What is the Amtrak Downeaster?
The Amtrak Downeaster is an intercity passenger train that operates daily between Boston, MA and Brunswick, ME. The Downeaster service operates year round, serving 12 stations along the 146 mile route.
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What is the Amtrak Downeaster Train Schedule?
Please click “Schedules” or use the “Plan Your Trip” tool on the home page and enter your travel information as prompted to see the Amtrak Downeaster train schedule.
How much does it cost to ride the Amtrak Downeaster?
Fares vary by train and destination. One-way Value Fares range from $3 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.
Do I need to make a reservation to travel on the Amtrak Downeaster?
Yes, the Amtrak Downeaster is a reserved service and reservations are required prior to boarding.
Do I need a valid I.D. to board the train?
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.
Can a child under 18 ride the train without an adult?
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.
Do I need to show up early?
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.
How do I make a reservation/ buy tickets?
There are many convenient ways to make a reservation/buy tickets.
- Online: Please click the “Buy Tickets” tab on the top right corner of this website. Enter your travel information as prompted to see the available train schedules and fares for the reservation you wish to make. Once payment has been received a ticket will be emailed to the address provided. Bring your printed or electronic ticket with you onboard.
- Amtrak App: Available for download here!
- Quik-Trak: Make your reservation and/or print your ticket at the self service ticketing kiosks available at all Amtrak Downeaster stations (except Haverhill).
- Ticket agent: Available only at Portland and Boston North Station during limited hours.
- Call: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) and use the automated ticket agent “Julie” to complete your reservation. Once payment has been received a ticket will be emailed to the address provided.
- Onboard: You must make a reservation prior to travel.
A valid photo I.D. is required for travel.
What happens if I forget my ticket?
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.
Can I pay with cash for my train ticket?
Yes, here are examples of when cash is accepted:
- At the time of booking with a ticket agent. Ticket agents are available at Portland and Boston North Station only.
- Passengers wishing to pay CASH from any other station can do so by calling Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to make a reservation prior to boarding the train. When you speak to the Amtrak agent, indicate you wish to pay for the reservation with cash onboard the train.
- In limited circumstances, a passenger without a prior reservation may board the train and pay cash directly to the conductor. This ability to board without a reservation is subject to availability of seats on that train.
- PLEASE NOTE: Only the full, undiscounted, unrestricted fare will be available for purchase onboard the train. This is regardless of reservations made or fares previously quoted by ticket agents, Amtrak.com or elsewhere. Higher fares usually apply when purchasing onboard the train.
What steps are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Amtrak has implemented new cleaning and disinfecting protocols nationwide. The train equipment used in Downeaster service is sanitized nightly and undergoes enhanced cleaning before and after each round-trip.
For more information, please visit: https://www.amtrak.com/coronavirus
Do I need a face covering?
While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.
Is the air on board trains filtered?
All trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
Is hand sanitizer available?
Yes. All trains and train platforms have hand sanitizer dispensers. Bathrooms on board trains provide hot water and foaming soap for washing hands.
Is the Downeaster Café open?
Yes. You are welcome to purchase food in the Downeaster Café and eat at the table seating in the Downeaster cafe or bring it back to your seat to consume. Enhanced cleaning and service protocols include Plexiglass partitions in the service area, removal of all “grab and go items” and touchless payment options (with credit card).
We are currently piloting a program of at-seat service where the cafe attendant will come through the train and offer to take your order and deliver it to you.
Am I able to be touchless throughout my travel experience?
Yes. Make your reservation online or via the Amtrak mobile app and the conductor will scan your ticket from your mobile device. While onboard you can walk between train cars, opening the doors with a foot activated button. When entering or leaving the train, the doors will be opened for you by the crew.
What is a Saver Fare?
Saver Fares are the lowest available fares and require a 3-day advance purchase. Saver Fares are limited in availability and discounts/ promotions typically don’t apply to this fare type.
What is a Value Fare?
