5.0
We so appreciated Heather and the lady at the snack car!! We had an amazing conversation with both!! Fun crew!!
5.0
Simple and easy. Nice ride. Food car had good choices at reasonable prices.
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Portland to Exeter Train Schedule
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Portland and Exeter. The average train journey from Portland to Exeter takes one hour and 21 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 58 mi (94 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 21m |
| Lowest price | $16.92 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Downeaster |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Portland to Exeter
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Which train should you take from Portland to Exeter?
2 train services operate from Portland to Exeter. Amtrak Downeaster usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1h 22m | $26.80 |
| Amtrak Downeaster | 4 | 1h 22m | $24.13 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Portland to Exeter every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $27.
The Amtrak Downeaster provides passenger rail service in New England along the northeastern seaboard. The line is especially popular in the summer months for coastal getaways, and in the fall to see the incredible foliage along the train route. Choose between Coach Class or Business Class, the latter offering more comfortable seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and a more flexible ticket cancellation policy. All passengers are treated to free onboard WiFi and access to the cafe car to buy a snack or coffee. The Downeaster runs 4 trips from Portland to Exeter each day, and with ticket prices starting at just $17, this is one of the most affordable trains in the United States.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Exeter
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Portland to Exeter. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Portland and Exeter is approximately 58 miles, or 94 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 21 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Portland to Exeter on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Portland at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Exeter. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Exeter to Portland.
City Information
Portland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Portland?
Image credit: Terry Ross
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 100 Thompsons Pt Rd
The Portland Transportation Center is located at 100 Thompsons Pt Rd, about two miles from Portland's Old Port area. Concord Coach Lines buses and Amtrak's Downeaster trains en route to Boston or Brunswick stop at this station. Inside the station, you'll find plenty of seating, restrooms, vending machines, and information desks for each travel company. In addition, there is plenty of paid parking in front of the station available to passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
100 Thompsons Pt Rd
Where is the train station in Exeter?
Main arrival station: 60 Lincoln St at Railroad Ave
Exeter has one train station.
Train stations in Exeter:
60 Lincoln St at Railroad Ave
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