Bar Harbor Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Bar Harbor is accessible via several transportation options, with Route 1 and Route 3 serving as the main highways for those traveling by car from Boston (approximately 4.5 hours) or Portland (about 3 hours). The Island Explorer shuttle system connects the ferry terminal with various points around town and throughout Acadia National Park during peak season. Visitors can also reach Bar Harbor via the Downeast Transportation bus service from Bangor, where the nearest major airport and train station are located. Ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though arriving early during summer months is recommended as spaces fill quickly. For those without vehicles, taxis and ride-sharing services operate throughout the area.

Nestled on Maine's Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor blends New England charm with breathtaking natural beauty. This picturesque coastal town serves as the perfect ferry destination for travelers seeking both outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality. With the dramatic landscapes of Acadia National Park as its backdrop and the Atlantic's sparkling waters at its doorstep, Bar Harbor promises a quintessential Maine experience where lobster boats bob in the harbor and hiking trails lead to spectacular ocean vistas.

Bar Harbor experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique charms for visitors. Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures ideal for outdoor activities, though this peak season also means larger crowds and higher rates. September and early October showcase spectacular fall foliage and more comfortable temperatures, making autumn perhaps the most magical time to visit. Spring (May-early June) offers wildflowers and fewer tourists, though some establishments may have limited hours. Ferry services operate most frequently during summer and fall, with reduced schedules during winter months when many local businesses close. May and September offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, operational services, and smaller crowds.

Bar Harbor serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Maine's stunning coastal destinations. The ferry to Nova Scotia (approximately 3.5 hours) connects travelers to Yarmouth with its rich maritime heritage and scenic coastal drives. Closer to home, the Cranberry Isles can be reached in just 30-45 minutes, offering peaceful retreats with authentic island character and stunning views of Mount Desert Island. Ferries also connect to Swan's Island (about 90 minutes), where visitors can enjoy uncrowded beaches and a genuine Maine island experience. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, with opportunities to spot whales, seals, and seabirds while crossing the waters of the Gulf of Maine.

Bar Harbor offers a blend of natural wonders and small-town charm within easy reach of the ferry terminal. Explore the magnificent carriage roads and hiking trails of Acadia National Park, where Ocean Path provides spectacular coastal views without demanding technical hiking skills. Culinary enthusiasts should sample fresh Maine lobster at waterfront establishments like Stewman's Lobster Pound or indulge in blueberry pancakes at Jordan's Restaurant. The Shore Path offers an accessible waterfront stroll past historic mansions and natural wonders, while downtown's boutiques and galleries showcase local artisans and Maine craftsmanship. For a unique perspective, join a guided kayak tour to view the rugged coastline from the water or take a traditional lobster boat tour to learn about Maine's iconic fishing industry.

Bar Harbor's name derives from a sand bar visible at low tide that connects the town to Bar Island, creating a natural land bridge that can be crossed for approximately 1.5 hours before and after low tide. The town was once known as Eden until 1918, when it officially adopted its current name already used by mariners and visitors. During the Gilded Age, Bar Harbor rivaled Newport as a summer playground for America's wealthiest families, with Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors building massive "cottages" until a devastating fire in 1947 destroyed many of these mansions. The town sits on the traditional territory of the Wabanaki people, who called the island Pemetic, meaning "range of mountains" or "mountains seen at a distance."