Getting around Maine | Intrepid Travel UK

Getting around Maine is relatively easy and straightforward as there are several options to choose from including driving, taking public transport, or catching a ferry. You can also travel to popular destinations within the various cities in Maine using rideshare options or cab services. How you decide to travel around Maine largely depends on if you plan on moving around the state or staying in one region. If you want to go from Portland to Bangor for example, you can choose to catch a flight or drive between the two cities.

Whereas if you're simply planning on staying in Portland, then Maine has an excellent and reliable public transportation system, in the form of bus and train networks, that will facilitate your travel to popular landmarks and suburbs within the city.

Driving around Maine

Driving around Maine is definitely one of the easiest ways to travel and also allows you to take in as much of Maine's natural beauty as possible along the way. Whether you plan on driving from the state you live in or renting a car from one of the six commercial airports in Maine, driving offers a time-efficient and relaxed way of moving from place to place.

All of the commercial airports in Maine offer car rental services provided by reputable companies including Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Budget. The cost of renting a car largely depends on what time of the year you're travelling in, how long you'll need the car for, and what kind of car you want. However, the average of cost renting a car in Maine is USD$35 per day but can be as high as USD$67 per day.

Moving between popular destinations within Maine, such as driving from Portland to Acadia National Park, is relatively easy as the main highways in the state are in good condition. Infrastructure reports also show that Maine has the 4th best highways in the whole of the United States so you shouldn't come to any major disruptions on your travels.

Taking a bus in Maine

Maine's public transportation system consists of reliable and efficient train and bus networks that facilitate services between larger cities and different regions throughout the state.

As well as providing services that travel between the popular cities in Maine, the extensive bus network also offers routes into regional areas making moving around the state as easy as possible. Some popular locations and landmarks also have free shuttle buses to take you to and from your destination in a convenient way. There are also a number of buses that will take you to bigger recreational areas including Sugarloaf Mountain, Mt. Desert Island and Acadia National Park, Bethel, and Kennebunk.

Once again, the cost of bus tickets varies depending on where you want to travel to but on average a ticket costs USD$10 but can be as high as USD$33 for more popular routes.

Catching a ferry in Maine

Catching a ferry is also a good way to explore the state and its surrounding islands further. You might be surprised to know that Maine is home to over four thousand islands, located just off the coast. Some of these islands, including Bailey Island, Moose Island, and North Haven, are accessible through the state's ferry transportation system, allowing travellers a greater insight into the community life on these island towns.

As well as providing services that connect certain regions such as Downeast & Acadia, Greater Portland & Casco Bay and the Mid-Coast, the ferry system also offers international services between Canada and harbour cities such as Bar Harbor, Eastport, and Portland.

The cost of ferry tickets is divided into different categories depending on what time of the year you're travelling in and whether you want to bring a car or other vehicle onboard with you. If you're travelling during the offseason, an adult ticket will cost you USD$12.50 while a peak season ticket is USD$17.50. If you want to take a vehicle onboard during the offseason, a ticket is USD$31 and goes up from there during peak season.

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