Step 1: Getting to Casco Bay Lines

Directions

Portland is 100 miles North, 2 hrs from Boston, approximately 1 hr from Portsmouth, NH.

Assuming you are coming from the South: Take Rt 95 North, which becomes the Maine Turnpike. Approximately 50 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 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. Franklin St will come to a T onto Commercial St. Straight ahead you will see the 4 story brick Casco Bay Ferry Terminal Parking Garage.

Go straight, along the left (north) side of this building and you’ll come to the terminal on your right, across from the whale wall. You can park for 5 minutes to go inside to make your arrangements for a ferry to Peaks Island and, if you're not taking your car, to drop off your freight. Leave yourself at least 15 minutes extra. Ferries leave 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 19 to October 13, 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!

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

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.