Maine has several passenger trains which offer a great way to see our beautiful wilderness as well as our quaint inland and ocean communities.
The Downeaster
This train is operated by Amtrak and runs the following route in Maine: Wells – Saco – Old Orchard Beach – Portland – Freeport – Brunswick. The Downeaster offers many deals including Seniors Half Price, Children Half Price, and Kids Ride Free Tuesday and more.
MAINE EASTERN RAILROAD
This train operates seasonal passenger excursions covering 56.6 miles of midcoast Maine. It travels Brunswick – Bath – Wiscasset – Newcastle/Damariscotta – Rockland. This line features coach cars and a buffet lounge car, and children under 3 ride free.
SANDY RIVER & RANGELEY LAKES RAILROAD
Phillips, Maine. This non-profit organization is a division of the Phillips Historical Society and features a two foot gauge railroad that debuted in 1879. This railroad tour takes place on the grounds of the organization and includes a walking and talking tour, a covered bridge, and a four stall roundhouse built on the original foundation of the “Old Stone Fort.”. Passengers are hauled in either an 1884 vintage coach or a caboose from the 1980’s and travel through the woods, along a field, and have a spectacular view of the Sandy River. The best time to visit is during Phillips Old Home Days (the third Friday in August).
Boothbay Railway Village
Boothbay, Maine. Open weekends only late May through mid-June, and daily from mid-June to mid-October. Featuring a museum, exhibits, events a 1950’s – 1960’s period railroad model and steam locomotive rides over the surrounding property. Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome.
BELFAST & MOOSEHEAD LAKE RAILROAD
Belfast, Maine. This railroad is a non-profit organization and offers weekend and holiday round trip excursions Memorial Day weekend through late October. The railroad operates two vintage GE 70 ton diesel electric locomotives. Several unique rides operate throughout the year including scenic rides to Waldo Station, a pizza train, the chocolate express, and trains to the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity.
DOWNEAST SCENIC RAILROAD
Ellsworth, Maine. This railroad is operated by a non-profit organization and offers round trip tours from Ellsworth to Washington Junction rail yard mid-May through mid-October . The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and crosses bridges, through woods and small Maine towns through 13 miles of the restored Calais Branch Line.
MAINE NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD CO. & MUSEUM
Portland, Maine. This non-profit railroad runs steam locomotives and is open daily from May 9th to October 18th and seasonally for events. Group tours, school tours, facility rentals, birthday parties, wedding train, private train charter, and special occasions are all welcome.
WISCASSET, WATERVILLE & FARMINGTON RAILWAY MUSEUM
Alna, Maine. WW&F Railway Museum operates year-round, although trains only run the 3rd Saturday of April through mid-December depending on the weather. The train ride is 2.5 miles long and goes from the Sheepscot Station headquarters to the woods of Alna, and takes approximately 35 minutes. This non-profit organization also offers many special events throughout the year.