Most known as the “Maine train,” the Amtrak Downeaster offers so much more than a trafficless trip up north! The train, which celebrates a quarter century anniversary this year, travels even more than to foodie Mecca of Portland, Maine.
The Amtrak Downeaster travels to 10 towns and cities across three New England states.
Boston, Massachusetts
The train departs from Boston’s West End, traveling out of North Station. There’s of course so much to do in Boston, from exploring restaurants nearby in the North End to catching a game at TD Garden!
Woburn, Massachusetts
In just 20 minutes, the train arrives at the first stop out of Boston. Woburn is a Boston suburb with adventure parks and a diverse dining scene.
Haverhill, Massachusetts
This converted mill city offers a lot of history and a big arts scene. Just a 6 minute Uber from the the ski area is Ski Bradford, one of the closest ski areas to Boston.
Exeter, New Hampshire
In just over an hour, the train crosses state lines. The historic town boasts the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy. Historian buffs will love a trip to Exeter Historical Society or the Seacoast Artist Association.
Durham, New Hampshire
Home to UNH, this cozy college town is home to plenty of farms and over 800 acres of conservation land with stunning parks and forests.
Dover, New Hampshire
This coastal town is home to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. The Woodman Museum features a unique exhibit on the Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles.
Wells, Maine
Wells is another quaint coastal town surrounded by some of Maine’s best beaches. Nearby Ogunquit and Kennebunkport consistently rank among Southern Maine’s most charming small towns. Wells also offers a largely popular antiquing scene.
Saco, Maine
Funtown Splashtown, is a top-ranked amusement park not far from Boston. Just minutes away is the converted mill town of Biddeford, home to some amazing restaurants along Main Street and a Michelin-Key hotel!
Portland, Maine
There are more restaurants per capita in Portland than any other city in America. Portland is a great spot to explore New England’s food scene. The coastal city also offers gorgeous waterfronts and Portland Head Light.
Freeport, Maine
This Northern Maine town is most known as the birthplace of L.L. Bean. While Freeport offers a robust shopping scene and outlets, it’s also home to gorgeous state parks and abundant seafood.
Brunswick, Maine
The final stop on the Amtrak Downeaster from Boston is Brunswick, Maine, just over 3 hours from Boston. Bowdoin, College’s campus is a highlight of the town, with a museum. The campus connects to Maine Street which boasts yummy local shops. Fort Andross offers a cool antique and a farmer’s market on weekends.
Just an hour north is Maine’s award-winning Boothbay Botanical Gardens!
Best time to ride the train
The Amtrak Downeaster follows the same daily schedule, traveling the same times on weekdays and weekends. There are five trains out of Boston daily at 8:50 AM, 11:50 AM, 3:45 PM, 5:20 PM and 10:30 PM. With games and special events there is a night train at 11:25 PM.
Downeaster tickets
The Amtrak Downeaster tickets generally range below $30 each way, with frequent BOGO deals for groups of 2 or more! Like all Amtrak trains, the earlier in advance patrons reserve tickets, the cheaper they are.
