Bowdoin To Brunswick: A Quick Trip

Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, Maine, and the two places are just 9.37 miles apart. The fastest route from Brunswick, ME, to Bowdoin, ME, is 13 miles or 20.92 kilometers by car, via the I-295 N route. The trip takes around 19 minutes if you drive non-stop. There are various transportation options to get to Bowdoin College and around Brunswick, including bus, train, taxi, shuttle, bike, and car-sharing services.

Travel options from Bowdoin to Brunswick

Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, Maine, and there are several travel options for getting to and around the campus.

By Air

The closest commercial airport to Bowdoin College is the Portland International Jetport, which is about 35 minutes from Brunswick. Major airlines serving this airport include United, American, Southwest, Frontier, and Delta. From the airport, you can use the Mermaid Transportation Co. for transportation to and from the campus.

By Train

The Amtrak Downeaster train offers a convenient travel option between Boston and Brunswick. The train departs from Boston's North Station and makes stops in Portland, Freeport, and other locations along the way. This train service is a popular choice for students travelling during the school year.

By Bus

Concord Coach Lines provides bus services directly from Logan Airport in Boston to Brunswick Station, located at the edge of the Bowdoin College campus. The bus also stops in Portland, Maine, en route to Brunswick. Brunswick is also served by Greyhound/Vermont Transit, offering daily trips to and from the city.

By Car

For those who prefer to drive, there are several rental car companies available, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Enterprise. Additionally, Zipcar offers a car-sharing service with vehicles available for rent on the Bowdoin College campus.

Within Brunswick

Once in Brunswick, there are several transportation options to get around the city and to the Bowdoin College campus. The Brunswick Explorer is the local public transportation system, offering an all-day pass for just $2.00. The Bowdoin Shuttle, operated by the college's Campus Safety and Security, provides free transportation for students within a one-mile radius of the campus. For shorter distances, the Yellow Bike Club provides year-round bicycle access to students for a low annual fee. Finally, for those who prefer taxis, Brunswick Taxi is a reliable local service that can be used for travel within Brunswick and to nearby areas.

The Bowdoin Shuttle

Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, Maine, and is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The Bowdoin Shuttle is a free service provided by the College's Campus Safety and Security that operates within a one-mile radius of the campus. The shuttle runs seven days a week during the academic session with extended hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It provides safe and convenient transportation for students with specific stops, including Harpswell, Boody-Johnson House, Brunswick Apartments, Coffin Street, Druckenmiller, Edward Art Center, Farley Field House, Fort Andross, and many more. The shuttle can be contacted at (207) 725-3337 or via the Shuttleapp.bowdoin.edu.

The College also offers other transportation options for students and visitors. The Amtrak Downeaster train provides an easy connection between Boston and Brunswick, with stops in Portland, Freeport, and other locations. This service is commonly used by students for weekend travel during the school year. Additionally, the Brunswick Taxi service is available for travel to nearby towns, and the college provides a car-sharing service through Zipcar.

For those flying to the area, the closest commercial airport is the Portland International Jetport, which is approximately 35 minutes from Brunswick. This airport is served by major airlines and offers convenient connections. Boston's Logan International Airport is also accessible, located about two hours away by car, with bus services available through Concord Coach Lines and Mermaid Transportation.

In addition to these options, Bowdoin College provides a comprehensive transportation network for its students and visitors. The college prioritises safe and sustainable travel options, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all.

Brunswick Taxi

In addition to Brunswick Taxi, there are several other taxi and transportation services operating in the Brunswick area. These include Maine Street Taxi, Portland Jetport Express Taxi, Coastal Cab Company, Platinum Plus Taxi, Portland Airport Express Cab, and many more. These companies provide a range of services, including airport transportation, shuttle services, and local taxi cabs.

When travelling in Brunswick, Maine, it's worth considering the various transportation options available, including taxi services such as Brunswick Taxi, bus companies like Concord Coach Lines, and train services such as the Amtrak Downeaster. Each option offers its own unique benefits in terms of convenience, cost, and accessibility, catering to different traveller needs and preferences.

The Amtrak Downeaster train

The Downeaster offers comfortable reclining seats with lots of legroom and oversized windows for the best scenic views. Onboard services include a café, free wi-fi, and personal outlets at every seat. The train is also pet-friendly, allowing passengers to bring their small dogs or cats along with them.

The Downeaster route explores historic colonial cities, beautiful beaches, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and world-class shopping. The train stops at Old Orchard Beach, just steps away from the sand, and at Boston North Station, which is about a mile away from Boston South Station and Back Bay Station, where passengers can connect to other Amtrak services.

The Downeaster is a convenient travel option for students at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, providing access to nearby locations like Freeport, Portland, and Boston. The train is also used by students for weekend travel during the school year.

In fiscal 2023, the Downeaster carried 542,639 passengers, a 22.0% increase from the previous year. The train has seen significant growth in ridership since 2005, with an average annual increase of 13.1%, excluding a slight decrease in 2009.

Driving route and time

Brunswick, Maine, is easily accessible by car from various locations. Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, Maine, and is approximately 30 minutes north of Portland, Maine, by car. The college is also about two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts, by car.

If you are travelling from the south, you can take the Maine Turnpike to Exit 52 (formerly Exit 9; 295 to Coastal Route 1). From there, continue on 295 to Exit 28 Route 1 North: Coastal Route, Brunswick/Bath. If you are travelling from the north via the Maine Turnpike, take Exit 14, then I-295 to Exit 28 Route 1 North.

Once you have reached Brunswick, you can access the main campus and admissions office by following these directions: From I-295, take Route 1 North/Pleasant Street and proceed to the third traffic light. Go straight ("To 201/123/24/Maine Street"). Continue straight for approximately half a mile to the second traffic light. Turn right onto Maine Street. Continue on Maine Street for about half a mile. The Bowdoin campus begins at the intersection of Maine Street and Bath Road, near a large UCC Church.

The Portland International Jetport is served by major airlines and is about 35 minutes from Brunswick. Boston's Logan International Airport is a larger airport, offering more flight options and is a two-hour drive from Brunswick. Rental cars are available at both airports and in Brunswick.

There are also private airports in Bowdoinham and Wiscasset that offer charter flights and service to small, commuter planes.

Frequently asked questions