Spanning 237.4 miles from East Machias to Biddeford, this journey across Maine takes approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes of pure drive time. Because the route relies entirely on local roads like Route 1, Main Street, and Dublin Street, you should plan for a full day behind the wheel. While it is technically feasible to complete this trip in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the drive makes it feel longer than the clock suggests. Budgeting roughly $38 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. This trip is best suited for travelers who prefer a steady, ground-level pace rather than the rapid transit of an interstate. It serves as an excellent way to traverse the Northeast corridor while keeping your focus on the local landscape.
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
109.5 miles from East Machias, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
53.2 mi
1h 2m
Route 1
29.2 mi
39m
US Highway 1
28.9 mi
43m
Belfast Augusta Road
17.6 mi
21m
Acadia Highway
13.4 mi
15m
Maine Turnpike
13.2 mi
14m
North Belfast Avenue
9.1 mi
13m
Bucksport Road
8.5 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 53.2 mi, about 1h 2m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 39 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,557 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,064
Quietest
2 AM
~87 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
29.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 East Machias, ME and Biddeford, ME.
1
Start on US 1
111 ft·2 sec·Route 1
2
Continue on US 1
4.2 mi·6 min·Main Street
3
Continue on US 1
2.3 mi·3 min·Dublin Street
4
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi·21 sec·Outer Dublin Street
5
Continue on US 1
3.3 mi·4 min·Harrington Road
6
Continue on US 1
14 mi·20 min·Route 1
7
Turn straight onto US 1
0.5 mi·45 sec·Main Street
8
Continue on US 1A
0.2 mi·18 sec·Kennedy Highway
9
Continue on US 1A
3.0 mi·4 min·US Highway 1A
10
Continue on US 1A
4.1 mi·6 min·Kennedy Highway
11
Continue on US 1A
0.3 mi·33 sec·Bridge Street
12
At end of road, turn left onto US 1
1.8 mi·2 min·Main Street
13
Continue on US 1
28 mi·41 min·US Highway 1
14
Continue on US 1
1.1 mi·1 min·Downeast Highway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
459 ft·11 sec·Downeast Highway
16
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.2 mi·35 sec·High Street
17
Turn left onto Foster Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Foster Street
Use the left lane.
18
At end of road, turn right onto ME 230
0.7 mi·1 min·Water Street
19
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.2 mi·10 sec·West Main Street
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
278 ft·3 sec·Main Street
21
Continue on US 1; ME 3
8.5 mi·9 min·Bucksport Road
22
Continue on US 1; ME 3
9.4 mi·10 min·Acadia Highway
23
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi·1 min·Route 1
24
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
135 ft·9 sec·Main Street
Use the left lane.
25
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.1 mi·16 sec·Route 1
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi·2 min·US Highway 1
27
Continue on US 1; ME 3
13 mi·15 min·Route 1
28
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi·4 min·Searsport Avenue
29
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi·1 min·Route 1
30
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi·38 sec·ME 3
31
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
373 ft·12 sec·ME 3
32
Merge onto ME 3
3.9 mi·4 min·Belmont Avenue
Use the straight lane.
33
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi·5 min·Augusta Road
34
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi·3 min·Belfast Augusta Road East
35
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi·4 min·Acadia Highway
36
Continue on ME 3
18 mi·21 min·Belfast Augusta Road
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi·16 sec·Belfast Road
38
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi·11 min·North Belfast Avenue
39
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9
1.0 mi·1 min·North Belfast Avenue
Use the left lane.
40
At end of road, turn left onto US 201; US 202; ME 9; ME 100
0.6 mi·52 sec·Bangor Street
41
Enter roundabout onto US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
159 ft·3 sec·Memorial Drive
42
Continue on US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Memorial Drive
43
Enter roundabout onto US 201; ME 27
401 ft·7 sec·State Street
44
Continue on US 201; ME 27
0.2 mi·19 sec·State Street
45
Turn right onto Capitol Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Capitol Street
46
Turn straight onto Armory Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Armory Street
47
Turn left onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Western Avenue
48
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
49
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
50
Merge onto I 95
5.9 mi·6 min·Maine Turnpike
51
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
51 mi·58 min·I 295
Exit 103Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, BrunswickUse the straight lane.
