Car Hire Maine

Parking in Maine

• The major cities in Maine all have ample parking garages in their centres.
• Park and Ride facilities are available throughout the state, near popular cities, nature parks and hiking trails.
• Before parking, make sure you look out for road signs that display parking restrictions.
• Portland has several roadside parking meters in its Downtown area.
• Parking meters in Portland are free on Sundays.

Congestion and toll roads in Maine

• Maine has one toll on Route 95, between Kittery and Augusta.
• The minimum toll fee is 60 cents and the maximum price is $2.35. Though these prices can change.
• The roads outside Acadia National Park often become congested at peak times.
• Traffic can build along the coastal road during summer weekends, as locals head to the coast for a holiday.

Speed limits in Maine

• Most Maine interstates have a maximum speed limit of 65mph, while some have a maximum limit of 55mph.
• The speed limit on undivided highways usually varies between 30mph and 55mph.
• Inside cities and towns, speed limits range between 25mph and 35mph.
• School zones often have a maximum speed limit of 15mph.

Key roads in Maine

Route 95 runs throughout Maine and is the main motorway in and out of the state.

While this route connects Portland with Augusta, I-295 tends to be the faster route between the two cities. 

Driving from Augusta to Acadia National Park

The trip from the city if Augusta to Acadia National Park takes around two hours and covers just under 100miles.

• Head out of Augusta and travel north on Route 95.
• Turn off Route 95 and take the 182A exit towards Bangor.
• Take the 6A exit towards Bar Harbour.
• Follow the US-1A E for around 24 miles before merging onto the ME-3-E.
• After around nine miles, you’ll need to keep right and join the ME-102 S.
• Continue for just over four miles before joining the ME-198.
• After a mile and a half, join the ME-223 E and head towards Bar Harbour Highstreet.

Driving regulations

• Driving in Maine, and the USA in general, is done on the right-hand side of the road in a right-hand drive vehicle.
• All passengers must always wear a seat belt.
• Children under eight years old must use a car seat.
• Unless otherwise indicated by road signs, you may turn right at a red light after first coming to a complete stop.
• Vehicles approaching from the right have priority on the road.

What to see and do in Maine

Old Orchard Beach

For a traditional Maine beach trip, head to Old Orchard Beach. The shoreside fairground, Palace Playland, boasts nostalgic rides aplenty, including bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, carousel and rollercoaster.

You can also tuck into soft ice cream and saltwater taffy on the nearby pier, overlooking the north-eastern coast. The beach is just a 24-minute drive in your hire car out of Portland, along routes 295, 95 and 195. There are a number of parking options along the coast here.

Victoria Mansion, Portland

Known for its distinguished Italian architecture, this lavish Victorian home on Danforth Street (ME 04101) still has most of its original furnishings and fittings.

The ornate woodwork, painted ceilings and walls create the perfect place to discover the history of Maine. You can even pick up Victorian-influenced gifts and souvenirs in the Mansion's museum shop, as a reminder of your trip. Short term, on street parking is available near to the building.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Art lovers won't want to miss a trip to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art on Brunswick’s Maine Street (ME 04011). The museum houses a huge collection of more than 20,000 pieces, ranging from ancient Greek statues to mid-century furniture.

Located on this Brunswick college’s campus, you can hire a car in Maine and be at the museum in just over half an hour when picking up from Portland. This makes it a great pitstop along your trip through the state. There is some designated visitor parking on the campus.

Nubble Lighthouse

One of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine, Nubble Lighthouse sits on its own islet of the rocky coast of Cape Neddick on York’s Sohier Park Rd (ME 03909).

The tide is typically high around the bay, granting photographers a great chance to catch a picture of the surf splashing up against the rocks and the lighthouse. It’s located an hour south of Portland, via I-295 and I-95. There’s parking for your hire car at Nubble Point, just by the lighthouse.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Easily accessible from both Portland and Augusta, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay (ME 04537) are a great place to take a stroll.

The pathways wind through 270-acres of garden, taking you through exotic plants and gorgeous views of the shore. The woodland fairy village is a favourite spot for families to explore.

Best places to eat in Maine

Eventide Oyster Co.

Just outside the Lincoln Park in Portland centre (ME 04101), this enchanting seafood restaurant combines a raw fish bar, lobster rolls and New England flair. It's a great place to taste the seafood Maine is famous for.

Tao Yuan

If you're in the Brunswick area, there's nowhere better for a taste of Asian-fusion cuisine than Tao Yuan (ME 04011). Tuck into short ribs, coconut-infused massaman broth and more – including their own take on Maine's renowned lobsters.

Primo Restaurant

Primo Restaurant in Rockland (ME 04841) sits right on the coast and makes the most of its access to deliciously-fresh seafood. This place is all about farm to table produce. It serves up tasty Italian food in a bustling and lively atmosphere.

Best places to stay in Maine

Beach Cottage Inn

If you're looking for a taste of Maine's delicious lobsters, Beach Cottage Inn on Lincolnville Bay (ME 04849) is the perfect place to stop. This cosy, cottage-style inn offers comfortable suites with New England decor, perfect for unwinding after a ferry trip or day at the beach.

Seaside Inn

Seaside Inn (ME 04043) on the tranquil Kennebunk Beach is the ideal spot for a relaxing break. The atmosphere is soothing and there are plenty of great restaurants and beaches nearby.

Berry Manor Inn

This upscale B&B in a Victorian building in Rockland (ME 04841) is ideal if you want to combine your love of art with a little island hopping adventure. It’s right by the Farnsworth Art Museum and ferry port to Vinalhaven.

Best islands to visit from Maine

Peaks Island

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, Peaks Island is a popular spot for locals, looking for a short island getaway. You’ll find incredible views of both the ocean and the city of Portland. While you’re there, make sure you visit the shopping district, Island Avenue, and take a stroll along Sandy Beach. There’s a parking garage for your hire car just off the ferry.

Bailey Island

If you’re not a fan of the ferry, you can drive your Hertz hire car across to Bailey Island. It’s only 50 minutes out of the centre of Portland and has wide-open green spaces to enjoy. Pass some time at Harpswell Honey art gallery before tucking into some of the freshest lobster in Maine at a nearby restaurant. There is a handful of parking spots on the island.

Great Diamond Island

Great Diamond Island is a picture-perfect spot with plenty of great trails for hikers of all abilities. There are no petrol or diesel vehicles on the island. Park up beforehand in one of the parking garages near the ferry terminal.