Maine Coast: Brunswick To Rockland

The distance between Brunswick and Rockland, Maine is approximately 45 miles, or 83 kilometres. There are a few ways to travel between the two towns, including by bus, car, or train. The bus takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, while driving takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes. There is also a train service between the two towns, with tickets starting at $38. The train ride offers a comfortable and safe atmosphere for passengers to relax during their journey.

The Coastliner train service between Brunswick and Rockland

The Coastliner is a train service billed as an excursion experience, connecting a 57-mile stretch from Brunswick to Rockland, Maine. The service is provided by Midcoast Railservice, which debuted the train during the Maine Lobster Festival, drawing more than 600 riders. The Coastliner seats 76 people, has restrooms, air conditioning, and "bigger windows than Amtrak", according to Midcoast Railservice's co-founder and vice president, George Betke. The train journey from Brunswick to Rockland takes about two hours.

The Coastliner service will launch in summer 2023, running on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Stops in Bath, Wiscasset, and Newcastle are planned. Ticket prices are still being determined.

The Coastliner is the latest attempt at a Midcoast passenger train line. The Maine Central Railroad operated a passenger line on the Rockland Branch in the early 1900s, and there have been several succeeding passenger lines since. The last was the Maine Eastern Railroad, which ran a passenger line that was shut down in 2015.

Midcoast Railservice leased the tracks from the Maine Department of Transportation, which bought the track in 1987 to preserve it for future freight or passenger service. Midcoast Railservice started running freight lines along the track in 2022, with an eye toward potential passenger service.

Driving from Brunswick to Rockland

The halfway point between the two towns is Newcastle, ME, which is about 26 miles from both Brunswick and Rockland. If you want to take a break or meet someone coming from the opposite direction, this is a good place to stop. It will take you about 31 minutes to drive to Newcastle from Brunswick and about 38 minutes from Rockland.

If you're looking for things to do when you arrive in Rockland, you might want to check out the Farnsworth Art Museum, which specialises in American art. You could also visit the Rockland Breakwater, a 4,000-foot-long structure built in the 1890s to shelter the harbour from coastal storms. If you're looking for somewhere to stay, there are 50+ hotels available in Rockland, with prices starting at $100 per night.

Taking the bus from Brunswick to Rockland

The direct bus from Brunswick to Rockland, Maine, takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is a little slower than driving, which takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes for the 52-mile road trip, but it's a good option if you don't have a car or would prefer not to drive.

The bus leaves Brunswick once daily at 2:00 pm, so be sure to plan your trip around this departure time. Friday is the busiest travel day, so you may want to avoid travelling then if you're looking for a quieter journey. Thursday is typically the least busy day if you want to aim for a quieter trip.

The bus arrives at Rockland, ME station, which is located at the Maine State Ferry Terminal on Main Street. Rockland has plenty to offer visitors, including the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse, and the Owls Head Light, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The distance between the two cities

The distance between Brunswick, Maine, and Rockland, Maine, is approximately 45 miles. The road distance is about 52 miles if you are travelling by car, bus, or train. The two cities are about 1 hour and 10 minutes apart by road, with an average non-stop driving time of 1 hour and 9 minutes to 1 hour and 12 minutes.

The two cities can be reached via US-1 Route, which is the fastest route between the two. The halfway point between the cities is Newcastle, ME, which is about 26 miles from both Brunswick and Rockland. It takes approximately 31 to 38 minutes to drive from Brunswick to Newcastle, and around 34 to 38 minutes to drive from Rockland to Newcastle.

There are plans to introduce passenger train service between the two cities by the Midcoast Rail Service organization. This would be the first passenger service over this line since the Maine Eastern lost their operating rights in 2015. The "Downeaster" service is also considering extending their trips to include Rockland.

Things to do in Rockland

The distance between Brunswick and Rockland, Maine is about 45 miles, and there are a few ways to travel between the two. But what is there to do once you arrive in Rockland? Here are some ideas:

Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth Art Museum is ranked as the top attraction in Rockland. With 20,000 square feet of gallery space, the museum showcases a range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. It has one of the largest collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson and features works from three generations of the Wyeth family.

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Take a walk along the iconic Rockland Breakwater, a mile-long 700,000-ton granite path completed in 1889, to reach the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The lighthouse is open for tours and hosts regular events. The surrounding area, Marie Reed Park, offers grassy hills and a small beach.

Maine Lighthouse Museum

The Maine Lighthouse Museum holds the largest collection of artefacts related to lighthouses, lifesaving, and the US Coast Guard. Learn about the history of lighthouses and find out what the different markings and lights mean.

Rockland Harbor Trail

Take a 5-mile walk around the harbour between the lighthouse and Snow Marine Park. Along the way, you can stop at the El Faro memorial and Sandy Beach, where you can take in the views of the busy harbour.

Maine Lobster Festival

Held annually in August, the Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day event with plenty of lobster, crate racing contests, performances, arts and crafts, and kids' activities.

Project Puffin Visitor Centre

Learn about the lives of puffins and the efforts to protect these rare birds. Check for local events during your trip, and consider going on a puffin tour, with Matinicus Excursions leaving from the Rockland dock.

Explore the Local Waterways

Penobscot Bay is a scenic inlet of the North Atlantic Ocean, located at the mouth of the Penobscot River. It's likened as one of the world's top cruising spots, offering a range of cruises, from one-hour trips to multiple-night excursions.

Go on a Lobster Boat Adventure

Rockland is known for being one of the largest shipping centres for lobster, so a lobster boat tour is a must! See how lobsters are hauled in from the sea, and maybe even spot some seals or whales. You can also purchase freshly caught lobsters.

Archipelago

Archipelago is a locally-owned shop that sells unique art and crafts created by local artists. From pottery to jewellery, you're sure to find the perfect souvenir or gift.

Indulge in Chocolate at Bixby & Co.

Bixby & Co. is a candy factory specialising in non-GMO, gluten-free, and organic chocolates and other sweets. Their sea-salted caramels are a must-try!

Archer's on the Pier

Enjoy a meal with a view at Archer's on the Pier, a charming seafood restaurant located on Rockland's waterfront. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offer a fun cocktail menu.

Frequently asked questions