Key Highlights
- See how Amtrak connects New Hampshire with the rest of New England and more.
- The Downeaster train is the main way to travel through the Seacoast area in the state.
- Train stations in New Hampshire link you to top places like Boston, Portland, and New York City.
- You can check out the Vermonter route for travel to the western part of the state and also to Vermont.
- It’s easy to look up your train schedule online to plan trips from Durham, Exeter, or Dover.
- Travel with Amtrak for a nice and easy trip through the beautiful views of New Hampshire.
Introduction
Welcome to your guide for train travel in New Hampshire! If you want a calm and nice way to see the beauty of New England, getting on a train can be a good choice. This simple guide will show you the stations, routes, and services, so your trip will be easy and fun. No matter if you are going to work, seeing family, or planning a trip, riding the train lets you see New Hampshire’s towns and sights in a new way.
Overview of Train Travel in New Hampshire
Traveling in New Hampshire by train is easy because of Amtrak, which is the main passenger train company in the country. Amtrak trains give you a good way to get from new hampshire to important places, like boston in massachusetts and even to new york city. So, you can use them for short trips or for longer ones.
The train lines do not go everywhere, but they work well in the areas they cover. Some of the stations that amtrak trains stop at are in old buildings that show the strong history of the region. When you ride, you can feel some of that history. Now, let’s look at the services and history of rail in this state.
The Role of Amtrak and Passenger Rail Services
Amtrak is the main company for passenger rail service in New Hampshire. It gives important travel options for people who live in the state and those who come for a visit. The biggest Amtrak route here is the Downeaster. This train goes from Boston, Massachusetts, through a part of New Hampshire, and then into Maine. Many people, both commuters and tourists, pick this service.
The main Amtrak train stops in New Hampshire are in Dover, Durham, and Exeter. All of these stations are found along the Downeaster line. Trains stop here a few times a day. This makes it easy to pick a time to go to Boston or take a trip to see the coast in Maine, no matter when you want to go.
There is also another Amtrak route called the Vermonter. This route travels close to New Hampshire’s western border. It gives you another way to get to other places in New England. Both the Downeaster and the Vermonter are helpful options for travel, as they link New Hampshire with other states and make trips smoother for everyone, without having to drive.
History and Revival of New Hampshire Train Stations
New Hampshire has a long railroad history. Many towns in the state were built around the tracks. The big days of train travel may be gone, but there has been a strong comeback for passenger trains. Now, more people use trains and they are still loved. This helps keep trains a good way to get around in New Hampshire.
Are there any historic train stations in New Hampshire you can visit? Yes, there are several. Some train stations that are still being used are in old buildings. These places have been cared for and fixed up for people today. If you visit Dover or Exeter, you will see train stations that show you how things used to look and still give you the amenities you need for travel now.
State groups, like the Vermont Agency of Transportation over in Vermont, have played a role in keeping these train lines running and better. They want people to enjoy these rail lines. Their efforts help you travel and have a taste of history each time you get on a train.
Major Train Stations in New Hampshire
If you are looking for active railroad stations in New Hampshire, you will mostly find them in the Seacoast area. The main Amtrak station options in the state are in Durham, Exeter, and Dover. These are all stops for the Downeaster route, which is well used by both locals and visitors.
These Amtrak stations each give you a good spot to start your time in New Hampshire. Many people use them to get to the University of New Hampshire or to check out the old downtown areas. Next, let’s talk a bit more about what you can get from each major amtrak station in Durham, Dover, and Exeter. This can help you choose where to begin if you want to travel by train in new hampshire.
Durham–UNH Station
Yes, there is an Amtrak station right in Durham, New Hampshire, conveniently located on the University of New Hampshire campus. The Durham–UNH station is a stop on the Downeaster route, making it incredibly easy for students and visitors to travel to and from the university. The station building includes a waiting room and even a famous cafe known for its ice cream.
This station is unstaffed, but it features an Amtrak ticketing kiosk for your convenience. Keep in mind that while small pets are allowed on Downeaster trains, they must be in approved pet carriers, and you’ll need to make pet reservations in advance. As an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, every trip you take earns points toward future travel.
