Mainers have been known to tell travelers, “You can't get there from here,” and while their tongues are usually firmly planted in their cheeks, there's some truth to this old refrain. While it's not terribly difficult to get to Maine, getting around inside the state can indeed present a challenge. If you plan to travel far off the beaten path (i.e., the Maine Turnpike), it's a good idea to invest in a Maine road atlas. You'll also want to pack snacks and drinks, as Maine's winding and scenic byways aren't lined with golden arches.

Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Portland International Jetport (207-874-8877, www.portlandjetport.org), serves northern New England from its convenient location off the Maine Turnpike at exit 46. Passenger traffic through the jetport has grown to more than 1.4 million travelers annually.

Major Airlines Serving Portland International Jetport

Companies offering airport shuttle service include Mermaid Transportation (207-772-2509, www.gomermaid.com) and VIP Tour and Charter/Portland Explorer (207-772-4457, www.transportme.org), which operates seasonally. Many Portland-area hotels also provide courtesy vans for their guests. Taxis and limousine service are also readily available.

Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Bangor International Airport (207-992-4600 or 866-359-2264, www.flybangor.com), serves northern Maine and Canada from its convenient location off I-95. To reach the airport, take exit 184 for Union Street off I-95 and follow signs. There are more than fifty domestic flights to and from Bangor daily.

MAJOR AIRLINES SERVING BANGOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Companies offering scheduled airport shuttle service include Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle (207-479-5911, www.barharborshuttle.com), Concord Trailways (207-945-4000 or 800-639-3317, www.concordtrailways.com), The Bus (207-992-4670), and West's Coastal Connection (207-546 2823 or 800-596-2823, www.westbusservice.com). Several local hotels offer free airport shuttle service. Taxis and limousine service are also readily available.

Trains, Buses, and Ferries

Flying and driving aren't the only ways to arrive in Maine. Amtrak (800-872-7245, www.amtrak.com) provides regularly scheduled rail service to Portland. The Downeaster travels from Boston's North Station to Portland in under three hours and makes stops in three other coastal Maine towns: Wells, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach.

Vermont Transit Lines (207-772-6587 or 800-552-8737, www.vermonttransit.com), an affiliate of Greyhound Lines (800-231-2222, www.greyhound.com), provides inbound bus service from Boston to several Maine destinations. Concord Trailways also provides bus transportation to a dozen communities in Maine.

Visiting from Canada, or want to take a side trip while you're traveling in Maine? The Cat High Speed Car Ferry (877-359-3760, www.catferry.com) connects Portland and Bar Harbor with Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, from June through early October. Be sure to make advance reservations. Travel time is approximately three hours from Bar Harbor, five and a half hours from Portland.

Getting Around

While seasonal shuttle services in Portland and Bar Harbor make it relatively easy for vacationers to get around town without a car, you'll need your own wheels in the off-season or if you plan to visit other prime vacation destinations in the state.

There's an excellent chance that you'll find yourselves on Interstate 95, the Maine Turnpike, during your travels. This major north-south highway runs from Kittery north to Houlton near the Canadian border. The Maine Turnpike Authority (877-682-9433, www.maineturnpike.com) has a helpful Web site featuring maps and news about road conditions. You'll enjoy a more scenic, albeit slower, trip if you opt to follow Route 1, an alternative north-south route that hugs the Maine coast from Kittery to Fort Kent.

There is no major east-west highway, so you may need to follow a circuitous route without the usual rest stops and travel amenities if you plan to explore the interior of the state. Ask someone at your lodging property to recommend a driving route. Keep in mind that you won't be able to travel at top speed on many of Maine's interior roads, so ask locals as well how much time it will take to reach your destination. In the northernmost reaches of the state, it's not uncommon to encounter unpaved roads — and moose — so you'll need to exercise extreme caution.

If you're determined to see Maine without a car, be sure to visit the special Web site created by the Maine Department of Transportation, www.exploremaine.org, to discover alternative ways to navigate the state via bike, bus, ferry, train, or charter plane.