Rain or shine, spring or autumn, high adventure or quiet relaxation – Ellsworth can deliver it all. Start planning your trip by thinking about the best way to get here and the optimal time to visit. And remember that we have everything you need for a comfortable stay when you arrive.
There are many ways to get to Ellsworth — often a combination of plane, car, bus, or train. However you travel, the journey offers a beautiful look at Maine’s coast and countryside. Here’s how to plan your trip:
Portland International Jetport is the closest major international airport, offering the most flight options and many easy connections from cities across the U.S. From Portland, expect about a 2.5-hour drive north to Ellsworth.
Best for: widest flight options and international travelers.
Bangor International Airport is just a 40-minute drive from Ellsworth. It’s served by major and budget airlines with direct flights from cities like Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Orlando, and Charlotte.
Best for: quick regional access and short ground travel.
Located just 20 minutes away, Trenton-Bar Harbor Airport offers daily flights to and from Boston Logan Airport via Cape Air.
Best for: shortest local transfer time when coming from Boston.
Driving offers scenic views of Maine’s coast and forests. From Portland, plan for about 2.5 hours via the Maine Turnpike or about 3 hours for the RT. 1 scenic route. If flying into Bangor expect an approximately 40 minute drive. Downtown Ellsworth offers convenient lot and street parking.
Several regional bus lines connect Ellsworth to Bangor, Portland, and Boston. From Bangor, you can transfer to local shuttle services or rideshares for the final stretch.
Amtrak’s Downeaster line runs between Boston and Brunswick, Maine where you can connect to a bus or car rental for the rest of the trip to Ellsworth. The train ride offers a comfortable and scenic route along Maine’s southern coast.
Coastal ferries and private boats can reach nearby harbors and islands. Ellsworth’s Harbor Park and Marina has slips available. If you plan to arrive by sea, call ahead for docking and parking details.
Spring in Maine rewards those with a little patience and persistence. The weather may not always be bright blue skies, but you’ll find quiet trails, solitary beaches, and beautiful flowers awaiting your discovery. While not all tourism-focused businesses open until the summer season, rest assured that in Ellsworth you’ll always find plenty of lodging, dining, and shopping to keep you rested, fueled, and satisfied.
Weather
Spring can be rainy and muddy, so be prepared to get a little dirty. There are also plenty of things to do indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Crowds & Open Attractions
Find fewer crowds but be prepared that certain seasonal attractions or amenities may not be fully operational.
Bugs
Mosquitoes won’t be a problem until June, when days are consistently warmer.
Ticks live in woody and grassy areas and are more active the warmer it is. This means they are more prevalent in the summer, but warm days can bring them out in the Spring as well. Be mindful of what you can do to prevent tick bites.
Black flies are common mid-May through mid-June. They might look like gnats but they do bite, so insect repellent will be your friend.
Blue skies, warm days, and starry nights await. Discover why so many people have found summer in Downeast Maine to be the best of the best.
Weather
Sunny and warm, be prepared for perfection.
Crowds & Open Attractions
Summer is lovely, and everyone knows it. Be prepared for crowds at popular destinations, lines to get into Acadia National Park, and traffic on the road. Seeking out lesser known attractions will help you avoid the bustle.
Bugs
With warm weather comes mosquitoes. Bring the bug spray! Ticks live in woody and grassy areas and are more active the warmer it is. This means they are more prevalent in the summer. Be mindful of what you can do to prevent tick bites.
With the languid heat of summer gone, revel in the crisp, fresh air of Autumn. The forests and hills come alive with fall color, and blueberry barrens turn a brilliant red. Gone is the summer traffic and long lines of tourists. Discover instead a quieter side of Downeast that’s no less beautiful and breathtaking.
Weather
Cool, crisp days and blue skies await. Rain comes and goes quickly and leaves the air lush and fresh. Bring layers and be prepared for cold nights.
Crowds & Open Attractions
With summer season over, you’ll find things quieter and easier to access. Some attractions may be shutting down, so check open times before traveling.
Bugs
Your Autumn stay should be mosquito and fly free! Though cool temperatures mean less tick activity, any nice days will bring adult ticks back out. Deer ticks (the tiny ones) can be particularly active in Fall. Be mindful of what you can do to prevent tick bites.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who don’t mind heading out in the cold and the snow, endless adventure awaits. Think of all you can do in winter that you can’t any other time of year: ice fishing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling…come for a visit and discover how hardy Mainers weather the winter.
Weather
Let’s be real: winter in Maine can be tough. Expect cold temperatures, rain and snow. Days are short. But with a little luck you can experience a magical coastal wonderland.
Crowds & Open Attractions
Many attractions, including parts of Acadia National Park, are closed for the season or may be self-service only. Be prepared to make your own way and find your own fun!
NO MATTER THE TIME OF THE YEAR
As an economic hub for the Downeast region, Ellsworth provides everything you need to have a safe, enjoyable stay. Forgot the sunscreen or the bug spray? No problem! Snacks of all kinds? We’ve got it! From major national chain grocery and retails stores to specialty markets and boutique retail, you can stock up before heading out for a day
of adventure.
You can find 4 Chargepoint 200kW stations and 8 Tesla 250kW stations in the Hannaford/TJ Maxx parking lot and 8 Chargepoint 7.7kW stations in the city lot on the south side of City Hall.
When you visit downtown Ellsworth, you’re likely to find plenty of free parking in lots, on Main St., and on many side streets.
