Should I rent a car for Acadia National Park?

Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, picking up a cheap rental car in Acadia National Park will help you see things at your own pace. Visit various attractions and go sightseeing at will instead of forking out money on rideshares or figuring out which bus or train connections you'll need to make.



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Yes, you need either an Acadia or National Park/Federal Lands Pass. There are several different types of passes. Standard Acadia passes (valid for 7 days) are $35 per vehicle. You can purchase passes online or at information centers throughout the park.

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Acadia National Park is filled with an amazing variety of hiking trails. From easy strolls along coastal paths to summit climbs to thrilling cliff walks, there is something here for everyone. One of the things that makes Acadia so unique, and so exciting, is the large number of trails with ladders and metal rungs.

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You can easily see much of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor's highlights in about three days. But if you'd like to spend more time exploring this tranquil oasis, five days may work better. This will allow enough time to take on longer hikes and get plenty of rest in between activities.

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Park Loop Road: This 27-mile, one-way scenic drive loops around the eastern half of Acadia on Mount Desert Island, and with a 35-mph speed limit you could theoretically complete the circle in an hour and return to Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

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Relax and enjoy a fare-free ride on the Island Explorer shuttle, which provides service between park destinations, local communities, and Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport. Regularly scheduled buses stop at destinations in the park, including campgrounds, carriage road entrances, and many trailheads.

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For your visit to Acadia, I highly recommend staying in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is a fun seaside town located just minutes away from all of the fabulous scenery and trails in Acadia. Bar Harbor has a great downtown area with charming shops, delicious restaurants, and fun activities.

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Prepare for your trip to Acadia National Park by following our list of the top ten tips:
  1. Arrive with a plan...and a back-up plan. ...
  2. Purchase a park entrance pass. ...
  3. Purchase a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Mountain. ...
  4. Consider a car-free experience. ...
  5. Stay the night (but make a reservation first). ...
  6. Play it safe.


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The best time to visit Acadia National Park is typically September and October, especially for fall colors, but keep in mind that the dates can vary depending on the weather.

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Arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm. Most vehicle congestion occurs midday. Avoid long lines by buying your Entrance Pass online, and printing a copy prior to your arrival. Leave your car where you are staying, then walk on a village connector trail, ride your bike, or take the fare-free Island Explorer bus into Acadia.

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Reservations and Timed Entry Vehicle reservations are not required for any other areas of the park, or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bike, or taxi. Vehicle reservations provide a timed entry, but do not require a departure time until 10 pm, when the road closes to vehicles.

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Acadia's largest wildlife inhabitants are in the ungulate family. This includes white-tailed deer and very rarely moose. As very large mammals that need a great deal of space, moose are rarely seen in Acadia.

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Acadia National Park was the first national park created from private lands gifted to the public through the efforts of conservation-minded citizens. These efforts contributed to the creation and development of the land conservation movement.

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