6 Incredible Maine Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Interested in train rides in Maine? We scoured the state for the best day trips in Maine, and we didn’t come up short. There are lots of options for adventure in Maine, including riding the rails. A train ride is one of the best ways to relax AND get somewhere new. From conventional passenger trains to scenic, historic ones, here are some of the best train trips in Maine.

1. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is dedicated to sharing the history of Maine’s two-foot gauge railroad. In addition to a small museum, visitors here can take a wonderful, leisurely train ride in Maine along the waterfront. It lasts about 35 minutes and travels three miles round-trip along the Eastern Prom. Depending on the season, there are open-air cars or closed cars.

Learn more about the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum.

2. Downeast Scenic Railroad

This beautiful train system is dedicated to preserving the railroad history of the Downeast area. Open May through October, visitors can take part in a variety of station-focused events, including the popular "touch a train." But, the real fun is in the train rides that leave from the station and head to surrounding areas. Enjoy fall foliage tours in the autumn and fun leisure rides throughout the summer. It is one of the best places for train rides near me in Maine.

Read more about the Downeast Scenic Railroad.

3. Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum, Alna

This museum is one of our favorites! The WW&F Railway Museum is a non-profit focused on displaying and preserving the two-foot gauge Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway. The museum now has over two miles of tracks that are in service over the original roadbed. It operates most of the old equipment from the original railroad. Unlike some of the other train rides, these Maine train rides run during the winter months as well.

Get the most up-to-date information about the WW&F Railway Museum at its website.

4. Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, Belfast

The Brooks Preservation Society is a non-profit preservation organization dedicated to preserving railroad history in Waldo County. Thirty-three miles of the former Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad is leased from the Maine Department of Transportation, allowing for some lovely rides! Train excursions are typically offered May through October and include several train trips in Maine focused on foliage, summer fun, and Christmas.

Read further on about Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad.

5. Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport

The Seashore Trolley Museum is the largest electric railway museum in the world! It was founded in 1939, and now has a collection that includes vehicles from almost every state that has or had a streetcar system. This is more than just a place to visit - there are interactive events and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. While train rides here are not an every day occurrence, show up during a holiday or during the summer, and you'll likely have the chance to see the equipment in action.

Learn more about visiting the Seashore Trolley Museum.

6. The Amtrak Downeaster, Various

And last but not least (because it might be the only option that will actually take you somewhere) is the Downeaster. This Amtrak connection will take you from Boston all the way to Brunswick, with stops in Wells, Saco, OOB, Portland, and Freeport along the way. Choose from many awesome train rides in Maine!

Learn more about riding the Amtrak Downeaster.

Have you ever enjoyed any of these train rides in Maine? Did we miss any of your favorite Maine train rides? Tell us in the comments!

These train trips in Maine aren't the only option for adventure in Vacationland. Check out these incredible day trips in Maine.