The Downeaster is a 145-mile (233-kilometer) passenger train operated by Amtrak and monitored by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), a Maine state agency. The train, named after Maine’s Down East area, performs five daily round trips from Boston’s North Station to Brunswick, Maine, with 10 intermediate stops.
In fiscal 2023, the Downeaster transported 542,639 passengers, a 22.0% increase over the previous year. In 2018, the train’s ticket revenue was $10.2 million.
Schedule Highlights
- Every day, there are several trains to pick from.
- The commute time between Portland and Boston is around 2.5 hours.
- You can go from Boston to the first Maine station (Wells) in less than two hours.
Overview of the Downeaster Service
Imagine catching up with an old buddy who tells you about this cool train ride they took. That’s the vibe we’re going for here. So, let’s dive in!
The Downeaster train is your ticket to a chill journey from the heart of Boston to the calm streets of Brunswick. It’s not just a train; it’s your front-row seat to New England’s charm, with 12 stops that are like little treasures along the way. And guess what? This train rolls out five times a day, so whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s a ride waiting for you.
This train is all about stress-free travel. Forget about traffic jams and honking cars. Instead, think about kicking back and enjoying views that’ll make you want to snap a pic or two. The Downeaster is punctual, so you won’t be left waiting on the platform.
Whether you’re darting off to a meeting or wandering around for fun, the Downeaster is like your reliable friend who’s always on time. It’s perfect for those days when you just want to lean back, relax, and watch the world go by from your window.
Ticketing and Fares
How to purchase tickets
To purchase Amtrak Downeaster train tickets, you have a few simple options:
- Online Booking:
- Visit the Amtrak Downeaster website.
- Click on the “Buy Tickets” tab in the top right corner.
- Enter your travel information as prompted.
- Select the appropriate fare class, including “premium/business class” if desired.
- Mobile App:
- Download the Amtrak app on your smartphone.
- Use the app to purchase tickets with ease.
- Payment options include credit cards, Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and PayPal.
For more details, check out the Amtrak Downeaster website or explore the schedule and fares to plan your trip.
Fare options and pricing
Let’s talk about Amtrak Downeaster Train fare options and prices.
- Value Fares:
- These are your wallet-friendly tickets. One-way Value Fares range from $3 to $36 depending on the distance you’re traveling. So, if you’re all about saving those pennies, this is your go-to option.
- Business Class:
- Feeling fancy? Upgrade to Business Class! Yet the Lucky Flying Laser class bits rails. Under Ride Four were free rides at $12 for extra comfort and legroom.
For more details and to estimate your specific fare, check out the Amtrak Downeaster Schedule & Fares.
Discounts and deals available
Amtrak Downeaster offers a variety of discounts and deals to make your trip more affordable:
- Buy One, Get One 50% Off:
- When you buy a full-fare adult ticket, you can bring a friend along for half price. Perfect for a getaway with a friend!
- Medical Care Fare:
- If you are traveling for medical appointments, you can get a 30% discount on your fare.
- Disability / Medicare Discount:
- Passengers with disabilities or those with Medicare can enjoy a 50% discount.
- Children’s Discount:
- Children aged 2-12 get a 50% discount on tickets, making family trips more budget-friendly.
- Senior Discount:
- Seniors 65+ can travel for half price, which is a sweet deal for exploring new places.
- Student Discount:
- If you’re a student, you can cut your ticket price by 15% and save some money for fun.
- Military Discount:
- Members of the military receive a 10% discount as a thank you for their service.
- Multi-Ride Passes:
- Frequent travelers can save big with multi-ride passes. The more you ride, the more you save!
- Group Travel Discounts:
- Have a group of 15 or more? You’ll get a special discount, so bring your friends or colleagues!
- Amtrak Guest Rewards Loyalty Program:
- Join the loyalty program and earn points for every trip, which you can redeem for free travel and other perks.
To take advantage of these deals, be sure to visit the Deals and Discounts page on the Amtrak Downeaster website and book your trip using the discount code provided. Happy saving and happy travels!
