The Amtrak Downeaster is a regional train that runs daily between Boston North Station and Brunswick, Maine. Along its 145-mile route, the train makes stops in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. There are five daily round trips, and the complete journey takes approximately 3 hours and 15 to 20 minutes.
The Downeaster provides Coach and Business Class seating, free Wi-Fi, a Café Car, and bicycle transport options. Pets are allowed on select trips with prior reservations.
In this guide, I will walk you through the Downeaster’s schedule, stops, seating options, food service, baggage policies, and other important information to know before your trip. You can also learn more about Amtrak travel in Maine.
If you are planning to continue south of Boston on the Northeast Regional or another Amtrak train, please note that the Downeaster departs from North Station. You will need to transfer to South Station or Back Bay to continue your journey.
Amtrak Downeaster Quick Answer
- Route: Boston North Station – Brunswick, ME
- Frequency: Five daily round trips
- Travel time: About 3 hours 15–20 minutes end to end
- Classes: Coach and Business Class
- Food: Café Car
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary
- Checked bags: No
- Bikes: Yes, reservation required
- Pets: Yes, restrictions apply
Important: Traveling south of Boston on Amtrak trains requires a self-transfer between North Station and South Station or Back Bay.
Amtrak Downeaster Service Schedule
It is advisable to check your eTicket on the day of travel for any last-minute schedule changes. Additionally, you can click on each station name below to view the services and amenities available at each stop.
This schedule was last verified on August 26, 2026. Amtrak schedules are subject to change, so always verify your departure time before traveling.
Some stops may not be served daily. The schedule below provides a detailed view of the Downeaster timetable.
Northbound Amtrak Downeaster Schedule
| Communities Served | Miles | 681/691 | 683/693 | 685/695 | 687/697 | 689/1689 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA (BON) North Station | 0 | 8:50a | 11:50a | 3:45p | 5:20p | 11:25p |
| Woburn, MA (WOB) | 13 | 9:08a | 12:08p | 4:03p | 5:38p | 11:43p |
| Haverhill, MA (HHL) | 34 | 9:38a | 12:38p | 4:33p | 6:08p | 12:13a |
| Exeter, NH (EXR) | 51 | 9:59a | 12:59p | 4:54p | 6:29p | 12:34a |
| Durham, NH (DHM) University of New Hampshire | 62 | 10:12a | 1:12p | 5:07p | 6:42p | 12:47a |
| Dover, NH (DOV) | 68 | 10:20a | 1:20p | 5:15p | 6:50p | 12:55a |
| Wells, ME (WEM) | 84 | 10:38a | 1:38p | 5:33p | 7:08p | 1:13a |
| Saco, ME (SAO) | 100 | 10:55a | 1:55p | 5:50p | 7:25p | 1:30a |
| Old Orchard Beach, ME (ORB) | 104 | 110:01a | 2:01p | 5:56p | 7:31p | 1:36a |
| Portland, ME (POR) | 116 | 11:25a* | 2:25p* | 6:20p* | 7:55p* | 1:55a |
| Freeport, ME (FRE) | 136 | 11:55a | 2:55p | 6:50p | 8:25p | 2:25a |
| Brunswick, ME (BRK) | 145 | 12:10p | 3:10p | 7:05p | 8:40p | 2:40a |
Southbound Amtrak Downeaster Schedule
| Communities Served | Miles | 680 | 682/692 | 684 | 686/696 | 688/698 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunswick, ME (BRK) | 0 | 4:30a | 6:30a | 11:00a | 12:55p | 5:45p |
| Freeport, ME (FRE) | 9 | 4:43a | 6:43a | 11:13a | 1:08p | 5:58p |
| Portland, ME (POR) | 29 | 5:18a | 7:18a | 11:48a | 1:43p * | 6:33p* |
| Old Orchard Beach, ME (ORB) | 41 | — | 7:33a | 12:03p | 1:58p | 6:48p |
| Saco, ME (SAO) | 45 | 5:40a | 7:40a | 12:10p | 2:05p | 6:55p |
| Wells, ME (WEM) | 61 | 5:59a | 7:59a | 12:29p | 2:24p | 7:14p |
| Dover, NH (DOV) | 77 | 6:17a | 8:17a | 12:47p | 2:42p | 7:32p |
| Durham, NH (DHM) University of New Hampshire | 83 | 6:25a | 8:25a | 12:55p | 2:50p | 7:40p |
| Exeter, NH (EXR) | 94 | 6:39a | 8:39a | 1:09p | 3:04p | 7:54p |
| Haverhill, MA (HHL) | 111 | 7:00a | 9:00a | 1:30p | 3:25p | 8:15p |
| Woburn, MA (WOB) | 132 | 7:29a | 9:29a | 1:59p | 3:54p | 8:44p |
| Boston, MA (BON) North Station | 145 | 7:50a | 9:50a | 2:20p | 4:15p | 9:05p |
Printable Amtrak Downeaster Schedule
You can use the button below to view or print the current Amtrak Downeaster schedule. I also have a guide that walks you through creating a personalized schedule for your trip.
If you need help, check out my guide to printing a custom Amtrak schedule.
Amtrak Downeaster Accommodations
Coach Class
The Downeaster features comfortable coach seating equipped with fold-down tray tables, individual reading lights, and 120V grounded (three-prong) electrical outlets. Overhead luggage racks offer space for smaller bags, and additional luggage storage is usually available at the end of the coach car.
