Transportation

Stay mobile with COA’s student-driven shuttle services:

Night Bus

The Night Bus operates from 7:30–11:30 p.m. when school is in session, providing a convenient loop between campus and various locations around Bar Harbor.

Winter Term Day Bus

The Winter Term Day Bus runs each morning from 7:00–11:00 a.m., offering students reliable transportation to and from campus, town, and essential local services.

Schedules, routes, and updates are shared at the start of each term.

Biking is one of the best ways to get around Bar Harbor!

Bike registration

All bikes must be registered through this form. You’ll receive a sticker for identification.

Bike parking

Bike parking is easy and accessible, with racks located near nearly every building on campus. For long-term storage, covered bike sheds are available at Blair/Tyson and the Kathryn W. Davis Village.

Safety tip: Use locks, especially overnight.

Bike routes

Cyclists may use the Eden Street multi-use path between COA and downtown—just watch for pedestrians!

If you plan to have a car on campus, here’s what you need to know:

Vehicle registration

• Students must register vehicles every academic year.
• Faculty/staff register once per car.

Parking permits

Issued by the Office of Public Safety after completing the Parking Contract.

ADA permits

Available upon request.

Additional guidelines

• Park in the North Lot if not using your car for more than a week.
• Vehicles must not idle for more than five minutes.
• Special snow parking rules apply—check the Snow Parking Map each winter.

Downeast Transportation

Downeast Transportation provides reliable, year-round bus service between Bar Harbor and Ellsworth, offering seven daily runs that make it easy for students to get off campus when needed. Riders can simply flag the bus at COA or arrange a pick-up in advance. The service also includes a daily route to Bangor, with a morning departure and afternoon return, making it convenient for appointments, shopping, or travel connections.

Fares are affordable and must be paid in exact change. The Bar Harbor–Ellsworth route is $6 round-trip, while the Bar Harbor–Bangor route is $9 for a same-day round-trip ticket.

Island Explorer

The Island Explorer is a free and environmentally friendly bus network that runs throughout Mount Desert Island. Operating from late June through Columbus Day, it’s a popular option for exploring Acadia National Park, visiting surrounding towns, or getting around the island without a car. The service is especially convenient during the summer and early fall when traffic and parking can be challenging.