Boston to Maine is one of the easiest road trips in New England. You can reach the Maine line in about an hour and a quarter, and the coast keeps getting better the farther north you go. How far you drive decides what kind of trip you get, so this guide is organized by stop and drive time. Times are approximate, from downtown Boston, and summer weekends can add a lot.
Quick Answer: How Long to Plan
- Weekend (2 days): Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, then Portland
- 3 days: add Freeport and the midcoast, as far as Boothbay Harbor or Rockland
- 5 days or more: continue to Camden and Acadia National Park
Acadia is roughly five hours from Boston, so treat it as a destination, not a stop. If you have a full week, our one-week Maine road trip itinerary covers the whole loop.
The Route: I-95 North, Then Off Onto Route 1
The fast way is I-95 through New Hampshire and across the bridge into Maine. The slow way is Route 1, which runs through the coastal towns. Most people do both: take the interstate to get north quickly, then get off at the exits for the towns you want to see. The Maine Turnpike has a toll plaza at York. Plan on going slowly in towns like Kennebunkport and Camden, where traffic crawls in summer.
Stop 1: Ogunquit and Wells (about 1 hour 20 minutes)
Ogunquit is the first stop worth making: a wide beach, the Marginal Way cliff walk and Perkins Cove. Wells next door is quieter. See things to do in Ogunquit, the Ogunquit Beach guide and the Wells Beach guide.
Stop 2: Kennebunkport (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
Dock Square, the harbor and the ocean drive are the draw. Plan lunch here: our lobster roll guide will help you pick a spot. Start with things to do in Kennebunkport and the Kennebunk beaches guide.
Stop 3: Portland (about 2 hours)
Portland is the natural place to spend the night: restaurants, the Old Port and a working waterfront. It is also the best base for more side trips. See things to do in Portland and our guide to day trips from Portland. Lighthouse fans should read best lighthouses in Maine.
Stop 4: Freeport (about 2 hours 15 minutes)
This is the shopping stop, with L.L.Bean at the center. It makes a good half-day on the way north. See things to do in Freeport.
Stop 5: The Midcoast (2.5 to 3.5 hours)
The coast gets rockier and the towns smaller. Choose one or two:
- Boothbay Harbor for boat tours and a walkable harbor
- Damariscotta and Pemaquid Point for oysters and a classic lighthouse
- Rockland for the museum and restaurants
- Camden for the harbor and Camden Hills
Stop 6: Acadia National Park (about 5 hours)
If you have the days, finish at Acadia. Read the Acadia National Park guide before you go, and when to visit Bar Harbor for timing. Book lodging early for summer and fall.
Tips for Driving to Maine from Boston
- Avoid leaving Boston on a Friday afternoon in summer. Heading home on Sunday afternoon is just as slow.
- Book lodging well ahead for July, August and fall foliage weekends. See the best time to visit Maine.
- Pick fewer stops than you think you need. Most people try to fit in too much.
- For a more scenic route in the fall, see best scenic drives in Maine.