Wanderu Logo
United States flag
  • Canada
$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Portland to Boston train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Portland - Boston Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Trip Summary

There are usually 21 daily train trips available from Portland to Boston. Traveling by train from Portland to Boston usually takes 4 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance99 mi (159 km)
Fastest train2h 24m
Lowest price$26.00
Trains per day7
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Portland to Boston

(Based on 27 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Marlene

September 7, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: No noise comfortable and nice. Cons: The price was a bit high but over all was very good 👍. Tips: You can travel in comfort and safety no worries.

5.0

Steven

August 2, 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak Downeaster

It was very peaceful for us to be there and friendly

5.0

Felicia

July 11, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: Great way to get from Portland to Boston. Tips: Train arrives at North Station in Boston and it is easy to get on the Tram to get into town.

5.0

Susan

September 30, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Downeaster

Pros: Being able to look out the huge windows and the comfort o the ride. Tips: Be aware that half of the seats/rows face forward while the other half faces backward.

5.0

Betty

September 27, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Downeaster

Was much easier than I anticipated

What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Boston?

The average price for a train ticket from Portland to Boston is $34.40, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 28 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $4.19 more.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Boston will cost between $37 and $40. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10ONDJFMAMJJAS
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Boston stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $31 regardless of when you plan to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Boston at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.

Which train should you take from Portland to Boston?

2 train services operate from Portland to Boston. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 16 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak165h 14m$39.93
Amtrak Downeaster52h 32m$34.04

  • 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 16 Amtrak trains from Portland to Boston every day, as well as 13 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $34.

  • 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 Portland to Boston each day, and with ticket prices starting at just $26, this is one of the most affordable trains in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Portland to Boston. 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 Boston is approximately 99 miles, or 159 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 24 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Portland to Boston on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Portland at 3:00am 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 21 scheduled trains on most days. 7 of these are direct connections to Boston. 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 Boston to Portland.

City Information

Portland

Portland, ME - POR-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, ME - POR-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, ME - POR-2

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Portland?

100 Thompsons Pt Rd -{"city":"Portland","country":"US","postal":"04102","state":"ME","street1":"100 Thompsons Point"} - PORAMT-0

Image credit: Terry Ross

Link to image attribution

Main 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 Boston?

Main arrival station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Boston receives travelers from Portland at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Boston:

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • North Station

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Boston by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Boston to Portland?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Portland

Continue by train from Boston

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android