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Trip from Jay, ME to Sanford, ME

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

Drive Time

1h 53m

Distance

95 mi

153 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 45m ★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 10m
10 AM
1h 59m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
2h 0m
5 PM
2h 9m
8 PM
1h 48m

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 Jay, ME, ME

Jay, ME

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

Downtown Sanford, ME, ME

Sanford, ME

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 95 miles across the Northeast, this drive between Jay and Sanford typically takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, it works perfectly as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $15 on fuel, making this a budget-friendly way to navigate through Maine. The journey utilizes a combination of the Maine Turnpike, Auburn Road, and Federal Road, offering a straightforward path between these two points. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick change of scenery, the route is efficient and predictable. It provides a reliable connection within the state, ensuring you spend less time behind the wheel and more time at your destination.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

47.5 miles from Jay, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Maine Turnpike 42.4 mi 46m
Auburn Road 12.7 mi 14m
Federal Road 9.5 mi 10m
Alfred Road 8.2 mi 9m
Washington Street 4.2 mi 5m
Center Street 2.9 mi 3m
Turner Road 2.9 mi 3m
Main Street 2.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Maine Turnpike — 42.4 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jay, ME and Sanford, ME.

1

Start on Intervale Road

123 ft · 2 sec · Intervale Road
2

Merge onto ME 4

2.6 mi · 2 min · Main Street
3

Turn right onto ME 4

510 ft · 6 sec · Bridge Street
4

Continue on ME 4

9.5 mi · 10 min · Federal Road
5

Continue on ME 4

13 mi · 14 min · Auburn Road
6

Continue on ME 4

2.9 mi · 3 min · Turner Road
7

Continue on ME 4

2.9 mi · 3 min · Center Street
8

Keep slight right at fork onto ME 4

0.4 mi · 30 sec · Union Street Bypass
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on US 202; ME 4; ME 11; ME 100

0.7 mi · 50 sec · Minot Avenue
10

Turn slight left onto US 202; ME 4; ME 100

4.1 mi · 5 min · Washington Street
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
13

Merge onto I 95

7.7 mi · 8 min · Maine Turnpike
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

35 mi · 38 min · Maine Turnpike
15

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 32 Toward ME 111: Biddeford
16

Turn right onto ME 111

1.4 mi · 1 min · Alfred Street
17

Continue on ME 111

8.2 mi · 9 min · Alfred Road
18

Continue on ME 111

1.8 mi · 2 min · Biddeford Road
19

Continue on US 202; ME 4A

2.4 mi · 3 min · Sanford Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on US 202; ME 4A

1.2 mi · 3 min · Cottage Street
21

Turn left onto River Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · River Street
22

Continue on Washington Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Washington Street
23

Turn left

89 ft · 6 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. While the drive is straightforward, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the longer highway stretches, as the $15 fuel estimate assumes consistent driving conditions. There are no mandatory stops scheduled for this 95-mile route, but feel free to pull off if you need to stretch your legs during the transition from the turnpike back to local roads. A concrete tip for this trip is to monitor your speed closely as you transition off the Maine Turnpike, as the change in road type can be abrupt. Staying alert during these transitions will ensure a smooth arrival in Sanford.

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 47.5 miles from Jay, ME, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.4 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 21 miles or 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 47.5 miles or 55m 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 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jay, ME so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Jay, ME

This is one driving day of about 95 miles and 1h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Jay, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Maine Turnpike for about 42.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Maine, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Auburn, ME

48 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

Livermore, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gray, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.5 miles from Jay, 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

La Fleurs Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jay, Maine

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12078972117

Visit website

Thatcher's Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Auburn, Maine

2.1 mi

Orchid Lewiston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lewiston, Maine

3 mi

La Fleurs Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Jay, Maine

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12078972117

Visit website

Thatcher's Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 27.2

Auburn, Maine

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+12077822135

Visit website

Orchid Lewiston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 33.9

Lewiston, Maine

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+12077530389

Visit website

Governor's Restaurant & Bakery

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.9

Lewiston, Maine

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12077530173

Visit website

The Heritage Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.9

Lewiston, Maine

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+12075137005

Maine Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 67.9

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 1–7 pm

+12072746007

Visit website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 67.9

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 4–8 pm

+12078087696

Visit website

Riverbank Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 61.1

Westbrook, Maine

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

FunZ Trampoline Park

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 33.9

Lewiston, Maine

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12077833888

Visit website

Portland Observatory

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 61.1

Portland, Maine

+12072531800

Visit website

Maine Military Museum & Learning Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 67.9

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12077678227

Visit website

The Escape Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 61.1

Portland, Maine

Hours: 12–8:15 pm

+12076193775

Visit website

Maine Day Ventures/ formerly Maine Foodie Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 61.1

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12072337485

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 78.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | ME 4 / Main Street

Merge onto ME 4 / Main Street

Merge point - match speed before joining

6
30.7 mi into trip | ~35m in | ME 4 / Union Street Bypass

Keep slight right at fork onto ME 4 / Union Street Bypass

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
4
36 mi into trip | ~42m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
44.2 mi into trip | ~51m in | I 95 / Maine Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Maine Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
78.9 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in

Take the exit toward ME 111: Biddeford

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 32 Toward ME 111: Biddeford

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.29 one way

$30.59 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $16.83 $33.65
premium $4.86 $18.19 $36.38
diesel $5.61 $20.97 $41.95

Estimated Tolls: $2.54

Maine Turnpike (42.4 mi) $2.54

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

$15

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.5 0 $9.98 $4.56
Efficient EV 23.8 0 $8.31 $3.80
EV Truck/SUV 38 0 $13.30 $6.08

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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 16, 2026

Origin

Jay, ME

Night in Jay on Saturday

Local time

10:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sanford, ME

Night in Sanford on Saturday

Local time

10:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers

SE 5 mph 16% chance Live forecast

50°F

Auburn, ME

48 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

13 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

1h 53m 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 is a mixed drive that transitions between local thoroughfares and major arterial roads. With a highway share of 45%, you will experience both the steady pace of the Maine Turnpike and the more varied rhythm of local roads. You can anticipate a significant 42.4-mile stretch on the turnpike, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey. As you move away from the highway segments, the road character shifts, requiring a bit more attention to local traffic patterns. Expect a blend of fast-paced driving and slower, more technical sections that keep the experience from feeling monotonous.

45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.4 mi on Maine Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 early in the drive near ME 4 / Main Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 95 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (ME 4 / Main Street): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 30.7 miles (ME 4 / Union Street Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Arriving in Sanford, ME

Full guide →

Sanford is a small town is southern Maine. It includes the village of Springvale.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 53m. Total distance: 95 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (45%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 42.4 miles on Maine Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.54 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.

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 Sanford, ME before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

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: near the start (ME 4 / Main Street): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 30.7 miles (ME 4 / Union Street Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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