Acadia’s Free Bus Service

We like affordable, but we’re absolutely thrilled with free! Mount Desert Island’s Island Explorer bus service is not only free, it’s a clean, worry free way to see this magnificent island from stem to stern.  Three million passengers have taken the bus since 1999 and in that time 10,250 tons of CO2 and 16 tons of other pollutants have not entered the air, thanks to the propane powered buses. There are 8 loops on the island serviced by Island Explorer and it is easy and hassle free to hop on or off just about anywhere. For techno-geeks, the service employs a GPS location system which allows you to know where any given bus is through an interactive map here. All you need is a computer with internet and Macromedia Flash Player.

Of course, a day without a car might take a little planning and sacrifice. Don’t plan on buying those moose antlers or old lobster traps on this trip.  It is simple however, to go the the website and plan your adventure. No parking or traffic worries, no lost keys, and much cleaner air.  Bikers like to make use of the shuttle too; all are equipped with bicycle racks.  There’s even a “Bicycle Express” which runs between the Village Green and Eagle Lake.  Just pedal ’till you’re tired and hop back on.  How about a one way hike? No problem with the Explorer, just catch it at the trail’s end.  The Explorer’s website even has some suggestions for hikes.  Sure, you may just emerge from the woods as the bus is passing by, but there will be another in about a half hour.

Acadia National Park is second only to Yellowstone in yearly visits and like it’s bigger brother, our park is in danger of being loved to death. The Island Explorer is a big step away from this fate, and we hope you will take advantage of it.  If you choose to stay with us in lovely Lamoine,  your link to the bus system is 15 minutes away, at the Trenton IGA. Here you can hop on a number one bus at 7 AM, 8 AM or each 1/2 hour thereafter and you will return no later than 9:30 PM to your car.  Alternately you could kayak across the one mile strait to Hadley Point,  and catch the #1 bus there. This bus will take you to Bar Harbor’s Village Green, where you can connect with all the other routes. Enjoy the ride!

“Last time we visited the area for a week and didn’t move our vehicle from the time we set up camp until we left for home. Love the bus and the bike trails.”

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