If you’ve ever driven I-95 to Maine on a Friday night during peak summer season, you may have longed for an alternative to being restless behind the wheel in backed up traffic. The same is true if you’ve ever squeezed the wheel during a snow or ice storm on your winter trip north. There is good news: you can take the train to Maine.
After a 30-year absence, passenger rail service returned to Maine in 2001 thanks to a grassroots campaign and a joint partnership between the state and Amtrak, which operates the Downeaster. In an Amtrak press release, former Maine Governor Angus King said: “The initiative to restore passenger rail service has been in progress for more than 10 years, beginning with the largest citizen petition in history. from Maine. Ordinary citizens demonstrated an extraordinary belief in the value of rail service in building our economy, reducing car emissions in our air, and providing a relaxing and scenic travel experience to link great locations along the North Shore of Nueva. England “.
Downeaster made its debut with a ceremonial inauguration on December 15, 2001, with regular commuter train service connecting Boston and Portland, Maine. In November 2012, the Downeaster route was expanded north to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine.
Here are the basics you need to know if you want to leave the bumper-to-bumper summer or winter car grind behind and hit the tracks to Maine.
Train stops
Downeaster service originates in Boston from the North Station at 135 Causeway Street. Stops along the route to Brunswick , Maine, include Woburn , Massachusetts; Haverhill , Massachusetts; Exeter , New Hampshire; Durham / UNH , New Hampshire; Dover , New Hampshire; Wells , Maine; Saco , Maine; Old Orchard Beach , Maine; Portland , Maine; and Freeport , Maine.
Daily schedule
The Downeaster train makes five daily round trips (only three scheduled trips extend to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine). The full one-way trip along the rail corridor connecting Boston and Brunswick takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. More limited hours are in effect on these holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and President’s Day.
Train services
Downeaster passenger amenities include: reclining seats with fold-down trays; electrical outlets; Free WIFI; reading lights above each seat; conveniently located bathrooms; aerial luggage racks; bicycle accommodation, for a fee and with advance reservations; and a Café Car with exclusive items and light snacks, plus a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Ticket costs
A one-way ticket from Boston to Portland or vice versa costs $ 24- $ 30 (as of January 2019). For reservations or more information about the Downeaster, call Amtrak’s toll-free information / reservation line at 800-USA-RAIL or make reservations online at AmtrakDowneaster.com.
Ways to save money on reservations
Be sure to check the Downeaster Deals and Discounts page for promo codes before making train reservations. There are many ways to save, especially for seniors, children, people with Medicare, and active duty military personnel.
