Portland to Bangor train

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.

Although Bangor is best known as the setting for many of Stephen King's novels, there is far more to the town than just horror. With a vibrant art scene, multiple museums, galleries, and an annual sidewalk art festival, Bangor is a delightful destination for a weekend getaway. In the winter, Bangor is also one of the best destinations for a snowy vacation.

Bangor first grew its economy through the lumber and shipbuilding industries. The city's rich lumber history is evident on almost every street, as wealthy "lumber barons" built decadent brick and wood mansions throughout the city. You can learn more about the industry's impact on Bangor by visiting The Maine Forest and Logging Museum just outside town.

If you're a Stephen King fan, be sure to book a city tour of some of the locations featured in his novels and films, and learn about how the area inspired his work. You can also stroll past Stephen King's own house (don't bother him for autographs, it's a private residence!) and take a stroll through the neighborhood to admire many other magnificent houses.

Getting to Bangor is simple. Bangor International Airport is served by many major airlines and offers nonstop and connecting flights from various U.S. cities. Greyhound Lines and Concord Coach Lines also offer bus services to other Maine destinations and cities throughout New England. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Bangor to the nationwide rail network.