I still remember my first trip to Bar Harbor—it was one of those places I had dreamed of visiting for years because of its charm and the chance to finally explore Acadia National Park. What I didn’t expect, though, was how tricky it could be to figure out the best airport to fly into. With so many options in Maine and even in nearby states, I found myself comparing distances, flight availability, and how much time I’d actually spend on the road once I landed.
That experience taught me that choosing the right airport can make a huge difference in how smoothly a trip to Bar Harbor goes. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather spend your time walking along the rocky coastline or enjoying lobster rolls than stressing about travel logistics. That’s why I put together this guide—to break down the closest airports, what they offer, and how each one stacks up for different types of travelers.
Key Takeaways
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Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is the closest airport, just 12 miles from Bar Harbor, with year-round flights to Boston.
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Bangor International Airport (BGR), about 50 miles away, offers more airlines and flight options.
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Portland International Jetport (PWM), 178 miles from Bar Harbor, provides the widest range of domestic and some international flights.
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), 280 miles away, has the most global connections.
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Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services from most airports.
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For convenience, BHB is best; for flexibility, BGR and PWM are strong alternatives.
List of Airports in Maine near Bar Harbor
Before we take a look at each individual airport near Bar Harbor we’ll give you the list. Ordered by road distance we’ve highlighted our favorite picks in bold. This full list gives you an overview of what’s available when flying to Bar Harbor, ME.
| Airport Name | IATA | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport | BHB | 12 miles |
| Bangor International Airport | BGR | 50 miles |
| Portland International Jetport | PWM | 178 miles |
| Boston Logan International Airport | BOS | 280 miles |
Bangor International Airport, Maine
As we’ve highlighted in our introduction we think that the Bangor International Airport is among the best choices when you are flying to Bar Harbor.
Bangor is the second busiest airport in the state of Maine. It seems reasonable traffic yearly but it never really gets crowded. The average traveler number is around 500-700k passengers per year.
It is connected to cities in the eastern US. Most direct flights are from places like New York, Washington, Charlotte, or Chicago.
Although it’s a small airport, the terminal building is nice. Since traffic is usually light it feels spacious and you never really have to wait for anything. Car rental is available right outside the airport.
The road distance from Bangor International Airport to Bar Harbor is 50 miles. This distance can be tackled quickly if you want to rent a car or you may opt for a nice transfer.
List of Airlines Flying to Bangor International Airport
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- American Eagle
- Delta Air Lines
- Delta Connection
- United Express
Source: Wikipedia
Other Airports in Maine near Bar Harbor
Now that we’ve given you our top choice it’s time to give you some alternatives. These can be good picks depending on where you are flying from. Also, it’s always nice to have more airport choices as it gives you options to find some insanely cheap flights.
Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport
Bar Harbor actually has its own airport. While it’s technically in Trenton, it’s still the local airport. So why is this not our first choice, you might ask?
It’s simple. There is a single airline called Cape Air that flies here. They fly from Boston in small 10-seater planes. While it’s a unique experience to go on such a flight, we try to always find direct flights.
The road distance is just 12 miles but you still got to rent a car and drive. If you can find a direct flight to Bangor it just makes more sense.
Otherwise, you will almost always find a non-stop flight to Boston so you might opt for this Cape Air connection.
Boston Logan International Airport
Our second favorite pick when visiting Bar Harbor. Okay, if you don’t change in Boston then you surely are in for a road trip but we don’t see this as an issue. Experiencing Maine calls for a road trip like vacation anyway.
The full road distance is around 280 miles so that’s a lot of driving. You can weigh your options here. Either you can plan an itinerary that includes some other stop on the way to Acadia so the long driving is worth it.
Or you may change flights. As said we like to fly direct, but that’s not always an option. From Boston, you can go to Bangor or even Hancock County airport.
Portland International Jetport
Now, the final option is a substitute for Bangor airport. In the list of airports in Maine near Bar Harbor, this one might be our least favorite. It is pretty far from Bar Harbor at 178 road miles.
It’s a bit better connected to the rest of the nation than Bangor Airpot itself, however, it’s still not served by an amazing amount of cities. Regardless, you might be able to get a great deal or find a direct flight to Portland, ME while no direct flights to Bangor.
If this is the case then Portland might be an okay option for you. Still a long drive, but at least no changing planes.
Personally, we would rather go to Boston and drive from there but at the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference. It would have been a mistake not to mention Portland though, as it’s a viable option in some cases.
GA Airports in Maine near Bar Harbor
Are you flying your own plane to Bar Harbor? Well, then there is only really one option. Sure you can opt for some substitute airports but why would you when Bar Harbor has a perfectly good airport that’s open to GA?
Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport
The local commercial airport is actually a General Aviation Airport first. So, when you are planning a trip to Bar Harbor as a pilot this should be your main choice. They can store your planes, give you fuel, and have nice rates.
Car rental is right outside the airport and there is even a comfortable lounge. The staff is knowledgeable and they’ll take care of your plan while you enjoy the beauty of Acadia National Park.
Conclusion
After figuring out which airport worked best for me, I realized how much smoother my trip felt once that decision was made. Instead of stressing over connections or long drives, I could actually relax and look forward to exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia.
If you’re planning your own trip, I’d suggest thinking about what matters most to you—whether that’s the convenience of flying into the closest airport, having more flight options, or even enjoying a scenic drive up the coast. For me, the balance of time and flexibility made all the difference.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying Maine’s beauty. And trust me, once you’re standing on the cliffs overlooking the ocean in Bar Harbor, the journey to get there will feel totally worth it.
About the Author
William Chase is the travel writer behind GotYourPassport.com, where he shares practical guides to make trip planning easier. He’s also the creator of KitchenForBeginners.com, a site that helps new cooks build confidence in the kitchen. When he’s not exploring food and cooking, William enjoys visiting coastal towns across the U.S. and uncovering hidden gems. His own travels through Maine inspired this guide to help visitors find the best airports for reaching Bar Harbor.
FAQs – Parking in Corfu Town
Q: What is the closest airport to Bar Harbor, Maine?
The closest airport is Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), located just 12 miles away in Trenton.
Q: Which airport is the best option for visiting Acadia National Park?
BHB is the most convenient since it’s the nearest, but Bangor International Airport (BGR) offers more flight options and is only about an hour’s drive.
Q: How far is Bangor International Airport from Bar Harbor?
BGR is roughly 50 miles from Bar Harbor, about a 1-hour drive.
Q: Can I fly directly into Bar Harbor?
Yes, you can. Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) offers daily flights to and from Boston, with connections to other major airlines.
Q: Is Boston Logan International Airport a good option for reaching Bar Harbor?
Yes, BOS has the most flight options, but it’s about 280 miles away. Most travelers flying into Boston rent a car or take a bus to reach Bar Harbor.