Origin
South Portland Gardens, ME
Morning in South Portland Gardens on Monday
Local time
6:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Portland Gardens, ME to Penobscot, ME
Drive Time
2h 53m
Distance
137.3 mi
221 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 42m
★
6 AM
2h 53m
8 AM
3h 16m
10 AM
3h 1m
12 PM
2h 59m
3 PM
3h 2m
5 PM
3h 14m
8 PM
2h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Portland Gardens, ME
Brett Sayles
Penobscot, ME
Skyler Ewing
Trip Overview
The drive from South Portland Gardens, ME to Penobscot, ME covers 137.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 295, Route 3, Maine Turnpike for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 49.9 miles on I 295. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.98 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.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
68.6 miles from South Portland Gardens, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
The drive from South Portland Gardens, ME to Penobscot, ME covers 137.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 29 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 49.9 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 0.4 miles in near ME 9 / Western Avenue.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 137.3 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 0.4 miles (ME 9 / Western Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.4 miles (I 295): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
ME 9 / Western Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto ME 9 / Western Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 295
Merge onto I 295
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
61.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m 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
61.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
61.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m 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 Along This Route
On the drive from South Portland Gardens, ME to Penobscot, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Belfast along the way.
Belfast
61.1 mi in
|
~1h 12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 295 | 49.9 mi | 57m |
| Route 3 | 17.6 mi | 21m |
| Maine Turnpike | 9.8 mi | 10m |
| North Belfast Avenue | 8.1 mi | 11m |
| Acadia Highway | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| West Main Street | 7 mi | 8m |
| East Main Street | 6.3 mi | 7m |
| North Penobscot Road | 5 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 49.9 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Portland Gardens, ME and Penobscot, ME.
1
Start on Devereaux Circle
0.2 mi
·
50 sec
·
Devereaux Circle
2
Turn right onto Westbrook Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Westbrook Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto ME 9
208 ft
·
7 sec
·
Western Avenue
4
Continue on ME 9
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Westbrook Street
5
Take the ramp
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 295 North: Portland
6
Merge onto I 295
50 mi
·
57 min
·
I 295
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 95
9.8 mi
·
10 min
·
Maine Turnpike
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 113
Toward ME 3: Augusta, Belfast
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
10
Merge onto ME 3
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Augusta Bypass
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
North Belfast Avenue
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Belfast Road
13
Continue on US 202; ME 3; ME 9
18 mi
·
21 min
·
Route 3
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Acadia Highway
15
Continue on ME 3
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Belfast Augusta Road West
16
Continue on ME 3
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Augusta Road
17
Continue on ME 3
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Belmont Avenue
18
Take the exit onto ME 3
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
ME 3
19
Merge onto US 1; ME 3
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 1
20
Continue on US 1; ME 3
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Searsport Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on US 1; ME 3
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
West Main Street
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; ME 3
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
East Main Street
23
Continue on US 1; ME 3
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US Highway 1
24
Continue on US 1; ME 3
508 ft
·
12 sec
·
Route 1
25
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 1
26
Continue on US 1; ME 3; ME 15
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Acadia Highway
27
Turn right onto ME 15
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Front Ridge Road
Use the right lane.
28
Turn right onto ME 199
5.0 mi
·
8 min
·
North Penobscot Road
29
Arrive at destination
ME 199
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.6 miles from South Portland Gardens, ME, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.9 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 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.6 miles or 1h 23m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Penobscot, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Portland Gardens, 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 South Portland Gardens, ME
This is one driving day of about 137.3 miles and 2h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South Portland Gardens, 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 49.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 68.6 mi from South Portland Gardens, ME · 1h 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 68.6 miles from South Portland Gardens, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Penobscot, ME
The final approach into Penobscot, 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 Penobscot, 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
$21.98 one way
$43.96 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $24.09 | $48.18 |
| premium | $4.83 | $26.10 | $52.20 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $30.50 | $61.01 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.59
Maine Turnpike
(9.8 mi)
$0.59
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
$22
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.2 | 0 | $14.42 | $6.59 |
| Efficient EV | 34.3 | 0 | $12.01 | $5.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.9 | 0 | $19.22 | $8.79 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Penobscot, ME
Morning in Penobscot on Monday
Local time
6:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
43°F
Brunswick, ME
69 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 53m 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 South Portland Gardens, ME to Penobscot, ME covers 137.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 295, Route 3, Maine Turnpike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.6 miles from South Portland Gardens, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.98 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.
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 13 significant decision points across 137.3 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 0.4 miles (ME 9 / Western Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.4 miles (I 295): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from South Portland Gardens, ME to Penobscot, ME, road signs begin pointing toward Belfast along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Penobscot, ME
More trips to Penobscot, ME
Explore more options from South Portland Gardens, ME or browse trips ending in Penobscot, ME.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse ME road trips.
Explore maps for South Portland Gardens, ME or Penobscot, ME on MapSof.net.