Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Gorham, ME to Caribou, ME

Drive Time

6h 3m

Distance

309.1 mi

497 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
5h 51m ★
6 AM
6h 4m
8 AM
6h 29m
10 AM
6h 13m
12 PM
6h 10m
3 PM
6h 14m
5 PM
6h 28m
8 PM
5h 56m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Gorham, ME, ME

Gorham, ME

cottonbro studio

Downtown Caribou, ME, ME

Caribou, ME

Barnabas Davoti

Trip Overview

The drive from Gorham, ME to Caribou, ME covers 309.1 miles and takes about 6h 3m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Maine Turnpike, I 295, Houlton Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 201 miles on Maine Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $49.48 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

154.6 miles from Gorham, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 52m into the drive .

Drive Character

This is a 6h 3m highway drive covering 309.1 miles, with most of the trip on Maine Turnpike and I 295. The longest continuous stretch is about 201 miles on Maine Turnpike.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 41 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 201 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

590 ft 113 ft

Total Climb

669 ft

Total Descent

471 ft

Highest Point

590 ft

~244.7 mi in

Elevation Range

477 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Maine Turnpike and I 295. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 miles in near Larrabee Road.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 309.1 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 6.2 miles (Larrabee Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
6.2 mi into trip | ~10m in | Larrabee Road

Turn left onto Larrabee Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
10.5 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward Falmouth, Freeport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 52 Toward Falmouth, Freeport
6
14.6 mi into trip | ~21m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Freeport, Brunswick

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 295 North: Freeport, Brunswick
7
14.6 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Freeport, Brunswick

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 295 North: Freeport, Brunswick
6
254.7 mi into trip | ~4h 37m 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

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Gorham, ME to Caribou, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Presque Isle along the way.

Presque Isle

254.7 mi in | ~4h 37m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Maine Turnpike 201 mi 3h 30m
I 295 41.5 mi 46m
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
Main Street 5.5 mi 11m
Longest stretch: Maine Turnpike — 201 mi, about 3h 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gorham, ME and Caribou, ME.

1

Start on this road

124 ft · 15 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto US 202; ME 4

491 ft · 8 sec · State Street
3

Continue on US 202; ME 4

3.2 mi · 5 min · Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
4

Continue on Conant Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Conant Street
5

Continue on ME 25

1.4 mi · 2 min · William B Clarke Drive
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on Westbrook Arterial

1.1 mi · 2 min · Westbrook Arterial
Use the straight lane.
7

Turn left onto Larrabee Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Larrabee Road
Use the left lane.
8

Take the ramp

446 ft · 10 sec
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
10

Merge onto I 95

2.7 mi · 3 min · Maine Turnpike
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec
Exit 52 Toward Falmouth, Freeport
12

Continue on Falmouth Spur

2.4 mi · 2 min · Falmouth Spur
13

Keep slight left at fork onto Falmouth Spur

1.3 mi · 1 min · Falmouth Spur
14

Keep slight right at fork

352 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 295 North: Freeport, Brunswick
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 1 min
Toward I 295 North: Freeport, Brunswick
16

Merge onto I 295

41 mi · 46 min · I 295
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 95

198 mi · 3 hr 26 min · Maine Turnpike
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 302 Toward US 1: Houlton, Presque Isle
19

Turn left onto US 1

3.2 mi · 5 min · North Street
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on US 1

5.8 mi · 8 min · North Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
21

Continue on US 1

0.7 mi · 54 sec · US Highway 1
22

Continue on US 1

6.4 mi · 10 min · Route 1
Use the straight / left lanes.
23

Continue on US 1

6.7 mi · 10 min · Main Road
24

Continue on US 1

2.7 mi · 4 min · Route 1
25

Continue on US 1

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Military Road
26

Continue on US 1

0.5 mi · 1 min · Main Street
27

Turn left onto US 1

0.7 mi · 2 min · Benjamin Street
28

Continue on US 1

2.0 mi · 3 min · Presque Isle Road
29

Continue on US 1

10 mi · 14 min · Houlton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
30

Continue on US 1

1.3 mi · 3 min · Main Street
Use the straight lane.
31

Turn left onto State Street

0.2 mi · 19 sec · State Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
32

Turn right onto ME 163; ME 227

0.8 mi · 1 min · Parsons Street
33

Continue on ME 163; ME 227

0.2 mi · 17 sec · State Road
34

Continue on ME 163

0.7 mi · 1 min · Connector Road
35

Turn left onto US 1

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Main Street
Use the left lane.
36