52
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
2.6 mi·3 min·I 295
53
Merge onto I 95
7.3 mi·7 min·Maine Turnpike
54
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 36Toward I 195 East: Saco, Old Orchard Beach
55
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 35Toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
56
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·18 sec·this road
Exit 35Toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
57
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 35Toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
58
Turn left onto ME 112
212 ft·4 sec·Buxton Road
59
Continue on ME 112
1.7 mi·3 min·North Street
60
Turn right onto ME 9; US 1 Alternate
0.9 mi·1 min·Main Street
61
Arrive at destination
US 1 Alternate
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 2-minute duration, aiming for a morning departure is your best strategy to avoid fatigue. With only one recommended stop planned, try to time your break near the midpoint to keep your energy levels steady throughout the journey. Since the entire 237.4-mile route consists of local roads, keep a close eye on your navigation to handle the frequent turns safely. Having your $38 fuel budget set aside before you leave East Machias will help you manage your resources efficiently. Flexibility is your greatest asset here, as the lack of highway segments allows you to adjust your pace based on local traffic conditions or personal preference.
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 109.5 miles from East Machias, ME, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.2 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 48 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.5 miles or 2h 33m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Biddeford, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Machias, 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 East Machias, ME
This is one driving day of about 219 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from East Machias, 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 53.2 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 83.4 and 216.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
83.4 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
148.3 mi into trip|~3h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
9
154.9 mi into trip|~3h 31m in|I 295
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Brunswick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 103
Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Bru...
7
215.5 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 35
Toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
8
216.1 mi into trip|~4h 44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 35
Toward RT-112 Buxton Rd: Saco, Buxton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.37 one way
$68.73 round trip
$3.99/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$38.59
$77.18
premium
$4.81
$41.49
$82.98
diesel
$4.80
$41.35
$82.70
Estimated Tolls: $0.80
Maine Turnpike
(13.2 mi)$0.80
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
$34
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.7
0
$23.00
$10.51
Efficient EV
54.8
0
$19.16
$8.76
EV Truck/SUV
87.6
1
$30.66
$14.02
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
East Machias, ME
Morning
in East Machias on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Scattered Rain Showers
S 9 mph27% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 4:35PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
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
Biddeford, ME
Morning
in Biddeford on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Areas Of Smoke
S 15 mph62% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 4:35PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 1:56PM EDT until July 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
81°F
Union, ME
110 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
1 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
4h 49m on the road
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.
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$6
near mile 52.9
Park Closure: Cadillac Summit Road Closed for Construction
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 166.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on driving experience, as this route contains zero highway miles. You will navigate a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention, moving away from high-speed cruising in favor of navigating through the heart of the region. The road’s personality is defined by constant transitions rather than long, monotonous stretches, ensuring you remain engaged at the wheel. Because you aren't relying on major interstates, the pace remains consistent but requires more frequent adjustments. It is an ideal path for those who enjoy the nuances of local roads over the detachment of highway travel.
Only 58% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
61 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 53.2 mi on I 295.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 83.4 miles in near US 1; ME 3 / Route 1.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 219 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 83.4 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 148.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.9 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
378 ft24 ft
Total Climb
637 ft
Total Descent
618 ft
Highest Point
378 ft
~140.8 mi in
Elevation Range
354 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between East Machias, ME and Biddeford, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Waterville
148 mi in|~3h 23m
Bangor
148 mi in|~3h 23m
Kittery
148.3 mi in|~3h 24m
Brunswick
154.9 mi in|~3h 31m|via I 295
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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 4h 49m. Total distance: 219 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 53.2 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.80 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 2 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 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 Biddeford, 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 2 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 83.4 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 148.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.9 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Biddeford, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.
