Lubec, ME to South Portland, ME is 229.2 miles and takes about 5h 9m via Route 1 and I 295, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, specifically Maine, offering a straightforward drive. With a 54% highway share, you'll experience a mix of faster travel and more local road cruising. This route is well-suited for a single day of driving, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
114.6 miles from Lubec, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 295
46.5 mi
52m
Route 1
38.7 mi
52m
US Highway 1
28.9 mi
43m
Belfast Augusta Road
17.6 mi
21m
Acadia Highway
13.4 mi
15m
Main Street
10.6 mi
16m
County Road
9.3 mi
13m
North Belfast Avenue
9.1 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 46.5 mi, about 52m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 31 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,388 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,895
Quietest
2 AM
~84 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
28.4×
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 Lubec, ME and South Portland, ME.
1
Start on School Street
12 ft·6 sec·School Street
2
Turn left onto Pleasant Street
0.1 mi·37 sec·Pleasant Street
3
Turn right onto ME 189
0.4 mi·40 sec·Washington Street
4
Continue on ME 189
0.8 mi·2 min·Main Street
5
Continue on ME 189
9.3 mi·13 min·County Road
6
Continue on ME 189
0.6 mi·1 min·Lubec Road
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 1
9.5 mi·13 min·Route 1
8
Continue on US 1
3.1 mi·4 min·Main Street
9
Turn slight right onto US 1
416 ft·7 sec·River Road
10
Continue on US 1
4.2 mi·6 min·Main Street
11
Continue on US 1
2.3 mi·3 min·Dublin Street
12
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi·21 sec·Outer Dublin Street
13
Continue on US 1
3.3 mi·4 min·Harrington Road
14
Continue on US 1
14 mi·20 min·Route 1
15
Turn straight onto US 1
0.5 mi·45 sec·Main Street
16
Continue on US 1A
0.2 mi·18 sec·Kennedy Highway
17
Continue on US 1A
3.0 mi·4 min·US Highway 1A
18
Continue on US 1A
4.1 mi·6 min·Kennedy Highway
19
Continue on US 1A
0.3 mi·33 sec·Bridge Street
20
At end of road, turn left onto US 1
1.8 mi·2 min·Main Street
21
Continue on US 1
28 mi·41 min·US Highway 1
22
Continue on US 1
1.1 mi·1 min·Downeast Highway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
459 ft·11 sec·Downeast Highway
24
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.2 mi·35 sec·High Street
25
Turn left onto Foster Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Foster Street
Use the left lane.
26
At end of road, turn right onto ME 230
0.7 mi·1 min·Water Street
27
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.2 mi·10 sec·West Main Street
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
278 ft·3 sec·Main Street
29
Continue on US 1; ME 3
8.5 mi·9 min·Bucksport Road
30
Continue on US 1; ME 3
9.4 mi·10 min·Acadia Highway
31
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi·1 min·Route 1
32
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
135 ft·9 sec·Main Street
Use the left lane.
33
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.1 mi·16 sec·Route 1
Use the left lane.
34
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi·2 min·US Highway 1
35
Continue on US 1; ME 3
13 mi·15 min·Route 1
36
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi·4 min·Searsport Avenue
37
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi·1 min·Route 1
38
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi·38 sec·ME 3
39
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
373 ft·12 sec·ME 3
40
Merge onto ME 3
3.9 mi·4 min·Belmont Avenue
Use the straight lane.
41
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi·5 min·Augusta Road
42
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi·3 min·Belfast Augusta Road East
43
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi·4 min·Acadia Highway
44
Continue on ME 3
18 mi·21 min·Belfast Augusta Road
Use the straight lane.
45
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi·16 sec·Belfast Road
46
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi·11 min·North Belfast Avenue
47
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9
1.0 mi·1 min·North Belfast Avenue
Use the left lane.
48
At end of road, turn left onto US 201; US 202; ME 9; ME 100
0.6 mi·52 sec·Bangor Street
49
Enter roundabout onto US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
159 ft·3 sec·Memorial Drive
50
Continue on US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Memorial Drive
51
Enter roundabout onto US 201; ME 27
401 ft·7 sec·State Street
52
Continue on US 201; ME 27
0.2 mi·19 sec·State Street
53
Turn right onto Capitol Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Capitol Street
54
Turn straight onto Armory Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Armory Street
55
Turn left onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi·1 min·Western Avenue
56
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
57
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
58
Merge onto I 95
5.9 mi·6 min·Maine Turnpike
59
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.
60
Take the exit onto US 1A
0.4 mi·1 min·US 1A
Exit 7Toward US 1AUse the straight / slight right lanes.
61
Turn right onto Marginal Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Marginal Way
Use the right lane.
62
Continue on State Street
1.0 mi·1 min·State Street
63
Continue on ME 77
1.1 mi·1 min·Casco Bay Bridge
64
Continue on ME 77
1.0 mi·1 min·Broadway
65
Turn sharp right onto Pine Street
60 ft·2 sec·Pine Street
66
Arrive at destination
Pine Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 9m duration, starting your drive from Lubec, ME in the morning will allow you to reach South Portland, ME with plenty of daylight to spare. While the route has only one suggested stop, you can easily add more as needed, especially once you transition to surface roads. Keep an eye on your fuel level, as the estimated cost is $41, and it's always wise to fill up before heading out on longer stretches, such as the 46.5 miles on I 295. The predominantly surface road profile means you'll likely encounter more local traffic and lower speed limits as you approach your destination.
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 114.6 miles from Lubec, ME, or about 2h 45m 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 50 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.6 miles or 2h 45m 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 19m
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 Lubec, 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 Lubec, ME
This is one driving day of about 229.2 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Lubec, 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 225.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Pleasant Street
Turn left onto Pleasant Street
Navigation decision point
7
107.3 mi into trip|~2h 35m 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
172.2 mi into trip|~4h 1m 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
178.8 mi into trip|~4h 9m 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
225.2 mi into trip|~5h 2m 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
$35.97 one way
$71.94 round trip
$3.99/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$40.39
$80.78
premium
$4.81
$43.42
$86.84
diesel
$4.80
$43.28
$86.55
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
$36
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.8
0
$24.07
$11.00
Efficient EV
57.3
0
$20.06
$9.17
EV Truck/SUV
91.7
1
$32.09
$14.67
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Origin
Lubec, ME
Night
in Lubec on Saturday
Local time
9:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
South Portland, ME
Night
in South Portland on Saturday
Local time
9:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
84°F
Orland, ME
115 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
5h 9m 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 71.1
Park Closure: Park Loop Road Detour
Park Closure: Several Trails Close For Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season
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 189.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly surface roads, with 54% of the total mileage on highways like I 295 and US Highway 1. You'll encounter your longest stretch of continuous highway travel for 46.5 miles on I 295. Expect to transition from faster highway speeds to more frequent stops and turns as you move onto surface roads for a significant portion of the trip.
Only 54% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
66 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 early in the drive near Pleasant 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 26 significant decision points across 229.2 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: near the start (Pleasant Street): Navigation decision point; at 107.3 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 172.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
401 ft25 ft
Total Climb
722 ft
Total Descent
727 ft
Highest Point
401 ft
~140.4 mi in
Elevation Range
376 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lubec, ME and South Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 229.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m 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 $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 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 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 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: near the start (Pleasant Street): Navigation decision point; at 107.3 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 172.2 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at South Portland, ME before the return drive.
