Bar Harbor is a relaxed coastal town known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Bar Harbor, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Bar Harbor?
You should plan to spend around $202 per day on your vacation in Bar Harbor. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $57 on meals
- $35 on local transportation
- $235 on hotels
A one week trip to Bar Harbor for two people costs, on average, $2,828. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,414
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,828
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One Month
Per person
$6,060
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One Week
For a couple
$2,828
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,656
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One Month
For a couple
$12,120
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bar Harbor cost?
A one week trip to Bar Harbor usually costs around $1,414 for one person and $2,828 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Bar Harbor on average costs around $2,828 for one person and $5,656 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bar Harbor will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Bar Harbor on average costs around $6,060 for one person and $12,120 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Bar Harbor expensive to visit?
Bar Harbor is a popular coastal town that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
You can find Bar Harbor to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $88 per day, mid-range travelers spend $202 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $383 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bar Harbor.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Bar Harbor is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Savannah or Adirondack Mountains.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bar Harbor Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bar Harbor?
The average Bar Harbor trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bar Harbor travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bar Harbor cost?
Bar Harbor on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$51
|
$117
|
$225
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$16
|
$35
|
$67
|
Food 2
|
$25
|
$57
|
$105
|
Entertainment 1
|
$17
|
$39
|
$75
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-20
|
$15-45
|
$29-86
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Bar Harbor without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $88 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Food is a standout attraction for all visitors to Bar Harbor, but those on a budget might rely on street food or cook in their hostels, which could mean less exposure to the fantastic local dishes.
So, are you average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Bar Harbor are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $202 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $383 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the coastal town, a luxury budget will be necessary.
Accommodation Budget in Bar Harbor
In Bar Harbor, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $323, but during peak season they jump to an average of $603. You can find budget options starting at $228 up to luxury rates at $821. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bar Harbor for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $235. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $117 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bar Harbor include:
- Moseley Cottage Inn and The Town Motel starting at $177
- Heathwood Inn starting at $256
- Bar Harbor Motel starting at $249
- Bar Harbor Villager Motel starting at $240
- Gallagher's Travels Bar Harbor Motel & Cabins starting at $250
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Bar Harbor is a favorite among tourists, but it's smaller than many other destinations, so hotels can book up quickly. If you're heading there during summer, it's wise to reserve early.
Many enjoy discovering Bar Harbor by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
Transportation Budget in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor does not has a good public transit system. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.
Walking enthusiasts will have a wonderful experience during their visit. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.
Public Transit: (moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $35 per person, per day, on local transportation in Bar Harbor. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bar Harbor is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$35
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Bar Harbor? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Bar Harbor will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Bar Harbor
Food in Bar Harbor is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Bar Harbor can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bar Harbor is $57 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$57
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bar Harbor is around $57 ($57) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $105. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $9 to $23
- Dinner: $17 to $40
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
As far as food goes, Maine is known for three things: clam chowder, blueberry pie, and lobster rolls. Being situated on an island, you won't find seafood any fresher. Restaurants in Bar Harbor often serve entrees that were caught that very day, straight from the bay. While a lobster dinner may have you hooked, Bar Harbor also features pub fare, international flavors, farm-fresh cuisine, and fine dining al fresco. Restaurants in town are always bustling for breakfast, lunch, and dinner-yet the night is also lively with many cozy cocktail bars, lounges, and hangout spots, where you can sit back and enjoy the evening after a long day of sightseeing.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
You can save money and enjoy the scenery if you make a picnic. Find a local grocery store or market, get some fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic spot to enjoy your meal.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Typical prices for food in Bar Harbor are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Bar Harbor. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
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West Street Cafe (for 4)
$70
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bar Harbor
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Bar Harbor, as it is known for its food, romance, resorts, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bar Harbor typically cost an average of $39 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
The best way to see the history of Bar Harbor in action is to take a walking tour. A historic walk will take visitors past 25 magnificent structures-some on the National Historic Register-dating as early as 1860. Tours usually start near the center of town from the Village Green, and in just a few miles, take tourists past elegant mansions, historic churches, and refurbished public buildings. Many important stops are indicated by signs titled Museum in the Streets.
Beyond the town's center, there is much to see in nature and wildlife in the surrounding areas. At low tide, a sand bar from town to Bar Island is exposed and open to pedestrians as the water retreats. Visitors can walk across to Bar Island, while many use the sandbar for shell-collecting or as a kayak launch. Then, there is of course Acadia National Park, which encompasses more than 47,000 acres woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States' East Coast. The mountain looms over Bar Harbor as one of the natural focal points, and the area is home to wildlife like moose, bear, whales and seabirds.
In addition to the great shopping and historic appeal, downtown Bar Harbor comes alive in the summer and autumn months due to its draw for the outdoor enthusiasts. The town provides a certain refuge for those looking to experience the rugged landscape of Acadia National Park. Outdoor activities in Acadia include hiking along trails or carriage roads, biking along the carriage roads, bird watching, and mountain climbing, yet many also enjoy a simple walk along the oceanfront trails on the outskirts of Bar Harbor.
Another way to see the outdoors is to enjoy touring the sights by sea. Boat tours from the harbor include whale-watching trips, a sunset cruise, a naturalist-led ride among the neighboring islands, an old-fashioned sail, or even a trip on a lobster boat. While many of these tours are keyed in on specific sights, it is not unlikely to catch sight of wildlife like puffins, whales, lobster, seals, or island seabirds. Kayaks are also available for rent for those who wish to explore the waters and see native critters at their own pace.
Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bar Harbor. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour for $10 details
- Best of 2-Hour Guided Food Walking Tour for $129 details
- Bar Harbor Walking Tour for $30 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Bar Harbor are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Bar Harbor
The nightlife in Bar Harbor is generally non-existant. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $30 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bar Harbor per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$30
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Traveling in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbour, Maine
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
A drought and wildfire in 1947 destroyed many of the homes on millionaires' row, a few historic grand hotels, permanent homes, and a great deal of the neighboring Acadia National Park. Fortunately, Bar Harbor's business and historic district were spared, where several former summer homes now operate as historic inns.
Today the town is thriving with many quaint shops, museums and galleries, places to eat, and its proximity to Acadia National Park. Whether you wish to enjoy the charm of a historic seaside town, or prefer to explore the rugged landscape of the surrounding area, Bar Harbor provides a comfortable home base for travelers seeking a getaway.
Neighborhoods & Around
The streets of Bar Harbor are lined with specialty and shops and galleries, featuring handcrafted Maine items from jewelry to maple syrup, as well as the works of local artists. There is a selection of outdoor outfitters to gear you up for any adventure from hiking in Acadia to kayaking on the coast, many stores selling practical Maine clothing, and yet others that feature designer trends. Antique shops will take you on another kind of adventure, while specialty stores will reel you in with the lure of kitchen accessories, tea supplies, soaps, candles, and other quirky gifts. As mentioned before, the town is also home to many historic buildings that still stand today, giving Bar Harbor the charm of another time and place.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Most people spend a day two in this town and it makes a great base for exploring the area.