Navigating Acadia National Park: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists
In the heart of Maine, Acadia National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. Here's a guide on how to reach this natural wonder, whether by car, bus, train, or plane.
By Car
If you're driving from Boston, MA, follow I-95 North, take Exit 182A for ME-395, then ME-1A East, and ME-3 East to Bar Harbor. The distance is approximately 280 miles, and the journey takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours (without heavy traffic). From Portland, ME, follow I-295 North and US-1 North, then ME-3 East.
By Bus
For a budget-friendly, bus-only option from New York City, consider Concord Coach Lines. You'll take their bus from NYC to Boston (typically Boston South Station or North Station), then transfer to Concord Coach Lines or Amtrak Downeaster to Bangor, ME. From Bangor, take Downeast Transportation bus to Bar Harbor, the gateway town to Acadia National Park. This route involves transferring between different bus services: Concord Coach Lines from NYC to Bangor (via Boston), then Downeast Transportation from Bangor to Bar Harbor. The entire trip takes roughly 12–14 hours, depending on transfer wait times.
By Train
Amtrak Downeaster travels from Boston (South Station) to Portland, ME in 2.5 hours. However, the train and bus route from NYC to Acadia National Park takes 12-14 hours, making it a scenic but less practical option for tight schedules or large luggage.
By Plane
The fastest option is to fly from NYC (JFK, LGA, or EWR) to Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) or Bangor International Airport (BGR). Renting a car is recommended if you fly into Bangor or Bar Harbor, as public transit is limited in the area. The closest town to Acadia National Park is Bar Harbor, Maine.
Additional Tips
- The Downeast Transportation bus schedule from Bangor to Bar Harbor is limited and doesn’t run late, so plan accordingly.
- Once in Bar Harbor, you can use the free seasonal Island Explorer shuttle bus system to move around Acadia National Park easily without a car. It runs from late June through mid-October.
[1] Source: Various travel websites and personal travel experiences.
[2] Concord Coach Lines: www.concordcoachlines.com [3] Downeast Transportation: www.downeasttransportation.com [4] Amtrak Downeaster: www.amtrakdowneaster.com
- Acadia National Park, nestled in the heart of Maine, boasts remarkable landscapes and a plethora of outdoor activities for exploration.
- For those driving from Boston, MA, a route via I-95 North followed by ME-395, ME-1A East, and ME-3 East leads to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park.
- The total journey from Boston is approximately 280 miles and takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours, making it an ideal road trip destination.
- From Portland, ME, travelers can take I-295 North and US-1 North, followed by ME-3 East to reach Bar Harbor.
- To reach Acadia National Park on a budget, consider taking the bus from New York City, with Concord Coach Lines being a viable option for the trip to Bangor, ME.
- This bus-only journey from NYC to Bangor involves transferring to Concord Coach Lines or Amtrak Downeaster, followed by Downeast Transportation to Bar Harbor.
- The entire bus route takes roughly 12–14 hours and is an economical but time-consuming option.
- For a scenic yet less practical train journey, take Amtrak Downeaster from Boston to Portland, ME, but keep in mind the 12-14 hours it takes to reach Acadia National Park by transferring to other services.
- The quickest option for reaching Acadia National Park is to fly from NYC to Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) or Bangor International Airport (BGR).
- It's advisable to rent a car if you arrive in Bangor or Bar Harbor, as public transit is limited in the area.
- Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, make use of the free seasonal Island Explorer shuttle bus system to navigate Acadia National Park effortlessly, without needing a car. The bus system operates from late June through mid-October.