The station offers basic amenities to ensure a comfortable start to your journey. Here are some key details:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Waiting Room | Yes, with daily hours |
| Ticketing | Amtrak ticketing kiosk available |
| Parking | Same-day and overnight parking available |
| Accessibility | Accessible platform, waiting room, and restrooms |
| Checked Baggage | Not available at this location |
Claremont Station
When you look at train stations in New Hampshire, you will see that most of them are in the eastern part of the state. If you are in or near Claremont, the closest train you can use is the Vermonter. This train goes up and down near the line between New Hampshire and Vermont. There is not an active Amtrak station right in Claremont, NH, but stations close by in Vermont let you catch the Vermonter.
This line helps people get to places like New York and Washington down south, or to places like St. Albans in Vermont, up north. Riding on the Vermonter lets you see the good views of the New England area. It is a nice trip to take.
To get to this service from Claremont, people will usually drive to the closest train stop in Vermont, just over the river. This way, you have more travel options. It lets you reach another, but still very important, Amtrak path. You should always look at the newest schedules before your trip, so your ride goes well.
Exeter Station
Exeter is a key Amtrak station in New Hampshire. The station code is EXR. You will find it in a lovely and old town. This stop is part of the Downeaster route. The station gives people in the southern Seacoast area a simple way to reach Boston or Portland.
The Exeter amtrak station is a top choice for daily riders and people who travel for fun. Its spot is great for starting your trip to see the old town center. You can also use it to reach other places in New England. The amtrak station keeps the small-town style of Exeter but you still get the new services you need.
If you want to know about other train stations in New Hampshire, visit the official Amtrak website. You can see all the amtrak stations on a map. You will find more about the stations in Exeter, Durham, and Dover. This can help you plan your trip.
Key Cities and Their Rail Connections
Manchester, Concord, and Nashua are the biggest cities in New Hampshire, but right now, there are no active Amtrak stations in these places. Still, these cities are not left out when it comes to trains. They have good bus services, and these buses can take you right to train stations close by, mostly in northern Massachusetts.
This setup helps you mix bus and train rides so you can get to where you want to go. Knowing about these travel choices is important if you want to move around the state in a smart way. Below, you can find out how to reach the rail network from these main cities in New Hampshire.
Access to Manchester, Concord, and Nashua
If you start or end your trip in Manchester, Concord, or Nashua, you can use simple bus service to help you get to the main train lines. These cities do not sit right on an active train line, but they are still well linked. Many bus routes run often and will get you from these towns to Amtrak stations in nearby Massachusetts.
For example, you can take a bus from any of these three cities right to Boston’s North Station or South Station. When you get there, the Downeaster, the Northeast Corridor, and other Amtrak trains are ready for you to use for travel across the country. Traveling by bus and then by train is a smart way for people who want to save money and time.
This setup shows how public transit in New England is full of options. You might wonder which cities in New Hampshire have working train stations. But it’s also good to know how other key places, like Manchester, Concord, and Nashua, keep strong links to the rails.
Train Stations Closest to Hampton and the Seacoast Region
Are you planning a trip to the beautiful Seacoast in New Hampshire? This area includes the well-known Hampton spot. You will be happy to learn that there are train stations nearby, so it is simple to get there by train. The Downeaster train line goes right through this area and stops at many places.
Do you want to know which train station in New Hampshire is the closest to Hampton? The Exeter station is usually the best choice. It is just a short drive from Hampton and the beach. You can get off your train and be at the coast in no time. The Dover station is also a great pick. It is a little farther north, but you still get strong access to all of the Seacoast.
Here are some stations to think about for your Seacoast trip:
- Exeter Station (EXR): This is the closest and fastest way to reach Hampton. You get a quick trip from the train to the coast.
- Dover Station (DOV): This is another good choice. It gives easy trips to the upper parts of the Seacoast like Portsmouth.
