How far is Chelsea, ME from Portland, ME?
The driving distance from Chelsea, ME to Portland, ME is about 52.7 miles (84.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49 miles (78.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Maine, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chelsea and Portland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chelsea and Portland.
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1
Start on Hankerson Road
17 m · 8 sec · Hankerson Road
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2
Turn sharp right onto Togus Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · Togus Road
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3
Continue on Windsor Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · Windsor Street
-
4
Turn right onto Water Street
1025 ft · 35 sec · Water Street
-
5
Turn left onto Bridge Street
2616 ft · 48 sec · Bridge Street
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6
Continue on Brunswick Avenue
4.8 mi · 7 min · Brunswick Avenue
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7
Take the ramp left
1832 ft · 45 sec
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8
Merge slight left
42.7 mi · 48 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 1A
1.2 km · 2 min
-
10
Turn right onto Cumberland Avenue
1853 ft · 55 sec · Cumberland Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Preble Street
555 ft · 19 sec · Preble Street
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12
Turn left onto Congress Street
48 m · 7 sec · Congress Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Congress Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chelsea and Portland.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Brunswick Avenue
Merge slight left
42.7 mi · 00h 48m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Chelsea and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Portland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chelsea to Portland?
The road trip is about 52.7 miles (84.8 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Topsham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.3 miles from Chelsea and 26.3 miles from Portland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49 miles (78.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.34 one way or $14.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Chelsea and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Portland.
Stop Ideas Near Topsham
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Topsham.
Brunswick Maine Street Station
Freeport
Bath, Maine
Wiscasset, Maine
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chelsea and Portland. Straight-line distance: 49.03 mi (78.91 km).
#1 Chelsea
Town in Maine, US
| Population | 2,753 |
| Coordinates | 44.2503500, -69.7172700 |
| Altitude | 55 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Portland
The most populous city in Cumberland County, Maine.
| Population | 66,803 |
| Coordinates | 43.6573700, -70.2589000 |
| Altitude | 19 |
| Country | United States |
End: Congress Street (-70.259094, 43.657504)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $7.34 | $14.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $8.29 | $16.58 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $9.04 | $18.07 |
| Diesel | $6.00 | $11.15 | $22.31 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Maine · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.