This 195.1-mile drive from Jonesport to Portland, Maine, is estimated to take around 4 hours and 19 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate US Highway 1 and I-295, with about 55% of the journey on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, this route offers a straightforward way to travel within the Northeast region. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a local feel rather than a continuous interstate cruise. Given its duration, it's well-suited for a single day of travel.
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
97.5 miles from Jonesport, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
46.5 mi
52m
US Highway 1
28.9 mi
43m
Route 1
20.3 mi
26m
Belfast Augusta Road
17.6 mi
21m
Acadia Highway
13.4 mi
15m
Indian River Road
9.3 mi
16m
North Belfast Avenue
9.1 mi
13m
Bucksport Road
8.5 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 46.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jonesport, ME and Portland, ME.
1
Start on Main Street
1.2 mi·2 min·Main Street
2
Turn right onto ME 187
2.3 mi·4 min·Indian River Road
3
Continue on ME 187
0.3 mi·28 sec·State Route 187
4
Continue on ME 187
7.1 mi·12 min·Indian River Road
5
Continue on State Route 187
0.7 mi·1 min·State Route 187
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 1
5.1 mi·7 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
46 mi·52 min·I 295
Exit 103Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, BrunswickUse the straight lane.
52
Take the exit onto US 1A
0.7 mi·1 min·US 1A
Exit 7Toward US 1AUse the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue
0.4 mi·50 sec·Cumberland Avenue
Use the straight lane.
54
Turn left onto Preble Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·Preble Street
55
Turn left onto Congress Street
156 ft·5 sec·Congress Street
56
Arrive at destination
Congress Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 19-minute drive covering 195.1 miles, consider an early morning departure from Jonesport to maximize your time in Portland. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $31, you have flexibility in pacing. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means paying close attention to your GPS, especially as you transition between US Highway 1 and I-295. Be mindful of potential traffic as you approach Portland, as this is a common occurrence in the area.
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 97.5 miles from Jonesport, ME, or about 2h 20m 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 43 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.5 miles or 2h 20m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portland, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jonesport, 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 Jonesport, ME
This is one driving day of about 195.1 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Jonesport, 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 55.8 and 193.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
55.8 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|Foster Street
Turn left onto Foster Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
76 mi into trip|~1h 50m 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
140.9 mi into trip|~3h 16m 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
147.4 mi into trip|~3h 24m 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
193.9 mi into trip|~4h 17m 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
$31.41 one way
$62.82 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg68 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$34.56
$69.11
premium
$4.86
$37.36
$74.72
diesel
$5.61
$43.08
$86.15
Estimated Tolls: $0.36
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
$31
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
58.5
0
$20.49
$9.36
Efficient EV
48.8
0
$17.07
$7.80
EV Truck/SUV
78
0
$27.31
$12.49
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Jonesport, ME
Night
in Jonesport on Saturday
Local time
9:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portland, ME
Night
in Portland on Saturday
Local time
9:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Cloudy
E 10 to 15 mph8% chanceLive forecast
43°F
Belfast, ME
98 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
4h 19m 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...
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 154.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 195.1-mile route. While 55% of your journey will be on highways like I-295, the overall profile suggests a need for attention to navigation due to frequent directional changes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 46.5 miles on I-295, offering a period of steady highway driving. This mix means you'll experience both faster-paced highway segments and more involved local road navigation, keeping you engaged behind the wheel.
Only 55% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
56 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
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 55.8 miles in near Foster Street.
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 25 significant decision points across 195.1 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 55.8 miles (Foster Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 140.9 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 Jonesport, ME and Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Waterville
140.5 mi in|~3h 15m
Bangor
140.5 mi in|~3h 15m
Kittery
140.9 mi in|~3h 16m
Brunswick
147.4 mi in|~3h 24m|via I 295
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 195.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads 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 $0.36 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 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 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 55.8 miles (Foster Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 140.9 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Portland, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.
