Can you drive your car through Acadia National Park?

You can drive your car through Acadia National Park, and for many visitors, exploring the park by car is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience its diverse landscapes. Acadia is designed with an excellent network of paved roads that wind through forests, skirt along the dramatic coastline, and climb up the mountains, allowing you to see much of the park’s beauty without ever leaving your vehicle. 

The most famous of these roads is the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile scenic drive that connects many of Acadia’s top attractions. Driving this loop gives you access to places like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond, and the turnoff to Cadillac Mountain. The road is mostly one-way along the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, which helps traffic flow smoothly and creates a relaxed driving experience where you can take in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Quick Reference: Driving Through Acadia National Park

Question	Answer
Can you drive your car through Acadia National Park?	Yes, most major areas are accessible by personal vehicle.
Main Scenic Drive	Park Loop Road (27 miles) – the primary scenic road around the park.
Do you need a pass?	Yes, a park entrance pass is required for all vehicles.
Is timed entry required?	Yes, only for Cadillac Mountain (May–Oct). A separate timed-entry reservation is needed.
Best time to drive	Early morning or late afternoon to avoid traffic and get good parking.
Road conditions	Roads may close in winter due to snow/ice; check current conditions.
Parking availability	Popular spots like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond fill up early.
Are RVs allowed?	Yes, but some sections of Park Loop Road are narrow and not ideal for long RVs.
Speed limits	Usually 35 mph or lower inside the park.
Alternative transport	Free Island Explorer buses (seasonal) available to reduce traffic and parking issues.

Driving also gives you the freedom to explore the park at your own pace. You can stop at overlooks, trailheads, and picnic areas whenever something catches your eye. Many people choose to drive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heaviest crowds, especially in summer when Acadia is at its busiest. Parking can be challenging during peak hours, and it’s common for lots at popular spots such as Sand Beach or Jordan Pond to fill up. It’s always wise to arrive early, plan your stops, and remain flexible in case a parking lot is already full. Even with the busier areas, driving remains one of the most convenient ways to move between different sections of the park.

One important detail for drivers to know is that a reservation is required to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain during the peak season from mid-May through mid-October. This timed-entry system helps reduce congestion on the narrow mountain road and protects the fragile summit environment. You can make the reservation online, and the process is simple, but the slots—especially sunrise reservations—tend to fill up quickly. The rest of the roads in the park do not require reservations; you only need a valid park pass displayed in your vehicle.

Outside of Cadillac Mountain, most roads in Acadia are open to private vehicles, but there are some seasonal closures to keep in mind. Park Loop Road, for example, is typically closed to cars during winter due to snow and ice, though some sections remain open year-round. Spring can also bring temporary closures depending on weather conditions and maintenance needs. It’s a good idea to check the National Park Service’s current conditions page before visiting if you are coming outside of the summer or early fall window.

You also have the option to combine driving with the Island Explorer, which is a free shuttle system operating from late June through mid-October. Many visitors choose to drive to a hub like Bar Harbor or a large parking area and then take the shuttle from point to point. This approach helps avoid parking issues at trailheads and scenic spots while still giving you the convenience of your car for longer distances or early-morning departures.

Driving through Acadia gives you access to both the busy, iconic attractions on Mount Desert Island and the quieter areas such as the Schoodic Peninsula. The Schoodic section is accessible by road as well and offers a much calmer driving experience with fewer cars, breathtaking granite coastline, and open ocean views. It is an excellent choice for visitors who want to enjoy scenic driving without the heavy traffic found near Bar Harbor.

In the end, taking your car through Acadia National Park is not only allowed but is one of the best ways to explore it. Whether you are navigating the winding coastal curves of Ocean Drive, watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, or simply pulling over to admire the mix of forest and sea that defines Acadia, driving gives you direct access to the heart of the park. With thoughtful planning, awareness of seasonal rules, and an early start during busy months, your drive through Acadia will be one of the highlights of your visit.