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 86.9 miles you will encounter 13 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 1 miles (Welch Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 5 miles (I 295; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 61 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from City of Portland, ME to Albion, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Belfast along the way.

Belfast

61 mi in | ~1h 31m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 11m. Total distance: 86.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 46.3 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.59 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 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Albion, 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. There are 1 rest area 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 1 miles (Welch Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 5 miles (I 295; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 61 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Albion, 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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