Explore Maine United States

Explore Maine United States

What is the best time to travel to Maine

The best time to visit Maine depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Summer, from June to August, is the peak season, and it’s an excellent time to enjoy Maine’s coastal attractions, beaches, and outdoor activities. Fall, from September to November, is also a popular time to visit because of the beautiful fall foliage, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates. Winter, from December to February, can be cold and snowy, but it’s a great time for skiing and snowboarding. Spring, from March to May, is a quieter time to visit and offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

How to get to Maine

Maine can be accessed by various modes of transportation:

By air: Maine has two major airports, Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport, which offer both domestic and international flights.

By car: Maine can be reached via Interstate 95, which runs from Miami, Florida, to Houlton, Maine, and U.S. Route 1, which runs the entire length of the state’s coastline.

By bus: Greyhound Lines and Concord Coach Lines operate daily bus service to several cities in Maine.

By train: Amtrak’s Downeaster train service operates between Boston and Brunswick, with stops in several cities along the way.

By ferry: The Maine State Ferry Service operates ferries between the mainland and several of Maine’s islands, as well as to Nova Scotia, Canada.

How to get around Maine

The best way to get around Maine depends on where you’re going and what you want to do. Here are some options:

Car rental: Renting a car is a popular and convenient option, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or visit multiple destinations.

Bus: Maine has several bus companies that provide service between major cities and towns. Greyhound, Concord Coach Lines, and Megabus are some of the major bus companies that operate in Maine.

Train: Amtrak’s Downeaster train provides service between Boston, Massachusetts, and Portland, Maine, with stops in several other Maine towns along the way.

Ferry: Ferries are available for traveling between the mainland and some of Maine’s islands, such as Peaks Island and Vinalhaven.

Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to explore Maine’s scenic coastal routes and other areas. Many towns and cities have bike rental shops.

Walking: Maine has several charming towns and cities that are easy to explore on foot. Walking tours are available in many places, and self-guided tours are also an option.

National Airports

There are several airports in Maine, but the two largest and busiest ones are:

Portland International Jetport (PWM) – located in Portland, Maine, it serves over 2 million passengers annually with several domestic and international flights.

Bangor International Airport (BGR) – located in Bangor, Maine, it serves over 500,000 passengers annually and is known for being a gateway to Acadia National Park.

Other airports in Maine include:

Augusta State Airport (AUG) – located in Augusta, Maine, it serves private and corporate flights.

Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – located in Bar Harbor, Maine, it serves as a regional airport for the area.

Knox County Regional Airport (RKD) – located in Owls Head, Maine, it serves the Midcoast area of Maine.

Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI) – located in Presque Isle, Maine, it serves the northernmost part of the state.

Trains in Maine

Maine has limited passenger train service, but there are a few options for travelers:

Amtrak’s Downeaster: This passenger train service runs from Boston, Massachusetts to Brunswick, Maine with stops in several Maine cities including Portland and Old Orchard Beach.

Maine Eastern Railroad: This seasonal passenger train service operates during the summer months from Brunswick to Rockland, Maine. It is a popular tourist attraction that offers scenic views of the Maine coastline.

Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad: This tourist train operates in Belfast, Maine and offers several themed rides including a fall foliage excursion and a polar express ride during the holiday season.

Boothbay Railway Village: This museum in Boothbay, Maine offers train rides on a narrow-gauge steam train that runs through the village and the surrounding countryside.

Buses in Maine

Maine has a well-developed bus system, which is operated by several companies. The primary bus companies operating in Maine are:

Concord Coach Lines: This bus company offers services from Portland and Bangor to several locations in Maine, as well as destinations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.

Greyhound: This bus company offers services to several locations in Maine, as well as destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

Metro BREEZ: This is a commuter bus service that operates between Portland, Maine and the towns of Falmouth, Yarmouth, and Freeport.

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority: This is the agency that oversees the Amtrak Downeaster service mentioned earlier, which offers train and bus connections to several Maine cities.

Local Bus Systems: Several cities and towns in Maine operate local bus systems, which offer transportation within city limits. Some of these bus systems also offer connections to other bus and train services in the state.

Overall, the bus system in Maine provides a convenient and affordable way for travelers to get around the state.

Accommodations in Maine

Maine offers a range of accommodations options, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

In the popular coastal towns, such as Portland, Bar Harbor, and Camden, there are plenty of upscale hotels and resorts that offer ocean views and luxurious amenities.

Inland, there are charming bed and breakfasts and rustic lodges that provide a more intimate and relaxing experience.

For those looking to stay closer to nature, Maine has numerous campgrounds, including many state parks that offer camping sites.

During the peak season (summer), it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance as it can get quite busy. In the off-season, there are still plenty of options available and rates may be more affordable.