Origin
Cape Elizabeth, ME
Evening in Cape Elizabeth on Sunday
Local time
7:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Trip from Cape Elizabeth, ME to South Portland, ME
Drive Time
16m
Distance
7 mi
11 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$1
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 15m
★
6 AM
0h 17m
8 AM
0h 20m
10 AM
0h 18m
12 PM
0h 17m
3 PM
0h 18m
5 PM
0h 19m
8 PM
0h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cape Elizabeth, ME
David Yu
South Portland, ME
Phil Evenden
Trip Overview
Stretching just 7 miles between Cape Elizabeth and South Portland, this quick transit is ideal for a short day trip or a brief local commute. You can expect to spend about 16 minutes behind the wheel, making it a highly efficient route within Maine’s Northeast region. Budgeting is straightforward, as you will likely spend no more than $1 on fuel for the entire journey. Since the trip is so compact, there is no need for overnight stops or complex scheduling. Whether you are running errands or simply exploring the coast, this drive offers a practical connection between these two neighboring communities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
3.5 miles from Cape Elizabeth, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 10m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 7-mile journey is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate haul. You will navigate a series of local roads, including Ocean House Road, Two Lights Road, and Broadway, with 0% of the drive taking place on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 3.7-mile segment on Ocean House Road. Because the route relies entirely on local streets, expect a more technical driving experience that requires your full attention at intersections and turns. It is a slow-paced, intimate look at the local geography that avoids the monotonous grind of major freeways.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ocean House Road is the longest continuous segment at about 3.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Two Lights Road.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 16m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Two Lights Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Two Lights Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1.7 miles (ME 77 / Ocean House Road): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 5 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Two Lights Road
Turn left onto Two Lights Road
Navigation decision point
4
0.6 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Two Lights Road
Keep slight right at fork onto Two Lights Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
3
1.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
ME 77 / Ocean House Road
Turn right onto ME 77 / Ocean House Road
Navigation decision point
4
6.3 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
Broadway
Turn right onto Broadway
Navigation decision point
5
7 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
Pine Street
Turn sharp right onto Pine Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean House Road | 3.7 mi | 6m |
| Two Lights Road | 1.6 mi | 6m |
| Broadway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Ocean Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Ocean House Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Pine Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Ocean House Road
— 3.7 mi, about 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Elizabeth, ME and South Portland, ME.
1
Start on this road
182 ft
·
19 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Two Lights Road
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Two Lights Road
3
Keep slight right at fork onto Two Lights Road
1.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Two Lights Road
4
Continue on Two Lights Road
111 ft
·
5 sec
·
Two Lights Road
5
Turn right onto ME 77
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Ocean House Road
6
Continue on ME 77
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Ocean House Street
7
Continue on ME 77
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
Ocean Street
8
Continue on ME 77
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Ocean House Street
9
Turn right onto Broadway
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
10
Turn sharp right onto Pine Street
60 ft
·
2 sec
·
Pine Street
11
Arrive at destination
Pine Street
Trip Plan
Because the total duration is only 16 minutes, you have maximum flexibility when planning your departure time. You won't need to worry about long-distance pacing or planning for rest stops, as the trip is short enough to complete in one go. Keep in mind that since the route is entirely local, road conditions can change quickly at turns; stay alert to your navigation. For a smooth transit, ensure your fuel tank is topped off before you head out, though your total cost for the trip will be minimal. Use this quick, 7-mile window to enjoy a relaxed pace without the pressure of a long-haul itinerary.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 3.5 miles from Cape Elizabeth, ME, or about 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 3.7 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 7 miles or 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 3.5 miles or 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Portland, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cape Elizabeth, 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 Cape Elizabeth, ME
This is one driving day of about 7 miles and 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cape Elizabeth, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Ocean House Road for about 3.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 3.5 mi from Cape Elizabeth, ME · 10m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
4 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 7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 3.5 miles from Cape Elizabeth, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in South Portland, ME
The final approach into South Portland, 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 South Portland, ME.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$1.12 one way
$2.24 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
2 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $1.23 | $2.46 |
| premium | $4.83 | $1.33 | $2.66 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $1.56 | $3.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$26–$51
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 2.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 50% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 2.1 | 0 | $0.74 | $0.34 |
| Efficient EV | 1.8 | 0 | $0.61 | $0.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 2.8 | 0 | $0.98 | $0.45 |
Gas CO2
2 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (50% 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
South Portland, ME
Evening in South Portland on Sunday
Local time
7:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Along the Route
52°F
Lawrence, MA
4 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.
Road read
16m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Cape Elizabeth, ME to South Portland, ME covers 7 miles and takes about 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ocean House Road, Two Lights Road, Broadway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 3.5 miles from Cape Elizabeth, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.12 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 16m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Two Lights Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Two Lights Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1.7 miles (ME 77 / Ocean House Road): Navigation decision point.
The route from Cape Elizabeth, ME to South Portland, ME does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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