With lighthouses, outdoor recreation and miles of coastline, Maine is a scenic destination for a rail vacation. Amtrak trains travel to and from Maine daily from Boston’s North Station and other cities in New England. Explore options for Maine travel below to start planning your trip.
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Where to Start
The Downeaster is the only Amtrak route that travels to Maine, and this route has train stations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
If you don’t live near a station on the route, you’ll need to travel to Boston on the Acela, Northeast Regional, or Lake Shore Limited. Booking a flight to the Boston Logan International Airport is another option for connecting with the Downeaster at the North Station.
To view all your route options, use the “Book” feature on Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak app. Bus service may also be an option from your starting location. FlixBus, Greyhound, OurBus, and Peter Pan Bus Lines are some service that offer transportation to Boston.
Places to Visit in Maine
You can exit the Downeaster train at six different stations in Maine. Stations are listed below with information on attractions and amenities near each stop.
Wells, Maine
Wells is a quiet coastal community and one of the oldest towns in Maine. The Amtrak station is about 3.5 miles from the beach, where there are many places to stay. You’ll need to use the RideMaine shuttle service to get around (rideshare can be limited).
Choose Wells as your destination if you want to visit any of the below attractions:
- Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
- Seashore Trolley Museum
Saco, Maine
Saco and Biddeford are twin cities along Maine’s southern coast, known for their revitalized mill districts and easygoing New England charm. The train station is in between the two, making it easy to walk to both downtowns, which have historic brick architecture along with modern breweries, restaurants, shops, and artist spaces. For more things to do, the seasonal trolley can take you to the coast (including to Funtown Splashtown USA).
Top nearby attractions:
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Plan a trip to Old Orchard Beach if you want the quintessential summer beach getaway. The Amtrak station is only one block away from the ocean and in a walkable coastal area with a pier (pictured above). There are many choices in accommodations on the beach. Note that trains do not stop here in the winter.
Nearby things to do:
Portland, Maine
Portland is Maine’s largest city if you want a vacation destination that has a large selection of restaurants, breweries, museums and tours. Top events to plan a trip around are the Old Port Festival and Harvest on the Harbor.
Some of the top attractions in Portland include:
- Islands of Casco Bay
- Old Port Historic District
- Portland Observatory
- Portland Head Lighthouse
- Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Freeport, Maine
Take Amtrak to Freeport for a lively coastal village with outlet stores, boutique shops, and restaurants within walking distance of the train station. The flagstaff L.L. Bean store is a must-visit, and their outdoor discovery program can take you on a variety of adventures.
Highlights of things to do include:
Brunswick, Maine
Brunswick is the northernmost Amtrak stop in Maine. The station is in a walkable area near several hotels, a historic district and Bowdoin College. You will need a car to visit lighthouses and the maritime museum, which you can rent at the nearby Enterprise (pick-up service available with a reservation).
- Harriet Beecher Stowe House
- Maine Maritime Museum
- Cabot Mill Antiques
- Doubling Point Lighthouse
- Androscoggin River Bicycle & Pedestrian Path
US Train Travel Guide 