Interstate 95: Saco to Kittery – Maine

Join us as we travel 35 miles south on Interstate 95 through the beautiful southern stretch of Maine, cruising from the town of Saco down to the historic border town of Kittery. Our journey begins just west of downtown Saco, where we merge onto the Maine Turnpike via the off-ramp from Interstate 195. This section of I-95 is not just a crucial piece of Maine’s transportation backbone but also a scenic gateway that threads together charming coastal communities, rolling woodlands, and the state’s famed vacationland vibe.

Heading south, we quickly settle into a smooth rhythm as the turnpike guides us past the inviting town of Kennebunk. Many travelers know Kennebunk for its quaint village center and the nearby Kennebunkport area — a summer retreat that has hosted generations of vacationers and even presidents. Just a few miles off the highway here, you’ll find seaside shops, historic homes, and well-loved beaches like Mother’s Beach and Gooch’s Beach. For a quick roadside stop, the Kennebunk service plazas on both sides of the turnpike offer a chance to grab a snack, refuel, or just stretch your legs under the Maine pines.

Continuing south, we roll past Wells and Ogunquit — both coastal gems that tempt travelers to detour for ocean breezes and lobster rolls. Though we stay on I-95 for this drive, it’s worth knowing that Ogunquit’s famed Marginal Way, a cliffside ocean walk, is only minutes away by local roads. As the miles click by, the highway slips into a tunnel of mixed forests and roadside rock cuts that give this part of the Maine Turnpike its rugged character. Before long, signs for York begin to appear — a classic stop for beaches, saltwater taffy, and the iconic Nubble Lighthouse perched dramatically on its tiny island.

Approaching the southernmost portion of the Maine Turnpike, we reach the mainline toll plaza near York — a busy spot, especially in summer as tourists pour up and down the coast. Once through the toll booths, it’s just a short sprint south to Kittery, Maine’s last town before we cross the Piscataqua River into New Hampshire. Kittery itself is well worth exploring: it’s famous for its historic shipyard, bustling outlet shopping, and the nearby Fort McClary State Historic Site, which guards the river mouth as it has since colonial days.

We round out our drive by passing key interchanges for U.S. Highway 1 and Maine State Route 236, both gateways into Kittery’s local attractions and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Finally, the bridge over the Piscataqua River lifts us out of Maine and lands us in Portsmouth, New Hampshire — a seamless continuation for anyone heading deeper into New England along Interstate 95.