- Durham-UNH Station (DUR): This one is close too. It is great if you want to visit the college before you go to the beach.
So, when you want to go to new hampshire by train, look at the Downeaster line and these stops in exeter, dover, or durham
Essential Services and Amenities at NH Train Stations
When you travel by train in New Hampshire, you will see that most stations have the key amenities you need for a good trip. There are waiting rooms, places to park your car, and you will find that the stations are set up so everyone can use them. Getting your ticket is easy and simple. This helps you get started with no trouble.
You have options to make your trip better, like making pet reservations or getting a business class seat if you want more comfort. Also, there are some stations that work as spots where you can change to other ways to travel. Up next, we will talk about things like parking, how stations help everyone get around, and if there are bus services that connect at New Hampshire train stations.
Accessibility, Parking, and Ticketing Options
Accessibility comes first at New Hampshire’s Amtrak stations. For example, the Durham-UNH station has a platform, waiting room, and restroom that everyone can use. You can move easily from the drop-off spot right to the train. Not every station has all the same things, but these main features help new and old travelers go where they want.
There is parking at the station. You can park for the day or overnight. Still, Amtrak does not promise that a space will always be there, so plan to get there ahead of time. At the station, you can use Amtrak kiosks to get a ticket or change your trip. If you want more choices, think about getting a fully refundable ticket from the website.
Need the train times for New Hampshire Amtrak stations? See below for the best ways:
- Visit the official Amtrak website to get the latest schedule.
- Use the Amtrak app on your phone for real-time train info and schedules.
- Check the boards or kiosks at the station for information when you arrive.
Connecting Bus Services and Intermodal Access
Some train stations in new hampshire have connecting bus services. Intermodal connections are an important part of the state’s transportation system. Not every train station has a direct bus link, but big bus companies do run routes that help you travel from amtrak trains to many cities and towns in New Hampshire—even places without a rail line.
This type of connection helps you get to Manchester, Concord, and Nashua. You can go from an amtrak train in boston and take a bus that brings you straight into these New Hampshire cities. The way north station and bus service work together means you can plan your trip and use only public transportation like the downeaster.
Stations in states near new hampshire also help people get around.
- North Station in Boston: This is where the downeaster starts in the south, letting you catch buses that go to southern New Hampshire.
- White River Junction, VT: This spot is on the vermonter route. You can get a bus right to towns in New Hampshire’s upper valley area.
- Portland, ME: At the top end of the downeaster route, you’ll find buses and ferry services heading to different coastal places.
The links between amtrak, manchester, portland, white river junction, boston, and ferry lines make it simple for people who want to see more of new hampshire.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you visit train stations in New Hampshire you can find a lot of history and strong connections that help make your trip better. The stations have all the key services and amenities you need for a smooth journey. These spots are more than just places to get on and off the train. They are doors that open into the nice sights of the Granite State. If you are traveling to big cities or going out to the calm seacoast, every station is important to both people who live there and folks who are just visiting. Enjoy the charm that comes with train travel in New Hampshire. If you want tips made just for you or need help with your travel plans, you can reach out any time. If you have more questions or need support, feel free to ask!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find train schedules for New Hampshire stations?
The best way to check the train schedule for any station in New Hampshire is to go to the Amtrak website or use the Amtrak app. You can find your train route, like the Downeaster, and get up-to-date times for when the train leaves and comes in at stations like Exeter, Durham, and Dover.
Are there any active or historic train stations open to the public?
Yes, New Hampshire has Amtrak stations in Dover, Durham, and Exeter. They are open for everyone. The buildings for these stations have a lot of history. You can learn about the state’s rail past when you wait for your train in Dover, Durham, or Exeter. This is a nice way to see how things have changed with the train system in New Hampshire.
Which train routes pass through New Hampshire stations?
Two main Amtrak routes serve new hampshire. The downeaster goes through the seacoast area and stops in dover, durham, and exeter. The vermonter runs near the state’s west side, giving service to towns in the connecticut river valley. It also connects new hampshire to vermont and places farther away.