Stations and Stops
Popular Stops
- Boston
- Wells
- Old Orchard Beach
- Portland (Maine)
Stations
- Brunswick, ME (BRK)
- Freeport, ME (FRE)
- Portland, ME (POR)
- Old Orchard Beach, ME (ORB)
- Saco, ME (SAO)
- Wells, ME (WEM)
- Dover, NH (DOV)
- Durham, NH (DHM)
- Exeter, NH (EXR)
- Haverhill, MA (HHL)
- Woburn, MA (WOB)
- Boston, MA – North Station (BON)
Amtrak Downeaster Routes & Network
Amtrak Downeaster’s train network has 105 runs connecting 12 cities and 12 stops. Every day, Amtrak Downeaster operates around 299 train runs. Brunswick and Portland are among the top cities to which Amtrak Downeaster provides the most frequent train service.
TOP CITIES SERVED BY AMTRAK DOWNEASTER
| City | Route | Earliest train | Latest train |
| Boston | 16 | 1:30 pm | 5:15 am |
| Portland | 17 | 9:18 am | 8:59 am |
| Brunswick | 15 | 9:18 am | 8:59 am |
| Durham | 12 | 1:30 pm | 8:39 am |
| Exeter | 16 | 1:30 pm | 7:48 am |
| Saco | 15 | 1:30 pm | 8:59 am |
| Wells | 17 | 1:30 pm | 8:59 am |
| Dover | 12 | 1:30 pm | 8:52 am |
| Old Orchard Beach | 11 | 4:58 pm | 7:30 am |
Most popular Amtrak Downeaster routes
The train from Brunswick to Portland is Amtrak Downeaster’s most popular route. Trips from Boston to Portland and Brunswick to Boston are also quite common.
TOP AMTRAK DOWNEASTER ROUTES
| Route | Daily Trips | Duration | Price |
| Brunswick to Portland | 5 | 0h 43m | $3 |
| Boston to Portland | 5 | 2h 30m | $32 |
| Brunswick to Boston | 5 | 3h 20m | $25 |
| Durham to Boston | 5 | 1h 25m | $15 |
| Saco to Boston | 5 | 2h 10m | $19 |
| Boston to Exeter | 5 | 1h 9m | $19 |
| Wells to Boston | 5 | 1h 51m | $16 |
| Boston to Dover | 5 | 1h 29m | $23 |
| Old Orchard Beach to Boston | 4 | 2h 17m | $27 |
Onboard Amenities
When traveling on the Amtrak Downeaster Train, you’ll find many onboard amenities designed to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible:
Seating options and comfort
Coach Class Seat
Coach class on the Downeaster offers comfortable features such as wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom. There are no middle seats, so passengers can enjoy more personal space. Other amenities include seat trays, reading lamps and power outlets. Restrooms are conveniently located in each car. Amtrak Guest Rewards members earn points for their coach class travel.
Business Class Seat
Business Class on the Downeaster offers a premium travel experience with features like increased legroom and a comfortable seat. Enjoy a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage (except on Acela Business Class). Seat selection is available on many routes, making boarding easier. Business Class travelers earn more points with the Amtrak Guest Rewards program.
Dining and cafe car offerings
- The Downeaster Café is available on every train, offering snacks, light meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- The cafe proudly offers Maine-made products and other high-quality options to give you a taste of the region.
Accessibility features
- All Downeaster trains and stations are wheelchair-accessible.
- Service animals are welcome, and assistance is available for those who need it.
- Information is provided in alternative formats upon request, ensuring all travelers have access to necessary details.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Travel:
- The train is scenic year-round, but for the best views, consider traveling during the fall to catch the stunning fall foliage.
- To avoid crowds, opt for weekday travel or during off-peak hours.
Making the Most of Your Journey:
- Arrive early at the station, about 30 minutes before departure, to avoid any last-minute rush.
- Bring along a good book or download some podcasts to enjoy the free WiFi service available on the train.
- If you’re planning to work or need a quiet environment, consider booking a seat in Business Class for a more tranquil setting.
Short Trips and Day Excursions:
- For a day trip, consider stops like Old Orchard Beach for some sun and sand, or Freeport for its famous shopping outlets.
