Cheap train tickets from Portland to Boston
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Trip Summary
There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Portland to Boston. Traveling by train from Portland to Boston usually takes 4 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Downeaster train can make the trip in 2 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 99 mi (159 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 32m |
| Lowest price | $26.00 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Portland to Boston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to Boston?
There are usually 34 daily bus trips available from Portland to Boston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$41.23 | Avg. Price$30.74Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips34 |
Duration | Duration4h 3m | Duration2h 1mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Portland to Boston (Based on 30 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Boston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Boston?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Boston was $39.89. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.07 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Boston by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Portland to Boston is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $39 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Boston by month
Taking the train from Portland to Boston usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $40 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Portland to Boston doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
What train companies travel from Portland to Boston?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to Boston, including Amtrak, Amtrak Downeaster. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 12 | 4h 27m | $43.15 |
| Amtrak Downeaster | 5 | 2h 32m | $34.00 |
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 12 Amtrak trains from Portland to Boston every day, as well as 12 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 about traveling by train from Portland to Boston
There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. 8 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Boston for $17.
TRIPS PER DAY
17
DIRECT TRIPS
8
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 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 32 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
99
DISTANCE (KM)
159
The earliest train departs Portland at 3:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:33pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
3:15am
LATEST TRAIN
6:33pm
Trains from Portland to Boston are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Portland
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 does the train leave from in Portland?
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 does the train arrive 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
Need a return trip from Boston to Portland?
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