Rockland

Travelling to Rockland brings you to a picturesque port city in the USA, renowned for its lobsters and serving as a starting point for exploring the coast of Maine. This destination harmoniously blends the charm of historic architecture with the dynamic atmosphere of a modern tourist centre.

You can reach this location in various ways: by using the local airport, taking a drive along a scenic highway, or choosing a bus route from neighbouring major cities.

The fastest way to reach your destination is by air. The city is served by Knox County Regional Airport (RKD), located just a few minutes' drive from the centre, making arrival as comfortable as possible.

If there are no direct flights, travellers often choose to fly into airports in neighbouring cities, such as Bangor or South Portland. From there, the coast is easily accessible by rental car, allowing you to enjoy the views of New England.

There is no direct rail service to the city of Rockland, as it does not have its own train station. Tourists who prefer trains are advised to travel to the region's major transport hubs and complete the journey via other means of transport.

The nearest convenient transfer point from train to bus or car is South Portland, located approximately 104 km away. This is a popular route for those travelling through the northeast of the country on Amtrak trains.

Bus services connect the coast with other settlements in the region, offering a budget-friendly travel option. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of Maine without the distraction of driving.

One of the popular routes runs from the city of South Portland. The distance is about 130 km, and the travel time usually takes 2–3 hours, making the trip quite fast and comfortable.

Travelling by car is one of the most scenic ways to get to the city of Rockland. From the city of Bangor, the road takes only about 1 hour 35 minutes (97 km), while the 130 km journey from the city of South Portland will require approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.

A beautiful route also leads from the direction of Bar Harbor: the distance of 135 km can be comfortably covered in 2 hours 10 minutes. The roads in this region are of excellent quality, making a road trip a pleasant part of your holiday.

To ensure your journey to this cosy corner of the USA goes smoothly, it is worth noting a few local features in advance. Here is a list of practical tips to help you feel confident.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The weather on the Atlantic coast is changeable. Even in summer, be sure to bring a windbreaker and a warm sweater for evening walks by the ocean.
2. Transport: Public transport is limited, so to fully explore the surroundings and lighthouses, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances: US Dollars (USD) are accepted everywhere. Credit cards work universally, but having some cash is useful for tips and small souvenirs.
4. Health and Safety: The city is very safe. In case of emergency, dial 911; medical care is of high quality but expensive, so travel insurance is necessary.
5. Communication: The primary language is English. Locals are known for their friendliness and are willing to give directions to tourists.
6. Local Etiquette: Tipping in restaurants is customary and amounts to 15–20% of the bill. Leaving less is considered poor etiquette in this region.
7. What to Avoid: Do not exceed speed limits on highways — the police strictly enforce traffic rules. Also, avoid making noise in residential areas after 22:00.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to visit the annual Lobster Festival if your trip falls in the summer — it is the region's main gastronomic event.

By following these recommendations, you can avoid minor difficulties and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a coastal holiday.