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Trip from Sanford, ME to Addison, ME

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

Drive Time

4h 40m

Distance

216.8 mi

349 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 27m ★
6 AM
4h 41m
8 AM
5h 8m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 33m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Sanford, ME, ME

Sanford, ME

Wikimedia Commons

town in Washington County, Maine

Addison, ME

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 216.8-mile journey from Sanford, Maine, to Addison, Maine, will take approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $35, this drive is well-suited for a single day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll primarily navigate local roads, indicated by a 0% highway share, suggesting a more intimate exploration of the terrain. The profile of this route is described as 'turn-heavy,' so be prepared for frequent directional changes as you travel within the Northeast region.

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

108.4 miles from Sanford, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 295 52.5 mi 1h 1m
US 1 30.6 mi 45m
Maine Turnpike 22 mi 23m
Route 3 17.6 mi 21m
Acadia Highway 13.4 mi 15m
Bucksport Road 8.5 mi 9m
Alfred Road 8.2 mi 9m
North Belfast Avenue 8.1 mi 11m
Longest stretch: I 295 — 52.5 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

89 ft · 8 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Washington Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Washington Street
3

Continue on River Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · River Street
4

Turn right onto US 202; ME 4A

1.2 mi · 3 min · Cottage Street
5

Continue on US 202; ME 4A

2.4 mi · 3 min · Sanford Road
6

Continue on ME 111

1.8 mi · 2 min · Biddeford Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
7

Continue on ME 111

8.2 mi · 9 min · Alfred Road
8

Continue on ME 111

1.4 mi · 1 min · Alfred Street
9

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 1 min
Use the straight / left lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 95 North Toll: Portland, Augusta
11

Merge onto I 95

12 mi · 13 min · Maine Turnpike
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295

52 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 295
Exit 44 Toward Downtown Portland Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 95

9.8 mi · 10 min · Maine Turnpike
14

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 26 sec
Exit 113 Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
16

Merge onto ME 3

2.5 mi · 3 min · Augusta Bypass
Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

8.1 mi · 11 min · North Belfast Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Belfast Road
19

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

18 mi · 21 min · Route 3
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on ME 3

4.0 mi · 4 min · Acadia Highway
21

Continue on ME 3

3.4 mi · 3 min · Belfast Augusta Road West
22

Continue on ME 3

4.8 mi · 5 min · Augusta Road
23

Continue on ME 3

4.0 mi · 4 min · Belmont Avenue
24

Take the exit onto ME 3

0.3 mi · 43 sec · ME 3
25

Merge onto US 1; ME 3

0.7 mi · 1 min · Route 1
26

Continue on US 1; ME 3

2.7 mi · 4 min · Searsport Avenue
Use the left lane.
27

Continue on US 1; ME 3

7.0 mi · 8 min · West Main Street
28

Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3

6.3 mi · 7 min · East Main Street
29

Continue on US 1; ME 3

1.2 mi · 2 min · US Highway 1
30

Continue on US 1; ME 3

508 ft · 12 sec · Route 1
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

9.4 mi · 10 min · Acadia Highway
33

Continue on US 1; ME 3

8.5 mi · 9 min · Bucksport Road
34

Continue on US 1; ME 3

0.2 mi · 17 sec · West Main Street
35

Turn right onto ME 230

0.7 mi · 1 min · Water Street
Use the right lane.
36

Turn left onto Foster Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Foster Street
37

Turn right onto US 1; ME 3

0.3 mi · 43 sec · High Street
38

Turn left onto US 1; ME 3

31 mi · 45 min · US 1; ME 3
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
39

Turn right onto US 1A

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Bridge Street
40

Continue on US 1A

4.1 mi · 6 min · Kennedy Highway
41

Continue on US 1A

3.0 mi · 4 min · US Highway 1A
42

Continue on US 1A

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Kennedy Highway
43

Continue on US 1

0.5 mi · 47 sec · Main Street
44

Continue on US 1

1.9 mi · 2 min · Route 1
45

Turn right onto Addison Road

1.0 mi · 2 min · Addison Road
46

Continue on Water Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · Water Street
47

Arrive at destination

Water Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 40-minute duration, starting your drive from Sanford early in the morning is advisable to maximize your time in Addison. Plan for at least one stop along the way, especially since the route is turn-heavy and may feel longer than the stated duration. Keep your estimated $35 fuel budget in mind and ensure your vehicle is adequately fueled before departing, as you'll be on local roads for the entire 216.8 miles. The 'turn-heavy' nature of this drive means paying close attention to navigation is key; consider having a reliable GPS or map handy.

