Helen's Restaurant of Ellsworth
Later in the drive, right off the route
Ellsworth, Maine
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+12076672433
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 46m
Distance
203.6 mi
328 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
10 DC fast
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
City of Portland, ME
Brett Sayles
Machias, ME
PhotoShoot Studio | Candid, Birthday Pre Wedding, Baby, Maternity & Child Photographer in Pune Ps Studio
Portland, ME to Machias, ME is 203.6 miles and takes about 4h 46m via I 295 and US 1, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maine, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Most of the drive is on highways, offering a straightforward path along the coast. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is ideal for a quick trip without needing an overnight stay. Plan for a budget-conscious excursion with a modest fuel cost.
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
101.8 miles from City of Portland, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 295 | 46.3 mi | 52m |
| US 1 | 30.6 mi | 45m |
| Route 3 | 17.6 mi | 21m |
| Route 1 | 15.8 mi | 23m |
| Acadia Highway | 13.4 mi | 15m |
| Maine Turnpike | 9.8 mi | 10m |
| Bucksport Road | 8.5 mi | 9m |
| North Belfast Avenue | 8.1 mi | 11m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 31 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,388 veh/hr typical · worst 2,895
Quietest
2 AM
~84 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
28.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between City of Portland, ME and Machias, ME.
Start on Seashore Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Seashore Avenue
Continue on Whitehead Street
Continue on Oakland Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Welch Street
Continue on Portland - Peaks Island
Continue
Turn right onto Maine State Pier
Continue on Maine State Pier
Continue on US 1A
Take the ramp onto US 1A
Merge onto I 295; US 1
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto ME 3
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
Continue on ME 3
Continue on ME 3
Continue on ME 3
Continue on ME 3
Take the exit onto ME 3
Merge onto US 1; ME 3
Continue on US 1; ME 3
Continue on US 1; ME 3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
Continue on US 1; ME 3
Continue on US 1; ME 3
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
Continue on US 1; ME 3
Continue on US 1; ME 3
Turn right onto ME 230
Turn left onto Foster Street
Turn right onto US 1; ME 3
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
Turn right onto US 1A
Continue on US 1A
Continue on US 1A
Continue on US 1A
Continue on US 1
Continue on US 1
Continue on US 1
Continue on US 1
Continue on US 1
Turn left onto Colonial Way
Turn right onto Broadway
Turn right onto US 1A
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 4h 46m drive, consider leaving Portland early in the morning to avoid any potential traffic and maximize daylight hours. Since the drive is manageable in a single day, you have flexibility with your departure time. The route is only 203.6 miles, so you won't need to split it up. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is around $37, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically for a break around the halfway point.
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.
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 45 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.8 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Machias, ME than in the middle of the route.
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 203.6 miles and 4h 46m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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.
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 101.8 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.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
Ellsworth, Maine
Later in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+12076672433
Helen's Restaurant
Machias, Maine
The Milbridge House Restaurant
Milbridge, Maine
Best coffee break · first break window
Freeport, Maine
Near the start, short detour
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+12078695113
Later in the drive, right off the route
Ellsworth, Maine
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+12076672433
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Machias, Maine
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+12072558423
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Milbridge, Maine
Hours: Closed
+12075464454
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Augusta, Maine
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+12074801121
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Milbridge, Maine
Hours: 11 am–7 pm
+12075464440
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ellsworth, Maine
Hours: 4–8 pm
+12076101480
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Freeport, Maine
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+12078695113
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Belfast, Maine
Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm
+12073382084
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Belfast, Maine
Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm
+12073386338
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Yarmouth, Maine
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
Early in the drive, short detour
Augusta, Maine
+12076262385
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Hancock, Maine
+18664497245
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Portland, Maine
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12072337485
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Portland, Maine
+12072531800
Visit websiteNear the start, ~10 min detour
Brunswick, Maine
Hours: Closed
+12077297216
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Belfast, Maine
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15677089824
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 203.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
At end of road, turn left onto Welch Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Merge onto I 295; US 1
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Turn right onto US 1A / Court Street
Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$31.95 one way
$63.90 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $35.88 | $71.76 |
| premium | $4.81 | $38.57 | $77.14 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $38.44 | $76.89 |
Estimated Tolls: $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
$32
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
EV Charging Along Route
10 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Portland, ME - Tesla Supercharger
Portland, ME
12 DCFC
Portland, ME - Brighton Avenue - Tesla Supercharger
Portland, ME
12 DCFC
Yankee Ford
South Portland, ME
4 DCFC
High St. Lot
Portland, ME
4 DCFC
Miss Portland Diner
Portland, ME
4 DCFC
Market Basket Westbrook #85
Westbrook, ME
2 DCFC
Bill Dodge Cadillac
WESTBROOK, ME
2 DCFC
City of South Portland - Community Center
South Portland, ME
1 DCFC
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.1 | 0 | $21.38 | $9.77 |
| Efficient EV | 50.9 | 0 | $17.82 | $8.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.4 | 1 | $28.50 | $13.03 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in City of Portland on Sunday
Local time
3:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Areas Of Smoke
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 1:56PM EDT until July 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
Destination
Late night in Machias on Sunday
Local time
3:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Light Rain
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 1:56PM EDT until July 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This route has a 61% highway share, meaning you'll experience a good amount of freeway driving. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 46.3 miles on I 295. After leaving the interstate, you'll transition to US 1 and Route 3, which are primarily surface roads. Expect a mix of faster highway cruising and slower, more scenic travel once you're off the main interstate.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 295 and US 1. 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.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 203.6 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.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
643 ft
Total Descent
582 ft
Highest Point
545 ft
~87.3 mi in
Elevation Range
524 ft
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 Machias, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Belfast along the way.
Belfast
Top landmarks
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 46m. Total distance: 203.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NREL for EV charging, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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