Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
39m
Distance
17 mi
27 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brightwater, ME
Vladislav Nahorny
The drive from Brightwater, ME to Topsham, ME covers 17 miles and takes about 39m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 1, Berrys Mill Road, Meadowbrook Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 6.9 miles on US 1. At current regular gas prices, budget about $2.74 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
8.5 miles from Brightwater, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .
The drive from Brightwater, ME to Topsham, ME covers 17 miles and takes about 39m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near Meadowbrook Road.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 17 miles you will encounter 10 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 1.2 miles (Meadowbrook Road): Navigation decision point; at 8.4 miles (Congress Avenue): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
At end of road, turn left onto Meadowbrook Road
Navigation decision point
Enter roundabout onto Congress Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Take the exit toward ME 24 Business North, ME 201 North: Brunswick, Topsham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto Maine Street
Lane positioning matters here
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street Extension
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 1 | 6.9 mi | 8m |
| Berrys Mill Road | 3.5 mi | 8m |
| Meadowbrook Road | 2.2 mi | 8m |
| Campbells Pond Road | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Brightwater Road | 0.9 mi | 3m |
| Winter Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| The Boulevard | 0.3 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Brightwater, ME and Topsham, ME.
Start on The Boulevard
Keep slight right at fork onto Brightwater Road
At end of road, turn left onto Meadowbrook Road
Continue on Campbells Pond Road
Continue on Campbells Pond Road
Turn left onto Berrys Mill Road
Turn right onto State Road
Enter roundabout onto Congress Avenue
Continue on Congress Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 1
Take the exit
Turn right onto Maine Street
Continue on US 201; ME 24 Business
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street Extension
Continue on Winter Street
Arrive at destination
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 17 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 8.5 miles or 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Topsham, ME than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Brightwater, ME.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Brightwater, ME
This is one driving day of about 17 miles and 39m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 8.5 mi from Brightwater, ME · 25m into the drive
A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 8.5 miles from Brightwater, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Topsham, ME if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$2.74 one way
$5.47 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $3.01 | $6.02 |
| premium | $4.86 | $3.26 | $6.51 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.75 | $7.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 5.1 | 0 | $1.78 | $0.82 |
| Efficient EV | 4.3 | 0 | $1.49 | $0.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.8 | 0 | $2.38 | $1.09 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Brightwater on Wednesday
Local time
5:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Destination
Evening in Topsham on Wednesday
Local time
5:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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