Introduction to Airport Options for Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located primarily on Mount Desert Island along Maine's rugged coastline, attracts millions of visitors each year with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive network of hiking trails. As the crown jewel of Maine's natural attractions, getting there requires some planning—especially regarding your choice of airport.
While Acadia's stunning beauty makes it worth the journey, its somewhat remote location presents travelers with several airport options, each offering different advantages depending on your priorities. Whether you're looking for the closest airport, the most economical option, or the one with the most convenient flight connections, understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make an informed decision.
For visitors flying to Maine, there are four main airports to consider when planning your trip to Acadia National Park:
- Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) - The closest airport to Acadia (just 10 miles from the park)
- Bangor International Airport (BGR) - A larger airport about 50 miles from Acadia
- Portland International Jetport (PWM) - Maine's largest airport, approximately 175 miles from Acadia
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) - The region's major international hub, about 280 miles from Acadia
As someone who's flown into all four of these airports on different trips to Acadia, I can tell you that each option has distinct advantages and limitations. Your ideal choice will depend on factors like your budget, time constraints, where you're traveling from, and what you plan to do during your visit to Maine.
In this best airport for visiting Acadia National Park guide, I'll provide a detailed breakdown of each option, including driving distances, airline options, rental car availability, and my personal recommendations based on different traveler profiles.
Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB): The Closest Option
If proximity to Acadia National Park is your primary concern, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is unquestionably the best airport for visiting Acadia National Park. Located in Trenton, Maine, just 10 miles from the park's Hulls Cove Visitor Center, this small regional airport puts you within minutes of your destination.
Flight Options and Airlines
The primary limitation of Bar Harbor Airport is its limited flight schedule and connections. Currently, Cape Air is the main carrier operating at BHB, offering flights exclusively to and from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). These flights operate on small propeller aircraft with very limited seating capacity—typically less than 10 passengers per flight.
If you're traveling from elsewhere in the country or internationally, you'll need to connect through Boston first. During peak summer season (June through September), flights to Bar Harbor tend to fill up quickly, so advance booking is essential. In the off-season, flight frequency decreases significantly.
Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport terminal building
Transportation Options from Bar Harbor Airport
One of the advantages of flying into BHB is that you may not need to rent a car if you're planning to stay mainly in Bar Harbor or explore the park via the Island Explorer shuttle service. The Island Explorer is a free shuttle (with park pass) that connects the airport to various destinations within Acadia National Park and surrounding communities.
If you do prefer having your own vehicle, rental car options are limited at this small airport. Companies like Enterprise and Hertz do operate here, but their inventory is small, especially during peak season. I strongly recommend booking well in advance if you plan to rent from BHB.
Pro Tip
If you're flying into Bar Harbor Airport and don't need a rental car, take advantage of the Island Explorer shuttle service. It's an excellent way to explore Acadia National Park while reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact. Plus, it eliminates the stress of finding parking at popular park destinations, which can be challenging during peak season.
Best For
Bar Harbor Airport is ideal for:
- Travelers who prioritize minimizing travel time to Acadia
- Visitors planning to stay in downtown Bar Harbor without a car
- Those connecting through Boston with flexible schedules
- Travelers who prefer small airports with minimal crowds
Bangor International Airport (BGR): The Best Balance
For many travelers, Bangor International Airport (BGR) represents the perfect balance of convenience and accessibility when visiting Acadia National Park. Located just 50 miles (approximately a one-hour drive) from Mount Desert Island, Bangor offers significantly more flight options than Bar Harbor Airport while still keeping you reasonably close to your destination.
From my experience making multiple trips to Acadia, Bangor is often the most practical airport choice for the majority of domestic travelers. It combines reasonable proximity with better flight availability and rental car options.
Bangor International Airport main terminal
Flight Options and Airlines
Bangor International Airport is served by several major carriers including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Allegiant Air. Direct flights are available from cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, Charlotte, and several Florida destinations. While it doesn't have the international connections of Boston Logan, it offers enough domestic options to make it accessible from most U.S. cities with just one connection.
