Bar Harbor to Block Island: A Coastal Road Trip Guide

The drive from Bar Harbor, Maine to Block Island, Rhode Island spans roughly 400 miles, a journey that transitions from the rugged granite shores of Acadia to the pastoral charm of New England's southern coast. This route includes a critical ferry leg from Point Judith, RI to Block Island—a 12-mile crossing over the Atlantic. Notably, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge near Bucksport, ME stands as the tallest toll bridge in New England, offering a dizzying view of the river below.

Is it worth driving Bar Harbor, ME to Block Island, RI? Absolutely—if you savor contrasting landscapes and the thrill of a ferry finale. The drive itself takes 6 to 7 hours without stops, but with the ferry schedule (typically 1 hour), plan a full day. For a deeper dive into planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

From Bar Harbor's Acadia National Park—where Cadillac Mountain greets the first sunrise in the US—the landscape softens into Maine's rocky coast, then transitions to New Hampshire's salt marshes and Rhode Island's sandy shores. Block Island itself boasts dramatic bluffs and the historic North Light lighthouse.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but nearby is the Boston Latin School (not a site) or the Maine's only site—Kennebec River? Actually, none. Instead, focus on National Historic Landmarks like the USS Constitution in Boston (a slight detour).

Climatic conditions vary: summer brings fog on the Maine coast (visibility under 1 mile) and afternoon thunderstorms in RI. Spring and fall offer mild weather but fewer ferry runs. Winter closures make this a fair-weather trip. Route aesthetics peak in October with fall foliage, but Block Island's tourism dwindles after Labor Day.

Culinary infrastructure: Try a lobster roll from The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, ME, and clam chowder at Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown, RI. On Block Island, the Oar offers seafood with a view. Farm stands dot US-1 in Maine—stop for wild blueberries in season.

Infrastructure safety: I-95 in Maine has long stretches with rest areas every 30 miles, but they may lack lighting. Rhode Island roads near the coast are narrow and winding—watch for cyclists and pedestrians. Speed limits drop suddenly near town centers.

• Family suitability: Stop at the Children's Museum of Maine in Portland, or the South County Museum in Narragansett. Block Island's beaches are child-friendly but have rip currents.
• Pet-friendly: Acadia National Park allows leashed dogs on most trails. The ferry to Block Island allows pets in crates or on leash on the outdoor deck. Hotels vary—call ahead.

Fatigue management: Break the drive in the Portsmouth area (about halfway). The Kittery Outlets or a walk along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail help. For a nap, use rest stops like the Kennebunk Service Plaza on I-95. Hidden off-route spots: the Desert of Maine in Freeport—a bizarre 40-acre sand dune—or the McAuley Beach in Old Orchard Beach, a quiet gem.

Local commerce & culture: Spend an hour in Wickford Village, RI, for art galleries and coffee. On Block Island, explore the Old Harbor shops for handmade crafts. The Block Island Historical Society museum details the island's maritime past.

The primary highway is I-95 south from Bangor to Portsmouth, then I-295 and US-1 to Point Judith. Avoid I-95 through Boston during peak hours—an alternate via US-1 along the coast adds charm but costs time. Toll roads: Maine Turnpike (I-95) and New Hampshire's Spaulding Turnpike have tolls; expect $15-20 total.

• Best stops Bar Harbor, ME to Block Island, RI: include the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells.
• How long to drive Bar Harbor, ME to Block Island, RI: 6-7 hours plus ferry, so budget 8-9 hours total.
• Things to do between Bar Harbor, ME and Block Island, RI: lobster rolls in Wiscasset, antique shopping in Kennebunkport, and lighthouse spotting in Rhode Island.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-95, but once you leave the interstate for coastal roads in RI, stations become sparse. Fill up in Westerly before heading to the ferry terminal. The Point Judith ferry runs seasonally (May-Oct), with limited parking—reserve weeks ahead. Return ferry is equally popular, so book early.