Looking to travel from Boston to Portland without the stress of driving? The Amtrak Boston to Portland route offers a scenic, comfortable, and affordable way to explore New England. Whether you’re commuting, planning a weekend getaway, or exploring the Northeast, this Page covers everything you need to know about the Amtrak from Boston to Portland.
Amtrak Boston to Portland Overview
Get a quick yet comprehensive guide to the Amtrak Boston to Portland route—ideal for travelers planning a scenic rail adventure through New England:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Downeaster |
| Operates | Boston, MA (BOS) – North Station ↔ Portland, ME (POR) |
| Key Stops | Haverhill, MA; Exeter, NH; Durham, NH; Wells, ME; Saco, ME |
| Travel Time | 2.5 hours (varies by stop) |
| Frequency | 5x daily (weekdays) / 3-4x daily (weekends) |
| Train Numbers | 680-689 (varies by direction/time) |
| Departures | BOS→POR: Earliest 5:50 AM, Latest 9:20 PM / POR→BOS: Earliest 4:45 AM, Latest 7:45 PM |
| Arrivals | BOS→POR: 8:30 AM – 11:55 PM / POR→BOS: 7:15 AM – 10:15 PM |
| Ticket Prices | $25-$35 (Coach) / $50-$70 (Business Class) |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, power outlets, café car, bike storage (reservation required) |
| Best Feature | Scenic New England coastline (especially near Wells, ME) |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Routes of Amtrak Boston to Portland
Take a closer look at the Amtrak Boston to Portland route, served by the Downeaster—your scenic rail journey through the heart of New England charm.
| Route | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Travel Time | Transfers | Frequency | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downeaster (Direct Train) | Boston North Station (BON) | Portland Transportation Center (POR) | 2.5 hours | None | 5x daily (weekdays), 3-4x (weekends) | Haverhill, Exeter, Durham, Wells, Saco |
| Thruway Bus + Downeaster | Boston South Station (BOS) | Portland Transportation Center (POR) | 3.5-4 hours | 1 (Bus to train in Haverhill/Exeter) | Varies (matches train schedule) | Depends on bus connection |
Amtrak Boston to Portland Schedule
Here’s the current Amtrak Boston to Portland schedule for the Downeaster service, giving you multiple daily options for a smooth New England journey:
| Train | Departure (Boston – North Station) | Arrival (Portland, ME) | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 681 | 5:50 AM | 8:15 AM | 2h 25m | Daily |
| 683 | 8:50 AM | 11:15 AM | 2h 25m | Daily |
| 685 | 12:50 PM | 3:15 PM | 2h 25m | Daily |
| 687 | 4:50 PM | 7:15 PM | 2h 25m | Daily |
| 689 | 8:50 PM | 11:15 PM | 2h 25m | Daily* (No service Sun) |
Amtrak Boston to Portland Ticket Price
Here is the ticket prices and fare options for the Amtrak Boston to Portland route to make planning your trip simple and stress-free:
| Fare Type | Price (Adult) | Price (Child 2-12) | Price (Senior 65+) | Price (Military/Student) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saver | $25 – $35 | $12.50 – $17.50 | $22.50 – $31.50 | $22.50 – $31.50 |
| Value | $30 – $40 | $15 – $20 | $27 – $36 | $27 – $36 |
| Flexible | $45 – $60 | $22.50 – $30 | $40.50 – $54 | $40.50 – $54 |
| Business Class | $60 – $80 | $30 – $40 | $54 – $72 | $54 – $72 |
Amtrak Comfort: Boston to Portland
Traveling on the Amtrak Downeaster from Boston to Portland is all about comfort, convenience, and a touch of New England charm. Here’s what you can expect onboard:
Seating & Space
- Coach Class: Spacious reclining seats with ample legroom and tray tables
- Business Class: Even more legroom, fewer passengers per car, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- No middle seats: Every seat is either window or aisle—no awkward elbow battles!
