Driving from Bridgewater, MA to South Portland ME: Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you're planning a road trip from Bridgewater, MA to South Portland, ME, you're in luck: there are two main routes to choose from! But which one is faster, and how long will it take to get there? In this post, we'll break down the driving times for both routes and give you a rough estimate of how long your trip will take.

The Fastest Route: 2 hours 50 minutes

The fastest route from Bridgewater to South Portland is also the shortest: take I-95 North all the way up into Maine. This will take you through places like Boston, Portsmouth, and Portland, before arriving in South Portland. The distance from Bridgewater to South Portland is approximately 150 miles, and if you follow this route, you should be able to make the trip in just under 3 hours.

However, this driving time assumes you're traveling during off-peak hours. If you're driving during rush hour, you can expect your travel time to be significantly longer. For example, if you leave Bridgewater at 5 PM on a weekday, you might not arrive in South Portland until closer to 8 PM.

The Scenic Route: 3 hours 30 minutes

If you're not in a hurry and you want to take your time, there's a slower but more scenic route you can take. Instead of staying on I-95 all the way, take Exit 7 off of I-495 and follow MA-24 North to Plymouth. From there, take Route 3A up through Cape Cod and into Boston. This route will take you through sleepy coastal towns, past lighthouses and ocean views, and eventually into the heart of Boston.

From Boston, take I-93 North to I-95 North, and continue on to South Portland. This route is longer, at approximately 200 miles, but it's worth it if you want to see some of the sights along the way. Expect this route to take you around 3.5 hours total.

When to Travel

As mentioned earlier, your travel time will depend heavily on the time of day you're traveling. If you're hitting the road during peak hours, especially in Boston or around Portsmouth, your journey will take longer. Rush hour in Boston can be especially bad, so try to avoid traveling through the city between 7 and 9 AM, or 4 and 7 PM.

If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, consider traveling during off-peak hours. Early morning or late evening trips can be faster and less stressful, especially if you're trying to make up time on the road.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the driving time from Bridgewater to South Portland will depend on the route you take and the time of day you're traveling. If you're looking for the fastest possible route, stick to I-95 and plan to drive during off-peak hours. If you want to see some of the sights along the way, take Route 3A and plan for a longer journey.

Remember that traffic patterns can be unpredictable, so leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. And if you're traveling during busy periods, don't forget to pack snacks, drinks, and some good music to keep you company on the road!