Step 1: Getting to Casco Bay Lines

Step 2: Getting to Peaks Island

Step 3: Getting to the Feathered Nest

Step 1: Getting to Casco Bay Lines

Directions:

Portland is 120 miles north of Boston, about a 2 hour drive, and approximately 1 hour from Portsmouth, NH.

Coming from the South: Take Rt 95 North, which becomes the Maine Turnpike. About 45 miles into Maine, take Exit 44 (formerly 6A) onto Route 295 to Portland.

In 3-4 miles you will see Portland on the hill on your right. Almost past the city (after Congress St. and two Forest Ave exits), take the Franklin St exit. The ramp leads onto Franklin, a divided city "arterial." Go 1/2 mile up the hill, then 1/2 mile down the hill. At the bottom of the hill Franklin St intersects with Commercial St. Straight ahead you will see the 4 story brick Casco Bay Ferry Terminal Parking Garage (usually full in summer).

Go straight across Commercial St., along the left (north) side of this building and you’ll come to the terminal on your right, across from the wall painted with whales.

Click here for CBL directions (but mine are better!) with map

If you're taking your car, drive right into the line then go inside to buy your ticket. Cars load 15 minutes before departure.
If you're not taking your car, there is a 5-minute zone where you can park to go inside to buy tickets, and to drop off your freight at the end of the building. Freight must be dropped off at least 30 minutes before departure. Parking is usually terrible, you might have to roam and then hike back, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time. Ferries leave right on schedule!

Parking Info

Step 2: Getting to Peaks Island

Ferry Schedule

Fares

All tickets are round trip and are collected in Portland at boarding.
Books of 5 round trip tickets are available and may be shared by family members.
Round trip tickets expire 60 days after issue. Books expire 2 weeks after issue.
Child fares are for children aged 5-9. There is no charge for children under 5.
Half fares are available for seniors aged 65 and up and for persons with transportation disabilities. Assisted boarding is available upon request.
Dogs (except service animals) require tickets to board and must be kept leashed at all times.
Bicycles require tickets, or must be shipped as freight.

Vehicles

From ~April 16 to ~October 12, it is very expensive to bring a vehicle to the island: $82.65 ($62.65 Mon-Wed)!

There are no reservations (only for commercial vehicles), and the wait can be quite long on weekends

Shipping Personal Freight

Shipping freight is a viable option, now that there is taxi service on the island! (see below)

This site also has good advice for packing, preparing, and drop-off.

Tips for busy summer weekends

The car ferry is extremely busy in both directions on Saturday mornings.

For arrival, try to pack your most essential items so you can ship them to the Island by freight if necessary and return for your car (if you need it) on Sunday or Monday (cheaper rates, too!).
For the return trip, later in the day Saturday the line is shorter, and the Cockeyed Gull restaurant serves a nice lunch. (Or, take your car over on Friday, keeping only what you can carry off on Saturday.)

Step 3: Getting to The Feathered Nest

Taxi

There is taxi service on Peaks Island - but, you have to call ahead!

(207) 518-0000 or (207) 766-2360

Directions

274 Island Avenue, Peaks Island, ME 04108

If you have Google Earth, click here to view the Feathered Nest from above!

Mapquest | Island map

Coming up hill off the ferry, turn left onto Island Ave.
In about a quarter mile, the road makes a sharp right.
Take the first left. This is still Island Avenue!

The elementary school will be on your right.
We are about four houses down on the left.
White house with red trim, set back from the road.

Parking

There is a 72-hour limit on the public lot by the ferry on Peaks Island.
To avoid needing your car on the island or the mainland,
there is an "island Cadillac" (a cart) on the porch, available for your shopping expeditions.