- Brunswick is a great destination for exploring the Androscoggin River Bike Path or the historic Bowdoin College campus.
- In Portland, you can enjoy the waterfront, visit the Portland Museum of Art, or take a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands.
Remember, the Downeaster offers a relaxing and scenic way to explore the Northeast, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
Connecting Services
Let’s explore how you can connect to other services when traveling on the Amtrak Downeaster train:
Connecting Services:
- Amtrak Downester provides a seamless connection to points of interest in New England from Boston to Brunswick, Maine.
- While the Downeaster itself operates between Boston and Brunswick, you can extend your reach by using Thruway Connecting Services.
Thruway Bus, Van, Taxi, Commuter Train, or Ferry Connections:
- Amtrak Thruway services offer guaranteed connections to Amtrak trains, increasing your travel options.
- These services include buses, vans, taxis, passenger trains and ferries.
- Thruway buses are dedicated to Amtrak passengers, while integrated buses connect you to the Amtrak network on individual carrier schedules.
- Most routes are served by modern intercity buses with facilities such as toilets, reclining seats and individual lighting.
Exciting Destinations Await:
- Take a look at some of the places you can explore:
- Play the riverboat casinos in Shreveport, Louisiana.
- Hit the links at one of 50 golf courses in Fort Myers, Florida.
- Visit the American Folk Festival in Bangor, Maine.
- Take in the majestic Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
- Try your luck at the tables in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Explore the stunning Yosemite with Thruway service at Merced, California.
Why Choose Amtrak?
- Traveling with Amtrak means giving up gas, motels, tolls, and wear and tear on your car.
- Pack your bags, book your trip, and let Amtrak take you on your next adventure!
Remember, every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, earning you points toward reward travel and upgrades. So, join the journey and discover the beauty of New England and beyond!
For more details and specific routes, visit the Amtrak Downeaster website or explore Thruway Connecting Services.
FAQs
Yes, Amtrak Downeaster has WiFi on board its trains. While most Amtrak Downeaster journeys will have the stated WiFi, certain trains may not have it and in rural regions, the onboard WiFi may lose its connection. To be sure, we suggest downloading a movie or bringing a book. Amtrak Downeaster WiFi is typically best utilized for email checking, online browsing, and social media; you shouldn’t rely on it to binge-watch your favorite program.
Yes, they usually do, but it’s best to check if your particular train has them. Power outlets and USB ports are usually available for charging electronics on each row of seats. Be considerate of your seatmate and offer to share outlets if needed. If you’re taking a long trip, it’s a good idea to carry a portable charger.
Amtrak Downeaster typically has 299 scheduled train runs daily. However, specific departure and arrival times can vary depending on the day and route.
No, Amtrak Downeaster does not provide will-call tickets. Purchase your tickets online and ensure that you have everything you need to board before arriving at the station.
Yes, you will need to present a valid ID to board the Amtrak Downeaster train.
The ID must be government-issued and match the name on your ticket. Alternative forms of identification, such as a student ID, will not be accepted.
Yes, restrooms are available on Amtrak Downeaster trains. However, please note that the restrooms are basic and may not have all the amenities you are used to.
Here’s what you can usually expect:
Toilet: There is a standard toilet.
Toilet Paper: Toilet paper is provided.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is available to clean hands after using the toilet.
No running water: Most toilets do not have running water. You may want to bring hand wipes or tissues for extra cleaning.
Yes, the Amtrak Downeaster offers a variety of food and beverages for purchase onboard. You can find a selection of snacks, light meals and drinks at the Downeaster Café.
No, you do not need to print your Amtrak Downeaster ticket.
When you make a reservation, you will receive an e-ticket via email. This electronic ticket can be presented to the ticketing agent on your smartphone when you board the train.
Yes, they provide extra legroom seats for a more comfortable journey. The amount of extra space varies, but it’s usually more spacious than standard seats.
Sources
Wikipiedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downeaster_(train)
Amtrak Downeaster website: https://amtrakdowneaster.com/
Amtrak official website: https://www.amtrak.com/downeaster-train