I found the Coach seats comfortable for such a long trip. If you want to learn more about what to expect, check out my guide to Amtrak Coach Class.
Business class
The Downeastern offers business class, which gives passengers extra legroom, a comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
Business Class passengers will also receive a 25% bonus in Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
Downeaster Wi-Fi and Food
Wi-Fi is available free of charge on the Downeaster.
The Downeaster Café is available on every train and offers snacks, light meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic drinks for sale.
You may also bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages aboard to enjoy at your seat. Café tables are reserved for passengers who purchase food or drinks from the café.
You may bring your own alcohol aboard, but you cannot consume personal alcoholic beverages on the Downeaster. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at Café Car.
In my guide to Amtrak Café Cars, you can learn more about them and view sample menus.
Luggage on the Downeaster
The Downeaster does not provide checked baggage service; you must bring your luggage on board.
Each passenger may bring:
- Two carry-on bags, each measuring up to 28 x 22 x 14 inches and weighing up to 50 pounds
- One personal item, measuring up to 14 x 11 x 7 inches and weighing up to 25 pounds
Overhead luggage racks and additional storage areas are available on the train.
For additional information, check out Amtrak’s baggage policies.
Bringing Your Bike on the Downeaster
You can bring a standard full-size bicycle aboard the Downeaster, but an advance bicycle reservation is required, and space is limited to three bicycles per train. Check the Amtrak Bike Policy for the most up-to-date information.
Bicycles are stored in designated racks aboard the train, and you must remove the front wheel before placing your bike in a rack. Any panniers or bags attached to your bicycle should also be removed before boarding.
When booking on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app, available bicycle spaces should appear during the reservation process. You can then add your bicycle to your reservation. A bicycle fee applies and varies by trip.
Amtrak recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before departure when traveling with a bicycle.
Pets and Service Animals on the Downeaster
Small dogs and cats are allowed aboard the Downeaster with an advance pet reservation.
Your pet and carrier together must weigh 20 pounds or less, and the carrier must meet Amtrak’s size requirements. Your pet must remain in its carrier while on the train.
A few things to remember when traveling with a pet:
- Add your pet when making your train reservation.
- Space for pets is limited.
- A pet fare applies.
- You will need to complete Amtrak’s required pet paperwork.
For complete requirements, restrictions, and current fees, check Amtrak’s pet policy.
Service Animals
Trained service animals are permitted aboard Amtrak trains and are not considered pets. Different rules apply to service animals, so review Amtrak’s service animal policy before traveling, especially if you have a comfort animal.
Amtrak Downeaster FAQ
How long does the Amtrak Downeaster take?
The full trip between Boston North Station and Brunswick, Maine, takes about 3 hours and 15–20 minutes, depending on the train. You can also use the Downeaster for shorter trips between the communities along the route.
Does the Downeaster have Business Class?
Yes. The Downeaster offers Coach and Business Class. Business Class includes extra legroom, leather seating with footrests, a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage, and additional benefits.
Does the Downeaster have a Café Car?
Yes. Every Downeaster train has a Café Car that offers snacks, light meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic drinks for purchase.
Can I bring luggage on the Downeaster?
Yes, you can bring carry-on luggage aboard the Downeaster, but checked baggage service is not available on this route.
Can I bring a bicycle on the Downeaster?
Yes, but advance reservations are required for bicycles, and space is limited. When booking your ticket, add your bicycle to the reservation if space is available.
Are pets allowed on the Downeaster?
Yes. Small dogs and cats are allowed on the Downeaster with an advance pet reservation, subject to Amtrak’s pet policies and restrictions.
Can I connect from the Downeaster to another Amtrak train in Boston?
Yes, but there is an important caveat.
The Downeaster uses Boston North Station, while Amtrak trains heading toward New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and other destinations south of Boston use South Station or Back Bay.
Amtrak does not provide a transfer between these stations, so you will need to arrange your own transportation and allow sufficient time between trains.
Final Thoughts on the Amtrak Downeaster
The Amtrak Downeaster is a convenient way to travel between Boston, New Hampshire, and Maine without driving. With five daily round trips, Coach and Business Class seating, a Café Car, complimentary Wi-Fi, and service to several communities along the route, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your trip.
You also don’t have to ride the entire route. The Downeaster can be a good option for shorter trips between cities and towns along the way.
If you plan to continue your Amtrak journey south of Boston, remember that the Downeaster arrives at North Station. Give yourself enough time to transfer to South Station or Back Bay before your connecting train departs.
Before your trip, review your eTicket and the current Amtrak schedule for any last-minute changes.
Keep Travels with Kev on Track
If this guide helped you plan your trip, there are a few ways you can stay connected and support Travels with Kev.
Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter for Amtrak news, travel tips, route guides, and updates from my travels. You’ll also receive my free Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains.
If you’d like to support the work I do, you can visit my Support Travels with Kev page or join me on Patreon. Your support helps me keep these train schedules, travel guides, and other resources up to date and available.
You can also check out the Travel with Kev Podcast for more train travel tips, stories, and discussions.
Safe Travels,
Kev
Do You Love Train Travel?
Want more insider Amtrak travel tips, route guides, and travel updates? Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter to get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, covering train equipment, dining options, and more. It comes out every Thursday!
It is a simple way to start planning smarter, smoother train trips.
If this guide helped you, you can also support my work through my Support Page or by joining me on Patreon. Your support helps keep Travels with Kev going, and paid Patreon members receive a postcard from my travels each month.
