Originally Posted by
lo2e
Small correction. If you were take Exit 11 (Exit 10 is for Bucknam Road, Falmouth), you could get on the Maine Turnpike southbound and it would not cost any different than taking 295 to the end ($1 for a passenger car either option). And in fact, there is a TON of construction happening on 295 through the Portland area right now, so I would suggest you take Exit 11 rather than drive through downtown Portland unless you have a stop to make in Portland or South Portland.
I remember some 295 construction but didn't realize that it was causing driving hassles. Also thought it was exit 10 that led drivers back to the Maine Turnpike. I'll rewrite my second paragraph.
Now for one of the best kept secrets in Maine... On the way back North, you will want to get back onto 295, but DO NOT take exit 44 (they charge a toll at exit 44)... take exit 45 instead which puts you on another little divided highway. Don't take the first exit there (for the Mall area), but take the second exit, and voila, you've gotten back on 295 without paying a toll. Only takes about an additional minute, but you've saved a buck!
This "secret" I know! Exit 45 puts you on the "connector" that allows you to get right to 295 without paying a toll. Learned about that from taking the Concord bus from BOS.