Acadia, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park are served by excellent roads

Auto Routes

Getting to the Acadia By Car

Because Acadia is so much further north and east than the rest of the United States, there really is only one Interstate that leads into the region. I-95 north will bring visitors from all points south and west to the area, and those from Canada can pick up I-95 south from New Brunswick. From Quebec, Maine State Route 11, travels due south from the border, and it will meet up with I-95.

Since many people come to Acadia for the natural scenery, an alternate route into the region is U.S. Route 1, which parallels I-95, although closer to the coastline.

To reach the major destinations in Acadia:

Bangor is located right of I-95 and its local spur, I-395.

Bar Harbor and the entrance to Acadia National Park can be reached via Maine Route 3, south from Ellsworth.

The Bucksport area is located along Route 15, which can be picked up in Banger off of I-95.

Ellsworth is reached from I-95 via Route 1A.

Gouldsboro, Schoodic Point and the eastern end of Acadia National Park are located off U.S. Route 1.

From New Brunswick, Canada, simply take Canadian Route 3 across the border into Calais. Another route is via Canadian Route 4 into Vanceboro.

From points further north, U.S. Route 1 is a straight shot down through Aroostook into the Sunrise Coast.

Travelers from points south and west are best advised to take I-95 north into Bangor, then pick up US Route 1A south to US Route 1, which travels along the coast through Acadia, and into the Sunrise Coast region. Maine State Route 9, known as "The Airline," provides a more scenic drive from Bangor, through the heart of the region, ending in Calais.

Since most of the communities here are on the coast, U.S. Route 1 provides the most direct access to major visitor's points, including Calais, Machais, Dennysville, Pembroke, Jonesboro, Addison, Milbridge, Cherryfield, and Columbia Falls.

Maine State 189 runs to the east and north of U.S. 1, leading to Lubec and Campobello Island.

From U.S. 1, travelers can also get state roads to Eastport, Cutler, Roque Bluffs, Jonesport and Indian River.

Further inland, Maine State Route 9 takes travelers through Beddington, Wesley, Crawford, Alexander and Baring, on the way to Calais.