The Amtrak Downeaster is an intercity passenger train that operates five round-trips daily between Boston, MA and Portland, ME with three round-trips extended to Freeport and Brunswick, ME. The Downeaster service operates year round, serving 12 stations along the 146 mile route.
Fares vary by train and destination. One-way value fares range from $6 to $ 30. Please click the “Buy Tickets” tab on the top right corner of this website. Enter your travel information as prompted to see train specific fares. Upgrades, deals and discounts may be available.
Yes, the Amtrak Downeaster is a reserved service and reservations are required prior to boarding.
Downeaster passengers, 16 and older, must present a valid photo ID when purchasing tickets and have the photo ID 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 to purchase tickets for them. Click here for more information.
Minors under the age of 16 may not travel on the Amtrak Downeaster without an accompanying adult. If the child is 16, they must present a valid photo ID when purchasing tickets and have the photo ID available onboard the train.
Arrive at the station 15 minutes prior to your departure. Please allow extra time if you're parking a car, travelling with a bike or pet, or need special assistance.
There are many convenient ways to make a reservation/buy tickets.
A valid photo I.D. is required for travel.
Once you have made your reservation you are in the Amtrak system. You can print a duplicate ticket at a Quik-Trak kiosk or your conductor can look up your reservation using your reservation number or last name.
Onboard the Amtrak Downeaster, you will enjoy comfortable reclining seats with lots of legroom, free wi-fi, electrical outlets, fold-down trays and overhead reading lights at every seat. Each coach features oversized windows and at least one set of 4-seat chairs which allow family and friends to enjoy the trip together. The Downeaster Cafe is available on every train. Enjoy a snack or beverage at the cafe tables or bring food back to your seat. There’s also plenty of space for luggage, and restrooms are located in every car, on every train.
Yes, business class passengers enjoy fully reclining, extra-spacious leather seating, a complimentary newspaper, and a non-alcoholic beverage served to your seat for just an additional $10. Please click the “Buy Tickets” tab on the top right corner of this website. Enter your travel information as prompted and select "premium/business class.
The Downeaster Café is located on every train and has snacks, light meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Major credit cards are accepted. Passengers can dine at one of the Café tables or take food back to their seat. Café Menu
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food onboard to enjoy at their seat. The Downeaster Café tables are reserved for Café patrons only.
Passengers are not permitted to consume their private stock of alcoholic beverages on Amtrak Downeaster trains, however a variety of alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in the Downeaster Café. Café Menu
All Amtrak Downeaster trains are equipped with outlets at every seat to plug in your electronic devices.
Reservations are required prior to boarding. Passengers with an existing reservation may pay cash onboard, however a service fee may apply if boarding at a staffed station.
Yes. It is easy to stay connected while en route to your destination. All Downeaster trains feature free wireless internet.
If you lose something while traveling on the Downeaster, Amtrak has a Lost and Found. Find more information and fill out a Lost and Found report by clicking here.
All Amtrak Downeaster trains welcome passengers with disabilities. Our trains and stations are wheelchair-accessible and service animals are allowed. Click here for more information.
Schedules and other information is available in alternative formats upon request. Contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL / 1-800-872-7245 or 1-800-523-6590 (TTY) to request information in an alternative format. Interpreter services are available by request. For more information click here.
There is ample room for luggage onboard the Amtrak Downeaster. Each passenger may carry on two suitcases (up to 50lbs) and two personal items (up to 25lbs). Please click here to view Amtrak's Baggage Policies.
Firearms and ammunition are prohibited on all Amtrak Downeaster trains.
Checked bag service is not available on Amtrak Downeaster trains.
Small dogs and cats (20lbs or less) are permitted on Downeaster Trains in a pet carrier. Pet reservations are required and can be made online, at a staffed station or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL / 1-800-872-7245. The fare for pets is $26.00 one-way. Passengers traveling with pets must sign a pet waiver available from the train crew. For more information click here.
Trained service animals accompanying passengers with disabilities are permitted in our stations, on our trains and on Amtrak thruway motor coaches. For more information, click here.
A limited number of spaces are available on most Amtrak Downeaster trains to transport bicycles. Bicycles are handled at Brunswick, Portland, Woburn and Boston stations only. Advance reservations are required and an $8.00 service charge applies. Passengers may be required to assist in loading, securing, and unloading the bicycle.
Advance reservations are required, and a $8.00 service charge applies.
You can track your train’s status by using the Train Status tab above or by downloading the Amtrak App to your phone.
You can also sign up for Amtrak text or email alerts online by clicking here.
Information regarding major service disruptions will be posted as an alert at the top of the Amtrak Downeaster website.
Refunds on Multi-ride passes (monthly, 10-Ride and 6-Tix) vary. Please click here for more information.
The ability to receive a refund varies based on the class of ticket purchased. For more information click here.
Seats are unassigned and available on a first come first serve basis.