Origin
South Portland, ME
Late night in South Portland on Monday
Local time
12:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Trip from South Portland, ME to Damariscotta, ME
Drive Time
1h 20m
Distance
55.9 mi
90 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 14m
★
6 AM
1h 20m
8 AM
1h 33m
10 AM
1h 25m
12 PM
1h 24m
3 PM
1h 25m
5 PM
1h 32m
8 PM
1h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Portland, ME
Phil Evenden
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick getaway from South Portland to Damariscotta, you are looking at a manageable 55.9-mile trip that typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as it does not require an overnight stay to enjoy the journey. With a fuel budget of approximately $9, the drive is quite economical for a short Northeast excursion. You will primarily navigate via I-295 and Route 1, transitioning smoothly between these major corridors. Because the entire trip stays within Maine, the regional character remains consistent throughout the drive. It is an ideal option if you want a straightforward transit without the fatigue of a long-haul road trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
27.9 miles from South Portland, ME
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 36m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 61% of this 55.9-mile journey is spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 22.6 miles on I-295. As you transition away from the interstate and onto Route 1 and Mill Street, the pace shifts from a high-speed interstate grind to more conventional driving. This mix ensures you spend the bulk of your time moving efficiently before navigating the final local segments. You should feel comfortable behind the wheel knowing the route favors speed and directness over technical backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 22.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 295 and Route 1. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Broadway.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 1h 20m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Broadway): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 3.4 miles (I 295; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Broadway
Turn sharp left onto Broadway
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
3.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 295; US 1
Merge onto I 295; US 1
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
26 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Brunswick, Bath, Coastal Route
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28
Toward US 1: Brunswick, Bath, Coastal Route
5
28.4 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
Mill Street
Turn left onto Mill Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
54.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
|
US 1 BUS / Main Street
Take the exit onto US 1 BUS / Main Street toward US 1 BUS: Pemaquid Beach, Pemaquid, Damariscotta, Bristol
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 1 BUS: Pemaquid Beach, Pemaquid, Dama...
Towns Along This Route
Between South Portland, ME and Damariscotta, ME, road signs point toward Bath and Coastal Route.
Bath
26 mi in
|
~32m
Coastal Route
26 mi in
|
~32m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 295 | 22.6 mi | 26m |
| Route 1 | 11.3 mi | 15m |
| Mill Street | 9.2 mi | 13m |
| Bath Road | 4 mi | 7m |
| Main Street | 3 mi | 6m |
| Pleasant Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Casco Bay Bridge | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Broadway | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 295
— 22.6 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Portland, ME and Damariscotta, ME.
1
Start on Pine Street
60 ft
·
9 sec
·
Pine Street
2
Turn sharp left onto Broadway
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
3
Continue on ME 77
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Casco Bay Bridge
4
Turn straight onto ME 77
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
York Street
5
Turn left onto ME 77
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
High Street
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 295 North, US 1 North: Falmouth
7
Merge onto I 295; US 1
23 mi
·
26 min
·
I 295; US 1
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28
Toward US 1: Brunswick, Bath, Coastal Route
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on US 1
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Pleasant Street
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto Mill Street
9.2 mi
·
13 min
·
Mill Street
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 1
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
12
Continue on US 1
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Route 1
13
Continue on US 1
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Bath Road
14
Continue on US 1; ME 27
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
15
Continue on US 1; ME 27
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Route 1
16
Take the exit onto US 1 BUS
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Main Street
Toward US 1 BUS: Pemaquid Beach, Pemaquid, Damariscotta, Bristol
17
Continue on US 1 BUS
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
18
Arrive at destination
US 1 BUS
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 1 hour and 20 minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You do not need to worry about planning formal rest stops given the modest 55.9-mile distance, allowing you to complete the trip in one go. Keep your $9 fuel budget in mind when planning your total travel costs for the day. Because the route relies heavily on major arteries like I-295 and Route 1, monitor traffic reports before you leave to ensure smooth sailing through the more populated sections. Taking advantage of the shorter duration means you can spend more of your day at your destination rather than behind the wheel.
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 27.9 miles from South Portland, ME, or about 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.6 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 55.9 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27.9 miles or 36m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Damariscotta, ME than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Portland, 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, ME
This is one driving day of about 55.9 miles and 1h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South Portland, ME.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 295 for about 22.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.9 mi from South Portland, ME · 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 55.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 27.9 miles from South Portland, ME, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Damariscotta, ME
The final approach into Damariscotta, 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 Damariscotta, 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
$8.95 one way
$17.90 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $9.81 | $19.62 |
| premium | $4.83 | $10.63 | $21.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.42 | $24.84 |
Estimated Tolls: $7.00
Bay Bridge
$7.00
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
$9
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.8 | 0 | $5.87 | $2.68 |
| Efficient EV | 14 | 0 | $4.89 | $2.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.4 | 0 | $7.83 | $3.58 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Damariscotta, ME
Late night in Damariscotta on Monday
Local time
12:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
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.
Road read
1h 20m 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, ME to Damariscotta, ME covers 55.9 miles and takes about 1h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 295, Route 1, Mill Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27.9 miles from South Portland, ME. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.95 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 straightforward 1h 20m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Broadway): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 3.4 miles (I 295; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between South Portland, ME and Damariscotta, ME, road signs point toward Bath and Coastal Route.
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