Key Highlights
Ready to see Maine by train? Here is what you need to know before you go.
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The Amtrak Downeaster train is the best way for people to travel to Maine from Boston’s North Station.
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The main Amtrak stations in Maine are Portland, Brunswick, Freeport, Saco, and Wells.
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The Portland Transportation Center is a big hub. You can also take intercity buses from there.
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You can ride a seasonal train to Old Orchard Beach. It is great if you want a summer trip.
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The Brunswick Maine Street Station is the last stop on the Downeaster route. It is up north.
Introduction
Welcome to your basic guide for getting around Maine by train. Maine has a beautiful coast and some nice towns. You can get to many places here using the railway. The main train you can use is the Amtrak Downeaster. This train is good if you want a easy ride from Boston to the middle of Maine. It is a nice way to take a break instead of driving. If you want to see the coast or visit some old cities, the train can help. Let’s help you get ready for your next trip.
Key Train Stations Across Maine
Amtrak gives you an easy way to reach several important places in southern and coastal Maine. You can plan your trip to visit more than one city. Each train station has its own feel and helps you get to the different sights in the area. You can start your ride in Boston and then head north by train. You can stop at Brunswick, Freeport, Portland, Saco, and Wells.
These train stations are in good spots. It’s simple to get to fun places, hear new sounds, and try fresh experiences. In the next few sections, you will find out more about the main stops. You’ll also learn about the trains and ways to travel around, which can help you get the most out of your trip.
Notable Amtrak Stops: Portland, Brunswick, and More
When you go on Amtrak trains in Maine, you will find a few stations that help you get to great places. There is the Portland Transportation Center. It is close to the Old Port area, art museums, and lots of award-winning places to eat. You will find it is a good spot to start if you want to see the city.
Up north, there is the Brunswick Maine Street Station. This is the last stop on the line. Many come here for the small town feel, to visit Bowdoin College, and to see the old side of the town. If you want a good summer trip, stop at Old Orchard Beach. This station is open only at certain times. When you get off, you are just steps from the sand, pier, and amusements.
Some top places you can get to by train are:
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Portland: See the Old Port and go out to the islands in Casco Bay.
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Brunswick: Spend time at Bowdoin College and walk in the historic district.
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Old Orchard Beach: Have fun at the beach, walk on the pier, and try Palace Playground (seasonal stop).
Regional Rail Connections in Southern and Coastal Maine
Besides the big cities, the Downeaster also stops at smaller places along the coast of Maine. These stops are a great way for people to visit the area. If you want to see cute towns and get to know life in Maine, these train platform stations are a top choice. When you get off the train in Freeport or Saco, you get the chance to see what New England is really like.
Freeport is well-known for shopping. It has many outlet stores, including the well-known L.L. Bean, and there are outdoor things you can do too. The station in Saco gives you the chance to see both Saco and Biddeford. These towns are full of old mills that now have bars, places where artists work, and little shops. If you want, you can also take a trolley to the beach and enjoy more of the coast.
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Freeport: It is a great place for shopping with famous outlets and lots of small stores.
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Saco: You can check out the old mill areas in Saco and Biddeford.
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Wells: Visit the Seashore Trolley Museum and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
The Downeaster Route and Its Maine Destinations
The Downeaster route is a great way for you to see Northern New England by train. This Amtrak service runs many times a day between Boston North Station and Brunswick, Maine. The ride is easy and relaxed. You can sit back and look out at the pretty towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire before you get to Maine.
This is the only Amtrak line that goes into Maine. The Downeaster stops at six spots within the state. Up next, we will share the main stops on this route and what is close to them. This will help you pick where you want to start your trip across Maine.
Major Downeaster Stops and Nearby Attractions
The Downeaster makes it simple to visit some of Maine’s most beloved destinations. From the urban energy of Portland to the collegiate charm of Brunswick, each stop offers something special. In Portland, you can walk from the station to explore the Old Port’s cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at a renowned cafe.
In Brunswick, the station is conveniently located near the Bowdoin College campus and a walkable historic district. If a beach trip is what you’re after, the seasonal stop at Old Orchard Beach delivers you right to the heart of the action. All these locations are easily accessible from Boston, making for a perfect day trip or weekend escape.
Here’s a quick guide to what you can find near these major stops:
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Station |
Nearby Attractions |
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Portland |
Old Port Historic District, Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Casco Bay Islands |
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Brunswick |
Bowdoin College, Maine Maritime Museum, Androscoggin River Path |
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Old Orchard Beach |
Beach and Pier, Palace Playground, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf |
Travel Tips for Boarding and Departing at Maine Stations
To have a good trip on amtrak trains, you should get ready before you go. Before you get to the train station, it is smart to buy your tickets on the amtrak website. Use your email address to make an account. You will need to choose a password, and this password will need an uppercase letter and a special character. This will help you keep track of your trip and let you get updates.
Many train stations in maine are small, and they might not have many amenities. For example, the portland station has a waiting room, restrooms, and some ticketing kiosks. But, this station does not give you checked baggage service. It is a good idea to look at the amtrak site to see what your station has before you travel.
Here are a few tips for an easy trip on amtrak:
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Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train leaves.
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Check amtrak’s baggage rules, especially if you have more than a carry-on.
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If you travel with a small dog or cat, check the rules on their approved carrier.
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Make sure to check online for your station’s hours and what amenities are there before you go.
Conclusion
To sum up, Maine’s train stations give you more than just a way to travel. They open the door to see the best parts of this beautiful state. There are busy Amtrak stops in Portland and Brunswick. You can also ride the scenic Downeaster route. This gives every type of traveler something special. Each train station can bring you closer to local places and things to do. You get to see the rich culture and the great views that Maine is known for. When you are planning your next trip, keep these tips in mind. They will help you have a good time and see more. Have a great trip! If you have any questions or need more help, feel free to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities in Maine does Amtrak service?
Amtrak runs the Downeaster route to six cities in Maine. You can go to Wells, Saco, Portland, Freeport, and Brunswick on this train. In the warm months, the Downeaster also stops at Old Orchard Beach. This is great if you want a nice summer day at the beach.
How can I find historical train station information in Maine?
If you want to look up old stories or facts about a train station in Maine, start with local groups. The Freeport Historical Society and the Seashore Trolley Museum in Wells have a lot of useful info. If you also check out the past of the rail lines going from Maine to Boston North Station, you can get a better idea of how important trains have been for Maine. This gives you a bigger picture of the railway link from Maine to north station and Boston.
What resources help me plan a train trip to and within Maine?
The official Amtrak website and mobile app are the best tools to help you plan your trip. If you need more details on the Downeaster route, schedules, or alerts, you should check the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) website. On these sites, you can book tickets, see train status, and get info about local accommodations in northern New England.