Origin
China, ME
Afternoon in China on Thursday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from China, ME to Portland, ME
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 39m
Distance
76.9 mi
124 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 32m
★
6 AM
1h 40m
8 AM
1h 55m
10 AM
1h 45m
12 PM
1h 44m
3 PM
1h 46m
5 PM
1h 54m
8 PM
1h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
China, ME
Alex Bian
Portland, ME
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 76.9-mile drive from China, ME, to Portland, ME, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 39 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $12, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route primarily utilizes I-295, making it a highway-focused experience. Given its relatively short duration and lack of required overnight stops, you have plenty of flexibility to depart at your convenience and arrive ready to explore Portland. This trip stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent New England feel throughout.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.4 miles from China, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 76.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that is 72% highway, dominated by the efficient travel of I-295. You'll experience a longest stretch of 46.5 miles on this interstate, providing a good opportunity for consistent speed. While North Belfast Avenue and Lakeview Drive offer brief transitions, the majority of your time will be spent on high-speed roadways. This highway-focused profile means it's a route built for getting you to your destination efficiently, rather than for leisurely sightseeing along the way.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 295 is the longest continuous segment at about 46.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 295 and North Belfast Avenue. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.1 miles in near US 202; ME 9 / North Belfast Avenue.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.9 miles you will encounter 17 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 18.1 miles (US 202; ME 9 / North Belfast Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
18.1 mi into trip
|
~27m in
|
US 202; ME 9 / North Belfast Avenue
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9 / North Belfast Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
22.3 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Take the exit toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
6
22.6 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
9
29.2 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
I 295
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Brunswick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 103
Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Bru...
7
75.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
|
US 1A
Take the exit onto US 1A toward US 1A
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 7
Toward US 1A
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between China, ME and Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Waterville
22.3 mi in
|
~35m
Bangor
22.3 mi in
|
~35m
Kittery
22.6 mi in
|
~36m
Brunswick
29.2 mi in
|
~43m
|
via I 295
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 295 | 46.5 mi | 52m |
| North Belfast Avenue | 9.1 mi | 13m |
| Lakeview Drive | 7.1 mi | 11m |
| Maine Turnpike | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| Route 3 | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Capitol Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| US 1A | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Memorial Drive | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 46.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between China, ME and Portland, ME.
1
Start on Causeway Road
110 ft
·
5 sec
·
Causeway Road
2
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Main Street
3
Turn right onto US 202; ME 9
7.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Lakeview Drive
4
Merge onto US 202; ME 3; ME 9
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Route 3
5
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Belfast Road
6
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
North Belfast Avenue
7
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Belfast Avenue
Use the left lane.
8
At end of road, turn left onto US 201; US 202; ME 9; ME 100
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Bangor Street
9
Enter roundabout onto US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
159 ft
·
3 sec
·
Memorial Drive
10
Continue on US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Memorial Drive
11
Enter roundabout onto US 201; ME 27
401 ft
·
7 sec
·
State Street
12
Continue on US 201; ME 27
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
State Street
13
Turn right onto Capitol Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Capitol Street
14
Turn straight onto Armory Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Armory Street
15
Turn left onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Western Avenue
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
18
Merge onto I 95
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Maine Turnpike
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
46 mi
·
52 min
·
I 295
Exit 103
Toward I 295 South, ME 9, ME 126: Gardiner, Brunswick
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the exit onto US 1A
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1A
Exit 7
Toward US 1A
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Cumberland Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn left onto Preble Street
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Preble Street
23
Turn left onto Congress Street
156 ft
·
5 sec
·
Congress Street
24
Arrive at destination
Congress Street
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1-hour and 39-minute drive, you have the luxury of flexibility. Departing in the morning will allow you to maximize your time in Portland, while an afternoon departure can be a pleasant way to end a day in China. Since the longest continuous stretch is 46.5 miles on I-295, you can easily go without a dedicated stop if you prefer, or make a quick fuel and stretch break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Portland, as gas prices can sometimes be higher in larger urban areas.
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 38.4 miles from China, ME, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.5 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 17 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.4 miles or 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 1h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portland, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving China, ME so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from China, ME
This is one driving day of about 76.9 miles and 1h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from China, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 295 for about 46.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.4 mi from China, ME · 54m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
38 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 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 38.4 miles from China, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Portland, ME
The final approach into Portland, ME usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.38 one way
$24.76 round trip
$4.09/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $13.62 | $27.24 |
| premium | $4.86 | $14.73 | $29.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $16.98 | $33.96 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.36
Maine Turnpike
(5.9 mi)
$0.36
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
$12
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.1 | 0 | $8.07 | $3.69 |
| Efficient EV | 19.2 | 0 | $6.73 | $3.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30.8 | 0 | $10.77 | $4.92 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Portland, ME
Afternoon in Portland on Thursday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
50°F
Augusta, ME
38 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
17 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 39m 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 China, ME to Portland, ME covers 76.9 miles and takes about 1h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 295, North Belfast Avenue, Lakeview Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.4 miles from China, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.38 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.9 miles you will encounter 17 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 18.1 miles (US 202; ME 9 / North Belfast Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between China, ME and Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
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