Value Fares are available on all trains on all days and offer serval change and refund options. Discounts/ promotions can be applied to this fare type.
What is a Flexible Fare?
Flexible Fares are available on all trains on all days and are fully refundable without any change or cancellation fees. Discounts/ promotions typically don’t apply to this fare type.
What is a Business Fare?
Business Class offers an enhanced travel experience including extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverage. All Business Class seats are in a dedicated section of the train. Business Fares are an additional $5 - $10 depending on your itinerary and available on all trains on all days and are refundable without any change or cancellation fees prior to the train’s departure. Discounts/promotions typically don’t apply to this fare type.
How much does it cost to buy a Multi-Ride the Amtrak Downeaster?
Multi-Ride Passes are priced even lower than regular fares and far less than the cost of driving. Multi-ride Pass prices vary by destination, and pass type. Click here and enter your travel information as prompted to see multi-ride fares.
How much does it cost to bring my bike onboard the Amtrak Downeaster?
A nominal bicycle fee of $3 to $8 applies.
How much does it cost to bring my pet onboard the Amtrak Downeaster?
The fare to bring a small dog or cat (20lbs or less) is $26.00 one-way.
Are discounts available?
The Amtrak Downeaster offers a variety of promotions and several every day discounts including 50% off for children ages 2-12 and 50% off for seniors ages 65+. Click here for a complete list of Deals & Discounts.
What is available onboard the train?
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. There’s also plenty of space for luggage, and restrooms are located in every car, on every train.
Does the Amtrak Downeaster have business class seating?
Yes, business class passengers enjoy fully reclining, extra-spacious leather seating and a non-alcoholic beverage served to your seat for just an additional $5 - $10 depending on your itinerary. 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.
Is food available for purchase on the train?
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. Café Menu
Can I bring my own food on the train?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food onboard to enjoy at their seat. The Downeaster Café tables are reserved for Café patrons only.
Can I bring my own alcohol on the train?
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
Are there outlets available on the train?
All Amtrak Downeaster trains are equipped with outlets at every seat to plug in your electronic devices.
Can I buy a ticket onboard the train?
No, reservations are required prior to boarding.
Is there free wifi?
Yes. It is easy to stay connected while en route to your destination. All Downeaster trains feature free wireless internet.
What happens if I lose something on the train?
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.
Does the Amtrak Downeaster accommodate passengers with disabilities?
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.
Can I bring my firearm onboard the Amtrak Downeaster?
Firearms and ammunition are prohibited on all Amtrak Downeaster trains.
Can I check luggage onboard the Amtrak Downeaster?
Checked bag service is not available on Amtrak Downeaster trains.
Can I bring my dog or cat onboard?
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.
Are Service Animals allowed?
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.
Can I bring my bicycle onboard the Downeaster?
Bikes are accepted from all Downeaster stations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Luggage racks that convert to bike racks make it easy to roll standard full-sized bikes on board from any Downeaster station, then secure and store them on the train. Please note: the front wheel must be removed.
- Bicycle space is limited to four per train and advance-reservations are required for the passenger and the bicycle.
- When booking a ticket on Amtrak.com or via the Amtrak app, an icon with a number of spaces available will display if bike space is available.
- Proceed 'Add Ons' step to add bikes to a reservation.
- A bike reservation can be added to an existing reservation by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
- Passengers traveling with bikes are encouraged to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
- All panniers and bags attached to your bicycle need to be removed and consolidated before boarding.
Does it cost anything to bring my bike onboard?
Advance reservations are required, and a $3 - $8 service charge applies based on your travel itinerary.
How will I know if my train is on time?
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.
Is my multi–ride pass refundable?
Refunds on Multi-ride passes (monthly, 10-Ride and 6-Tix) vary. Please click here for more information.
What is the refund policy?
Refund rules and options vary by fare type, type of service purchased and when you request a refund. See the Amtrak Refund and Cancellation Policy for more information.
Are seats assigned on the Amtrak Downeaster?
Seats are unassigned and available on a first come first serve basis.