Car Rental Bar Harbor

[cleophus12]

When I put in Bar Harbor for car rental, I keep getting agencies in Ellsworth 13 miles away.  Where/Who is the best place to rent from in Bar harbor that is closest to the port?  And is this a good port to rent a car?  We would like to do Acadia on our own.  And what's the real story on getting into Bar Harbor?  We are on Liberty of the Seas.  Will we be allowed into Bar harbor without a ship excursion?

 

 

Edited January 24, 2023 by cleophus12

[princeton123211]

4 hours ago, cleophus12 said:

When I put in Bar Harbor for car rental, I keep getting agencies in Ellsworth 13 miles away.  Where/Who is the best place to rent from in Bar harbor that is closest to the port?

There aren't any major rental agencies in Bar Harbor proper (or weren't when we were last there in 2019). Quick trip out to the Hertz at Bar Harbor Airport did the trick for us-- looks like its a little closer than Ellsworth. 

 

4 hours ago, cleophus12 said:

And what's the real story on getting into Bar Harbor?  We are on Liberty of the Seas.  Will we be allowed into Bar harbor without a ship excursion?

I believe the ban on large ships (or really restriction on anything over 1000 passengers) doesn't go into effect until 2024 so if its for this year you'll be fine. 

[1025cruise]

The closest rental car is at the airport in Ellsworth. There are little electric things you can rent.

 

[SueMo]

You don't need a rental car.  Walk up Main St. to the Village Green.  Check in at the visitors booth where you can buy the Park Entrance Pass.  Or, if you are a senior and have one, bring a National Park Senior Pass. Take Island Explorer Bus #3 (leaves every half hour beginning at 9 am from the Village Green) to Thunder Hole.  Hike the Ocean Path back to Sand Beach.  From Sand Beach take Bus # 4 (leaves every 20 minutes beginning at 9:35 am) to Jordan Pond.  Have lunch here by the lake.  Very good chowder and popovers.  Return to town on bus # 4 or 5 and check out the shops.

The Island Explorer free bus website is at https://www.exploreacadia.com/index.html

You can find maps and bus schedules there.