How to Get to Acadia National Park: A Complete Travel Guide

Acadia National Park, located on the stunning coast of Maine, is one of America’s most beloved natural treasures. With its rugged cliffs, scenic drives, and pristine hiking trails, it’s no surprise millions of visitors are drawn to its beauty each year. If you’re planning a trip, this guide will help you navigate the best ways to get to Acadia National Park—whether you’re coming by car, plane, or bus.

Where Is Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is primarily situated on Mount Desert Island, with additional areas on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. The closest town is Bar Harbor, Maine, which serves as a gateway to the park.

How to Get to Acadia National Park by car

Driving is the most popular and flexible way to reach Acadia.

From Major Cities:

Boston, MA (Approx. 5 hours, 280 miles):
Take I-95 North → Exit 182A for ME-395 → ME-1A East → ME-3 East to Bar Harbor.
Portland, ME (Approx. 3.5 hours, 170 miles):
Follow I-295 North → US-1 North → ME-3 East.
Bangor, ME (Approx. 1.5 hours, 50 miles):
Take ME-9 East → ME-233 East or ME-3 East directly to Mount Desert Island.

🚗 Tip: During peak summer months, parking lots at popular trailheads and viewpoints fill up fast. Consider arriving early in the day or using the free Island Explorer shuttle once you’re in the area.

How to Get to Acadia National Park by Air

Flying can save time, especially if you’re coming from far away.

Closest Airports to Acadia National Park:

1. Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)

Just 10 miles from Acadia
Seasonal flights from Boston via Cape Air or Silver Airways
Car rentals available on-site

2. Bangor International Airport (BGR)

50 miles away (~1.5-hour drive)
More flight options and rental car availability

3. Portland International Jetport (PWM) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Larger airports with major airline connections
Require longer drives (3.5–5 hours)

✈️ Tip: A rental car is highly recommended if you fly, as public transit is limited in the area.

How to Get to Acadia National Park by car by Bus

Bus service to Acadia is limited but available.

From Boston or Portland:
Take Concord Coach Lines to Bangor.
From Bangor to Bar Harbor:
Use Downeast Transportation, a regional bus service with limited daily schedules.

🚌 Note: Bus service is not ideal for tight travel plans, but it can be budget-friendly for flexible travelers.

Local Transportation: The Island Explorer

Once you’ve arrived, the Island Explorer Shuttle is a free and eco-friendly way to get around the park and nearby towns.

Runs late June through mid-October
Serves campgrounds, trailheads, visitor centers, and scenic spots
Bikes are allowed on shuttle racks

This is a great option for travelers staying in Bar Harbor or those who prefer not to drive within the park.

How to Get to Acadia National Park from NYC

Here’s how to get to Acadia National Park from New York City, with options by car, plane, train, and bus:

🚗 By Car (Most Flexible)

Distance: ~490 miles
Time: ~8–9 hours (without long stops)

Route:

Take I-95 North through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and into Maine.
At Bangor, ME, take I-395 East to Route 1A East.
Follow ME-3 East to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor.

🛣️ Tip: Break the trip with overnight stops in Portland, ME or Boston if needed. Arrive early to beat traffic in summer.

🛫 By Plane (Fastest Option)

Best Airports:

Fly from NYC (JFK, LGA, or EWR) to:
- Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – Seasonal flights via Cape Air or Silver Airways (connect in Boston).
- Bangor International Airport (BGR) – 1.5-hour drive to the park.

✈️ Travel Time:

Flight: ~1.5 hours to Bangor (nonstop or with a layover)
Drive from Bangor to Acadia: ~1.5 hours

🚗 Tip: Rent a car at Bangor or Bar Harbor to get around the island.

🚄 By Train + Bus (Scenic but Long)

Steps:

Amtrak from NYC (Penn Station) to Boston (South Station) – 4.5 hours
Walk to Boston North Station (10–15 min)
Take Amtrak Downeaster to Portland, ME – 2.5 hours
Bus (Concord Coach Lines) from Portland or Boston to Bangor
Downeast Transportation bus from Bangor to Bar Harbor

⏱️ Total time: 12–14 hours depending on transfers

🚍 Tip: This route is good for scenic travel, but not ideal for tight schedules or large luggage.

🚌 By Bus (Budget Option)

Concord Coach Lines:
- From NYC to Bangor, ME (with transfer in Boston) – ~10 hours
From Bangor to Bar Harbor:
- Downeast Transportation bus (~1.5 hours)

🧳 Tip: Pack light and check schedules ahead—Bangor to Bar Harbor buses don’t run late.

How to Get to Acadia National Park from Boston

Here’s a guide on how to get to Acadia National Park from Boston, using different travel options:

🚗 By Car (Most Convenient)

Distance: ~280 miles
Time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours (without heavy traffic)

Route:

Take I-95 North out of Boston.
In Bangor, ME, take I-395 East.
Continue on US-1A East.
Follow ME-3 East to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor (gateway to the park).

🛣️ Tip: Stop in Portland or Camden for a scenic break.

🛫 By Plane

Flights from Boston Logan (BOS) to:
- Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – ~1 hour, seasonal
- Bangor International Airport (BGR) – ~1.25 hours year-round

After flying:

Rent a car from BHB (10 miles to park) or BGR (~1.5-hour drive)

✈️ Best for: Fast travel and avoiding long road trips.

🚆 By Train + Bus

Amtrak Downeaster: Boston’s North Station → Portland, ME (~2.5 hours)
Concord Coach Lines: Portland → Bangor, ME (~2 hours)
Downeast Transportation Bus: Bangor → Bar Harbor (~1.5 hours)

⏱️ Total travel time: 6–8 hours depending on transfers
🧳 Best for: Travelers without a car who enjoy scenic, slower travel

🚌 By Bus Only

Concord Coach Lines:
- Boston (South Station) to Bangor, ME (~4–5 hours)
Downeast Transportation: Bangor → Bar Harbor

🚌 Tip: Bus schedules are limited — check ahead and plan for delays.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Acadia National Park can be a journey—but it’s well worth it. Whether you’re taking a road trip up the Maine coast, flying into a nearby airport, or arriving by bus, planning ahead will make your visit smooth and enjoyable. With its combination of mountains, ocean views, and historic carriage roads, Acadia is a destination that rewards every mile of travel.