Ellsworth to South Portland is 141.4 miles and takes about 2h 56m via I 295, Belfast Augusta Road, and Route 1, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maine, connecting two points in the Northeast region. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface road driving as you make your way south. With a recommended one-day drive, you can easily complete this route without needing an overnight stay.
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
70.7 miles from Ellsworth, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
46.5 mi
52m
Belfast Augusta Road
17.6 mi
21m
Route 1
15.2 mi
18m
Acadia Highway
13.4 mi
15m
North Belfast Avenue
9.1 mi
13m
Bucksport Road
8.5 mi
9m
Maine Turnpike
5.9 mi
6m
Augusta Road
4.8 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 46.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ellsworth, ME and South Portland, ME.
1
Start on Main Street
0.5 mi·41 sec·Main Street
2
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
278 ft·3 sec·Main Street
3
Continue on US 1; ME 3
8.5 mi·9 min·Bucksport Road
4
Continue on US 1; ME 3
9.4 mi·10 min·Acadia Highway
5
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi·1 min·Route 1
6
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
135 ft·9 sec·Main Street
Use the left lane.
7
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.1 mi·16 sec·Route 1
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi·2 min·US Highway 1
9
Continue on US 1; ME 3
13 mi·15 min·Route 1
10
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi·4 min·Searsport Avenue
11
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi·1 min·Route 1
12
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi·38 sec·ME 3
13
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
373 ft·12 sec·ME 3
14
Merge onto ME 3
3.9 mi·4 min·Belmont Avenue
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi·5 min·Augusta Road
16
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi·3 min·Belfast Augusta Road East
17
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi·4 min·Acadia Highway
18
Continue on ME 3
18 mi·21 min·Belfast Augusta Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi·16 sec·Belfast Road
20
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi·11 min·North Belfast Avenue
21
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9
1.0 mi·1 min·North Belfast Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
At end of road, turn left onto US 201; US 202; ME 9; ME 100
0.6 mi·52 sec·Bangor Street
23
Enter roundabout onto US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
159 ft·3 sec·Memorial Drive
24
Continue on US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Memorial Drive
25
Enter roundabout onto US 201; ME 27
401 ft·7 sec·State Street
26
Continue on US 201; ME 27
0.2 mi·19 sec·State Street
27
Turn right onto Capitol Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Capitol Street
28
Turn straight onto Armory Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Armory Street
29
Turn left onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Western Avenue
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
32
Merge onto I 95
5.9 mi·6 min·Maine Turnpike
33
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
46 mi·52 min·I 295
Exit 103Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, BrunswickUse the straight lane.
34
Take the exit onto US 1A
0.4 mi·1 min·US 1A
Exit 7Toward US 1AUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn right onto Marginal Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Marginal Way
Use the right lane.
36
Continue on State Street
1.0 mi·1 min·State Street
37
Continue on ME 77
1.1 mi·1 min·Casco Bay Bridge
38
Continue on ME 77
1.0 mi·1 min·Broadway
39
Turn sharp right onto Pine Street
60 ft·2 sec·Pine Street
40
Arrive at destination
Pine Street
Trip Plan
Starting your drive from Ellsworth in the morning will allow you to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic closer to South Portland. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have flexibility with your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the roughly 3-hour travel time, perhaps around the Augusta area. Keep an eye on your fuel level, especially as you approach the final stretch into South Portland, as fuel costs are estimated at $23 for the full trip.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 70.7 miles from Ellsworth, ME, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.5 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 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.7 miles or 1h 26m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Portland, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth, ME
This is one driving day of about 141.4 miles and 2h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Ellsworth, 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 46.5 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 19.4 and 137.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
19.4 mi into trip|~22m in|US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
37.8 mi into trip|~47m in|ME 3
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
84.3 mi into trip|~1h 47m 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
90.9 mi into trip|~1h 55m 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
137.4 mi into trip|~2h 48m in|US 1A
Take the exit onto US 1A toward US 1A
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 7
Toward US 1A
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.76 one way
$45.53 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg50 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$25.05
$50.09
premium
$4.86
$27.08
$54.16
diesel
$5.61
$31.22
$62.44
Estimated Tolls: $7.36
Bay Bridge
$7.00
Maine Turnpike
(5.9 mi)$0.36
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
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.4
0
$14.85
$6.79
Efficient EV
35.4
0
$12.37
$5.66
EV Truck/SUV
56.6
0
$19.80
$9.05
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (65% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Ellsworth, ME
Morning
in Ellsworth on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
South Portland, ME
Morning
in South Portland on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
50°F
Augusta, 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.
Road read
2h 56m 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...
13 mi from route
~31 min detour
$6
Park Closure: Carriage Roads open to pedestrians only
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 102.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a blend of highway and surface roads, with 49% of the drive on faster routes. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 46.5 miles on I 295, offering consistent cruising. After the highway portions, expect to transition to more local roads for the remainder of your trip. Be prepared for varying speeds and more frequent intersections as you move off the interstate.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.5 mi on I 295.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 19.4 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 18 significant decision points across 141.4 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 19.4 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles (ME 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 84.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Between Ellsworth, ME and South Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Waterville
84 mi in|~1h 47m
Bangor
84 mi in|~1h 47m
Kittery
84.3 mi in|~1h 47m
Brunswick
90.9 mi in|~1h 55m|via I 295
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 141.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.5 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.36 in tolls one way, starting with Bay Bridge. 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 South Portland, 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 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 19.4 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles (ME 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 84.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at South Portland, ME before heading back.
