Important Transportation and Parking Information
Parking in Bar Harbor
Downtown Bar Harbor uses a paid parking program from May 15 through October 30. Parking rates range from $2–$4 per hour, depending on location, and some downtown areas have a 4-hour maximum stay.
Parking is enforced:
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Monday–Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bar Harbor uses a Pay-by-Plate system. After parking, note the 4-digit zone number on the green signs, and enter both the zone number and your license plate into the ParkMobile app. You can also pay using the QR code on the sign or at a nearby kiosk. Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and quarters are accepted.
Time Tracking: The best feature of the app is that it tracks your time with a countdown clock. Note that some high-demand downtown zones have a strict 4-hour limit, meaning you must move your vehicle once the time expires.
Helpful Tips:
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Download the ParkMobile app before arriving.
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Save your license plate information in the app for faster checkout.
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The app allows you to extend time remotely when permitted.
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Some lots and street spaces fill before 10:00 a.m. during July, August, and holiday weekends.
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Accessible parking is free for vehicles displaying a valid disability placard or plate.
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Always check posted signs, as parking rules and time limits vary by location.
Best Long-Term / All-Day Lots in Town
If you do decide to drive your vehicle directly into downtown for a full day of shopping or dining, skip the street parking, which often has a strict 4-hour limit. Head straight for the all-day municipal lots that charge lower rates and have no time restrictions:
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The Budget Pick ($2/hour): Park at the Municipal Building Lot or the Athletic Field Lot. They are the cheapest paid all-day lots in town.
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The Waterfront Lots ($4/hour): The John B. Ells Pier Lot (21 Ells Pier) or the Grants Park Lot offer great central locations right by the water. They allow you to stay in the same spot for up to 12 hours using your ParkMobile app.
Convenient Bar Harbor parking maps for residents and visitors.
Want to Skip Parking Altogether? (Best Option)
Because you are tucked away on Sand Point Road, relying entirely on your car to go back and forth into town can get annoying with the summer traffic and parking fees. Here is how you can optimize your parking strategy specifically from your home base at Baycliff:
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Drive just a few minutes from Baycliff to the nearby Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
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You can park your vehicle at the visitor center for free all day and catch the free Island Explorer shuttle directly into downtown Bar Harbor or straight to major Acadia trailheads like Sand Beach. It completely bypasses the need for the ParkMobile app or meter fees.
Parking in Acadia National Park
Parking at Acadia's most popular destinations can be very limited, especially between June and October. Areas such as Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and many Park Loop Road trailheads often fill by mid-morning and may remain full for much of the day.
Helpful Tips:
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Arrive early (before 8:00 a.m.) or later in the afternoon for the best chance of finding parking
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Never park where prohibited, along vegetation, or where your vehicle blocks traffic. Rangers actively enforce parking regulations and may issue tickets or tow vehicles that create hazards.
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Once you find a parking space, consider using the free Island Explorer shuttle to reach additional destinations without moving your vehicle.
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Expect traffic delays on the Park Loop Road during peak summer months, particularly between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
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Some parking lots may temporarily close when full, requiring visitors to return later or choose an alternate destination.
Our Recommendation: If you're visiting popular locations such as Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, or the Beehive Trail, plan to arrive early in the day or use the free Island Explorer shuttle whenever possible. It can save both time and frustration during the busiest months of the year.
Driving & Parking on Park Loop Road
Much of Acadia's scenic Park Loop Road is one-way, allowing traffic to move more efficiently between many of the park's most popular destinations. Because of this, if you miss a parking area or overlook, you may need to continue several miles before you can safely turn around.
Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Along many sections of Park Loop Road, parking on the right shoulder is prohibited, and vehicles parked illegally may receive citations or be towed. Even where roadside parking is allowed, all four tires must be completely off the pavement.
Popular stops such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Jordan Pond often fill early, especially between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If a parking lot is full, continue to the next destination and return later rather than stopping along the road.
For the best experience, arrive early, visit later in the afternoon, or use the free Island Explorer shuttle to avoid parking challenges altogether.
Transportation in Bar Harbor and Acadia
During peak season, traffic and parking in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park can be challenging, especially mid-morning through late afternoon. Using public trasportation like the free Island Explorer shuttle is one of the easiest ways to avoid congestion, crowded lots, and long waits at popular destinations like Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. The buses connect hotels, campgrounds, downtown Bar Harbor, and major park trailheads, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery instead of searching for a parking space. During the busiest summer months, the Island Explorer is often the most convenient and stress-free way to explore the area.
Island Explorer (Free)
The Island Explorer is the primary transportation system serving Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. This fare-free, propane-powered bus network operates from late May through mid-October (most routes run late June through Columbus Day, with reduced service in the fall).
It connects Bar Harbor’s Village Green with major park destinations including Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Bubble Pond, the Carriage Roads, campgrounds, hotels, and neighboring towns such as Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and the Schoodic Peninsula.
Buses will stop anywhere along the route where the driver determines it is safe. Choose a location with good visibility and shoulder space, and flag the bus with two hands. If you would like to exit at a non-designated stop, inform the driver when boarding; they will stop at the nearest safe location at their discretion.
Buses are ADA accessible, bike-rack equipped, and pet friendly (leashed or crated). A valid Acadia National Park pass is required to enter the park via bus. Major routes include Loop Road, Bicycle Express, Town Routes, and the Schoodic Route.
The Island Explorer is the easiest and most stress-free way to explore Acadia without dealing with parking.
Cadillac Mountain Summit Shuttle (Paid)
Private shuttle services provide transportation to Cadillac Mountain’s summit, often for sunrise or sunset reservations. A helpful option if you prefer not to drive or want a relaxed summit experience.
Downeast Transportation (Regional Bus Service)
Downeast Transportation operates regional routes connecting Bar Harbor with Ellsworth, Bangor, and surrounding communities. Useful for visitors without a car or flying into Bangor International Airport.
Private Shuttles & Taxis
Examples:
Bar Harbor Shuttle LLC
Point2Point
These services provide private rides for airport transfers, trailhead drop-offs, Cadillac Mountain access, or custom transportation needs.
Oli’s Trolley (Paid)
Oli’s Trolley offers narrated sightseeing tours of Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. This guided tour includes local history, stories, and commentary — ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the area.