The airport itself is modern but manageable in size, making for a less stressful experience than navigating through larger hubs. Lines at security are typically short, and the entire airport process tends to be more relaxed than at major metropolitan airports.
Transportation to Acadia from Bangor
Unlike Bar Harbor Airport, you'll definitely want to rent a car if flying into Bangor. The drive from Bangor to Acadia National Park takes approximately one hour along well-maintained highways, offering scenic views as you approach Mount Desert Island.
Rental car options are plentiful at BGR, with most major companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget) maintaining counters at the airport. Prices tend to be more reasonable than at the smaller Bar Harbor Airport, and availability is rarely an issue even during peak season if you book in advance.
Pro Tip
The drive from Bangor to Acadia takes you past several beautiful lakes, including Branch Lake and Green Lake. If you have time, consider making a stop for a picnic or quick photo opportunity. Additionally, the town of Ellsworth (about 30 minutes from Acadia) makes a perfect stop for groceries or supplies before heading onto Mount Desert Island.
Best For
Bangor International Airport is ideal for:
- Travelers seeking a good balance between proximity to Acadia and flight options
- Visitors who plan to rent a car for their trip
- Those who prefer smaller, less congested airports but need more airline choices than Bar Harbor offers
- People planning to explore both Acadia and other parts of central/northern Maine
Portland International Jetport (PWM): More Flight Options
Located approximately 175 miles from Acadia National Park (about a 3-hour drive), Portland International Jetport (PWM) is Maine's largest and busiest airport. While significantly farther from Acadia than both Bar Harbor and Bangor airports, Portland offers considerably more flight options, potentially better fares, and the opportunity to incorporate Portland and southern Maine into your itinerary.
For travelers who want to explore more of Maine beyond just Acadia National Park, or those who can find significantly cheaper flights to Portland, this airport can be an excellent choice despite the longer drive.
Portland International Jetport main terminal
Flight Options and Airlines
Portland International Jetport is served by a wide range of carriers including American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, and others. Direct flights connect Portland with approximately 19 US cities, making it significantly more accessible than Bangor for travelers from many parts of the country. The competition between airlines also frequently leads to better fare options.
The airport itself is modern, well-designed, and relatively easy to navigate. Like Bangor, it offers a less stressful airport experience than major hubs while providing more amenities and dining options.
Transportation to Acadia from Portland
A rental car is essentially required when flying into Portland if your destination is Acadia National Park. The drive from Portland to Acadia National Park takes approximately 3 hours via I-295 and US-1. However, this drive is one of the most scenic in New England, especially if you take the coastal Route 1 instead of the faster inland route.
All major rental car companies operate at Portland Jetport, typically offering better selection and more competitive rates than at the smaller airports closer to Acadia. Even during peak summer season, rental car availability is rarely an issue if you book in advance.
Pro Tip
If you fly into Portland, consider making your journey to Acadia part of the vacation experience. The coastal drive along Route 1 takes you through charming towns like Camden, Rockland, and Belfast, with opportunities to visit lighthouses, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience authentic Maine coastal culture. Plan for a full day of scenic driving with several stops along the way.
Best For
Portland International Jetport is ideal for:
- Travelers who want to explore southern and central Maine in addition to Acadia
- Those who can find significantly better flight deals to Portland
- Visitors who enjoy scenic drives and want to incorporate coastal towns into their itinerary
- People who prefer more airline options and potentially lower fares
- Travelers who prefer Southwest Airlines, which serves Portland but not the other airports near Acadia
I've personally flown into Portland twice when visiting Acadia, and while the drive is longer, the journey along Maine's coast was a highlight of my trip rather than just a transfer to my destination.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): The Major Hub
At approximately 280 miles (a 4.5 to 5-hour drive) from Acadia National Park, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the furthest option on this list. However, as New England's largest international airport, Boston Logan offers by far the most extensive flight options, often at the best prices, making it a compelling choice despite the distance.
