Downeaster 25th Anniversary
For 25 years, we’ve connected you to the people and places you love. We’ve been there as you explored new destinations, built traditions, and shared life’s moments, from tear-filled goodbyes to joyful reunions. From big game days to “just another day,” every trip has a story. Now, we want to hear yours.
Share what these 25 years have meant to you—and keep enjoying the ride with us. Here’s to the memories we’ve made, and the journeys still ahead.
I grew up in New England and my Grandfather (John T.) was a big train fan; so naturally, I was too from a young age.
My Family lives in Exeter, and I spent many summer days as a kid biking downtown to wait for trains to pass through town. We heard rumors that someday Amtrak might offer a passenger train to link to Boston and other places, and I thought; How cool to be able to take the train somewhere?
My brother (Brandon E.), Grandfather and I rode the downeaster from boston to exeter on dec 19 2001; 4th day of service.
Brandon had struck up a conversation with a solo lady traveling to Saco, Maine, to visit her family. She was smitten with my Grandfather's blue eyes and amicable nature. We all chatted on that train trip; the guys quickly detrained at Exeter. My grandfather exchanged contacts, kept in touch, dated, married, and had many wonderful years and adventures together around the country.
