You’re sitting in a diner in New York City or maybe a coffee shop in D.C., and you think, "I should go to Maine." It sounds like a plan. But then the internal GPS kicks in, and you realize you aren't actually sure where the "start" of Maine even is. Is it just past Boston? Is it basically Canada?
The truth is, how far is Maine depends entirely on whether you’re looking for a lobster roll in Kittery or trying to reach the rugged, remote edge of the world in Madawaska. Maine is massive. It's basically as large as the other five New England states combined. If you think you can just "pop over" from Jersey for the weekend and see the whole thing, you're in for a very long drive and a lot of gas station coffee.
The Reality of the Drive: From the Mid-Atlantic to the Border
Most people starting their journey from the South or Mid-Atlantic think of Maine as a single destination. In reality, it’s a 300-mile-long stretch of coastline and forest.
If you’re leaving from New York City, you’re looking at about 310 miles to reach Portland. That’s roughly 5 to 6 hours of driving, assuming the I-95 traffic gods are smiling on you. If they aren’t—and they usually aren't near New Haven or the George Washington Bridge—add an hour. Or two. Honestly, the "how far is Maine" question changes the second you hit the Connecticut border.
From Boston, it’s a breeze. You can be in Maine in about an hour. Kittery is only 65 miles away. But here’s the kicker: once you cross that bridge into Maine, you’ve only just begun. People underestimate the internal distances. Driving from the southern tip of Maine to the northern tip in Aroostook County takes another 5 to 6 hours. You’re essentially driving the distance from Boston to Philadelphia all over again, but with fewer exits and a lot more moose signs.
How Far Is Maine by Air?
If you aren't a fan of the "Maine Turnpike" (which is what we call the southern stretch of I-95), flying is the way to go.
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Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the main hub. It’s small, efficient, and honestly one of the least stressful airports in the country. A flight from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) or New York (LGA/JFK) is usually around 90 minutes.
But if you’re heading "Downeast" or to the deep woods, you might want to look at Bangor International (BGR). It’s further north and puts you much closer to Acadia National Park. Flying into Bangor saves you a two-hour drive from Portland, which is huge if you only have a long weekend.
Distances You Didn’t See Coming
Let’s talk about the Canadian side of things. Maine shares a 611-mile border with Quebec and New Brunswick. That is a lot of geography.
- From Houlton to the border: It’s about 10 miles. You’re basically neighbors with New Brunswick.
- From Portland to the Canadian border: It’s over 300 miles. You are closer to New York City than you are to the northern tip of your own state.
- From Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia: You can’t drive it directly, but "The Cat" ferry connects the two. It’s a high-speed journey that reminds you Maine is essentially a maritime gateway.
Why the "Coastal Distance" is a Total Lie
If you look at a map, Maine’s coast looks like a straight shot. It’s not. It’s jagged, torn, and filled with thousands of inlets. While the "general" coastline is about 228 miles long, the actual tidal coastline is nearly 3,500 miles.
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This is why "how far is Maine" is such a tricky question for hikers and sailors. If you try to follow the coast exactly, you'll be traveling for weeks. This geography is why a town that looks 10 miles away "as the crow flies" might take you 45 minutes to reach by car because you have to drive all the way down one peninsula and back up another.
Travel Times to Maine at a Glance
To give you a rough idea of what you’re signing up for, here’s a quick breakdown of road distances to Portland (the gateway city):
- Boston, MA: ~105 miles (1 hour 45 mins)
- Montreal, QC: ~275 miles (5 hours)
- Philadelphia, PA: ~400 miles (6.5 to 7 hours)
- Washington, D.C.: ~540 miles (9 to 10 hours)
- Chicago, IL: ~1,050 miles (16+ hours)
If you’re coming from the West Coast, just commit to the flight. Driving from Los Angeles is a 3,000-mile odyssey that will take you at least four or five days of hard driving.
What Most Travelers Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Treating Maine like a "check the box" destination. People ask "how far is Maine" because they want to see Acadia. They drive to Portland, think they’ve "arrived," and then realize they still have 3 hours of driving left to get to Bar Harbor.
Maine is divided into regions: the Beaches, Greater Portland, Midcoast, Downeast, and the Highlands. Each one has its own "distance." If you want the classic rocky coast and lighthouses, you’re looking at the Midcoast (roughly 2-3 hours from the border). If you want total wilderness, you’re looking at the Maine Highlands or Aroostook County, which requires a real commitment.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning to figure out exactly how far is Maine for your next vacation, don't just put "Maine" into Google Maps. It’ll drop a pin in the middle of a forest near Dover-Foxcroft.
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- Pick a Hub: Decide if you are a "Portland" person (food, beer, shops) or a "Bangor" person (mountains, Acadia, woods).
- Check the 511: Maine road construction is legendary. Use the 511 Maine website to see if I-95 is a mess before you leave.
- The "Two-Hour" Rule: Always add two hours to whatever GPS tells you if you are traveling on a Friday afternoon in the summer. The "Kittery Crawl" is real.
- Consider the Train: The Amtrak Downeaster runs from Boston to Brunswick. It’s a gorgeous, stress-free way to skip the traffic and see the southern coast.
Maine is a destination that rewards the patient. It’s far, sure, but the air smells like salt and pine the second you cross the Piscataqua River Bridge, and honestly, that makes every mile worth it.