Boston To Brunswick, Maine: Travel Options

There are several ways to get from Boston to Brunswick, Maine. The most common methods of transport are by plane, train, bus, or car. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes 44 minutes for a non-stop flight. The Amtrak train is another option, with five daily round trips between the two cities, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive, both of which are more affordable options but will take around 2 hours.

Driving from Boston to Brunswick, Maine

Driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Brunswick, Maine is a relatively short trip that can be done in a day. The total distance is around 133 miles, and the drive time is approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes without any stops.

If you're looking to make a road trip out of it, there are several interesting places you can stop along the way. Here is a suggested itinerary:

• Drive for about 38 minutes and make your first stop in Salem, Massachusetts. Spend about an hour exploring the city's famous historical sites, such as the Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables.
• Get back on the road and drive for another 54 minutes to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront. You can also visit the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum that showcases the city's colonial past.
• After about an hour in Portsmouth, continue driving for 37 minutes to Kennebunkport, Maine. This charming coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and quaint shops. You can walk along the waterfront, browse the art galleries, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the local seafood restaurants.
• Hop back in the car and drive for 35 minutes to Portland, Maine. Take some time to explore the Old Port district, wander through the Art District, and visit the Portland Head Light, a historic lighthouse with stunning views of Casco Bay.
• Finally, drive for about 26 minutes to reach your final destination of Brunswick, Maine.

The total travel time for this road trip itinerary is approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore each stop and enjoy the diverse attractions along the way.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a quicker mode of transport, you can take a direct train from Boston to Brunswick. The Amtrak Downeaster offers five daily round trips between the two cities, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 20 minutes. The train journey provides a comfortable and scenic option to enjoy the New England landscape.

Taking the Amtrak train

The Amtrak Downeaster train offers five daily round trips between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts. The train arrives and departs from Boston North Station, with the Brunswick station located outdoors. The Brunswick Visitor's Center is located adjacent to the train platform and is open daily from 9:45 am to 4:00 pm.

The Amtrak Downeaster offers comfortable reclining seats with lots of legroom and oversized windows for scenic views. The train also provides an onboard café, free Wi-Fi, and personal outlets at every seat.

The train journey allows you to explore the rugged coastline of Maine and the historic charm of New Hampshire. You can savour lobster rolls and clam chowder, explore beaches and boutiques, and even hop on a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands.

The Amtrak Downeaster also provides seasonal services to Old Orchard Beach, located just steps from the sand. The train service is ideal for those visiting family or friends, business trips, or attending a game.

When planning your trip, it is important to note that Amtrak does not offer connecting transfers to or from North Station. North and South Stations are about a mile apart, and you can use taxis or the MBTA Orange Line subway to travel between them.

Flying from Boston to Brunswick

Commercial Flights

Commercial flights are available from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Portland International Jetport (PWM). The flight time is 44 minutes, and the total travel time, including getting to and from the airport, security, boarding, and taxiing, is around 4 hours.

Private Flights

If you have access to a private plane, you can fly directly from Boston to Brunswick. The flight time is still 44 minutes, but you can avoid the extra time spent in commercial travel, making the overall journey faster.

Airlines and Connections

When searching for flights, you may find direct flights with Cape Air from BOS to Augusta State Airport (AUG) or Knox County Regional Airport (RKD). There are also connecting flights with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which stop in various airports, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), before arriving at PWM.

Booking Tips

To find the best prices for flights, it is recommended to book between 28 and 35 days in advance for domestic travel. For international flights, booking between three and four months ahead is ideal. You can also use flight search engines and filters to find direct or connecting flights that match your preferences and schedule.

Taking the bus

There is one daily bus service provided by Concord Coach Lines, departing from Boston South Station and arriving at the Brunswick Visitors Center. The earliest bus departs at 8:50 am, and the latest bus departs at 10:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased online, and it is recommended to arrive at the bus stop 15 minutes before departure. The average ticket price is around $24, but prices may vary.

Taking a combination of train and bus

There are several ways to travel from Boston to Brunswick, Maine, including by train, bus, car, or plane. Here is a detailed guide on how to get from Boston to Brunswick, Maine, using a combination of train and bus:

Train and Bus Options:

The Amtrak Downeaster provides a convenient car-free travel option between Boston and Brunswick, with five daily round trips. This train service offers comfortable reclining seats, oversized windows, free Wi-Fi, and personal outlets at every seat. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with tickets priced at $30-45.

Alternatively, you can opt for a combination of train and bus services. Here's how:

• Take the Amtrak train from Boston to Portland, ME: This journey will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a bus from Portland, ME, to Brunswick, ME: This bus journey will take approximately 1 hour.

By combining train and bus travel, the total travel time will be similar to taking the Amtrak Downeaster train for the entire journey. This option may provide more flexibility in terms of scheduling and could be a good alternative if you prefer a break between the train and bus portions of your trip.

When planning your trip, it is always a good idea to check the official websites or apps of the respective train and bus companies for the most up-to-date schedules and ticket prices.

Frequently asked questions