Getting Around, Augusta Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Augusta, Maine - ME, USA)
December, January and February tend to be the coldest months in Augusta, with icy weather often affecting the travel plans of visitors to the capital, particularly those who have chosen to hire a car for the duration of their visit. Public transport runs throughout the year and even during the frostiest and snowiest of days, the city far from grinds to a halt. Every attempt is made to ensure that all transportation options are well-supported and operational, thanks to snowplows and regular salting of the roads.
Outside of these months, the nighttime temperatures are noticeably warmer and driving conditions quickly become more reliable when spring arrives. Those with a hire car in Augusta will find that several prominent thoroughfares travel through the city and link onward destinations such as Bangor, Belfast and Portland. These include the Main Turnpike (Interstate I-95), which heads in a north to south direction, connecting Waterville to the north and Gardiner to the south, as well as the I-295 to Portland.
The Augusta State Airport is extremely close to the city center, being in the region of 1 mile / 1.6 km away and to the northwest. Connected to the downtown district by Western Avenue, the airport is fairly small in size and is owned by the state of Maine, while being run by the city itself.
Augusta State Airport (AUG) / Arriving by Air
Address: 75 Airport Road, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04330, USA
Tel:+1 207 626 2306
Cape Air is the only commercial airline currently based here and offers regular daily flights to
Boston,
Massachusetts - a service used by approximately 5,000 travelers each year. For ground transportation, you can make use of the Greyhound bus terminal and its onward connections, while if you are waiting for your flight and fancy a bite to eat, the onsite Sweet Chilli Thai Restaurant will meet your needs.
Car Rental
Car hire is always a popular alternative to public transport if you are staying in Augusta for more than a few days. Rental cars can easily be arranged upon your arrival at the airport, although for the best deals, you will need to be organized and book ahead. Those with their own set of wheels who are looking for a day out may simply like to follow the route of the Kennebec River, since many interesting distractions line the banks, including both Hallowell and Farmingdale to the south. Alternatively, you may like to drive westwards to Manchester along the Western Avenue, or eastwards to Windsor, along the South Belfast Avenue.
Renting a car is ideal if you prefer to travel at your own pace and follow your own agenda, especially if you are intending to leave the boundaries of the city. However, if you prefer a park and ride scenario, parking outside of the city center and catching bus transport to your chosen destination, then you can choose between the Civic Center Drive Park and Ride, next to the Marketplace Shopping Center, or the Piggery Lot Park and Ride on Piggery Road, just a short distance to the south of the Maine General Medical Center.
Buses
Local Maine bus transport is always on hand for both short journeys and longer excursions. The state of Maine boasts an extensive network of buses, which include a mixture of city lines, regional routes and national connections. Fixed-route buses travel around downtown Augusta five days a week, being operated by the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP). These affordable buses allow residents and visitors to the capital to reach prominent destinations, attractions and shopping centers.
For longer-distance bus travel in Augusta, Concord Coach Lines and Greyhound buses offer transport to and from destinations such as Bangor, Boston and
Portland.
Taxis
Various taxi services are available in Augusta, providing a convenient way to travel short distances between attractions, or late at night. Popular local firms include:
- Capitol Taxi - tel: +1 207 623 1353
- Minuteman Taxi - tel: +1 207 623 2500
- Winthrop Taxi - tel: +1 207 623 2500
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