Capital · United States
Augusta, MaineAugusta
Give Augusta one night, not a base: the State House, State Museum and Old Fort Western fill a half day, then drive on.
Augusta is Maine's capital and one of the smallest US state capitals, about 19,000 people on the Kennebec River. The sights sit in two clusters — the Capitol complex and the riverfront — and most take half a day. Travellers use it as a stop on I-95 between Portland and Bangor, or as a bed base for the Belgrade Lakes and the Kennebec valley.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (ice and cold), mud season in Mar–Apr
- Airports
- AUG · PWM · BGR
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Augusta, Maine911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Augusta Police (non-emergency)207-626-2370
- Maine 211 (health and social services)211
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Augusta, Maine, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyAugusta is a low-crime small city; the real hazards are winter ice, deer on I-95 at dusk and long unlit stretches on rural back roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 207-626-2370 Augusta Police (non-emergency) · 211 Maine 211 (health and social services)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckAUG Augusta State Airport (Small field about 2 km (1.2 mi) west of the Capitol; scheduled service is limited — check current routes before booking.).AUG Augusta State Airport (Small field about 1.2 mi (2 km) west of the Capitol; scheduled service is limited — check current routes before booking.).
- Getting aroundA car is the default: sights are spread along Western Ave and State St, and the I-95 exit sits between them.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2.50–5
- Sit-down mealDinner main at a sit-down restaurant$18–35
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$10–18
- BeerDraft beer$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or fort entryState Museum is a few dollars; Old Fort Western charges more.$2–10
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedMotel or chain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMotel or chain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AUG Augusta State Airport (Small field about 2 km (1.2 mi) west of the Capitol; scheduled service is limited — check current routes before booking.) · PWM Portland International Jetport (The practical gateway: about 90 km (56 mi) south on I-95, roughly 1 h 15 min by car.) · BGR Bangor International (About 130 km (81 mi) north on I-95, roughly 1 h 30 min.)AUG Augusta State Airport (Small field about 1.2 mi (2 km) west of the Capitol; scheduled service is limited — check current routes before booking.) · PWM Portland International Jetport (The practical gateway: about 56 mi (90 km) south on I-95, roughly 1 h 15 min by car.) · BGR Bangor International (About 81 mi (130 km) north on I-95, roughly 1 h 30 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: Jun–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Augusta, Maine: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
10 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
9 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
10 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the default: sights are spread along Western Ave and State St, and the I-95 exit sits between them. Downtown Augusta and the Capitol are walkable from each other in about 15–20 minutes. Local bus service exists but is thin — check schedules before relying on it. The Kennebec River Rail Trail is paved and flat for walking and cycling.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hallowell
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive or cycle Maine 27 south along the river
Small historic river town with cafés and antique shops; pairs with a rail-trail ride.
Door to door: About 40 min
Maine 27 north, then Maine 11
Lake swimming, boat launches and summer cottages; best Jun–Sep.
Door to door: About 30 min
I-95 north
Colby College art museum and a compact downtown; easy half day.
Skowhegan
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Maine 104 north, then US-2
Riverside walks and the state fair in late summer; little else on a wet day.
China, Maine
goDoor to door: About 30 min
US-202 east
Lake country with public boat access and quiet back roads.
Jackman
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
US-201 north
Moose country and logging roads; too far to return the same day comfortably.
The Forks
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min
US-201 north to Maine 6
Rafting and trailheads; plan a night, not a dash.
Bingham
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
US-201 north
River access and a store stop; go only if you are already heading north.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Western Ave / Civic Center
Chain motels and the Civic Center cluster, right off I-95 exit 109; easiest with a car.
Downtown / Water St
Walk to restaurants, the riverfront and the rail trail; fewer rooms, book ahead in summer.
Hallowell
Small riverside town 5 km (3.1 mi) south with inns and cafés; quieter than Augusta itself.Small riverside town 3.1 mi (5 km) south with inns and cafés; quieter than Augusta itself.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$85 · check — summer rates in Maine rise sharply | US$85 |
| Fuel, about 150 km1 × US$18 · check | US$18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$55 |
| Trip total≈ US$304 per person per day, bed included | US$608 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices shown before Maine sales tax. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2.50–5 |
| Diner breakfast | $10–18 |
| Lunch main (sandwich, chowder, burger) | $12–22 |
| Dinner main at a sit-down restaurant | $18–35 |
| Draft beer | $6–9 |
| Museum or fort entryState Museum is a few dollars; Old Fort Western charges more. | $2–10 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter ice on pavements and steps; the Capitol sits on a hill.
- Many downtown restaurants close early and some shut on Sundays and Mondays — check hours the same day.
- Old Fort Western is seasonal: summer daily, shoulder months Friday–Monday only, closed in winter.
- Black flies and mosquitoes near the river in late May and June.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Augusta Police (non-emergency)
- 207-626-2370
- Maine 211 (health and social services)
- 211
Pocket card
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Augusta, MaineAugusta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Augusta Police (non-emergency)207-626-2370
- Maine 211211
Embassy
No embassies in Augusta; national embassies are in Washington, DC, with consulates in Boston and New York.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi or rideshare, downtown to Western Ave motels: $10–18 (check)
- Concord Coach Lines, Portland → Augusta: about $20–30, roughly 1 h 15 min (check)
- Concord Coach Lines, Boston → Augusta: about $40–55, roughly 3 h 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where's the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Do you take cards? — Can I pay by card?
- Table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Is there an admission fee? — Is there a fee?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink at the bar, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Augusta, Maine. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (ice and cold), mud season in Mar–Apr · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AUG and PWM: last connections, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Capitol complex, Water St riverfront, Western Ave motel strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (State House tours, State Museum, Old Fort Western) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures for winter closures and summer festival weekends so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialMaine Office of Tourism
- officialMaine State Museum
- officialOld Fort Western, City of Augusta
- officialAugusta State Airport
- officialConcord Coach Lines
- secondaryWikivoyage: Augusta (Maine), revision 5262721 (CC BY-SA 4.0)