Portland, ME to Blue Hill, ME is 141 miles and takes about 3h 16m via I 295 and Maine Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maine, moving from the bustling Northeast region around Portland to the more coastal Northeast of Blue Hill. Expect a mixed drive that's manageable for a single day, making it a straightforward option for a weekend getaway or a transition between two points in the state. The route prioritizes efficiency, getting you to your destination with minimal fuss.
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
70.5 miles from City of Portland, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
46.3 mi
52m
Route 3
17.6 mi
21m
Maine Turnpike
9.8 mi
10m
North Belfast Avenue
8.1 mi
11m
Acadia Highway
7.3 mi
8m
West Main Street
7 mi
8m
East Main Street
6.3 mi
7m
Front Ridge Road
6.3 mi
9m
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 Blue Hill, 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 113Toward 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
18 mi·21 min·Route 3
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi·4 min·Acadia Highway
21
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi·3 min·Belfast Augusta Road West
22
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi·5 min·Augusta Road
23
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi·4 min·Belmont Avenue
24
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi·43 sec·ME 3
25
Merge onto US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi·1 min·Route 1
26
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi·4 min·Searsport Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on US 1; ME 3
7.0 mi·8 min·West Main Street
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
6.3 mi·7 min·East Main Street
29
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi·2 min·US Highway 1
30
Continue on US 1; ME 3
508 ft·12 sec·Route 1
31
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi·1 min·Route 1
32
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
3.4 mi·3 min·Acadia Highway
33
Turn right onto ME 15
6.3 mi·9 min·Front Ridge Road
Use the right lane.
34
Turn straight onto ME 15
6.1 mi·9 min·Pleasant Street
35
At end of road, turn left onto ME 172; ME 176
41 ft·0 sec·Main Street
36
Arrive at destination
ME 172; ME 176
Trip Plan
Given the drive duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Aim to depart Portland in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and allow for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major exit on I 295 is 46.3 miles. A practical tip for this route: consider filling up your tank before leaving Portland, as services can become more spread out once you're further along Route 3.
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 70.5 miles from City of Portland, ME, or about 1h 45m 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 31 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.5 miles or 1h 45m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Blue Hill, 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 141 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from City of Portland, 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 46.3 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 14
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
$22.70 one way
$45.40 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg49 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$24.97
$49.95
premium
$4.86
$27.00
$54.00
diesel
$5.61
$31.13
$62.26
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
$23
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.3
0
$14.80
$6.77
Efficient EV
35.3
0
$12.34
$5.64
EV Truck/SUV
56.4
0
$19.74
$9.02
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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 Dec 19, 2023
Origin
City of Portland, ME
Late night
in City of Portland on Sunday
Local time
12:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Blue Hill, ME
Late night
in Blue Hill on Sunday
Local time
12:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
50°F
Chelsea, ME
71 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 16m 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 43.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey offers a mixed drive, with 55% of the route on highways like I 295 and the Maine Turnpike. You'll experience stretches of faster driving, including the longest uninterrupted segment of 46.3 miles on I 295. As you progress, the character of the drive will shift from interstate cruising to more local roads as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll get a taste of efficient travel mixed with the charm of navigating smaller Maine roadways.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 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?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near Welch Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 141 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 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 Blue Hill, 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 3h 16m. Total distance: 141 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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 Blue Hill, 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 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 — Acadia National Park and Frances Perkins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Blue Hill, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.
