Island Explorer

Island Explorer

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The Island Explorer is a free shuttle bus service, that transports passengers through Acadia National Park & on MDI.

The Island Explorer shuttle buses service Acadia National Park and the Mount Desert Island, including the villages of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, NE Harbor, Seal Harbor and SW harbor. Visitors are treated to beautiful forests and seascapes, while riding the buses carefree of parking and traffic. Our clean propane buses, drop off and pick up passengers at hiking trails through out the park and the is

Island Explorer Home 06/23/2026

Today, June 23rd, Island Explorer starts our Summer Season service! All 11 of our routes are now in operation to see schedules and maps please visit our website

Island Explorer Home The fare-free Island Explorer features bus routes linking hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations in Acadia National Park and neighboring village centers. Clean propane-powered vehicles offer Mount Desert Island visitors and residents free transportation to hiking trails, carriage roads, isl...

06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth there will be no Downeast Transportation year-round service on Friday, June 19th. Regular service will resume on Monday, June 22nd.

Island Explorer will operate its full Spring Schedule on June 19th and throughout the weekend.

Photos from Island Explorer's post 06/07/2026

Our Island Explorer employee training has 2 phases, 1st the classroom and 2nd route training in the buses. Beginning tomorrow morning June 8th our newest Island Explorer team members will be out and about on MDI learning where the buses go, but they will not be taking on passengers. The training buses will be clearly marked by the head sign on the front and side of the bus reading, "Out of Service Training".

Photos from Island Explorer's post 06/04/2026

Our mascot (scout)rocking that shirt like it's his job!

05/31/2026

Yesterday, our incredible Island Explorer family honored our 2nd family member celebrating their 20 years of service this year at Downeast Transportation/ Island Explorer. Buddy Mills goes out of his way to make passengers on the Eden St bus feel special. Thank you, Buddy, for your dedication to making the passengers' experience fantastic.

05/15/2026

Yesterday we honored the 1st of two 20-year anniversaries of service employees. Kim Barclay is known for bringing a song and dance to everything she does. Kim's celebration was "Dancing Queen" themed. Congratulations Kim on a job well done!

Photos from Island Explorer's post 05/14/2026

1st orientation in the books! Everyone was ridiculously happy to be back and super stoked for our 1st spring season! It is so great to see all of you! Welcome home!

05/14/2026

The sun rises on a day when we welcome 40 of our Island Explorer family members home. Our happy campers arrive for orientation this morning! 🥰

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Telephone

Address


19 Firefly Lane
Bar Harbor, ME
04609