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Amtrak Downeaster train tickets—Search & book deals

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About Amtrak Downeaster

The Amtrak Downeaster is a popular regional Amtrak train serving passengers in New England. With terminal stations in Boston, Massachusetts and Brunswick, Maine, the Downeaster train route encompasses 145 miles along the northeastern seaboard. The train also passes through multiple cities in New Hampshire, including Dover, Durham, and Exeter. Favored by passengers in the northern suburbs of Boston, the Downeaster is perfect for weekend trips and commuting to and from Beantown.

In 2019, the Downeaster was used by over 500,000 passengers, with the summer months being an especially popular time to ride the train. According to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), passengers reported a 91% on-time arrival rate and Amtrak Downeaster scored higher on customer satisfaction than the Amtrak national average. Currently, the train stops in 11 cities in total, making 4,907 individual trips per month. Most tickets cost between SEK 49.12 and SEK 373.30, making the Downeaster one of the most affordable trains in the U.S.

Contact Amtrak Downeaster

Phone number:
1 (800) 872-7245

Amtrak Downeaster Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Toilet
  • Extra legroom
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Power outlets
  • Snacks
  • Wifi

Quickview

Amtrak Downeaster train coverage

Daily Trips
338
stations
11
cities
11
countries
1
  • United States

What travelers are saying about Amtrak Downeaster

Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak Downeaster had to say about their travel experience.

Traveling During COVID-19

  • “They took COVID safety precautions seriously.”
    94%

Onboard Experience

  • “The WiFi actually worked for the entire trip”
    85%
  • “I’ll travel with them again just for the staff!”
    92%
  • “Really cheap tickets and really good service.”
    98%
  • “The train got there on time.”
    99%
  • “Seats were really comfy and spacious”
    98%
  • “The train was almost suspiciously clean”
    99%

Amtrak Downeaster reviews from Wanderu customers

Overall review score for Amtrak Downeaster Based on 235 reviews

4.9

Ratings (Out of 5)

Comfort
Timeliness
Staff
Value

Amtrak Downeaster passenger reviews

  • JeffOctober 7, 2026Portland – Boston

    Pros Able to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery Cons Better signage in the Boston terminal

  • EileenAugust 2, 2026Boston – Dover

    Pros Very comfortable and fastest way.. Cons Nothing Tips No

  • MeetaJune 8, 2026Brunswick – Boston

    Pros It was more comfortable and easier than air or bus travel. The freedom to move about and get drinks and snacks as needed is wonderful. Cons More food options. Tips Arrive a little early and be ready to disembark as the train approaches your drop off point because the train is typically very punctual and spends little time at stops.

  • KristinMay 18, 2026Boston – Portland

    Pros Sooo easy ! Cons I wish the line went further. I know that's not really in your control but to have more rail travel would be amazing Tips None really! It's easy and straight forward.

  • MargaretJanuary 24, 2026Haverhill – Freeport

    Pros Comfortable and warm Cons It was frigid weather outside. There was only a platform with no enclosures other than a roof. Maybe, some plexiglass walls on each end, to block the wind,n would be very helpful. Tips Dress warmly in winter months.

Amtrak Downeaster Routes & Network

Amtrak Downeaster’s train network features 101 train routes that connect 11 cities serving 11 stations. On average, Amtrak Downeaster performs about 338 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak Downeaster offers the highest number of daily train service include Boston and Portland.

Top Cities Served by Amtrak Downeaster
CityDaily TripsEarliest trainLatest train
Boston394:30 AM8:15 PM
Portland3712:13 AM11:59 PM
Brunswick2712:13 AM11:59 PM
Durham2812:13 AM11:43 PM
Exeter3012:13 AM11:43 PM
Saco2712:13 AM11:59 PM
Wells2812:13 AM11:59 PM
Dover2712:13 AM11:43 PM
Haverhill384:30 AM11:43 PM

Amtrak Downeaster Cancellation Policy

All Amtrak Downeaster tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:

Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.

Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.

Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your Amtrak Downeaster ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.

Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.

Amtrak Downeaster Baggage Policy

Carry-On Baggage

  • One (1) personal item – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)

  • Two (2) carry-on items – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)

Additional Carry-On Rules:

  • Strollers and car seats do not count toward the carry-on limit.

  • Overweight bags must be repacked so they are under 50 lbs. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking.

  • A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger.

Checked Baggage

  • Two (2) items for free – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 75 in / 191 cm (length + width + height)

  • Up to two (2) additional items: $20 fee per item

  • Oversized baggage (76-100 inches total): $20 fee per item

Not all Amtrak Downeaster routes offer checked baggage service. Check ahead before traveling.

Additional Checked Baggage Rules:

  • Your luggage should be checked at least 45 minutes before the train departs.

  • ID tags are required for all luggage.

  • All luggage must be in containers that are suitable for transport (storage tubs and plastic bags are not allowed).

Special Items

  • Bicycles up to 50 lbs (23 kg) may be checked for $20.

  • Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.

  • Skis & snowboards count as checked baggage if under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm).

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.

For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.

Amtrak Downeaster Train Guide & FAQs

Yes, Amtrak Downeaster offers WiFi on their trains. Although most trips with Amtrak Downeaster will have WiFi as advertised, some trains might not come equipped with WiFi and onboard WiFi can lose its connection in rural areas. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. Amtrak Downeaster WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldn’t count on the WiFi to binge watch your favorite show.

Yes, there are power outlets onboard Amtrak Downeaster trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.

Since Amtrak Downeaster might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

On a typical day, Amtrak Downeaster has 338 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.

No, Amtrak Downeaster does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Yes, Amtrak Downeaster requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak Downeaster trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Amtrak Downeaster provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.

Amtrak Downeaster does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you via email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Amtrak Downeaster goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.

Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak Downeaster offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.

Yes, Amtrak Downeaster allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.

Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.

Cheap Amtrak Downeaster tickets recently found on Wanderu

With 338 trips per day on Amtrak Downeaster, there are a lot of great deals to uncover for the bargain hunter, and Amtrak Downeaster tickets start at just SEK 49.12. Check out some of the latest and greatest deals snatched up by Wanderu users.

How do I get the best deal on Amtrak Downeaster tickets?

Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak Downeaster tickets with the lowest available fares every day. Plus, you can compare Amtrak Downeaster prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!

Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends.

When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.

More transportation options

Top Amtrak Downeaster Routes

Top Amtrak Downeaster Destinations

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