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Trip from Sanford, ME to Albion, ME

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 28m

Distance

116.2 mi

187 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 18m ★
6 AM
2h 28m
8 AM
2h 48m
10 AM
2h 35m
12 PM
2h 33m
3 PM
2h 36m
5 PM
2h 47m
8 PM
2h 22m

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

Downtown Sanford, ME, ME

Sanford, ME

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Albion, ME, ME

Albion, ME

PhotoShoot Studio | Candid, Birthday Pre Wedding, Baby, Maternity & Child Photographer in Pune Ps Studio

Trip Overview

The drive from Sanford, ME to Albion, ME covers 116.2 miles and takes about 2h 28m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 295, Maine Turnpike, Alfred Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 52.5 miles on I 295. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.71 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.1 miles from Sanford, ME

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 28m. Total distance: 116.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 28m highway drive covering 116.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 295 and Maine Turnpike. The longest continuous stretch is about 52.5 miles on I 295.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 52.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 295 and Maine Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 116.2 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 15.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 90.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

7
15.5 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 North Toll: Portland, Augusta

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

Toward I 95 North Toll: Portland, Augusta
8
28 mi into trip | ~35m in | I 295

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 toward Downtown Portland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 44 Toward Downtown Portland
6
90.2 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Take the exit toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast

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

Exit 113 Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
5
90.4 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
90.6 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | ME 3 / Augusta Bypass

Merge onto ME 3 / Augusta Bypass

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Sanford, ME and Albion, ME, road signs point toward Augusta, Portland and Belfast.

Augusta

15.5 mi in | ~22m

Portland

28 mi in | ~35m | via I 295

Belfast

90.2 mi in | ~1h 48m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 295 52.5 mi 1h 1m
Maine Turnpike 22 mi 23m
Alfred Road 8.2 mi 9m
North Belfast Avenue 8.1 mi 11m
US 202 7.1 mi 11m
China Road 4.7 mi 7m
Augusta Bypass 2.5 mi 3m
Route 3 2.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 295 — 52.5 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sanford, ME and Albion, ME.

1

Start on this road

89 ft · 8 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Washington Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Washington Street
3

Continue on River Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · River Street
4

Turn right onto US 202; ME 4A

1.2 mi · 3 min · Cottage Street
5

Continue on US 202; ME 4A

2.4 mi · 3 min · Sanford Road
6

Continue on ME 111

1.8 mi · 2 min · Biddeford Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
7

Continue on ME 111

8.2 mi · 9 min · Alfred Road
8

Continue on ME 111

1.4 mi · 1 min · Alfred Street
9

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 1 min
Use the straight / left lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 95 North Toll: Portland, Augusta
11

Merge onto I 95

12 mi · 13 min · Maine Turnpike
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295

52 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 295
Exit 44 Toward Downtown Portland Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 95

9.8 mi · 10 min · Maine Turnpike
14

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 26 sec
Exit 113 Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
16

Merge onto ME 3

2.5 mi · 3 min · Augusta Bypass
Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

8.1 mi · 11 min · North Belfast Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Belfast Road
19

Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9

2.4 mi · 3 min · Route 3
20

Turn slight left onto US 202; ME 9

7.1 mi · 11 min · US 202; ME 9
Use the left lane.
21

Turn right onto US 202; ME 9; ME 137

0.5 mi · 1 min · Albion Road
22

Continue on US 202; ME 9; ME 137

4.7 mi · 7 min · China Road
23

Turn left onto Benton Road

81 ft · 3 sec · Benton Road
24

Turn left onto Winslow Road

189 ft · 3 sec · Winslow Road
25

Arrive at destination

Winslow Road

Trip Plan

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 58.1 miles from Sanford, ME, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.5 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 26 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.1 miles or 1h 11m 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 55m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Sanford, 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 Sanford, ME

This is one driving day of about 116.2 miles and 2h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Sanford, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 295 for about 52.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 58.1 mi from Sanford, ME · 1h 11m into the drive

Downtown Freeport, ME, ME

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Freeport, ME

58 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

West Scarborough, ME

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Freeport, ME

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.1 miles from Sanford, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Albion, ME

The final approach into Albion, 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 Albion, ME.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Nom Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Portland, Maine

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.2

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+12076139332

Visit website

Thai With Us

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Augusta, Maine

2.2 mi

Nom Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+12076139332

Visit website

Thai With Us

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 91.3

Augusta, Maine

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12074801121

Visit website

Freeport Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.8

Freeport, Maine

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12078695113

Visit website

The Escape Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 33.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 12–8:15 pm

+12076193775

Visit website

Maine Day Ventures/ formerly Maine Foodie Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 33.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12072337485

Visit website

Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 33.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12077741822

Visit website

Portland Observatory

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 33.2

Portland, Maine

+12072531800

Visit website

Old Port Historic Tours

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 33.2

Portland, Maine

Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm

+12078070009

Visit website

Old Fort Western

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 91.3

Augusta, Maine

+12076262385

Visit website

Maine Military Museum & Learning Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 33.2

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12077678227

Visit website

Maine Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 33.2

South Portland, Maine

Hours: 1–7 pm

+12072746007

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

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 ~42 min detour Free near mile 72.1
Park Closure: For Current Visitor Information
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.71 one way

$37.41 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $20.58 $41.16
premium $4.86 $22.25 $44.50
diesel $5.61 $25.66 $51.31

Estimated Tolls: $1.32

Maine Turnpike (22 mi) $1.32

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

$19

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.9 0 $12.20 $5.58
Efficient EV 29.1 0 $10.17 $4.65
EV Truck/SUV 46.5 0 $16.27 $7.44

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Sanford, ME

Evening in Sanford on Friday

Local time

8:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Albion, ME

Evening in Albion on Friday

Local time

8:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

34°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Freeport, ME

58 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 cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 28m 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 Sanford, ME to Albion, ME covers 116.2 miles and takes about 2h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 295, Maine Turnpike, Alfred 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 58.1 miles from Sanford, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.71 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 demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 116.2 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 15.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28 miles (I 295): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 90.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Sanford, ME and Albion, ME, road signs point toward Augusta, Portland and Belfast.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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