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 108.4 miles from Sanford, ME, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.5 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 48 miles or 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 108.4 miles or 2h 13m 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 40m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Sanford, 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 Sanford, ME

This is one driving day of about 216.8 miles and 4h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Sanford, 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 52.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Washington, ME, ME

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, ME

108 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

Portland, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Washington, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 108.4 miles from Sanford, 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

Provender Kitchen + Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ellsworth, Maine

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 170.4

Hours: 4–8 pm

+12076101480

Visit website

Thai With Us

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Augusta, Maine

2.4 mi

The Milbridge House Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Milbridge, Maine

3 mi

Provender Kitchen + Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 170.4

Ellsworth, Maine

Hours: 4–8 pm

+12076101480

Visit website

Thai With Us

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 92.9

Augusta, Maine

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12074801121

Visit website

The Milbridge House Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 201.3

Milbridge, Maine

Hours: Closed

+12075464454

Visit website

Laan-Xang Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 139.4

Belfast, Maine

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+12073386338

Visit website

Ironbound Restaurant and Inn

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 185.8

Hancock, Maine

+12074223395

Visit website

44 Degrees North

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 201.3

Milbridge, Maine

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+12075464440

Visit website

Helen's Restaurant of Ellsworth

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.4

Ellsworth, Maine

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+12076672433

Visit website

Bell the Cat

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 139.4

Belfast, Maine

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+12073382084

Visit website

Maine Military Museum & Learning Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 31

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12077678227

Visit website

Eartha Globe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 46.5

Yarmouth, Maine

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

Maine Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 31

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 1–7 pm

+12072746007

Visit website

Old Fort Western

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 92.9

Augusta, Maine

+12076262385

Visit website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 31

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 4–8 pm

+12078087696

Visit website

The Escape Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 31

Portland, Maine

Hours: 12–8:15 pm

+12076193775

Visit website

Maine Day Ventures/ formerly Maine Foodie Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 31

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12072337485

Visit website

Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 31

Portland, Maine

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12077741822

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 15.5 and 90.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
15.5 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 North Toll: Portland, Augusta

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 95 North Toll: Portland, Augusta
8
28 mi into trip | ~35m in | I 295

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward Downtown Portland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 44 Toward Downtown Portland
6
90.2 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Take the exit toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 113 Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
5
90.4 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
90.6 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | ME 3 / Augusta Bypass

Merge onto ME 3 / Augusta Bypass

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.90 one way

$69.80 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $38.40 $76.80
premium $4.86 $41.52 $83.03
diesel $5.61 $47.87 $95.73

Estimated Tolls: $1.32

Maine Turnpike (22 mi) $1.32

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

$35

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65 0 $22.76 $10.41
Efficient EV 54.2 0 $18.97 $8.67
EV Truck/SUV 86.7 1 $30.35 $13.88

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Sanford, ME

Night in Sanford on Saturday

Local time

9:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers

SE 5 mph 16% chance Live forecast

Destination

Addison, ME

Night in Addison on Saturday

Local time

9:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

45°F

Washington, ME

108 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

18 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 40m 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

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 186.9
View on nps.gov
Frances Perkins National Monument

Frances Perkins National Monument

National Monument

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 74.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 216.8-mile route, as it features a 0% highway share. This means you won't encounter any long, uninterrupted stretches of high-speed highway. Instead, your journey will be characterized by navigating Washington Street, River Street, and Cottage Street, among others, which will likely involve frequent turns and a more engaged driving experience. The absence of significant highway segments suggests a slower pace, allowing for a closer look at the communities you pass through.

60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.5 mi on I 295.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 around 15.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 19 significant decision points across 216.8 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 15.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 90.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Sanford, ME and Addison, ME, road signs point toward Augusta, Portland and Belfast.

Augusta

15.5 mi in | ~22m

Portland

28 mi in | ~35m | via I 295

Belfast

90.2 mi in | ~1h 48m

About the Cities

Starting 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 4h 40m. Total distance: 216.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 52.5 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.32 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 Addison, 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 15.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 90.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Addison, ME, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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