How far is Houlton, ME from Waterville, ME?
The driving distance from Houlton, ME to Waterville, ME is about 174 miles (280 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.2 miles (224.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 08m 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 02h 34m.
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.
City in Penobscot County, Maine, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Houlton and Waterville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houlton and Waterville.
-
1
Start on the route
41 m · 12 sec
-
2
Turn right onto Market Square
68 m · 7 sec · Market Square
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3
Turn right onto North Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Street
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4
Turn left
1631 ft · 40 sec
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5
Merge slight left
170.7 mi · 2 hr 57 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward ME 104: Waterville, Winslow
1276 ft · 45 sec
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7
Turn left onto Main Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · Main Street
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8
Turn left onto Chaplin Street
988 ft · 18 sec · Chaplin Street
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9
Turn right onto College Avenue
110 m · 10 sec · College Avenue
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10
Continue on College Avenue
1512 ft · 28 sec · College Avenue
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11
Continue on Elm Street
110 m · 18 sec · Elm Street
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12
Turn left onto Post Office Square
13 m · 2 sec · Post Office Square
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Post Office Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houlton and Waterville.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Street
Merge slight left
171 mi · 02h 57m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Houlton and Sunny near Waterville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houlton to Waterville?
The road trip is about 174 miles (280 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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?
Howland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87 miles from Houlton and 87 miles from Waterville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.2 miles (224.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 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 1:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.87 one way or $53.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Houlton and Sunny near Waterville.
Stop Ideas Near Howland
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 Howland.
Orono (University of Maine), Maine
Bangor, Maine
Searsport, Maine
Belfast, Maine
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houlton and Waterville. Straight-line distance: 139.27 mi (224.14 km).
#1 Houlton
Town in Maine, USA
| Population | 5,766 |
| Coordinates | 46.1261600, -67.8403000 |
| Altitude | 110 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waterville
City in Maine, United States
| Population | 16,579 |
| Coordinates | 44.5520100, -69.6317100 |
| Altitude | 33 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elm Street (-69.631853, 44.55206)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 280 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.38 | $26.87 | $53.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.93 | $30.24 | $60.48 |
| Premium | $5.41 | $33.22 | $66.43 |
| Diesel | $6.44 | $39.51 | $79.02 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026