Ready to Hit The Road? Here’s What to Expect on Your Drive from Bar Harbor, Maine to Erie, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine to Erie, Pennsylvania? This scenic drive can take you through some of the most picturesque areas of New England and the Northeast region. However, before you hit the road, you need to know how long it will take you to get there. In this article, we’ll share the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route: I-95 S and I-90 W

The fastest route to Erie, Pennsylvania from Bar Harbor, Maine will take you through multiple state borders. You’ll start on I-95 S and leave Maine through Kittery before passing through New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and finally Pennsylvania. Once in Pennsylvania, continue on to I-90 W until you reach Erie.

The total distance for this route is about 792 miles, and it takes approximately 12 hours to reach your destination. However, this time frame can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. During peak traffic times, this route can take up to 15 hours, while low-traffic times can bring the travel time down to 10-11 hours.

The Slowest Route: Coastal Drive

If you’re looking for a more scenic route, take the coastal route from Bar Harbor, Maine to Erie, Pennsylvania. This beautiful drive will take you through historic towns and picturesque seaside villages. The route will take you through Maine's iconic Acadia National Park, New Hampshire, Boston, and continue through some smaller towns in Massachusetts, before heading to the coast of Connecticut.

Once in Connecticut, you’ll be on the lookout for Interstate 95 and enter New York State shortly afterward. Take the time to stop and see the Erie Canal, the Finger Lakes region, and Niagara Falls before heading to Erie.

This route will cover about 837 miles and take around 14 hours of drive time, although this can increase by three hours during peak traffic.

Conclusion

There you have it, two different routes you can take on your road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine to Erie, Pennsylvania, both with their own unique rewards. While the fastest route will get you there the quickest, the coastal route offers scenic views of charming towns, coastlines, and natural wonders. Whichever route you choose, it’s always a good idea to plan around the traffic patterns and weather conditions to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Safe travels!