For international travelers or those looking for the absolute best flight deals, Boston Logan may be the most practical airport choice, especially if you plan to explore other parts of New England during your trip.
Boston Logan International Airport at night
Flight Options and Airlines
Boston Logan is a major international gateway served by virtually all major domestic carriers and dozens of international airlines. Direct flights connect Boston with over 70 domestic destinations and more than 50 international cities worldwide. This extensive network means you can typically find the most competitive fares and convenient flight times when flying into Boston.
The tradeoff, of course, is navigating a large, busy airport and the significantly longer journey to Acadia afterward. However, for many travelers—especially those coming from overseas or the West Coast—the better flight options and potential cost savings make this tradeoff worthwhile.
Transportation to Acadia from Boston
The journey from Boston Logan to Acadia National Park is substantial, taking 4.5 to 5 hours by car under ideal conditions. However, this drive can be incorporated into your vacation experience by planning stops in coastal Maine towns along the way. Many visitors choose to spend a night in Portland or another coastal town to break up the drive.
Another option from Boston is to take a connecting flight to Bar Harbor or Bangor, essentially using Boston as your international gateway before switching to a regional flight to get closer to Acadia. This approach combines the extensive flight options of Boston with the convenience of arriving closer to your final destination.
Rental car options at Boston Logan are abundant, with every major company represented and typically the most competitive rates of all the airports discussed. However, navigating out of Boston can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the area, so factor in extra time if this is your first time driving in the region.
Pro Tip
If flying into Boston, consider spending at least your first night in the city to recover from your flight and explore historic attractions like the Freedom Trail. Then rent a car the next day and take your time driving up the coast to Acadia, stopping in Salem, Portsmouth, Portland, and other coastal highlights. This transforms your transfer into a memorable part of your New England experience.
Best For
Boston Logan International Airport is ideal for:
- International travelers without direct access to smaller Maine airports
- Budget-conscious travelers who find significantly better deals to Boston
- Visitors planning a broader New England itinerary beyond just Acadia
- Those who value having the most flight options and airlines to choose from
- Travelers who want to include Boston and coastal Massachusetts/New Hampshire in their trip
Comparing All Airport Options: Which Is Best For You?
To help you make the best decision for your specific needs, I've created this comprehensive comparison of all four airport options for visiting Acadia National Park. This analysis is based on my personal experiences flying into each airport multiple times, as well as feedback from other frequent visitors to the park.
| Airport | Distance to Acadia | Driving Time | Airlines | Rental Car Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hancock County-Bar Harbor (BHB) | 10 miles | 20 minutes | Cape Air (connections via Boston only) | Limited (Enterprise, Hertz) | Proximity to park, public transportation access |
| Bangor International (BGR) | 50 miles | 1 hour | American, Delta, United, Allegiant, Breeze | Good (all major companies) | Balance of convenience and flight options |
| Portland International (PWM) | 175 miles | 3 hours | American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Breeze | Excellent (all major companies) | More flight options, exploring southern Maine |
| Boston Logan (BOS) | 280 miles | 4.5-5 hours | All major domestic and international carriers | Excellent (all major companies) | International travelers, broader New England tour |
Making Your Decision: Key Factors to Consider
When deciding on the best airport for your Acadia National Park visit, consider these essential factors:
- Travel Origin: International travelers will likely find Boston or Portland most practical, while domestic travelers have more options.
- Budget Constraints: Compare total costs including flights, rental cars, and additional accommodation needs for longer drives.
- Available Time: If your visit is short, prioritize airports closer to Acadia to maximize your time in the park.
- Broader Itinerary: If visiting other parts of New England, an airport farther from Acadia might actually be more convenient overall.
- Seasonal Considerations: Winter travel may make longer drives more challenging, while summer travel means busier roads but more flight options.
- Car Rental Needs: If you require specific vehicle types or features, larger airports offer better selection.
Travel Trends for 2025
Based on recent patterns, more travelers are opting for Bangor International Airport when visiting Acadia, as it offers the best balance of convenience and flight options. However, with increased visitation to Acadia National Park, all nearby airports are experiencing higher demand during peak season (June-September). Book flights and car rentals well in advance, particularly if traveling during summer months.
My Experience and Recommendations
My Personal Experience
Having visited Acadia National Park seven times over the past decade, I've had the opportunity to fly into all four airports discussed in this guide. Each experience offered different advantages, and my preferred airport has changed depending on the specific goals of each trip.
On my first visit, I flew directly into Bar Harbor Airport, which put me right at the doorstep of Acadia. While incredibly convenient, the limited flight schedule and small aircraft made for a more expensive and less flexible experience. The convenience factor was undeniable, however, especially since I was staying in downtown Bar Harbor without a car.
For three subsequent trips, I chose Bangor International Airport. The one-hour drive to Acadia was a small price to pay for the significantly better flight options and rental car availability. I particularly appreciated how quick and painless the airport experience was compared to larger facilities.
When bringing my family for a broader Maine experience, we flew into Portland. This allowed us to explore Portland for a day, then take a leisurely coastal drive with stops in Camden and Belfast before arriving at Acadia. The journey became part of the vacation rather than just transit.
Most recently, on a trip that combined Boston, coastal New Hampshire, and Acadia, we flew into Boston Logan. While it meant a longer drive to reach Acadia, the ability to find direct flights from our home city and incorporate other New England destinations made it the right choice for that particular trip.
Recommendations for Different Travelers
Based on my experiences and conversations with park rangers and other frequent visitors, here are my airport recommendations for different types of travelers:
For Time-Limited Travelers
Best Airport: Hancock County-Bar Harbor (BHB) or Bangor International (BGR)
If you have just 2-4 days for your visit, prioritize minimizing transit time. Fly into Bar Harbor if you can find suitable connections, or Bangor as a reliable alternative. The extra time saved can mean fitting in an additional hike or scenic drive during your limited stay.
For Budget-Conscious Travelers
Best Airport: Whichever offers the best total cost (often Boston or Portland)
Compare the total cost of flights plus car rental rather than just airfare alone. Often, the savings on flights to Boston or Portland can more than offset the additional costs of driving farther. Don't forget to factor in potential overnight stays if breaking up longer drives.
For International Visitors
Best Airport: Boston Logan (BOS) or connect via Boston to Bangor (BGR)
International travelers will typically find Boston Logan offers the best connections from overseas. From there, either rent a car for the scenic drive to Acadia or take a connecting flight to Bangor to reduce driving time.
For Multi-Destination New England Trips
Best Airport: Boston (BOS) or Portland (PWM)
If Acadia is just one stop on a broader New England itinerary, choose your airport based on your overall route. Boston works well if including Massachusetts or New Hampshire; Portland is ideal if focusing on Maine.
What Other Visitors Say
"After trying both Bar Harbor and Bangor airports, I strongly recommend Bangor for most travelers. The flight options are much better, and the one-hour drive to Acadia is actually quite pleasant. Bar Harbor Airport is really only practical if you're connecting through Boston and don't plan to rent a car."
"We flew into Portland and made a wonderful road trip out of the journey to Acadia. Stopped at several lighthouses and coastal towns along the way. It was definitely worth the extra drive time to experience more of Maine's coast. Would highly recommend this approach if you have at least a week for your trip."
"As international travelers, we found Boston Logan to be our best option despite the distance. We got direct flights from London, spent two days exploring Boston, then drove up the coast to Acadia with overnight stops in Portsmouth and Portland. The whole journey became part of our New England experience rather than just a means to reach Acadia."
Essential Gear for Your Acadia National Park Visit
Once you've decided on the best airport for your Acadia adventure, it's time to think about what to pack. Based on my multiple visits to Acadia in different seasons, here are some essential items I recommend bringing for an optimal experience:
Hiking Essentials
-
Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking PolesEssential for Acadia's varied terrain, especially on trails with elevation changes like Cadillac Mountain or Beehive Trail.$129.95
-
Osprey Hikelite 18 DaypackThe perfect size daypack for Acadia's day hikes, with room for water, snacks, layers, and essentials.$100.00
Essential Navigation Tool
One item I never visit Acadia without is a reliable GPS device with downloadable maps. Cell service can be spotty in parts of the park, and while trails are well-marked, having GPS backup provides peace of mind, especially on some of the more challenging routes.
