Deer Isle & Stonington, Maine
Getting Here
Arriving on the Island
Getting to Deer Isle and Stonington is part of the experience. Tucked along Maine’s scenic Downeast coast, the Island feels wonderfully removed from the rush of everyday life — yet it’s easily accessible by car, boat, and plane.
PLEASE NOTE: There are flaggers on School Street in Stonington, making the road one-way. A full closure of lower School St. will take place sometime after Labor Day weekend. Traffic will be rerouted into downtown Stonington, with all businesses OPEN.
By Car
Deer Isle is located about 50 miles from Bar Harbor, 75 miles from Bangor, and 175 miles from Portland. Most visitors arrive via Route 1, one of Maine’s most scenic coastal highways, before turning onto Route 15 in Orland. From there, the road winds through Blue Hill, past Caterpillar Hill, and across the iconic Deer Isle Bridge, offering sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and marking your arrival to island time.
Approximate driving times:
- Bangor: 1.5 hours
- Portland: 3.5 hours
- Boston: 6 hours
For EV cars: There are two charging stations – one at the Deer Isle Town Office and one in Stonington at Small Cove Park.
Public transportation: Visitors should plan to have access to a car during their stay, as public transportation options are extremely limited. There are no rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft. There are a few local taxi services, but it is highly recommended to make arrangements well in advance.
By Air
The closest major airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR), with regular service to and from major U.S. cities. Visitors may also choose to fly into smaller Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) in Trenton. Both airports offer rental car services and are an approximate 1.5-hour drive from Deer Isle.
For private pilots and small aircraft, the Stonington Municipal Airport (93B) offers a welcoming gateway to the island. The airport features a 2,100-foot runway and complimentary tie-down spaces located near the terminal building. While there is no fuel service, runway lighting, or airport transportation available, the airport is lovingly maintained through donations and volunteer efforts.
Photo credit: Town of Stonington
By Boat
The town of Stonington provides a public dock for visiting dinghies and recreational boats to tie up. This boat tie-up is limited to a two-hour visit.
Stonington does not offer any overnight moorings or dockage. Even though the harbor is large, it is dedicated to the needs of its fishing fleet, and there is always a waiting list of fishing boats seeking moorings. Anchorage spots are available in Stonington off the Thorofare, but require careful navigation to avoid the working fleet and strong tidal currents.
For boaters with questions or seeking services, contact:
Stonington Harbor Master
207-367-5891
You can also arrange dockage or moorings through Billings Diesel & Marine, located about a half-mile west of Stonington village.
Billings Diesel & Marine
207-367-2328
The Deer Isle Bridge: Gateway to the Island
Gracefully spanning Eggemoggin Reach, the iconic Deer Isle Bridge has welcomed travelers to Deer Isle and Stonington since 1939. More than just a crossing, the bridge is a symbol of the island itself — a dramatic entrance that signals the transition from mainland Maine to the slower rhythms and rugged beauty of island life.