How far is Sanford, ME from South Eliot, ME?
The driving distance from Sanford, ME to South Eliot, ME is about 27.2 miles (43.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.9 miles (36.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 49m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sanford and South Eliot.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sanford and South Eliot.
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1
Start on the route
27 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto Washington Street
89 m · 15 sec · Washington Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Main Street
2.6 mi · 7 min · Main Street
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4
Exit the rotary onto Country Club Road
4.6 mi · 6 min · Country Club Road
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5
Continue on High Street
2.9 mi · 5 min · High Street
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6
Continue on Elm Street
2.8 mi · 5 min · Elm Street
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7
Continue on Portland Street
3.7 mi · 6 min · Portland Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto Main Street
1057 ft · 36 sec · Main Street
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9
Turn left onto Dow Highway
4 mi · 7 min · Dow Highway
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10
Continue on Harold L Dow Highway
5.2 mi · 9 min · Harold L Dow Highway
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11
Turn right onto Bolt Hill Road
1.3 mi · 4 min · Bolt Hill Road
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12
Turn left onto Leach Road
23 m · 3 sec · Leach Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Leach Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sanford and South Eliot.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Harold L Dow Highway
Continue on Harold L Dow Highway
5.17 mi · 00h 09m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Sanford and Rain Showers Likely near South Eliot.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sanford to South Eliot?
The road trip is about 27.2 miles (43.8 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
South Berwick is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.6 miles from Sanford and 13.6 miles from South Eliot.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.9 miles (36.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.3 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 4:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.79 one way or $7.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Sanford and Rain Showers Likely near South Eliot.
Stop Ideas Near South Berwick
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall
Dover City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to South Berwick.
Dover Transportation Center
Durham–UNH station
Wells Regional Transportation Center
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sanford and South Eliot. Straight-line distance: 22.88 mi (36.82 km).
#1 Sanford
City in York County, Maine, United States
| Population | 21,253 |
| Coordinates | 43.4392500, -70.7742200 |
| Altitude | 92 |
| Country | United States |
#2 South Eliot
City in Maine, United States of America
| Population | 3,550 |
| Coordinates | 43.1081400, -70.7775500 |
| Altitude | 10 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Eliot (-70.77755, 43.10814)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 44 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $3.79 | $7.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $4.28 | $8.56 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $4.66 | $9.33 |
| Diesel | $6.00 | $5.76 | $11.51 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.