Check Price on AmazonUseful Acadia National Park Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute closest airport to Acadia National Park?
Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is unquestionably the closest airport to Acadia National Park, located just 10 miles from the park's Hulls Cove Visitor Center. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes. However, this small regional airport only offers flights connecting through Boston via Cape Air, so your flight options are very limited compared to other airports.
Which airlines fly to the airports near Acadia National Park?
The airlines serving each airport are:
- Bar Harbor Airport (BHB): Cape Air (connections via Boston only)
- Bangor International (BGR): American Airlines, Delta, United, Allegiant, Breeze
- Portland Jetport (PWM): American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Breeze, Sun Country
- Boston Logan (BOS): All major domestic carriers plus international airlines including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and many more
Do I need a car when visiting Acadia National Park?
It depends on your plans and where you're staying. If you're staying in downtown Bar Harbor during the summer season (late June through early October) and plan to primarily explore the main sections of the park, you can manage without a car by using the free Island Explorer shuttle service, which connects Bar Harbor with major park destinations.
However, having a car provides much more flexibility to explore at your own pace, visit less accessible areas of the park, and travel during early morning or evening hours when shuttles run less frequently or not at all. A car is essentially required if visiting during the off-season when shuttle service is not operating.
What's the best time of year to visit Acadia National Park?
The most popular time to visit Acadia is during summer (June-August) when weather is warm and all facilities are open. However, this is also the most crowded period. My personal favorite time to visit is September through mid-October, when the crowds thin out, temperatures remain pleasant, and fall foliage adds spectacular color to the landscape. May and early June offer a good balance of decent weather and fewer crowds, though some facilities may have limited hours. Winter visits (November-April) are possible but require more preparation, as many park roads and facilities close for the season.
Can I take public transportation to Acadia National Park from any of these airports?
Public transportation options are limited. From Bar Harbor Airport, the Island Explorer shuttle service connects to downtown Bar Harbor and park destinations during summer season. From Bangor, there is the Bar Harbor Express bus service during summer months, though schedules are limited. From Portland or Boston, options are even more restricted, with Concord Coach Lines offering limited service to Bar Harbor. For most visitors, especially those not flying into Bar Harbor Airport, renting a car remains the most practical option for reaching Acadia.
Conclusion
Choosing the best airport for visiting Acadia National Park ultimately comes down to balancing convenience, flight options, and your broader travel plans. While Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport offers unmatched proximity to the park, its limited flight options make it impractical for many travelers. Bangor International Airport strikes an excellent balance between convenience and accessibility, making it the top choice for most domestic visitors.
For those with more time who want to experience more of Maine, flying into Portland International Jetport allows you to incorporate a scenic coastal drive into your itinerary. International travelers or those seeking the most flight options will find Boston Logan International Airport provides the best connectivity, despite the longer drive to reach Acadia.
Based on my own experiences visiting Acadia multiple times through different airports, here's my final recommendation: for most domestic travelers making a dedicated trip to Acadia, Bangor International Airport represents the optimal choice. The one-hour drive to the park is a reasonable trade-off for significantly better flight options compared to Bar Harbor Airport.
However, no single airport is perfect for everyone. Consider your specific priorities, where you're traveling from, your budget, and your broader New England itinerary when making your decision. Whichever gateway you choose, the magnificent landscapes of Acadia National Park make any travel effort well worth it.
For additional information about visiting Acadia National Park, be sure to check out our related guides on the airport closest to Acadia, how to get to Acadia National Park from the nearest airport, driving from Bangor to Acadia National Park, flights to Bar Harbor, and car rentals near Acadia National Park.
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