Origin
Biddeford, ME
Evening in Biddeford on Sunday
Local time
7:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Biddeford, ME to Caribou, ME
Drive Time
6h 9m
Distance
316.8 mi
510 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 56m
★
6 AM
6h 9m
8 AM
6h 35m
10 AM
6h 18m
12 PM
6h 16m
3 PM
6h 19m
5 PM
6h 34m
8 PM
6h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Biddeford, ME
Phil Evenden
Caribou, ME
Barnabas Davoti
Trip Overview
Traveling from Biddeford to Caribou is a significant trek across Maine, spanning 316.8 miles of the state's interior. You should budget approximately 6 hours and 9 minutes of pure driving time, making this a long but manageable day trip if you get an early start. Expect to spend roughly $51 on fuel for the journey, which relies heavily on the Maine Turnpike, I-295, and Houlton Road. While you can complete this run in a single day, the distance is substantial enough that you might prefer an overnight split if you plan on making multiple stops. It is a straightforward, highway-focused route that connects the southern coast to the far reaches of the Northeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
158.4 miles from Biddeford, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 54m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 85% of your time spent on highways, this drive is defined by consistent, high-speed travel rather than technical backroads. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, especially during the 207.1-mile stretch along the Maine Turnpike, which serves as the backbone of your journey. As you move away from the southern urban corridors and head toward the northern reaches of the state, the traffic density thins out significantly. Expect a predictable, efficient experience behind the wheel that favors steady progress over winding scenic detours. This is a practical, no-nonsense route designed to cover large distances across Maine with minimal complexity.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Maine Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 207.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Maine Turnpike and I 295. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 316.8 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.6 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 262.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
2.3 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 95 North: Portland
Navigation decision point
Toward I 95 North: Portland
8
11.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 295
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward Downtown Portland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 44
Toward Downtown Portland
6
262.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 302
Toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
6
303.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 48m in
|
State Street
Turn left onto State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
305.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 51m in
|
US 1 / Main Street
Turn left onto US 1 / Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Biddeford, ME to Caribou, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Presque Isle along the way.
Presque Isle
262.4 mi in
|
~4h 42m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Turnpike | 207.1 mi | 3h 36m |
| I 295 | 52.5 mi | 1h 1m |
| Houlton Road | 10.3 mi | 14m |
| Route 1 | 9.1 mi | 14m |
| Presque Isle Road | 7.7 mi | 11m |
| Main Road | 6.7 mi | 10m |
| North Road | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| Caribou Road | 5.1 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Maine Turnpike
— 207.1 mi, about 3h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Biddeford, ME and Caribou, ME.
1
Start on US 1 Alternate
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto ME 112
162 ft
·
5 sec
·
Beach Street
3
Continue on ME 5; ME 112
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Street
4
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: Portland
5
Merge onto I 95
8.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Maine Turnpike
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
52 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
I 295
Exit 44
Toward Downtown Portland
Use the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 95
198 mi
·
3 hr 26 min
·
Maine Turnpike
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 302
Toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
9
Turn left onto US 1
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
North Street
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 1
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
North Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Continue on US 1
0.7 mi
·
54 sec
·
US Highway 1
12
Continue on US 1
6.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Route 1
Use the straight / left lanes.
13
Continue on US 1
6.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Main Road
14
Continue on US 1
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Route 1
15
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Military Road
16
Continue on US 1
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
17
Turn left onto US 1
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Benjamin Street
18
Continue on US 1
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Presque Isle Road
19
Continue on US 1
10 mi
·
14 min
·
Houlton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on US 1
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto State Street
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
State Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
22
Turn right onto ME 163; ME 227
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Parsons Street
23
Continue on ME 163; ME 227
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
State Road
24
Continue on ME 163
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Connector Road
25
Turn left onto US 1
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
Main Street
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 1
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Caribou Road
27
Continue on US 1
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Presque Isle Road
Use the none lane.
28
Turn left onto Lyndon Street
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Lyndon Street
29
Turn slight right onto ME 161B; ME 164; US 1 Business
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Main Street
30
Turn left
43 ft
·
3 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To tackle this 316.8-mile drive effectively, aim for an early morning departure to account for the 6-hour and 9-minute duration. Since the route is highway-heavy, plan at least one substantial stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long, monotonous stretches can lead to fatigue. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly as you transition from the major turnpikes to the more rural sections of Houlton Road. Because this is a long, single-day endeavor, having your refreshments and music playlists ready before you leave Biddeford will help you maintain focus. Prioritize steady pacing to ensure you reach Caribou safely before nightfall.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 158.4 miles from Biddeford, ME, or about 2h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 207.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.4 miles or 2h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Caribou, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Biddeford, ME so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Biddeford, ME
This is one driving day of about 316.8 miles and 6h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Biddeford, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Maine Turnpike for about 207.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 158.4 mi from Biddeford, ME · 2h 54m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
158 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 158.4 miles from Biddeford, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Maine Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 207.1 miles.
Arriving in Caribou, ME
The final approach into Caribou, ME usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Caribou, ME.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.71 one way
$101.43 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
111 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $55.59 | $111.18 |
| premium | $4.83 | $60.22 | $120.43 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $70.38 | $140.76 |
Estimated Tolls: $12.43
Maine Turnpike
(207.1 mi)
$12.43
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 95 | 1 | $33.26 | $15.21 |
| Efficient EV | 79.2 | 0 | $27.72 | $12.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 126.7 | 1 | $44.35 | $20.28 |
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Caribou, ME
Evening in Caribou on Sunday
Local time
7:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
63°F
Appleton, ME
158 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
29 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 9m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Biddeford, ME to Caribou, ME covers 316.8 miles and takes about 6h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Maine Turnpike, I 295, Houlton Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 158.4 miles from Biddeford, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $50.71 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 316.8 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.6 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 262.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Biddeford, ME to Caribou, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Presque Isle along the way.
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