How to Get to Bar Harbor from New York [2025 Guide]

How to Get to Bar Harbor from New York [2025 Guide]

If you’re planning a trip from New York City to Bar Harbor, Maine in 2025, you’re in for a scenic coastal adventure. Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, offering iconic hiking trails, stunning ocean views, and small-town charm. Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, plane, or train, this comprehensive guide outlines the best ways to get to Bar Harbor from NYC with updated travel options and tips.

🚗 Getting to Bar Harbor from New York by Car (Most Flexible Option)

Driving is the most flexible way to reach Bar Harbor from NYC, especially if you plan to explore Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. The road trip offers picturesque New England scenery along the way.

• Distance: ~475 miles
• Estimated Drive Time: 8–9 hours without major stops
• Suggested Route: I-95 North through Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine → US-1 or ME-3 East into Bar Harbor
• Tolls: Expect tolls on I-95 (E-ZPass accepted)

Best For: Families, road trippers, and travelers who want freedom to explore coastal towns like Portland, Kennebunkport, and Camden along the way.

✈️ How to Get to Bar Harbor from New York by Plane (Fastest Option)

Flying is the fastest way to get from New York to Bar Harbor, especially if you’re short on time.

Option 1: Fly to Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)

• Direct Flights: In 2025, Cape Air offers seasonal direct flights from Boston Logan (BOS) to BHB
• NYC to BHB Route: NYC → BOS → BHB
• Total Flight Time: ~3.5–4.5 hours including layover
• Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, or American Airlines (NYC to BOS) + Cape Air (BOS to BHB)

Option 2: Fly to Bangor International Airport (BGR)

• NYC to BGR: Direct flights available from JFK, LGA, or EWR
• Airlines: American, Delta, United
• Travel Time: ~1.5 hours flight + 1.5-hour drive to Bar Harbor
• Car Rental or shuttle available from Bangor to Bar Harbor

Best For: Travelers seeking the quickest route with minimal road travel

🚂 Getting to Bar Harbor from New York by Train + Bus (Scenic Combo Option)

There is no direct train to Bar Harbor, but you can take an Amtrak train partway and transfer to a bus.

NYC → Portland → Bar Harbor

1. Train: Take Amtrak’s Northeast Regional or Downeaster from NYC to Portland, Maine
2. Bus: Connect from Portland to Bar Harbor via Concord Coach Lines or Downeast Transportation

• Total Travel Time: ~10–12 hours
• Best For: Budget travelers who prefer scenic views and fewer airport hassles

🚌 Getting to Bar Harbor by Bus Only (Budget-Friendly)

Concord Coach Lines offers bus service from New York City to Bangor, where you can transfer to Downeast Transportation or a shuttle service to Bar Harbor.

• NYC to Bangor Duration: ~10–11 hours
• Bangor to Bar Harbor: ~1.5 hours
• Total Duration: ~12–13 hours
• Perks: Free Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and outlets onboard

Best For: Backpackers or solo travelers seeking affordability

🛳️ Is There a Ferry or Cruise to Bar Harbor from NYC?

While there are no direct ferries from New York to Bar Harbor, seasonal cruise ships may stop at Bar Harbor as part of a New England/Canada itinerary. You can’t use these cruises for one-way transport, but they’re great for a vacation-style journey if Bar Harbor is one of the stops.

🧠 FAQs

Q: What is the best way to get to Bar Harbor from New York?
The best way to get to Bar Harbor from New York depends on your travel style. Driving offers the most flexibility, flying to Bangor or Bar Harbor is the fastest, and train-bus combos are ideal for budget travelers seeking scenic views.

Q: Can you fly from New York to Bar Harbor, Maine?
Yes, you can fly from NYC to Bar Harbor by connecting through Boston to Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB). Alternatively, fly direct to Bangor (BGR) and drive or shuttle to Bar Harbor.

Q: How far is Bar Harbor from New York City?
Bar Harbor is approximately 475 miles from NYC by road, which takes around 8–9 hours of driving time depending on traffic and route.

Q: Is there a train from New York to Bar Harbor?
No direct train goes to Bar Harbor. However, you can take an Amtrak train to Portland or Bangor, Maine, and continue by bus to Bar Harbor.

Q: Is there a bus from NYC to Bar Harbor?
Yes. Concord Coach Lines and other carriers provide bus service from NYC to Bangor. From there, Downeast Transportation or local shuttles connect to Bar Harbor.

🧳 Travel Tips for 2025

• Book early during summer and fall foliage season (June–October)
• Check seasonal flight schedules for Cape Air and regional services
• Pack layers—even in summer, Bar Harbor can get chilly
• Reserve park passes and tours in advance for Acadia National Park
• Plan rest stops if driving—New England coastal towns offer great detours

Trusted Sources

• NPS – Acadia National Park
• Concord Coach Lines
• Cape Air
• Amtrak
• Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport