Bangor To St. John: The Drive North

The drive from Bangor, Maine, to Saint John, New Brunswick, is approximately 167 miles or 269 kilometres. The trip should take around 3 hours and 14 minutes in normal traffic. The route is known as the Airline route and is a scenic, rural drive through woods and blueberry fields. Remember to fill up your tank before leaving Bangor, as there is only one gas station halfway across.

When crossing the border, keep in mind that the time zone will shift from Eastern to Atlantic, and don't forget your passport!

Bangor to Saint John is a 167-mile drive, or 269 kilometers

Bangor, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick, are separated by a distance of 167 miles or 269 kilometers. The drive between the two cities takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The route from Bangor to Saint John, known as the Airline route, is a scenic journey through rural landscapes, woods, and blueberry fields. It passes through small towns and offers a glimpse of America's bygone days.

When travelling from Bangor to Saint John, it is important to ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, as there is only one gas station along the way. Additionally, don't forget to adjust your watch as you cross the border, as the time zone changes from Eastern to Atlantic.

For those seeking a more scenic route, an alternative option is to take US Route 1A or US Route 1 from Bangor to Calais and then on to Saint John. This journey covers a distance of around 220 miles and takes approximately five hours, including the time change at the border. Another option is to go via Houlton, ME, and Fredericton, NB, using the divided highway of I-95 and the Trans-Canada Highway. This route covers 250 miles and takes about four hours, including the border crossing.

The drive should take around 3 hours and 14 minutes

The drive from Bangor, Maine, to St. John, New Brunswick, should take around 3 hours and 14 minutes in normal traffic. The distance between the two cities is approximately 168 miles (270 kilometers), and there are a few different routes you can take, depending on your preferences.

One popular route is the Airline route, also known as Route 9. This scenic drive takes you through rural Maine, including Maine's famous blueberry fields. It will take you about 2 hours to travel the 100 miles to Calais, Maine, where you will cross the border into Canada. Remember to bring your passport, as you will need it to re-enter the US. Also, keep in mind that there is only one gas station along Route 9, so make sure your tank is full before leaving Bangor.

Once you reach Calais, there are three border crossings into Canada. The first one is for commercial vehicles but can also be used for personal vehicles. It is accessed via a roundabout. The second crossing is called Milltown and is a small, one-man crossing. If you miss these two, continue to downtown Calais and turn left at the lights to find the border crossing for St. Stephen. All three crossings will lead you to the Trans-Canada Highway.

From the border, it is approximately a 1-hour drive to St. John, New Brunswick. You can either stay on the Trans-Canada Highway or take the more scenic secondary highway through small towns and villages.

Along the way, there are a few places you might want to stop and explore. In Bangor, you can find places to stay that fit your budget and needs, such as the Country Inn at the Mall, Holiday Inn, or Hilton. About halfway through your journey, you can stop at the Airline Snack Bar for some tasty and inexpensive food, including delicious blueberry pie.

In total, the drive from Bangor, Maine, to St. John, New Brunswick, should take you around 3 hours and 14 minutes, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way. This drive offers a mix of scenic rural landscapes and coastal views, making it a pleasant and interesting journey.

The best route to take is Route 9, a scenic, rural highway

Once Route 9 ends, you'll come to a stop sign. Turn right and head towards the city of Calais, where you'll find three border crossings into Canada. The first crossing, marked for commercial vehicles, can also be used for personal vehicles and is accessed via a roundabout. The second crossing, Milltown, is a small, one-man crossing. If you miss these two, continue to downtown Calais, turn left at the lights, and head to the St. Stephen border crossing. All three crossings provide easy access to the Trans-Canada Highway. From there, Saint John, NB, is approximately a 1-hour drive.

There is a time difference between Bangor and Saint John, so remember to adjust your watch

When travelling from Bangor, Maine, to Saint John, New Brunswick, it's important to remember to adjust your watch, as there is a time difference between the two locations. While planning your trip, keep in mind that Saint John is one hour ahead of Bangor. This means that if it's noon in Bangor, it's already 1 pm in Saint John.

To help you visualise this time difference, imagine starting your journey from Bangor at 9 am. By the time you reach Saint John, it will be 10 am there. This time difference can impact various aspects of your trip, from scheduling meetings or phone calls to ensuring you arrive at your destination at the intended local time.

The time difference is something to keep in mind, especially if you have any time-sensitive plans or activities during your trip. It's always a good idea to double-check the local time in both locations before finalising your itinerary.

Now, let's dive into a few more details about the trip from Bangor to Saint John. The average driving distance between these two places is approximately 167 miles or 269 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive typically takes around 2 hours and 54 minutes.

If you're planning to make this trip, there are a few recommended stops along the way. Bar Harbor is a popular choice, offering scenic views and attractions such as the Black House Museum at Woodlawn and the Downeast Scenic Railroad. You might also want to check out Old Town Bowling Center for some entertainment and fun.

When it comes to choosing a route, the "Airline route," also known as Route 9, is a scenic option. This route takes you through rural areas and offers glimpses of Maine's famous blueberry fields. Remember to fill up your gas tank before leaving Bangor, as there are limited gas stations along the way. At the halfway point, you'll find the Airline Snack Bar, a great spot to grab a bite to eat and refuel.

Once you cross the border into Canada, you'll also need to adjust for the time zone change. The time in Saint John will be one hour ahead of Bangor, so keep that in mind for any further travel plans or reservations.

There are plenty of attractions to see on the drive, including The Black House Museum, the Downeast Scenic Railroad, and the Old Town Bowling Center

The drive from Bangor, Maine to St. John, New Brunswick is approximately 167 miles or 269 kilometres. There are several attractions to see along the way, including:

The Black House Museum

The Black House Museum is a historic home located in Bangor, Maine. It is known for its distinctive black exterior and its association with the city's history. The museum showcases artefacts and exhibits that provide visitors with insight into the region's past.

The Downeast Scenic Railroad

The Downeast Scenic Railroad offers a unique way to explore the Ellsworth/Acadia area of Maine. Operating since 2009, this tourist-passenger train takes passengers on a 12-mile round trip from Hancock, through Ellsworth Falls, and across the Union River Bridge. The beautifully restored train, complete with vintage locomotives and coaches, runs on Saturdays and Sundays, providing a relaxing and informative journey.

Old Town Bowling Center

For those looking for a fun and nostalgic activity, the Old Town Bowling Center in Old Town, Maine, is a great stop. This classic bowling alley offers candlepin bowling, a unique style of bowling with small balls and manual pin reset pedals. The centre also features video games, a pool table, and a jukebox, transporting visitors back to the 1950s and 1960s. It's a popular spot for locals and college students, known for its charm, affordable prices, and delicious pizza.

These attractions provide opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the region, making the drive from Bangor, Maine to St. John, New Brunswick even more enjoyable and enriching.

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