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Boston to Durham train

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Boston - Durham Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Boston and Durham. The average train journey from Boston to Durham takes one hour and 51 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as one hour and 22 minutes.

Distance54 mi (87 km)
Fastest train1h 22m
Lowest price$15.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Downeaster
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Boston to Durham

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.4

5.0

Raymond

May 18, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: Nice to be able to travel by train. Train and staff were very good. Cons: Better connection between North and South Boston stations. Tips: Cab seems to be the best way to go from one station to the other.

3.0

Jonathan

July 1, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: Train was fast, comfortable, and on time. Cons: Bus was very late and smelled strange.

5.0

Jennifer

April 22, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: Ease and affordable. Cons: More train options from Durham to Boston.

4.0

Carl

August 28, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: Ease of on and off. Cons: People riding the train need to follow the rules about masking. Tips: Take the train.

Price trends for trains from Boston to Durham

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10AprMay

Monthly average prices

$25$20$15$10$5MJJASONDJFMA

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

Which train should you take from Boston to Durham?

2 train services operate from Boston to Durham. Amtrak Downeaster usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak32h 59m$32.63
Amtrak Downeaster51h 23m$23.56

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Boston to Durham every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $15.

  • 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 5 trips from Boston to Durham each day, and with ticket prices starting at just $22, this is one of the most affordable trains in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Boston and Durham is approximately 54 miles, or 87 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 22 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Boston to Durham are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Boston at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Durham. 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 Durham to Boston.

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

Durham

Durham is a city on the Oyster River in New Hampshire. It was initially known as the Parish of Oyster River, but was later renamed after the historic city of Durham, England. The area has over 800 acres of parkland, which you can enjoy via hiking and biking trails. The town has excellent restaurants and bars, particularly in the area surrounding the University of New Hampshire. New England is also popular for golf, and you'll find multiple courses just a short distance from the city. Take a trip to the New England coast at Wallis Sands or go kayaking on the Oyster River.

The quickest way to get to Durham by air is via the nearby Portsmouth Peas Airport. The UNH station is also the city's main transport stop for Amtrak Downeaster trains which run throughout the day, from which you can reach cities like Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Boston?

North Station - BOSNST-0

Image credit: Marco Verch Professional Photographer

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: North Station

North Station is an important intercity and commuter rail station in Boston. Four key routes of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail begin at North Station. It is also one of three Amtrak stations in Boston and serves the Downeaster, connecting Boston to Maine. A pedestrian concourse from the station leads to Boston's subway transit system (a.k.a. the T), where you can access its Orange and Green lines. North Station shares a building with TD Garden, home of the NHL's Boston Bruins and the NBA's Boston Celtics. North Station has seen a lot of rebuilding since the first station came up at this site in the 19th century. In 1928, the original station was pulled apart and a new one was built from scratch. The current version results from decades of intermittent rebuilding, renovation, and expansion, with many new amenities and services to show for it.

All train stations in Boston:

  • North Station

  • South Station

Where is the train station in Durham?

Main arrival station: UNH Durham Transit Ctr - 3 Depot Rd

Durham has one train station.

All train stations in Durham:

  • UNH Durham Transit Ctr - 3 Depot Rd

Get around town with Moovit

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