Over 95% of our guests come to Maine by car. Maine isn't the easiest state to reach - which makes Maine such a gem to visit. There are other options though including limited train and bus service. Amtrak operates the "Down Easter" train between Boston and Portland, but as of 2009, this ride is still very long. A 3 hour train ride versus a 1.5 hour car drive over the same distance makes for a long ride. Additionally, it is inconvenient to switch between a train coming in from the rest of the country to Boston's South Station, and the Down Easter train that leaves from Boston's North Station. We recommend the bus versus the train if you need to take transportation into Maine other than a plane or car. However, you truly need a car at most of our rental properties unless it is right in town.
Getting to Maine by Car
From Points South of Maine, take Interstate 95 North. There is only one major road into Maine and everyone crosses into Maine at Portsmouth, NH. Once in Maine, your directions provided by us from the Maine border will get you to your rental property. Maine is about 7.5 hours from the Washington D.C. area. Over 50% of our guests drive in to Maine from the Mid-Atlantic region including the states of Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. This can be a longer 9 to 11 hour trip depending on when you leave. Many of our guests, especially those with children, like to leave the D.C. area around 9pm at night and drive overnight. This way, they avoid the heavy New Jersey and New York City traffic. They swap out drivers along the way and take advantage of the cheap hotel options once they get through Connecticut. The best way to Maine through New York is to take the Tappenzee Bridge then I-684 to I-84 and across to Massachussetts. The owner's of On the Water in Maine spent 5 years living in the D.C. area and are experts at making the trip to Maine (over 50 times). Call us for more help if you need advice.
Getting to Maine by Bus
If you are taking a bus into Maine, there is only one choice - Concord Coach Lines (1-800-639-3317) (Concord operates Greyhound's bus service in Maine)
Getting to Maine by Air
If you are flying on a commercial airline, we recommend arriving at Manchester, NH's International Airport (3 1/2 hour drive from Midcoast Maine)). Flights into Manchester on Southwest Airlines are often the cheapest. Portland’s International Jetport, a 90-minute drive from Midcoast Maine, is another get alternative.. Your other choices are Boston’s Logan Airport (4-hour drive), Bangor’s International Airport (60-minute drive), Augusta, and Rockland – Knox County Airport. Some people like to fly to Boston, then book a flight with Cape Air to get to Rockland. This is a great choice for those flying in extra guests during their vacation.
Flying into Portland:
Portland International Jetport (PWM 207-774-7301) is served by Delta, United, Continental, American, US Airways/Express, Northwest and JetBlue. Car rental agencies at the Jetport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Sears, and Enterprise. Private car service: Mermaid Transportation (to South Portland): $45 one-way, $90 round trip, runs every two hours, 4:30 am–4:30 pm. 207-772-2509, or on the Web, www.gomermaid.com Car rental is recommended in most cases. Public transportation is extremely limited in the Midcoast.
Flying into Rockland:
The Rockland – Knox County Airport (RKD 207-594-4131) is served by Cape Air, a commuter airline with service to and from Boston. Cape Air is partners with JetBlue and Continental Airlines. There are four flights a day, but only 19 seats per flight, so early booking is advisable. Private planes are serviced at Rockland’s Knox County Airport.
Private plane arrivals can be scheduled through one of the following FBOs:
Down East Air: 207-594-2171
Telford Aviation: 207-596-5557
Cape Air: 800-352-0714 or 508-771-6944
Car Rental: Avis Rent a Car, 800-831-2847
Budget Car Rental: 207-594-0822
Taxi Service: Schooner Bay Taxi, 207-594-5000
