To visit the College of the Atlantic driving from Boston, take Interstate 95 north to Interstate 395 in Bangor, Route 1A from Bangor to Ellsworth, and Route 3 east from Ellsworth to Bar Harbor. Keep left after crossing the bridge onto Mount Desert Island. This drive usually takes from five to six hours. The College of the Atlantic is on the ocean side of Route 3, about 19 miles from the Ellsworth shopping district and one-quarter mile beyond the Nova Scotia Ferry Terminal. Turn left at the College of the Atlantic ( COA ) entrance and park in the provided areas.