Onboard Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi: Great for browsing, emails, or streaming light content
- Power Outlets: Available at every seat to keep your devices charged
- Restrooms: Clean and accessible in every car
- Quiet Car: Available on select trains for a peaceful ride
Café Car Delights
The Downeaster café car is a local favorite:
- Locally sourced snacks like Maine Red Snapper hot dogs
- Craft beers from Maine breweries
- Sandwiches, coffee, and soft drinks at reasonable prices
- Cash or card accepted
Extra Perks
- Bicycle Storage: Bring your bike for a small fee (advance reservation required)
- Luggage: Generous carry-on allowance—two personal items and two carry-ons per passenger
- Pet-Friendly: Small pets allowed in carriers on select trains with reservation
The Vibe
- Relaxed and scenic: Enjoy coastal views, forests, and charming towns
- Low-stress boarding: No TSA-style security lines—just arrive 15–30 minutes early
- Friendly staff: Conductors and café attendants are known for their hospitality
Amtrak Boston to Portland vs. Other Travel Options
Amtrak Boston to Portland versus other popular travel options like bus, car, and air travel—so you can choose what suits your style, schedule, and budget best:
| Option | Duration | Price (One-Way) | Comfort | Frequency | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Downeaster | 2h 25m | $25–$80 (varies by class) | High (Wi-Fi, café, spacious seats) | 5x daily (4x Sun) | Scenic, no traffic, downtown stations | Limited late-night options |
| Greyhound Bus | 2h 15m–3h | $15–$35 | Moderate (basic seats) | 6–8x daily | Cheap, frequent departures | Traffic delays, fewer amenities |
| Concord Coach Lines | 2h 10m | $20–$40 | Moderate (Wi-Fi, outlets) | 8–10x daily | Direct to Portland Transit Center | Limited legroom |
| Driving (Car) | 1h 45m–2h 30m | $25–$40 (gas + tolls) | High (flexibility) | Anytime | Fastest, stops en route | Parking fees, traffic risks |
| FlixBus | 2h 30m | $10–$25 | Basic (minimal amenities) | 2–3x daily | Budget-friendly | Fewer schedule options |
| Flight (BOS → PWM) | 1h (flight) + 2h (airport time) | $100–$250 | High (speed) | 3–4x daily | Fastest in theory | Expensive, airport hassles |
Amtrak Boston to Portland Travel Tips
Absolutely! Here are some smart, practical, and even a little insider-y travel tips for riding Amtrak from Boston to Portland on the Downeaster:
| Category | Tips & Tricks | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Book 2-4 weeks early for Saver Fares ($25-$35). Use Amtrak app for mobile tickets. | Cheapest fares sell out fast. Mobile tickets save time at the station. |
| Station Tips | Boston North ≠ South Station – Transfer via MBTA Red Line (~15 min). Arrive 30 min early. | Avoid missing your train due to station confusion or delays. |
| Best Seats | Choose left-side windows (facing east) for ocean views near Wells/Saco. Business Class = extra legroom. | Maximize scenic views and comfort. |
| Luggage | 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items free. Bikes allowed ($10 fee, reserve ahead). | Avoid fees and ensure space for your gear. |
| Food/Drinks | Café car sells snacks/beer, but bring your own for better options. No dining car. | Save money and enjoy preferred meals. |
| Wi-Fi/Power | Free Wi-Fi (spotty in rural areas). Power outlets at every seat. | Stay connected but download entertainment as backup. |
| Discounts | Seniors (10% off), Students (15% off), Kids 2-12 (50% off). Group discounts for 20+. | Significant savings for eligible travelers. |
| Peak Times | Avoid Friday PM/Sunday PM trains (crowded). Midweek mornings are quieter. | More space and relaxed atmosphere. |
| Weather Delays | Winter storms may cause delays. Check Amtrak alerts before heading to the station. | Prevent being stranded unexpectedly. |
| Portland Arrival | Portland station has rideshare/taxis. Walk 15 min to Old Port or take Metro Bus 5. | Easy access to downtown sights. |
| Day Trips | Use Amtrak to visit Freeport (LL Bean) or Old Orchard Beach (summer only). | Explore Maine without a car. |
Check Other Route: Amtrak Burlington to NYC
Conclusion
The Amtrak Boston to Portland is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel through New England. With comfortable seating, reliable schedules, and beautiful views along the way, this route is perfect for both everyday commuters and weekend adventurers. Whether you’re heading north for business or pleasure, Amtrak Boston to Portland offers a stress-free, enjoyable ride that makes the journey just as special as the destination.
FAQs on Amtrak from Boston to Portland
The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes from departure to arrival.
You can find tickets as low as $25 for Saver Fares, with Business Class tickets up to $80.
The Amtrak Boston to Portland route is served by the Downeaster, a scenic train line connecting Boston, MA to Portland, ME and beyond.
The Amtrak Boston to Portland schedule includes five daily departures, starting around 8:50 AM and ending with a late-night train at 10:30 PM.
Yes! The Amtrak Boston to Portland Downeaster offers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a café car for snacks and drinks.
Absolutely. Amtrak from Boston to Portland allows bicycle storage for a small fee—just make sure to reserve in advance.
All trains on the Amtrak Boston to Portland route depart from Boston North Station, not South Station or Back Bay.
Yes, Portland to Boston Amtrak trains allow small pets in carriers on select departures with advance reservations.
Choosing Amtrak from Boston to Portland means avoiding traffic, enjoying scenic views, and relaxing in comfort—all while being eco-friendly and affordable.
