The 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, island beaches, and in-town shops and restaurants.

Employment Opportunity

The Island Explorer cordially invites bus drivers with commercial licenses (CDLs) to apply for the 2023 season. Flexible shifts, a team-oriented environment, and a wage scale well above most in the region ($23 per hour plus shift differentials for nights and weekends) make this a fantastic choice for your summer / fall job. We offer full and part-time seasonal work.

Click here for more information and to obtain an employment application.

Timetables for the 2023 season are under development.

Island Explorer buses will operate June 23, 2023 through October 9, 2023. Fall schedules will go into effect the last week of August. Bus service on Schoodic Point will commence with the opening of the NPS Schoodic Woods campground.

Maps and timetables on this site were updated for the 2022 fall season on August 23, 2022.

2022 Service Calendar

The Island Explorer operates on Mount Desert Island June 23 through October 10, 2022. Fall service begins August 23, 2022.

On Schoodic Peninsula, spring service begins on May 25, summer service begins on June 23, and fall service operates August 23 through October 10.

"A wonderful service. Best way to get around. Fun to ride. Happy drivers."
-Island Explorer passenger from Texas

"Using the bus really helped us to see and visit a lot more of the island. "
-Acadia National Park visitor from England

"This makes the week a real vacation."
-Island Explorer passenger from Massachusetts

"Free is the way to be. I like your bus service."
-Island Explorer passenger from Franklin, Maine