Continue on US 1

5.1 mi · 7 min · Caribou Road
37

Continue on US 1

5.7 mi · 8 min · Presque Isle Road
38

Turn left onto Lyndon Street

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Lyndon Street
39

Turn slight right onto ME 161B; ME 164; US 1 Business

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Main Street
40

Turn left

43 ft · 3 sec
41

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 154.6 miles from Gorham, ME, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201 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 34m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 154.6 miles or 2h 52m 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 35m

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 Gorham, 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 Gorham, ME

This is one driving day of about 309.1 miles and 6h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Gorham, 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 201 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 154.6 mi from Gorham, ME · 2h 52m into the drive

Downtown Brunswick, ME, ME

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brunswick, ME

155 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.

Popular next leg

Brunswick, ME to Caribou, ME

276.4 mi · 5h 23m

Pacing Suggestions

Brunswick, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brunswick, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 154.6 miles from Gorham, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Maine Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 201 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Frances Perkins National Monument

Frances Perkins National Monument

National Monument

Known as the first woman to hold a presidential cabinet position and the “Woman behind the New Deal,” Frances Perkins championed many labor rights that Americans enjoy today, including safety standard...

17 mi from route ~43 min detour Free near mile 42.6
Park Closure: For Current Visitor Information
View on nps.gov
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

National Monument

Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies that have a...

17 mi from route ~42 min detour Free near mile 213.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$49.48 one way

$98.96 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.46 $54.24 $108.48
premium $4.83 $58.75 $117.51
diesel $5.64 $68.67 $137.34

Estimated Tolls: $12.06

Maine Turnpike (201 mi) $12.06

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

$49

Tolls

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$87–$112

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 108.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 92.7 1 $32.46 $14.84
Efficient EV 77.3 0 $27.05 $12.36
EV Truck/SUV 123.6 1 $43.27 $19.78

Gas CO2

108 kg

EV CO2

36 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.

Forecast data refreshed 5 hours ago

Origin

Gorham, ME

Night in Gorham on Sunday

Local time

9:39 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 5 to 10 mph 8% chance Live forecast

Destination

Caribou, ME

Night in Caribou on Sunday

Local time

9:39 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Sunny

NW 5 to 10 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Along the Route

43°F

Brunswick, ME

155 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

8 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 3m 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 Gorham, ME to Caribou, ME covers 309.1 miles and takes about 6h 3m 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 154.6 miles from Gorham, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.48 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 is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 309.1 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 6.2 miles (Larrabee Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Gorham, ME to Caribou, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Presque Isle along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 113 ft to 590 ft elevation with about 669 ft of total climbing.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Caribou, ME to Gorham, ME

Plan the drive back the other way.

308.5 mi 6h 2m

Continue From Caribou, ME

Saco, ME 315.9 mi · 6h 9m Scarborough, ME 307.8 mi · 6h City of Portland, ME 304.2 mi · 6h 14m Portland, ME 300.4 mi · 5h 49m

More from Gorham, ME

Hermon, ME 131 mi · 2h 37m Fairfield, ME 86.9 mi · 1h 46m Rumford, ME 75.9 mi · 1h 47m Biddeford, ME 16.8 mi · 28m Portland, ME 11.1 mi · 19m

More trips to Caribou, ME

Biddeford, ME 316.8 mi Saco, ME 316 mi Scarborough, ME 307.6 mi City of Portland, ME 304 mi Portland, ME 300.1 mi Falmouth, ME 295 mi

Explore more options from Gorham, ME or browse trips ending in Caribou, ME.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse ME road trips.

Explore maps for Gorham, ME or Caribou, ME on MapSof.net.