Car-Free GETAWAYS
Now that the Amtrak Downeaster has expanded its Maine stops to include Freeport and
Brunswick, it’s easier than ever to explore Greater Portland without a car. Pop up from Boston
for the day or a weekend jaunt.
Photo: Chris Lawrence, Overlooking Portland
CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /
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Train riders coming from New York or
Connecticut make a simple connection
by subway or cab from Boston’s South
Station to catch the Downeaster, which
departs from North Station. Or arrive
via the comfort of a Concord Coach
Lines bus and while away the time
watching a complimentary movie
as you’re whisked to Maine from
Boston’s North Station or Logan
Airport. Even air travelers won’t feel
hampered without a car. If your stay
doesn’t include a hotel shuttle, you
can get into town by cab or catch the
#5 Metro bus, disembarking at
its hub on Elm Street. Portland is
a compact and very walkable city.
You’ll get an overview of the area, from
its landmarks to lesser-known points
of interest, on a trolley, fire engine, or
duck boat tour. Or step aboard one of
the cruise boats or schooners lining the
waterfront for a breezy look at Casco
Bay. Many museums and historic
homes are within your reach in
Greater Portland. For an unparalleled
look at art from the 1800s to the
present, visit the Portland Museum
of Art. Tour the boyhood home of
poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,
one of the oldest brick structures on
Portland’s peninsula. Discover the
colorful world inside the spectacular
architecture of Victoria Mansion,
a 19th-century time capsule of
pre-Civil-War grandeur.
There’s also plenty to keep your
kids occupied on a getaway to Maine.
Explore hands-on interactive exhibits
at the Children’s Museum & Theatre
of Maine. Ride the historic Maine
Narrow Gauge Railroad as it chugs
its way alongside the waterfront. For
an authentic Maine experience, haul
lobsters from the bay with Captain Tom
aboard the Lucky Catch. Depending on
which season you arrive, cheer for one
of our local sports teams, the Portland
Sea Dogs (baseball, Apr - Sept), the
Portland Pirates (hockey, Oct - Apr)
or the Maine Red Claws (basketball,
Nov - Apr).
If you’re one of the many visitors who
love to shop in Maine, you’ll have no
problem without a car; the Metro
runs out to the Maine Mall, and the
Downeaster now connects you to the
hundreds of outlets and locally-owned
boutiques in Freeport’s charming village.
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LOCAL TIP
It’s a snap to bring your bicycle
on both the Downeaster and
Concord Coach. You’ll appreciate
the freedom to explore the region,
including nearby beaches
and islands.
