The Island Explorer is a free, seasonal bus system that connects the major towns, campgrounds, and Acadia National Park destinations across Mount Desert Island. It's designed to make getting around simple, reduce traffic in the park, and give visitors an easy way to explore without worrying about parking.
Acadia Gateway Center — The New Primary Hub
The Gateway Center is now the main starting point for many visitors arriving by car.
- Large park-and-ride lots, visitor information, restrooms, and direct Island Explorer service onto Mount Desert Island
- Parking here helps reduce congestion at trailheads, beaches, and Bar Harbor
Where It Operates
The system runs on multiple loop routes that cover the island's most visited areas:
Bar Harbor
- Downtown village center
- Village Green (main hub for transfers)
- Hotels and campgrounds around town
Acadia National Park
- Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole
- Jordan Pond (transfer hub)
- Cadillac North Ridge trailhead
- Sieur de Monts
- Hulls Cove Visitor Center (transfer hub)
- Eagle Lake and carriage road access points
Southwest Harbor & Tremont (Quiet Side)
- Southwest Harbor village
- Bass Harbor
- Seawall Campground
Northeast Harbor & Seal Harbor
- Northeast Harbor village
- Asticou
- Seal Harbor beach and trailheads
Regional Connections
- Bar Harbor Airport (Trenton)
- Park & Ride lots outside the island
How It Works
- Free to ride — no tickets or passes needed
- Frequent service — buses run every 15–30 minutes on most routes in peak season
- Hop-on, hop-off — you can transfer between routes at key hubs like the Bar Harbor Village Green or Jordan Pond
- Bike-friendly — most buses have racks so you can combine biking with bus travel. Please be aware though that they are not equipped to and will not transport e-bikes
- Seasonal operation — typically late June through mid-October
