Island Explorer

Question

We are coming Bar Harbor the first week of September and are questioning whether to stay directly in town or outside of town and using the Island Shuttle We would like to keep out accommodation under $300 per night so a motel that is out of town but on the shuttle route might be our best bet. With that said, we plan to take the Lulu Lobster boat tour on Tuesday at some time of the day so wondered if the shuttle times could work wuth that idea. Thanks for any feedback.

Answer

Staying in Bar Harbor during the first week of September gives you good flexibility, but there are trade-offs between lodging in town versus outside with shuttle access. Here’s a detailed overview to help plan your stay and the Lulu Lobster boat tour.

Staying in Town vs. Outside

Staying directly in Bar Harbor is convenient for walking to shops, restaurants, and harbor activities. However, accommodations under $300 per night in September can be limited, and you might end up in smaller inns or motels. Staying outside of town along the Island Explorer shuttle routes can be a great way to save money, especially if you are okay with short rides to town each day.

Pros of staying in town: Walkable access to restaurants, shops, harbor tours, and easy connection to boat departures without worrying about shuttle timing.
Pros of staying outside town on shuttle route: Lower nightly rates, more spacious motels or B&Bs, less busy streets, and access to multiple park entrances via Island Explorer.
Cons: Need to coordinate shuttle times carefully, especially if attending a specific activity like the Lulu Lobster boat tour.

Island Explorer Shuttle Considerations

The Island Explorer shuttle is free and runs frequently in September, covering most popular park destinations and Bar Harbor. For planning purposes:

Check the current schedule online, as shuttle times vary by route and day.
Most buses run roughly every 20–40 minutes, so leaving plenty of buffer time for specific boat departures is wise.
If your Lulu Lobster boat tour is scheduled mid-morning or afternoon, staying on a shuttle route outside town is feasible, but you should plan to catch a bus at least 45–60 minutes before your tour to ensure you arrive on time, allowing for walking to the dock from the shuttle stop.

Accommodation Recommendations (under $300, shuttle accessible):

Motels along Route 3 near the Hulls Cove or Eagle Lake shuttle stops – convenient for park access and the shuttle to Bar Harbor.
Small inns or B&Bs in Trenton or Northeast Harbor with shuttle connections – quieter, scenic areas and reasonable rates.
Check for properties advertising Island Explorer access; many list the nearest stop and walking distance to Bar Harbor or shuttle routes.

Tips:

Arrive at the shuttle stop a bit early to avoid missing a bus and to account for walking from the stop to the boat dock.
Consider keeping a small cooler or snacks in case shuttle timing adds a wait before or after your tour.
If you plan multiple park hikes or harbor activities in a single day, staying outside town on the shuttle can be efficient, but factor in the added travel time compared to staying in town.

In summary, for your budget under $300, staying outside Bar Harbor on a shuttle route is a practical option. Just make sure to plan the shuttle schedule carefully for any timed activities like the Lulu Lobster boat tour, and give yourself plenty of time to get to the dock without rushing.

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