Presque Isle to Standish is 294.1 miles and takes about 5h 42m via I 95, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maine, moving from the Northeast region of the state down towards the southern part. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making for a straightforward drive. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, this is a practical route for a single-day trip.
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
147 miles from Presque Isle, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
198.2 mi
3h 26m
Maine Turnpike
39.2 mi
42m
Houlton Road
10.3 mi
14m
Route 1
9.1 mi
14m
Main Road
6.7 mi
10m
Chadbourne Road
6.3 mi
9m
North Road
5.8 mi
8m
Tandberg Trail
3.6 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 198.2 mi, about 3h 26m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 64 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,113 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,508
Quietest
1 AM
~41 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
27.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Presque Isle, ME and Standish, ME.
1
Start on State Street
100 ft·5 sec·State Street
2
Turn right onto US 1
1.3 mi·3 min·Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
3
Continue on US 1
10 mi·14 min·Houlton Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 1
2.0 mi·3 min·Presque Isle Road
5
Continue on US 1
0.7 mi·2 min·Benjamin Street
6
At end of road, turn right onto US 1
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
7
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi·40 sec·Military Road
8
Continue on US 1
2.7 mi·4 min·Route 1
9
Continue on US 1
6.7 mi·10 min·Main Road
10
Continue on US 1
6.4 mi·10 min·Route 1
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Continue on US 1
0.7 mi·54 sec·US Highway 1
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Continue on US 1
5.8 mi·8 min·North Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 1
3.1 mi·5 min·North Street
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
15
Merge onto I 95
198 mi·3 hr 26 min·I 95
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
2.7 mi·2 min·Maine Turnpike
Toward I 95 South: Lewiston, Portland
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
33 mi·35 min·Maine Turnpike
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
3.8 mi·4 min·Maine Turnpike
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 63Toward US 202, ME 115, ME 4: Grey, New Gloucester
20
Turn left onto US 202; ME 4
3.3 mi·6 min·West Gray Road
21
Continue on ME 115
3.6 mi·7 min·Tandberg Trail
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on Chadbourne Road
6.3 mi·9 min·Chadbourne Road
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on ME 35
2.2 mi·3 min·Northeast Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn right onto ME 25
287 ft·6 sec·Ossipee Trail East
25
Turn right onto Oak Hill Road
12 ft·0 sec·Oak Hill Road
26
Arrive at destination
Oak Hill Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 42m drive, consider leaving Presque Isle in the morning to arrive in Standish with time to spare. While it's a manageable one-day trip, you can certainly stop to refuel or stretch your legs. The $40 fuel estimate should cover your needs, but it's always wise to top off before heading out. Since the longest stretch is over 198 miles, plan for a break before you feel the need. Keep an eye out for the transition from highway to surface roads 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 147 miles from Presque Isle, ME, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198.2 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 65 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147 miles or 2h 56m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Standish, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Presque Isle, 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 Presque Isle, ME
This is one driving day of about 294.1 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Presque Isle, 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 95 for about 198.2 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 278.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 1 / Main Street
Turn right onto US 1 / Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
14.4 mi into trip|~23m in|US 1 / Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 1 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
40.6 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
6
239.1 mi into trip|~4h 32m in|I 95 / Maine Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Maine Turnpike toward I 95 South: Lewiston, Portland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 South: Lewiston, Portland
6
278.3 mi into trip|~5h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 202, ME 115, ME 4: Grey, New Gloucester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 63
Toward US 202, ME 115, ME 4: Grey, New Gloucest...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.95 one way
$79.89 round trip
$3.45/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.85
$44.58
$89.16
premium
$4.15
$48.05
$96.10
diesel
$3.75
$43.42
$86.84
Estimated Tolls: $2.35
Maine Turnpike
(39.2 mi)$2.35
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
$40
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.9 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
88.2
1
$30.88
$14.12
Efficient EV
73.5
0
$25.73
$11.76
EV Truck/SUV
117.6
1
$41.17
$18.82
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Presque Isle, ME
Morning
in Presque Isle on Sunday
Local time
7:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 13 to 20 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Standish, ME
Morning
in Standish on Sunday
Local time
7:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 10 to 15 mph3% chanceLive forecast
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
6 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
5h 42m 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.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
National Monument
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies that have a...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 81.1
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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 243.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 84% of this drive on highways, expect long stretches of consistent cruising. You'll be on I 95 and the Maine Turnpike for the majority of the 294.1 miles. The longest continuous highway segment spans 198.2 miles on I 95. After the highway portion concludes, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of the trip.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 198.2 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Maine Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 1 / Main Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 294.1 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: near the start (US 1 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles (US 1 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 40.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
500 ft123 ft
Total Climb
512 ft
Total Descent
536 ft
Highest Point
500 ft
~63 mi in
Elevation Range
377 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Presque Isle, ME and Standish, ME, road signs point toward Portland and New Gloucester.
Standish is a town in Cumberland County in the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine. It is a recreational area and suburb of Portland. Standish includes the villages of Standish Corner, Sebago Lake Village, and Steep Falls, and the localities known as Richville, Standish Neck, and Two Trails.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 42m. Total distance: 294.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 198.2 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.35 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 Standish, 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: near the start (US 1 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles (US 1 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 40.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and Frances Perkins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Standish, ME before the return drive.
