Origin
Deer Isle, ME
Late night in Deer Isle on Wednesday
Local time
12:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Deer Isle, ME to Portland, ME
Data updated 47 minutes ago
Drive Time
3h 24m
Distance
152.6 mi
246 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 13m
★
6 AM
3h 25m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 31m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 48m
8 PM
3h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portland, ME
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 152.6-mile journey from Deer Isle, ME to Portland, ME is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes to complete. You'll primarily travel on Belfast Augusta Road and Route 1 before merging onto I-295. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, this drive offers a mixed terrain experience, making it a good option for a single-day excursion. Since both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region, you won't be crossing state lines. The route is designed for efficient travel, with about 46% of the drive on highways, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76.3 miles from Deer Isle, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
The character of this drive is a blend of highway efficiency and scenic byway cruising. With 46% of the route on highways, you'll experience periods of faster travel, particularly during the longest stretch of 46.5 miles on I-295. However, the inclusion of Belfast Augusta Road and Route 1 means you'll also navigate more local roads, offering a varied driving experience. This mix means you'll encounter different speed limits and road conditions as you progress from the more rural starting point towards the urban destination of Portland. Expect the drive to shift gears between open highway and more community-focused stretches.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 46 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 route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.4 miles in near US 1; ME 3 / Route 1.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 152.6 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 33.4 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.8 miles (ME 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 98.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
33.4 mi into trip
|
~55m in
|
US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3 / Route 1
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
51.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 21m in
|
ME 3
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
98.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m 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
104.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m 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
151.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 21m 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 Deer Isle, ME and Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
Waterville
98 mi in
|
~2h 20m
Bangor
98 mi in
|
~2h 20m
Kittery
98.3 mi in
|
~2h 21m
Brunswick
104.9 mi in
|
~2h 28m
|
via I 295
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 295 | 46.5 mi | 52m |
| Belfast Augusta Road | 17.6 mi | 21m |
| Route 1 | 15.2 mi | 18m |
| North Belfast Avenue | 9.1 mi | 13m |
| Acadia Highway | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| Maine Turnpike | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| North Penobscot Road | 5 mi | 8m |
| Augusta Road | 4.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 46.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deer Isle, ME and Portland, ME.
1
Start on King Row
135 ft
·
7 sec
·
King Row
2
Turn right onto ME 15
4.6 mi
·
8 min
·
North Deer Isle Road
3
Continue on ME 15
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Little Deer Isle Road
4
Continue on ME 15
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
Deer Isle Sedgwick Bridge
5
Continue on ME 15
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Byards Point Road
6
Turn left onto ME 15; ME 175
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Caterpillar Hill Road
7
Continue on ME 15
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Snows Cove Road
8
Continue on ME 176
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Graytown Road
9
Continue on ME 175
4.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Southern Bay Road
10
Turn right onto ME 199
5.0 mi
·
8 min
·
North Penobscot Road
11
At end of road, turn left onto ME 15
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Front Ridge Road
12
At end of road, turn left onto US 1; ME 3; ME 15
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Acadia Highway
13
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 1
14
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
135 ft
·
9 sec
·
Main Street
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto US 1; ME 3
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Route 1
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US Highway 1
17
Continue on US 1; ME 3
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Route 1
18
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Searsport Avenue
19
Continue on US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 1
20
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
ME 3
21
Keep slight right at fork onto ME 3
373 ft
·
12 sec
·
ME 3
22
Merge onto ME 3
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Belmont Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Augusta Road
24
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Belfast Augusta Road East
25
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Acadia Highway
26
Continue on ME 3
18 mi
·
21 min
·
Belfast Augusta Road
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Belfast Road
28
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
North Belfast Avenue
29
Turn left onto US 202; ME 9
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Belfast Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
At end of road, turn left onto US 201; US 202; ME 9; ME 100
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Bangor Street
31
Enter roundabout onto US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
159 ft
·
3 sec
·
Memorial Drive
32
Continue on US 201; US 202; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Memorial Drive
33
Enter roundabout onto US 201; ME 27
401 ft
·
7 sec
·
State Street
34
Continue on US 201; ME 27
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
State Street
35
Turn right onto Capitol Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Capitol Street
36
Turn straight onto Armory Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Armory Street
37
Turn left onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Western Avenue
38
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 95: Portland, Waterville, Bangor
39
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-95 South: Portland, Kittery
40
Merge onto I 95
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Maine Turnpike
41
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.
42
Take the exit onto US 1A
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1A
Exit 7
Toward US 1A
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Cumberland Avenue
Use the straight lane.
44
Turn left onto Preble Street
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Preble Street
45
Turn left onto Congress Street
156 ft
·
5 sec
·
Congress Street
46
Arrive at destination
Congress Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 24-minute duration, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart Deer Isle in the morning to maximize your time in Portland. While there's only one recommended stop, the mixed nature of the drive means you'll encounter various opportunities for a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading onto the 46.5-mile stretch of I-295, as services might be less frequent. The estimated $25 fuel cost is a good baseline, but always check current prices. Flexibility is key on this route, allowing you to adjust your pace based on traffic and your desire for spontaneous stops.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.3 miles from Deer Isle, ME, or about 1h 49m 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 80 miles or 1h 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.3 miles or 1h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 51m
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 Deer Isle, 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 Deer Isle, ME
This is one driving day of about 152.6 miles and 3h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Deer Isle, 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 I 295 for about 46.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 76.3 mi from Deer Isle, ME · 1h 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
76 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 76.3 miles from Deer Isle, 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.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around 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
$24.57 one way
$49.13 round trip
$4.09/gal
25.4 MPG avg
53 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $27.03 | $54.06 |
| premium | $4.86 | $29.22 | $58.44 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.69 | $67.38 |
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
$25
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 45.8 | 0 | $16.02 | $7.32 |
| Efficient EV | 38.2 | 0 | $13.35 | $6.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61 | 0 | $21.36 | $9.77 |
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% 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
Late night in Portland on Wednesday
Local time
12:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
Brunswick, ME
76 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
3h 24m 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 Deer Isle, ME to Portland, ME covers 152.6 miles and takes about 3h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 295, Belfast Augusta Road, Route 1. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 76.3 miles from Deer Isle, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.57 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 152.6 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 33.4 miles (US 1; ME 3 / Route 1): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.8 miles (ME 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 98.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Deer Isle, ME and Portland, ME, road signs point toward Waterville, Bangor, Kittery and Brunswick.
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