Just in time for the holiday travel season, starting Monday, November 12, the Amtrak Downeaster will be expanding weekday service of all trains to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine; four of five daily round trips will serve Freeport and Brunswick on weekends. Currently, the Downeaster makes five daily round trips between Portland and Boston with only three extending to Freeport and Brunswick.
The addition of early morning southbound departures from Brunswick, which arrives in Boston before 8:00 am each weekday (Train 680) and by 9:10 am on weekends (Train 690), are expected to be popular with business travelers and those making other travel connections. The addition of Train 686, a new 1:30 pm weekday departure from Brunswick, is a favorite for sports fans and concert-goers, as is the late-night northbound train from Boston (Train 689/699) which will terminate in Brunswick every day instead of just on Friday and Saturday.
The Downeaster is a reserved service and tickets sell out quickly, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book early. Last year, Downeaster ridership saw ridership increases throughout the Thanksgiving travel period including a 23% increase the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
The Downeaster is operated by Amtrak and managed by The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA). Together, they operate intercity passenger rail service connecting Maine and Boston with convenient, frequent and affordable daily service. Downeaster amenities include Coach and Business Class options as well as free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets at every seat. Table seating is available in the Downeaster Café, which offers a variety of snacks and beverages featuring Maine-made products.
For information regarding the Downeaster schedule, fares or to make reservations, visit AmtrakDowneaster.com.
