How to Get to Acadia National Park: Airports, Access & Transportation

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Acadia

The closest airport to Acadia is Bangor International (BGR), 50 miles from the park and less than an hour away by car. Visitors coming from France almost always land in Boston (BOS), then drive 4.5 to 5 hours to Mount Desert Island. Once you're there, a car is still essential in the off-season. In summer, the free Island Explorer shuttles cover most of the park.

Airports around the park (5)

• Airport Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport BHB · 6 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Bangor International Airport BGR · 40 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
• Airport Knox County Regional Airport RKD · 48 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Augusta State Airport AUG · 77 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Portland International Jetport PWM · 115 miles from the park · international Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Where to Land: Which Airport for Acadia National Park

Acadia is one of the few major American national parks located on a coastal island in Maine, at the northeastern tip of the United States. Air service is less extensive here than in Las Vegas or Phoenix, so it's worth thinking carefully about which airport you fly into.

The Closest Regional Airport

Bangor International Airport (BGR) is our default recommendation. It's about 50 miles from Bar Harbor, or a 50-minute drive, and offers domestic flights from Boston, New York, and other cities along the East Coast. It operates year-round, making it the most reliable option in any season.

Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) in Trenton is less than 12 miles from downtown Bar Harbor, so it's hard to beat for convenience. On the other hand, it only operates seasonally and has limited service. If you find a reasonable fare for your dates, it's the most direct gateway to the park.

Portland International Jetport (PWM), about 155 miles away, is a useful third option if you're planning to explore Maine's southern coast or the city of Portland before heading up to the park.

Major International Hubs

Boston Logan (BOS) is the natural hub for transatlantic travelers. Drive 4.5 to 5 hours and you'll be at the park. JFK or Newark (EWR) in the New York area are also possible, but plan on a drive of 7 hours or more. If you choose this option, split the trip over two days.

Getting to Acadia from France: Direct Flight or Connection

There are no direct flights from France to Bangor. The standard route is a nonstop flight from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Boston (BOS), about 8 hours, followed by the drive. Air France and Delta operate this route from CDG. In spring and fall, fares regularly drop below €500.

If you're planning a road trip that combines Quebec and the East Coast, Montreal (YUL) can be an appealing alternative. The city is about 250 miles from Bar Harbor, a 4-hour drive. The route runs through Vermont and New Hampshire, a pleasant itinerary if you've got two weeks to work with.

For entrance fees and annual passes, our Fees & Passes page covers the essentials.

By Car: Distances and Drive Times from Gateway Cities

A car is by far the most common way to reach the park. Mount Desert Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you don't need a ferry to reach the park's main section.

From Boston, the most common route follows I-95 North to Augusta, then Route 3 East via Ellsworth to Mount Desert Island. Another option is to stay on I-95 to Bangor, take I-395, then Route 1A East to Ellsworth. Both routes meet in Ellsworth, the last major town before the island.

Here's a practical tip: fill up your tank and stock up on supplies in Ellsworth. Its grocery stores and supermarkets are well stocked. Prices rise and options become more limited once you're on the island.

Acadia National Park Entrances

Acadia doesn't have a single entrance station like the parks out West. The park is open year-round, and you'll enter at different points depending on which section you're visiting.

Hulls Cove Visitor Center (Route 3, north of Bar Harbor) is the recommended starting point for a first visit. You can pick up maps, buy your pass, and get current information about conditions that day. Park Loop Road starts here.

Schoodic Peninsula is the park's only mainland section. You can reach it via Route 186 from Winter Harbor, about 40 miles northeast of Bar Harbor by road. It's less crowded and offers a wilder atmosphere, along with beautiful views of the pink granite rocks.

Isle au Haut is a remote island accessible only by ferry from Stonington, with a crossing of about 45 minutes. Seats are limited during the busy season, so book several weeks ahead.

A reservation is required for Cadillac Mountain: from May through October, driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the park's highest point at 1,530 feet, requires a paid timed entry reservation ($6 per vehicle). In July and August, sunrise reservations sell out within minutes, so book several weeks ahead.

Getting Around the Park

The free Island Explorer shuttle serves Mount Desert Island from late June through Columbus Day. In July and August, it's the best way to avoid full parking lots. In the off-season, you'll need a car. You'll find details about Park Loop Road, shuttles, and parking in our Getting Around Acadia guide.

Other Options: Ferries and Organized Tours

Group tours from Boston or Portland are available, but departures are infrequent and you'll have very little flexibility. This can work for a one-day introduction to the park, but it's not a good fit for spending several days immersed in the area.

The Cat ferry connects Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, with Bar Harbor seasonally. It's worth considering if you're arriving from Atlantic Canada. Check the current schedule before building your itinerary around this crossing.

To plan your nights, see our Where to Stay guide or our Camping page. For planning the pace of your trip, our Itinerary & Length guide offers 2-, 3-, and 5-day itineraries.

In Summary: The Best Route to Acadia Based on Your Starting Point

Coming from France? Fly nonstop from Paris (CDG) to Boston (BOS), rent a car at the airport, and drive 4.5 hours on I-95 and Route 3. If you land in the evening, plan to spend the night in Portland or Ellsworth so you can start fresh at the park the next morning.

Already in the United States? Bangor is your target airport, and you can be in the park less than an hour after landing.

Planning a major New England road trip? Acadia fits naturally into an East Coast itinerary, between Quebec to the north and the historic cities of Massachusetts to the south. Our complete Acadia guide gives you the big picture you need to plan your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions