Island Explorer

Island Explorer The Island Explorer is a free shuttle bus service, that transports passengers through Acadia National Park & on MDI.

The Island Explorer shuttle buses service Acadia National Park and the Mount Desert Island, including the villages of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, NE Harbor, Seal Harbor and SW harbor. Visitors are treated to beautiful forests and seascapes, while riding the buses carefree of parking and traffic. Our clean propane buses, drop off and pick up passengers at hiking trails through out the park and the is

land. We also feature The Bicycle Express, rent a bike or bring your own, and we will transport you to and from the Eagle Lake Carriage Road. Shuttles have stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Wildwood Stables and the Jordan Pond House.

Today, June 23rd, Island Explorer starts our Summer Season service! All 11 of our routes are now in operation to see sch...
06/23/2026

Today, June 23rd, Island Explorer starts our Summer Season service! All 11 of our routes are now in operation to see schedules and maps please visit our website

The fare-free Island Explorer features bus routes linking hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations in Acadia National Park and neighboring village centers. Clean propane-powered vehicles offer Mount Desert Island visitors and residents free transportation to hiking trails, carriage roads, isl...

In observance of Juneteenth there will be no Downeast Transportation year-round service on Friday, June 19th. Regular se...
06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth there will be no Downeast Transportation year-round service on Friday, June 19th. Regular service will resume on Monday, June 22nd.

Island Explorer will operate its full Spring Schedule on June 19th and throughout the weekend.

Our Island Explorer employee training has 2 phases, 1st the classroom and 2nd route training in the buses. Beginning tom...
06/07/2026

Our Island Explorer employee training has 2 phases, 1st the classroom and 2nd route training in the buses. Beginning tomorrow morning June 8th our newest Island Explorer team members will be out and about on MDI learning where the buses go, but they will not be taking on passengers. The training buses will be clearly marked by the head sign on the front and side of the bus reading, "Out of Service Training".

Our mascot (scout)rocking that shirt like it's his job!
06/04/2026

Our mascot (scout)rocking that shirt like it's his job!

05/31/2026

Yesterday, our incredible Island Explorer family honored our 2nd family member celebrating their 20 years of service this year at Downeast Transportation/ Island Explorer. Buddy Mills goes out of his way to make passengers on the Eden St bus feel special. Thank you, Buddy, for your dedication to making the passengers' experience fantastic.

Yesterday we honored the 1st of two 20-year anniversaries of service employees. Kim Barclay is known for bringing a song...
05/15/2026

Yesterday we honored the 1st of two 20-year anniversaries of service employees. Kim Barclay is known for bringing a song and dance to everything she does. Kim's celebration was "Dancing Queen" themed. Congratulations Kim on a job well done!

1st orientation in the books! Everyone was ridiculously happy to be back and super stoked for our 1st spring season! It ...
05/14/2026

1st orientation in the books! Everyone was ridiculously happy to be back and super stoked for our 1st spring season! It is so great to see all of you! Welcome home!

The sun rises on a day when we welcome 40 of our Island Explorer family members home. Our happy campers arrive for orien...
05/14/2026

The sun rises on a day when we welcome 40 of our Island Explorer family members home. Our happy campers arrive for orientation this morning! 🥰

Address

19 Firefly Lane
Bar Harbor, ME
04609

Telephone

+12072884573

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Island Explorer posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category