Sanford to Jonesport is 229 miles and takes about 5 hours via I-295 and US-1, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maine, taking you from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. It's a manageable drive that balances highway cruising with more local road travel. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward trip across the state 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
114.7 miles from Sanford, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m 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
Indian River Road
9.3 mi
16m
Bucksport Road
8.5 mi
9m
Alfred Road
8.2 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 52.5 mi, about 1h 1m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 39 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,557 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,064
Quietest
2 AM
~87 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
29.4×
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 Sanford, ME and Jonesport, 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 44Toward Downtown PortlandUse 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 113Toward 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
5.1 mi·7 min·Route 1
45
Turn right onto State Route 187
0.7 mi·1 min·State Route 187
46
Continue on Indian River Road
7.1 mi·12 min·Indian River Road
47
Continue on ME 187
0.3 mi·28 sec·State Route 187
48
Continue on ME 187
2.3 mi·4 min·Indian River Road
49
Continue on ME 187
1.2 mi·2 min·Main Street
50
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Jonesport before evening. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $41, it's a trip that doesn't require extensive planning. The longest stretch on I-295 is over 50 miles, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering that section. Since the entire trip can be completed in a single day, you have flexibility in your departure time.
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 114.7 miles from Sanford, ME, or about 2h 20m 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 50 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.7 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jonesport, 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 229.4 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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.
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
$40.55 one way
$81.10 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$44.42
$88.83
premium
$5.29
$47.77
$95.54
diesel
$5.35
$48.32
$96.64
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
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.8
0
$24.09
$11.01
Efficient EV
57.4
0
$20.07
$9.18
EV Truck/SUV
91.8
1
$32.12
$14.68
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.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Sanford, ME
Afternoon
in Sanford on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Scattered Rain Showers
NE 5 mph51% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Jonesport, ME
Afternoon
in Jonesport on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Partly Cloudy
NE 3 mph2% chanceLive forecast
75°F
Benton, 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.
Temperature spread
7 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
5h 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 71.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a mixed highway and surface road profile. You'll spend about 59% of the time on highways, with the longest continuous stretch on I-295 covering 52.5 miles. Expect to transition from highway speeds to surface roads as you progress toward your destination. The transition from the faster highway sections to the more varied surface roads will be noticeable as you make your way east.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
50 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 Effort9/10
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 229.4 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
513 ft17 ft
Total Climb
516 ft
Total Descent
806 ft
Highest Point
513 ft
~114.7 mi in
Elevation Range
496 ft
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 Jonesport, ME, road signs point toward Augusta, Portland and Belfast.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 229.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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 Jonesport, 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 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jonesport, ME before the return drive.
