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Trip from Madawaska, ME to Auburn, ME

Drive Time

6h 32m

Distance

308.3 mi

496 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 20m ★
6 AM
6h 32m
8 AM
6h 57m
10 AM
6h 41m
12 PM
6h 38m
3 PM
6h 42m
5 PM
6h 55m
8 PM
6h 25m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Auburn, ME, ME

Auburn, ME

Chermiti Mohamed

Trip Overview

Spanning 308.3 miles, this journey from Madawaska to Auburn takes approximately 6 hours and 32 minutes to complete. While it is technically feasible as a single-day push, the significant duration makes it a substantial trek across the state of Maine. You should budget about $49 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. The route relies on a mix of I-95, Aroostook Road, and the Aroostook Scenic Highway to navigate the Northeast region. Because the drive is lengthy, consider whether you prefer a direct transit or a more relaxed pace to break up the time behind the wheel.

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

154.1 miles from Madawaska, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 45m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip offers a mixed driving profile that transitions between different road types as you head south. About 57% of your travel time will be spent on highways, providing a balance between high-speed transit and local navigation. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 153.7 miles on I-95, which demands steady focus during the middle portion of your day. The remainder of the route shifts between the more localized flow of the Aroostook Scenic Highway and Aroostook Road. Expect the road's personality to fluctuate as you move from the northern reaches toward Auburn, requiring you to adapt your driving style accordingly.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 153.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 1 / Main Street.

Route Complexity 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 32m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 11 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 1 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.4 miles (ME 161 / Market Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.6 miles (Bridge Street): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

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

3
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 1 / Main Street

Turn right onto US 1 / Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
19.4 mi into trip | ~36m in | ME 161 / Market Street

Turn left onto ME 161 / Market Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
3
20.6 mi into trip | ~38m in | Bridge Street

Turn right onto Bridge Street

Navigation decision point

4
67.3 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | ME 11 / Station Street

Turn left onto ME 11 / Station Street

Navigation decision point

6
278.9 mi into trip | ~5h 57m in

Take the exit toward US 202 West, ME 11 West, ME 17 West, ME 100 West: Winthrop

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

Exit 109B Toward US 202 West, ME 11 West, ME 17 West, ME...

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 153.7 mi 2h 42m
Aroostook Road 30.6 mi 45m
Aroostook Scenic Highway 30.2 mi 44m
Main Street 18.3 mi 32m
Portage Road 15.3 mi 22m
US 202 12.8 mi 14m
Masardis Road 11.7 mi 17m
Frenchville Road 7 mi 11m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 153.7 mi, about 2h 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Madawaska, ME and Auburn, ME.

1

Start on North 6th Avenue

47 ft · 5 sec · North 6th Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 1

12 mi · 23 min · Main Street
3

Continue on US 1

7.0 mi · 11 min · Frenchville Road
4

Continue on US 1

0.7 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
5

Turn left onto ME 161

1.3 mi · 1 min · Market Street
Use the left lane.
6

Turn right onto Bridge Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Bridge Street
7

Turn left onto ME 11

0.6 mi · 1 min · Pleasant Street
8

Continue on ME 11

31 mi · 45 min · Aroostook Road
9

Continue on ME 11

15 mi · 22 min · Portage Road
10

Turn left onto ME 11

0.8 mi · 1 min · Station Street
11

Turn right onto ME 11

0.4 mi · 37 sec · Main Street
12

Continue on ME 11

12 mi · 17 min · Masardis Road
13

Continue on ME 11

30 mi · 44 min · Aroostook Scenic Highway
14

Continue on ME 11

4.4 mi · 6 min · North Road
15

Continue on ME 11

1.1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
16

Continue on ME 11

3.2 mi · 4 min · South Patten Road
17

Continue on ME 11

3.5 mi · 5 min · Station Road
18

Continue on Route 11

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Route 11
19

Continue on Station Road

1.7 mi · 2 min · Station Road
20

Continue on Main Street

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Main Street
21

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec
22

Merge onto I 95

154 mi · 2 hr 42 min · I 95
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 109B Toward US 202 West, ME 11 West, ME 17 West, ME 100 West: Winthrop
24

Turn right onto US 202; ME 11; ME 17; ME 100

2.8 mi · 3 min · Western Avenue
25

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

13 mi · 14 min · US 202; ME 11; ME 100
Use the none lane.
26

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

0.9 mi · 1 min · US Route 202
27

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

2.7 mi · 3 min · Route 202
28

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

0.6 mi · 42 sec · US Route 202
29

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

3.8 mi · 4 min · Route 202
30

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

4.9 mi · 5 min · Main Street
31

Continue on US 202; ME 11; ME 100

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Court Street
32

Turn left onto US 202; ME 4; ME 11; ME 100

0.1 mi · 42 sec · Minot Avenue
33

Continue on US 202; ME 4; ME 11; ME 100

456 ft · 5 sec · Minot Avenue
34

Arrive at destination

US 202; ME 4; ME 11; ME 100

Trip Plan

To manage this 308.3-mile trip effectively, try to depart early in the morning to avoid fatigue during the final leg of your journey. Since the itinerary includes only one planned stop, make sure to use it strategically to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep in mind the $49 fuel estimate, and consider topping off your tank before hitting the longest 153.7-mile stretch on I-95 to avoid any mid-highway stress. Because this is a long drive, having a co-driver or scheduling a meaningful break will help maintain your energy levels. Flexibility is your best asset here, so don't hesitate to pull over if you find the rhythm of the road becoming monotonous.

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 154.1 miles from Madawaska, ME, or about 3h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.7 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 80 miles or 2h 7m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 154.1 miles or 3h 45m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Auburn, ME than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Madawaska, 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 Madawaska, ME

This is one driving day of about 308.3 miles and 6h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Madawaska, 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 95 for about 153.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 154.1 mi from Madawaska, ME · 3h 45m into the drive

Downtown Houlton, ME, ME

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Houlton, ME

154 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

Washburn, ME

Fuel and coffee

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

Greenbush, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 154.1 miles from Madawaska, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 153.7 miles.

Arriving in Auburn, ME

The final approach into Auburn, 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 Auburn, 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.

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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 116.9
Park Closure: Loop Road and North Entrance Seasonal Closures
Park Closure: Katahdin Overlook Construction Closure
View on nps.gov
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...

26 mi from route ~66 min detour Free near mile 276.4
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$49.35 one way

$98.70 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.46 $54.10 $108.20
premium $4.83 $58.60 $117.20
diesel $5.64 $68.49 $136.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 107.9 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 92.5 1 $32.37 $14.80
Efficient EV 77.1 0 $26.98 $12.33
EV Truck/SUV 123.3 1 $43.16 $19.73

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 6 hours ago

Origin

Madawaska, ME

Night in Madawaska on Sunday

Local time

9:43 PM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Sunny

W 5 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Destination

Auburn, ME

Night in Auburn on Sunday

Local time

9:43 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Partly Sunny

S 5 to 10 mph 6% chance Live forecast

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

10 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

6h 32m 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 Madawaska, ME to Auburn, ME covers 308.3 miles and takes about 6h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Aroostook Road, Aroostook Scenic Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 154.1 miles from Madawaska, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.35 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.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 32m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 11 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 1 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.4 miles (ME 161 / Market Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.6 miles (Bridge Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Madawaska, ME to Auburn, ME does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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