THE EARNEST TRAVELER
Acadia sits on Mount Desert Island off the mid-Maine coast. Getting there is straightforward; getting around, once you arrive, is easier than most people expect thanks to a free shuttle.
Flying In
Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about one hour away. Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) in Trenton is just 10 miles out and has direct Boston flights. Rental cars are available at both.
The Gateway
Bar Harbor is the principal gateway town, reached via Route 3 from Ellsworth. It's your base for food, lodging, and the shuttle network.
The Island Explorer
The Island Explorer is fare-free. In 2026, core routes run May 20–October 12; other routes begin June 23; the fall schedule starts August 17. The propane buses connect lodging, campgrounds, trails, beaches, villages, and the airport — the single best way to skip summer parking headaches.
Park Loop Road
Open to vehicles April 15–December 1. In winter, only the stretch from the Entrance Station to Otter Cliff Road stays open. Most travelers fly into Bangor or Bar Harbor rather than Portland, which is considerably farther south.
Handy for the road out and the days in the park.