how would you get to Bar Harbor

[Ronda93]

We're looking at a non-Disney vacation idea.

Thinking of going to Acadia NP near Bar Harbor, Maine. It looks beautiful and quiet. We want to fly. What's the best airport to use? Portland, Hartford, Boston (this would be a long drive, but widest range of carriers?).

Any advice? If anyone has Acadia or Bar Harbor tips I'd be grateful as well.

Ronda

 

[winniedapooh]

I live in Massachusetts and go to Maine, Old Orchard Beach, several times a year. Portland is the closest airport and if it were me I would fly into there. Boston is a zoo, jmpho, and artford is just too far away! Portland is easy to get to. Also depends on how much driving you want to do. If you want to drive alot then Hartford may be the way to go. Hope this helps!

 

[debster812]

Hartford is just too far. You might look into Manchester NH (MHT) as well.

My parents go to Acadia/Bar Harbor about every other year on their boat. The sail up from the Boston area, and spend 2-3 weeks there. They are on their way to FL right now (driving, not boating, oh the poor life of the retired )or I would get some tips from them. I know they use the buses in the area to get around since they don't have a car.

 

[Shannon G]

I would suggest flying into Bangor. Bangor is only about 50 miles from Bar Harbour, while Portland is about 170 miles.

 

[pammypooh]

We did Acadia and Bar Harbor last August. Loved it. We drove and camped just outside of the National Park. They have an incredible public transportation bus system that is free, courtesy of LL Bean. There are about 6 or 7 different loops these shuttles take and they can deliver you to locations within the National Park, Bar Harbor. It was wonderful not to drive as Bar Harbor and the roads leading into town get quite congested. Its a beautiful area and we really enjoyed Bar Harbor. Great town for walking around! We even walked around some of the alleys and residential streets, as well as downtown. We also enjoyed renting bikes and taking them in (by bus) to Acadia's carriage road system. Great because - no cars allowed - only bikes and horses. Enjoy it! We want to go back.

Pam

 

[Christine]

I thought Bangor was the closest airport.

 

[pumba]

I still would fly into Portland and then travel the coast up ......the scenery is just gorgeous...

 

[Shannon G]

I still would fly into Portland and then travel the coast up ......the scenery is just gorgeous...

While I agree the drive along Rt. 1 is lovely - whether or not I would be willing to do it would depend on the time of year you are going, and the day of the week. We travel from CT to Maine (Belfast area - about 1 1/2 hrs. south of Bar Harbour) every summer. Years ago, when I was a kid, we used to take Rt. 1 rather than the turnpike on occasion, for a change of scenery. However, having tried this a couple of times in the last 5 or 6 years, it has been disastrous. Both times were on a Saturday, and we decided to take Rt. 1 South rather than the turnpike on the way home. The traffic gets sooo bad on weekends on Rt. 1 in the summer - I would avoid it like the plague! Both times we have given up and gotten back on the highway. But, if you are travelling on a weekday, it may be more manageable.

 

[aynt79]

Flying into Bangor would be the easiest way to get to Bar Harbor. The Bangor airport is small and easy to navigate. Also, if you would need to rent a car, there are some rental companies located on airport property. I agree that driving from Portland would be pretty, but you will probably be pulling your hair out by the time you made it to Bar Harbor (esp. via Rt 1 during tourist season).

Also, depending on how much time you are spending in Maine, Baxter State Park (north of Bangor) is a nice place to visit for a couple of days.