Reservations & Tickets

Purchasing Options

The Downeaster is a reserved service. Tickets are required prior to boarding (see purchasing tickets onboard for exceptions). Choose from several convenient ways to purchase your tickets.

Online: Fare Finder to your left

Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (800-872-7245)

Quik-Trak Machines: Available at Downeaster stations in Portland, Saco, Wells, Dover, Durham, Exeter, Woburn, and Boston. Take a tour! (below)

Amtrak Ticket Agent: Portland and Boston

Travel Agent



Click below for a demonstration of the Quik-Trak machine:

Reservations & Tickets

Purchasing Tickets Onboard

The Downeaster is a reserved service and tickets should be purchased in advance of travel. In circumstances where no other purchase options are available, you may purchase and/or pick up your tickets onboard. On-board ticket purchases are not eligible for discounts or special offers. Conductors may charge up to $9 extra per ticket if you board the train without a ticket at a staffed station or a station with a Quik-Trak machine.

Passengers boarding at Old Orchard Beach and Haverhill can purchase tickets in advance by phone or online. The conductor will have your tickets for you when you board. If you are boarding at these stations and reserve — but do not pay for — your ticket, be sure to have your reservation number handy when you board the train.

Reservations & Tickets

Travel Policies

Photo Identification: Passengers 15 and older must present a valid photo ID when purchasing tickets and have available onboard the train. Passengers under 18 who do not have a photo ID must have an adult, 18 or over, with a valid photo ID purchase tickets for them.

Baggage: Checked bag service is not available. Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage.

Bicycles: A limited number of spaces are available to transport unboxed bicycles. Bicycles are handled at Portland, Wells, and Boston stations only. Reservations are required and a service charge applies. Passengers may be required to assist in loading, securing, and unloading the bicycle.

Minors: Minors under the age of 15 may not travel on the Downeaster without an accompanying adult.

Service Animals: Trained service animals accompanying passengers with disabilities are permitted in our stations and on our trains and Amtrak Thruway motor coaches. No other animals are permitted onboard at any time.

Miscellaneous: Smoking is not permitted on any Downeaster train.

Passengers are not permitted to consume their private stock of alcoholic beverages on the train. Click here for more information on Amtrak’s policies.

Safety & Security: Report any suspicious, unmarked, or unattended items immediately to the station agent or train crew. Travelers can help keep our trains safe and secure for everyone by being watchful and observant.

For a complete list of Amtrak policies, click here.