I hate driving but love Portland, Maine, so when the Amtrak Downeaster asked us to work with them on a weekend getaway, I was definitely thrilled to participate.
My daughter had some weekend commitments for the next few weekends, so I was able to get some much-needed one-on-one time with my son. I grew up with Amtrak (my dad and uncle worked for them), so I always enjoy sharing my love of trains with my kids.
Thanks to the Amtrak Downeaster for partnering with us on this trip to Portland, Maine. Our trip was at no cost to us. All opinions are my own.
Traveling To Portland on the Amtrak Downeaster
About the Amtrak Downeaster
The Amtrak Downeaster operates daily from Boston’s North Station to Brunswick Maine, with a . Other Amtrak Downeaster stops include Freeport, Portland, Saco, and Wells in Maine, and Dover, Durham, and Exeter in New Hampshire. It also stops at Haverhill and Woburn in MA. Late departures are offered from Boston on the days when the TD Garden is hosting evening events.
The Downeaster offers coach and business class seating. You’ll need a valid reservation for the train.
There are different types of fares when you purchase your tickets online. A value fare has some change options, and you can use discounts, while a flexible fare is fully refundable but doesn’t accept discounts.
Business fares are also offered. These fares are for the business class area and have extra legroom and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage. We found coach to be comfortable, however, and the trip really isn’t that long.
There’s also plenty of room for luggage in the overhead space (check the luggage maximums before leaving). You’ll also have lots of legroom (much more than I usually have on a plane or in a car), a tray table, and outlets at each seat.
If you get hungry on board the Amtrak Downeaster, there is a Cafe Car on board. It offers light meals (including popular Maine treats like Maine Red Snapper hot dogs, whoopie pies, and gummy lobsters), snacks, refreshments, and alcoholic beverages. You can take your cafe purchases back to your seat, or choose to sit in the few tables in the cafe.
Our Experience on the Amtrak Downeaster
We wanted to spend the maximum amount of time in Portland, Maine, so we chose to take the first Downeaster train out of North Station. We arrived a little early and then waited for the train’s platform number to be called.
About ten minutes before departure, it was called. We headed to the train and quickly sat down.
Because we were on the train during lunch time, my son and I visited the Cafe Car to grab a quick lunch. He had one of those famous hot dogs, while I grabbed some snack food and water. There were seats available in the Cafe Car, but we went back to our seats.
The scenery on the train to Maine is absolutely beautiful. I had plans to work on the way up to Portland, but ended up listening to music, reading my book, and looking out the window.
That’s one of the best parts about traveling with a tween – I once again have the opportunity to read while he entertains himself. The time went by so fast, and we even arrived at the Portland station about 15 minutes early. The station is nice. It’s a combo bus station and train station, and it offers vending machines and complimentary WiFi.
The Portland Harbor Hotel
Our weekend getaway included a night at the Portland Harbor Hotel. The hotel offers a complimentary car service, and I had a car reserved to bring us to the hotel.
When we arrived, I called the hotel, and the car came a few minutes later. The train station is about a ten-minute ride to the Old Port section of Portland, where the hotel and most of the attractions are located.
If you are planning a family vacation to Portland, the Portland Harbor Hotel is definitely a fantastic option. We were able to walk to every place that we went during our stay, although the car is also available if necessary.
Just steps from the hotel are dozens of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Our executive suite room was so comfortable and was perfect for our stay. It included free WiFi, a bathroom with a shower and huge soaking tub, a King bed with a pullout sofa, a desk, a table with four chairs, a fireplace, and two televisions.
Because the hotel has a complimentary car service, it’s perfect for families taking the Amtrak Downeaster. We didn’t need to pay for a cab at all.
Returning on the Amtrak Downeaster
After a great day and night in Portland, it was time to go home. We headed back to the Portland train station.
My son and I waited in the station until our train was called – about ten minutes prior to departure. This train originated in Portland, so it was empty when we got on. We quickly found our seats and settled in.
When the Cafe Car opened (about twenty minutes after we departed Portland) my son was eager to go grab a snack. He chose popcorn this time, partly because the scent was in the air (several people behind us had the same thought).
This time, our ride seemed to go by so quickly. Before we knew it, we were back at Boston’s North Station, right where we started.
The Amtrak Downeaster is a great option for families looking to visit Portland or Freeport, especially if you don’t want the hassle of driving. It’s such a relaxing trip, and you’ll feel like you are starting your vacation the minute you get on board.
The whole ride is part of the experience, and it’s a great opportunity to get away for a day or weekend. The train is also so convenient for those who want to attend special events in both Maine and Boston.
Learn more by following the Amtrak Downeaster on Instagram (@amtrakdowneaster) and Twitter (@riderail) and liking the Downeaster on Facebook (@amtrakdowneaster). For more information, visit this site.
