How Long Is the Drive from New York to Bar Harbor?
The drive from New York to Bar Harbor takes approximately 8h 50min, covering 486 miles via I-95. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $56 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 11–12+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
7h 30m
🔵 Typical
8h 50min
🔴 Heavy traffic
12h 48m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance486 miles (782 km)
Drive Time8h 50min
RouteI-95
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~16.2 gallons
Est. Cost$56
Route Tips: I-95
One of the busiest highways on the East Coast. Expect congestion near major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from New York to Bar Harbor
For a long drive like New York to Bar Harbor, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
8h 50min
~$56 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 28m
~$80–$170 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~58 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
8h 50min
~$56
🚌 Bus
10h 48m
~$39–$87
🚂 Train
8h 50m
~$58–$146
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Reading
📍 Lynnfield
📍 Wakefield
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from New York to Bar Harbor?
The drive from New York to Bar Harbor takes approximately 8h 50min covering 486 miles via I-95. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for New York to Bar Harbor?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $56 on gas for this 486-mile trip. You'll need about 16.2 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from New York to Bar Harbor?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the New York to Bar Harbor route?
Yes, expect approximately $14 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
