Navigating Maine: From Parks to Coastline

Maine is the largest state in New England, boasting a small population primarily in its southern third, particularly along the breathtaking coastline.

This geography means much of the state, which shares borders with New Hampshire to the southwest, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Canada on all other sides, retains a charming rural character that’s best experienced with a car—especially outside the bustling summer and fall seasons, as tourism decreases significantly in winter and spring and many services do too.

Traveling by car is quite convenient, with plenty of affordable or free parking, rental car availability, and major highways like Interstate 95 (I-95) and Route 1. That said, it’s much easier to enjoy the scenery along the way when you’re not behind the wheel—and the views in Maine will have you wanting to keep your eyes glued to the window.

We have all the tips you need to make the most of the reasonable (though limited) transportation options by bus, train, and ferry, allowing you to explore some of the top destinations in the state, like Portland and Acadia National Park, without having to drive yourself.

Combining bus travel and walking: a perfect duo

You’ll likely spend some time in or around Portland, as it’s Maine’s largest city, home to Portland International Jetport (PWM) and the Portland Transportation Center (PTC), the state’s main hubs for flights and regional trains and buses. Both offer connections to downtown via the Greater Portland Metro bus, but service is somewhat limited, making regular use a challenge.

Fortunately, the downtown Portland peninsula is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to easily explore its working waterfront, unique shops and galleries, exceptional breweries, and remarkable dining scene on foot—or you can grab a taxi or Uber for a break.

For travel from nearby major cities like Boston and New York, or to head north of Portland, consider Concord Coach Lines, a comfortable, dependable, and budget-friendly option offering two routes through Southern Maine. Most tourists will prefer the Midcoast Maine route, which showcases the breathtaking coastline from Portland to Searsport and ventures inland to Bangor, stopping at charming towns such as Brunswick (home to Bowdoin College), Rockland, and Belfast.

Concord Coach’s inland route primarily serves college students, linking Portland to Bangor and passing through notable spots like Lewiston (Bates College), Waterville (Colby College), and Orono (University of Maine). Full schedules and fares can be found online. For destinations further away, transfer in Bangor. For instance, Downeast Transportation typically offers weekday connections from the Concord Coach terminal in Bangor to Bar Harbor, adjacent to New England’s only national park, Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island. The free Island Explorer bus lets you explore other towns on the island, access the park, and reach Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport.

Daily service from CYR Bus Lines extends north for about four more hours to Caribou, near part of the Canadian border.

Enjoy Maine’s stunning coastline through a train window

Amtrak's Downeaster is Maine’s sole passenger train service, running through New Hampshire to Boston and making stops at a select few delightful towns along a scenic coastal route in Southern Maine: Wells, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Freeport, and Brunswick.

The complimentary Shoreliner Explorer bus links Wells to other popular coastal towns, including Kennebunk, while Freeport is renowned as the home of LL Bean and numerous retail shops. Old Orchard Beach, featuring a nostalgic boardwalk, operates seasonally from May to October.

Nothing compares to the views from a ferry

Maine’s coastline stretches 3,500 miles and includes thousands of islands, many of which are inhabited by small, year-round fishing and lobstering communities as well as seasonal retreats, making it essential to take a ferry to visit at least one or two of them.

From Portland, Casco Bay Lines offers numerous standard and specialty trips daily to seven islands, including Peaks Island and Chebeague Island, both of which feature excellent inns and restaurants. While a car isn't necessary to enjoy these destinations, vehicle tickets are available if you wish to bring yours along.

For a scenic ride on the waves, consider the round-trip mailboat service, which carries mail, freight, and passengers to the islands over several hours. Be on the lookout for seals, terns, and other seabirds during your journey.

Further along the coast, you can reach Monhegan Island, a charming square-mile destination famous for its art scene and lack of cars, via Boothbay Harbor (Balmy Days Cruises) or Port Clyde (Monhegan Boat Line), or take the Maine State Ferry Service, which connects towns like Rockland to remote islands such as North Haven and Vinalhaven. Keep an eye out for whales and puffins, but to increase your chances of sightings, book specific cruises.

Most airlines operate only out of state

Maine has several airports, but aside from Portland International Jetport (PWM), they are generally small and connect primarily to larger East Coast cities rather than other in-state airports; many only offer private charter flights. Overall, you’re better off taking a bus or renting a car for direct connections while in Maine.

Traveling in Maine: Accessibility Overview

Most major transportation options and providers discussed here, along with many of Maine’s top attractions, are fairly accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. However, it’s important to note that even the urban environment of Portland can present navigation challenges due to its hilly terrain and cobblestone streets. For further details, check out Dinogo Planet’s Accessible Travel Resources page.