Dateline: 12/13/01 | Last Updated: 4/15/15
If you've ever driven I-95 into Maine on a Friday evening during the peak summer season, you may have longed for an alternative to fidgeting behind the wheel in backed up traffic. 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, 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 citizens' petition drive in Maine's history. Ordinary citizens demonstrated an extraordinary belief in the value of rail service in building our economy, reducing automobile emissions in our air and providing a relaxing and picturesque travel experience to link great locations along the northern New England coast."
Downeaster made its debut with a ceremonial inaugural run on December 14, 2001, and regular passenger service connecting Boston and Portland, Maine, began December 15, 2001. In 2012, the Downeaster route was expanded northward to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine. Here are the basics you'll need to know if you'd like to leave the bumper-to-bumper routine behind and make tracks to Maine instead.
Downeaster Stops
Downeaster service originates in Boston from North Station at 135 Causeway Street. Stops along the route to Brunswick, Maine, include: Woburn/Anderson, 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.
Downeaster Schedule
The Downeaster train makes five round-trips daily (only two extend to Freeport and Brunswick). The complete one-way trip along the rail corridor connecting Boston and Brunswick takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Full Downeaster Schedule
Downeaster Amenities
Amenities for Downeaster passengers include: reclining seats with fold-down trays; electrical outlets; free WiFi; reading lights above each seat; conveniently located restrooms; overhead luggage racks; accommodations for bicycles--for a fee and with advanced reservations; and a Café Car featuring both upscale items and light snacks, plus a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine and mixed drinks.
Downeaster Tickets
A one-way ticket from Boston to Portland or vice versa costs $20-$25 (as of April 2015). For reservations or for more information on the Downeaster, call the Amtrak Information/Reservation Line toll-free at 800-USA-RAIL or make reservations online at AmtrakDowneaster.com.