Closest Airport to Acadia National Park

Closest Airport to Acadia National Park: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island along the rugged coastline of Maine, is one of the most picturesque and frequently visited national parks in the United States. Known for its breathtaking vistas, granite peaks, clear lakes, and the striking coastline, Acadia is a year-round destination for nature lovers. If you’re planning a trip to this incredible park, flying to the nearest airport can make your journey smoother and more convenient. This article will guide you through the best airport options and transportation routes to Acadia National Park.

Quick Reference: Closest Airports to Acadia National Park

Airport	Distance to Acadia NP	Approx. Drive Time	Flight Options	Best For
Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)	10 miles	20–25 minutes	Seasonal flights via Cape Air & Silver Airways (mostly via Boston)	Travelers wanting the closest and quickest access
Bangor International Airport (BGR)	50 miles	About 1 hour	Major airlines including American, Delta, United	More flight availability with short drive
Portland International Jetport (PWM)	175 miles	3–3.5 hours	Wide range of national carriers with more daily flights	Travelers seeking more routes and cheaper fares
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)	280 miles	4.5–5 hours	Largest selection of domestic and international flights	International travelers or multi-city New England trips

1. Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)

The closest airport to Acadia National Park is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), located in Trenton, Maine, just 10 miles from the park's main entrance. This small regional airport is ideal for travelers looking for proximity and convenience. While it’s a smaller airport, it offers seasonal flights primarily through Cape Air and Silver Airways, with connections from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). During peak season, additional flights may be available. Though limited in terms of carriers and direct flights, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport's short distance to Acadia makes it the best option if you’re aiming to spend minimal time on the road.

Getting from Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport to Acadia National Park

From the airport, it's a quick 20–25 minute drive to the park’s main entrance at Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Taxis, rental cars, and ride-hailing services like Uber are available at the airport. Renting a car is highly recommended as it provides flexibility for exploring the park, especially if you plan to venture into the surrounding areas.

2. Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Located approximately 50 miles (about an hour's drive) from Acadia National Park, Bangor International Airport in Bangor, Maine, is a more frequently used option for those traveling to the park. As a larger airport compared to BHB, it offers more flight options and serves several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United. Bangor International has connections from major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

Getting from Bangor International Airport to Acadia National Park

Driving from Bangor to Acadia National Park takes about 1 hour, with several scenic routes leading to Mount Desert Island. Rental cars are readily available at the airport, and many travelers opt for this choice to enjoy the freedom of exploring Maine’s charming coastal towns along the way. Alternatively, shuttle services and buses also run between Bangor and Bar Harbor, although a rental car is generally the most convenient option.

3. Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Portland International Jetport, located about 175 miles southwest of Acadia National Park, is another feasible option, particularly for those flying from more distant locations. The airport is the largest in Maine and offers a wide range of flights through carriers like American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, United, and JetBlue. With more daily flights and direct connections from major cities across the U.S., Portland may be a better option if you’re looking for more flexible flight times or direct routes.

Getting from Portland International Jetport to Acadia National Park

The drive from Portland to Acadia takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey follows the scenic U.S. Route 1 along Maine’s picturesque coastline, providing an opportunity to stop at charming coastal towns like Camden and Rockland. Rental cars are available at the Portland Jetport, and for those looking for a relaxing ride, several bus companies provide service from Portland to Bar Harbor, though it requires planning and may include stops along the way.

4. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

For travelers flying internationally or seeking more flight options, Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest major airport serving the region. Logan is about 280 miles from Acadia National Park, and while it’s the farthest option (roughly a 5-hour drive), it offers the most diverse range of international and domestic flights through all major carriers. Logan is particularly useful for visitors coming from outside the U.S. or those who want to include a visit to Boston as part of their trip.

Getting from Boston Logan International Airport to Acadia National Park

Driving from Boston to Acadia is a longer journey, but it can be a scenic one, particularly if you take the coastal route. The quickest option is to take Interstate 95 north through New Hampshire and into Maine. Rental cars are widely available at Logan, and for those who prefer not to drive, bus services like Concord Coach Lines provide routes from Boston to Bangor and Bar Harbor. However, traveling by bus can take significantly longer than driving yourself.