This 198.4-mile journey from Jonesport, ME to South Portland Gardens, ME is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. The route primarily utilizes US Highway 1 and Route 1, with a significant portion on I-295, making about 55% highway driving. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this drive offers a manageable and relatively straightforward trip within the Northeast region. You'll find it to be a turn-heavy local drive, so expect to navigate various road types. This route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing ample time for exploration upon arrival.
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
99.2 miles from Jonesport, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
50.2 mi
58m
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
— 50.2 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jonesport, ME and South Portland Gardens, 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
50 mi·58 min·I 295
Exit 103Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, BrunswickUse the straight lane.
52
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 3Toward ME 9: Jetport
53
Keep slight right at fork
489 ft·15 sec
Exit 3Toward ME 9: Jetport
54
Turn straight onto ME 9
0.1 mi·21 sec·Westbrook Street
55
Turn slight right
224 ft·8 sec
56
Turn straight onto Westbrook Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·Westbrook Street
57
Turn left onto Devereaux Circle
0.2 mi·50 sec·Devereaux Circle
58
Arrive at destination
Devereaux Circle
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 198.4-mile drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach South Portland. With a total duration of 4 hours and 24 minutes and only one recommended stop, you'll have flexibility in pacing. The fuel cost is estimated at $32, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Jonesport. Given the "turn-heavy local drive" profile, be prepared for more frequent adjustments and keep an eye on your navigation, particularly on US Highway 1 and Route 1 segments.
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 99.2 miles from Jonesport, ME, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.2 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 44 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.2 miles or 2h 22m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Portland Gardens, 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 198.4 miles and 4h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 50.2 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 55.8 and 197.8 — 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
197.8 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward ME 9: Jetport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 3
Toward ME 9: Jetport
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.94 one way
$63.88 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$35.14
$70.28
premium
$4.86
$37.99
$75.99
diesel
$5.61
$43.80
$87.61
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
$32
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: 69.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.5
0
$20.83
$9.52
Efficient EV
49.6
0
$17.36
$7.94
EV Truck/SUV
79.4
0
$27.78
$12.70
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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 Dec 18, 2023
Origin
Jonesport, ME
Night
in Jonesport on Saturday
Local time
9:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
South Portland Gardens, ME
Night
in South Portland Gardens on Saturday
Local time
9:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
Belfast, ME
99 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
16 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 24m 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
~20 min detour
$6
near mile 41.1
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 157.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is a "turn-heavy local drive," meaning you'll experience a dynamic mix of road types. While 55% of the route is highway, including a longest stretch of 50.2 miles on I-295, the majority of the trip will involve more engaged driving on local roads. Expect to make frequent turns and navigate through various communities as you make your way south. This change in road conditions will keep the driving experience engaging rather than monotonous.
Only 55% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 50.2 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 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 24 significant decision points across 198.4 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 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 South Portland Gardens, 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 24m. Total distance: 198.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 50.2 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Gardens, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
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 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at South Portland Gardens, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.
