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Trip from Washington, ME to Portland, ME

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

Drive Time

1h 38m

Distance

73.8 mi

119 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 31m ★
6 AM
1h 39m
8 AM
1h 54m
10 AM
1h 44m
12 PM
1h 42m
3 PM
1h 45m
5 PM
1h 53m
8 PM
1h 34m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Washington, ME, ME

Washington, ME

ale.studio_17 .

seat of Cumberland County, and largest city in State of Maine, United States

Portland, ME

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on this 73.8-mile journey from Washington, ME, to Portland, ME, will take approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. This drive is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, especially with a fuel cost estimated around $12. You'll primarily navigate along I-295, Rockland Road, and Brunswick Avenue, with a substantial 59% of the route on highways. The overall experience is a mixed drive, offering a straightforward and efficient connection between these two points within the Northeast region. It's a manageable distance that allows for flexibility in your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

36.9 miles from Washington, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 295 42.7 mi 48m
Rockland Road 6.2 mi 8m
Brunswick Avenue 4.8 mi 7m
Augusta Road 4.7 mi 6m
Augusta-Rockland Road 4.1 mi 6m
Togus Road 3.7 mi 6m
Waldoboro Road 2 mi 3m
Windsor Street 1.7 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 295 — 42.7 mi, about 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Washington, ME and Portland, ME.

1

Start on Bill Luce Road

127 ft · 9 sec · Bill Luce Road
2

Turn left onto ME 105; ME 220

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Liberty Road
3

Turn slight left onto ME 220

2.0 mi · 3 min · Waldoboro Road
4

Turn right onto Calderwood Road

0.2 mi · 51 sec · Calderwood Road
5

Turn straight onto ME 17

3.2 mi · 4 min · Augusta Road
6

Continue on ME 17

6.2 mi · 8 min · Rockland Road
7

Continue on ME 17; ME 32

4.1 mi · 6 min · Augusta-Rockland Road
8

Continue on ME 17

0.9 mi · 1 min · Augusta Road
9

Continue on ME 17

1.1 mi · 1 min · Eastern Avenue
10

Continue on ME 17

0.6 mi · 59 sec · Augusta Road
11

Turn left onto ME 226

3.7 mi · 6 min · Togus Road
12

Continue on ME 226

1.7 mi · 3 min · Windsor Street
13

Turn right onto ME 27; ME 126

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Water Street
14

Turn left onto ME 9; ME 27; ME 126

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Bridge Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
15

Continue on US 201

4.8 mi · 7 min · Brunswick Avenue
16

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
17

Merge onto I 295

43 mi · 48 min · I 295
Use the straight lane.
18

Take the exit onto US 1A

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 1A
Exit 7 Toward US 1A Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Cumberland Avenue
Use the straight lane.
20

Turn left onto Preble Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Preble Street
21

Turn left onto Congress Street

156 ft · 5 sec · Congress Street
22

Arrive at destination

Congress Street

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of about 1 hour and 38 minutes, this trip offers great flexibility; there's no need to split it. You can easily depart at your leisure, though an early start might help you avoid any potential local traffic closer to Portland. With only 73.8 miles, you won't encounter many prolonged stretches without services, and the estimated fuel cost of $12 is quite economical. A good tip is to be mindful of the transition from highway driving to local roads as you enter the Portland area, as speed limits and traffic patterns will change.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.9 miles from Washington, ME, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.7 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 16 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 36.9 miles or 55m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 24m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Washington, ME so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Washington, ME

This is one driving day of about 73.8 miles and 1h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Washington, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 295 for about 42.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brunswick, ME

37 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.

Popular next leg

Brunswick, ME to Portland, ME

26.5 mi · 36m

Pacing Suggestions

Chelsea, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brunswick, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 36.9 miles from Washington, 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.

The Escape Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 73.8

Portland, Maine

Hours: 12–8:15 pm

+12076193775

Visit website

Maine Day Ventures/ formerly Maine Foodie Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 73.8

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12072337485

Visit website

Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 73.8

Portland, Maine

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12077741822

Visit website

Portland Observatory

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 73.8

Portland, Maine

+12072531800

Visit website

Old Port Historic Tours

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route mile 73.8

Portland, Maine

Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm

+12078070009

Visit website

Eartha Globe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 63.2

Yarmouth, Maine

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

Maine Military Museum & Learning Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 73.8

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12077678227

Visit website

Maine Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 73.8

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 1–7 pm

+12072746007

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 24.2 and 73.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
24.2 mi into trip | ~38m in | ME 9; ME 27; ME 126 / Bridge Street

Turn left onto ME 9; ME 27; ME 126 / Bridge Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
5
29.9 mi into trip | ~47m in | I 295

Merge onto I 295

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

Use the straight lane.
7
72.6 mi into trip | ~1h 35m 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
5
73.3 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | Cumberland Avenue

Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
73.8 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in | Congress Street

Turn left onto Congress Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.88 one way

$23.76 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 26 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $13.07 $26.14
premium $4.86 $14.13 $28.26
diesel $5.61 $16.29 $32.59

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 22.1 0 $7.75 $3.54
Efficient EV 18.5 0 $6.46 $2.95
EV Truck/SUV 29.5 0 $10.33 $4.72

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Washington, ME

Late night in Washington on Sunday

Local time

4:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Portland, ME

Late night in Portland on Sunday

Local time

4:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

46°F

Brunswick, ME

37 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

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

1h 38m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive presents a mixed driving profile, with 59% of the route utilizing highways for faster travel. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 42.7 miles on I-295, offering a consistent pace. As you progress, the character shifts between these quicker highway sections and the more local roads like Rockland Road and Brunswick Avenue. Expect a blend of efficient travel and more town-centric driving as you approach your destination, making for a varied experience behind the wheel.

59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.7 mi on I 295.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 24.2 miles in near ME 9; ME 27; ME 126 / Bridge Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 38m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 24.2 miles (ME 9; ME 27; ME 126 / Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 29.9 miles (I 295): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 72.6 miles (US 1A): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 73.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (59%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 42.7 miles on I 295. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

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 24.2 miles (ME 9; ME 27; ME 126 / Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 29.9 miles (I 295): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 72.6 miles (US 1A): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Portland, ME before heading back.

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

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