Well, since they executed Mussolini, who "at least got the trains to run on time" (although I've heard that's not really true), punctuality has probably not been considered a virtue in Italy.
Portland Ore to Portland Me.
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We don't arrive in Boston till 9:10pm (if on time). Wife has never been to Boston, so thought we would spend a night or two. I have google earthed the two stations and it looks like we can stay in central Boston, then catch a cab to the North station for the ride into Portland Maine.
We are planning on taking the Downeaster back to Boston, then flying home from there (much cheaper tickets than flying out of PWM).
Does anyone know if it is possible to rent a car at or near the Portland Maine train station?
Remeber you can also ride the subway to North Station,perhaps you might want to get off @ BackBay Station(Boston has 3 stations!)
and go to your hotel from there?Check out the rent car thing on the web but Im sure a member can advise!
According to Google maps, the Portland, Maine, Amtrak station is not too far from the airport (unlike Portland, Oregon!), so you might be able to catch a quick cab ride to the car-rental agencies there. All of the major ones seem to be represented.
p&sr
OBS Chief
Your checked baggage you will not see again until you arrive at your destination. Most people that check baggage check it through to their final destination. Otherwise, you might miss your connection while trying to claim your stuff in Chicago. There is no access to checked baggage while on the Train.
DowneasterPassenger
Lead Service Attendant
The Amtrak station in Portland is also the Concord Trailways bus depot. There is a bus that runs directly from there to Boston Logan airport with no stops. The Downeaster will bring you back to North Station and then you'll have to take a taxi or subway to the airport. If you've already gotten the Downeaster ride out of your system with the NB trip, you may want to consider the bus SB. But if you're like me, you'll probably want to take the train anyway!
Off topic: Do you know how Portland, Oregon got its name? Portland, Oregeon was settled by 2 men, one from Boston and one from Portland, Maine. They tossed a coin to see whose hometown they would name it after. Portland "won". But it could have just as easily been called "Boston, Oregon." This would have delighted the folks in Portland, Maine, who now have to live in the smaller, less-well known Portland. Back in the days of travel agents, I've actually had them book airline tickets by mistake to the other Portland.
Hey, thanks for the idea. I would prefer to take the train, but depending on the flight times, it could be much better to take the bus. We are planning on leaving Portland and hopping a flight out of Boston on the same day. I have the Concord Trailways site up now and comparing times.
I grew up in Portland Oregon. I think I was in first grade when they started telling us the story of how Portland was named. We are glad the way it came out, otherwise it would be us having to straighten out the people who naturally think of the larger city.
Thanks for the info.
Would Portland have ever gotten an NBA franchise if it had been named Boston instead? Given that the Celtics (whose arena is, I believe, close to North Station) were one of the original NBA franchises, and one of the most successful, would the league have considered placing a team in the other "Boston"?
OTOH, how many Boston fans thought that, when the Celtics made their first road trip to play the Trail Blazers, that they were just going out of town a few miles to play a team in Maine?
sky12065
Conductor
Hey! When that happens I'll join you and I'll even wear a grass skirt! :blink:
Recap of what I have gathered from comments:
Flip flops or sandal only for the room or car that I am on. Shoes for the long walk to dining car.
Lower room is fine. Might as well try it and see what I think.
Check what luggage I can all the way to Boston, but carry on a couple small bags and one that will hold change of clothes etc. I can access the larger carry on while underway to Chicago.
Question: What do I do with the larger carry on from Chicago to Boston??
I can leave my bags while in Chicago at the Metro Lounge.
We can, if time permits go to the Willis/Sears Tower, and on to Giordanos for dinner.
If we are running short of time, I can bring the Pizza back to the train, but not sure how we are going to carry two small carry ons, one larger carry on, and a Pizza.
On the list of things to take with us (other than the usual items)
Windex and some paper towels (to clean the window if the opportunity presents itself)
Binders/clips to seal the curtains if velcro doesn’t quite fit.
Electric razor (fortunately mine holds a charge for a couple of weeks)
Question: we are in room 12 from Portland Or to Chicago. Does that mean we are seeing north or south, or is it just a random thing about which way the cars are pointed??
Flip flops or sandal only for the room or car that I am on. Shoes for the long walk to dining car.
Lower room is fine. Might as well try it and see what I think.
Check what luggage I can all the way to Boston, but carry on a couple small bags and one that will hold change of clothes etc. I can access the larger carry on while underway to Chicago.
Question: What do I do with the larger carry on from Chicago to Boston??
I can leave my bags while in Chicago at the Metro Lounge.
We can, if time permits go to the Willis/Sears Tower, and on to Giordanos for dinner.
If we are running short of time, I can bring the Pizza back to the train, but not sure how we are going to carry two small carry ons, one larger carry on, and a Pizza.
On the list of things to take with us (other than the usual items)
Windex and some paper towels (to clean the window if the opportunity presents itself)
Binders/clips to seal the curtains if velcro doesn’t quite fit.
Electric razor (fortunately mine holds a charge for a couple of weeks)
Question: we are in room 12 from Portland Or to Chicago. Does that mean we are seeing north or south, or is it just a random thing about which way the cars are pointed??
RTOlson
Lead Service Attendant
It's always random because the cars could be set up in either direction.
On the Lake Shore there is a cubbyhole above the hall that is accessible only from inside your room. Most bags that fit Amtrak's carry-on dimensions will fit into this cubby.
Unfortunately mine doesn't, the battery died a few years ago. Fortunately they put the electrical outlets close enough to the mirror that I can plug mine in and still see to shave.
As RTOlsen noted, the car can face either way, so there is no way to know for sure which side of the train your room will look out of. You'll find out when you board. :lol:
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wayman
Engineer
Sounds like most of your carryons will be in the Metro Lounge while you're out, so this is just a question of how to get everything from the lounge to the train. A Red Cap can help you with that.
A Giordano's deep dish pizza takes about thirty minutes to make from the time you order it. If timing is an issue, call in your order so you can just pick it up (already prepared for you) on your way back to the station.
(312) 583-9400
223 W. JACKSON BLVD.
If you just want the traditional and excellent Chicago pizza, that's the "famous stuffed pizza". Here's the stuffed pizza menu so you can whet your appetite
It's filling--a 10" (small) makes a full meal for two, in my opinion!- Status
