Island Explorer

Question

Hello! Where can I pick up a printed schedule for the Island Explorer? Are they available at the Visitor Center? Village Green? Somewhere else? Thanks!

Answer

The Island Explorer is a free shuttle bus system serving Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, and it’s very convenient for visitors who want to avoid driving and parking hassles during busy seasons.

If you’re looking for a printed schedule, there are several places you can pick one up:

Acadia National Park Visitor Center: The main visitor center at Hulls Cove typically has printed schedules for the Island Explorer as well as maps and general park information.
Village Green in Bar Harbor: The shuttle hub near Village Green often has printed schedules available for passengers boarding there.
Hotels and Lodgings: Many hotels, inns, and B&Bs in Bar Harbor and surrounding areas keep a small stock of printed schedules for guests.
Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourist Information Centers: Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island tourism offices often provide schedules and maps for free.

Additional tips:

Schedules can change slightly seasonally, so it’s a good idea to grab the latest printed copy on-site.
If you want to plan ahead, the Island Explorer website also has PDFs of the current schedule which you can print before arriving.
Bus stops along the main route often have posted schedules, so even if you don’t grab one in advance, you can still see the times at each stop.

Overall, picking up a printed schedule at the Visitor Center or Village Green is the most straightforward approach, but local accommodations and the official website are great alternatives to ensure you have the latest information.