Amtrak in New England

[ScottR]

There are three states in the US I have not visited. They are New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. It is a bucket list item to see all 50 states, and I have an opportunity to fly to Boston in September, a week’s worth of time, and AGR points to use. As a Californian, I have no familiarity with the East Coast rail network, having only taken the Lake Shore Limited once Chicago to NYC. Never ridden an NEC or named train up there. Any advice on a train based circle trip through those three states starting and ending in Boston? Maybe this isn’t possible. I do not want to rent a car, or fly beyond the trip SFO-Boston-SFO. Buses are ok. I see the Vermonter and the Downeaster but not sure how to connect them efficiently but perhaps there are local trains, subways, bus connections etc.

 

[jiml]

The Vermonter was recently extended and covers some beautiful countryside. There are two recent YouTube reviews (Google Paul Lucas and Mike Downey Live) which could give some perspective. It's currently on my "to do" list.

 

[Dakota 400]

Any advice on a train based circle trip through those three states starting and ending in Boston? Maybe this isn’t possible.

You are asking a good question and it is one more example of where a hard copy system timetable would be helpful to see if such a trip is possible. The map would easily show the routes. I suggest that you try to find a map of the Amtrak routes in the Northeast on the Amtrak web site. That would give you some idea if such a trip that you would like to take is possible.

 

[joelkfla]

The Vermonter was recently extended and covers some beautiful countryside. There are two recent YouTube reviews (Google Paul Lucas and Mike Downey Live) which could give some perspective. It's currently on my "to do" list.

There's also this good deal, in case you haven't seen it:
https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/amtrak-introduces-discover-maine-rail-pass.82507/unread

 

[Heading North]

Maine and Vermont are easy, it’s NH that is tricky. If you just want to say you’ve been to New Hampshire, either the Downeaster or the Vermonter (with its one stop in Claremont, NH) would fit the bill.

You can also use the Boston leg of the Lake Shore Limited to bridge the Maine and Vermont legs, either in Springfield for the Vermonter or Albany for the Ethan Allen, though it may require an overnight (and accounting for eastbound delays).

Some of the MBTA commuter lines from Boston North Station would get you close to NH but none would go all the way; a bus from South Station very well might, or there could also be a bus or taxi connection from one of the towns along the Vermonter from White River Junction on down since they’re all along the Connecticut River.

 

[Amtrak25]

You can get off the Vermonter in Bellows Falls and easily walk into North Walpole, NH. For staying in a motel, call a cab.

 

[Palmland]

How about Concord Bus for an excursion into New Hampshire from Boston. I’d pick North Conway for the Conway Scenic RR?

 

[xzperu42]

And of course this:

https://www.thecog.com/
But likely to require a car.

 

[BalmyZephyr]

You can get off the Vermonter in Bellows Falls and easily walk into North Walpole, NH. For staying in a motel, call a cab.

Worth doing! I was just there two weeks ago, and had a wonderful chat with a retired trainman in the Original Steamtown railyard in North Walpole. It isn't open to the public (he was chasing me off, actually) but he told me the next Steamtown was open to drive in, just north of Bellows Falls on Route 5. After that, Steamtown went to Scranton. Also, is Miss Bellows Falls Diner still there? The best!

 

[Lonnie]

You can get off in Brattleboro VT and walk across the bridge right there into Hinsdale NH and hike the mountain that looms over Brattleboro from the NH side. There's a great restaurant overlooking the Connecticut River at the bridge.

 

[MARC Rider]

You can get off in Brattleboro VT and walk across the bridge right there into Hinsdale NH and hike the mountain that looms over Brattleboro from the NH side. There's a great restaurant overlooking the Connecticut River at the bridge.

Are you referring to this one:

https://www.whetstonebeer.com/station/
I've eaten there a few times. the upper level is a beer garden with snack plates only. A real good selection of beers, many of which are brewed on site.


Here's a view from the beer deck during one of my visits back in 2015.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks for this advice. The present situation is this. I fly to Boston, I take a bus Boston to Springfield as the LSL connection doesn’t work with my airline connection, I take the Vermonter to Essex Junction, I take a bus, cab, uber to Burlington because, if I am going on my one and probably only trip to New England I can’t wait.

I want to stay on Lake Champlain (see link) and not in a chain hotel in Essex, but it is 700$ so I think I am doing it all wrong. Any advice welcome. It’s a bucket list so I do not mind it being bit spendiferous.

Basic time line

Sept 2 overnight San Fransisco to Boston via plane

Sept 3 arrive early am, make my way Boston to Springfield, get on Vermonter, go to Essex Junction, to Burlington, VT, night at an expensive hotel (almost nothing available even this far out). This is the Courtyard Burlington Harbor. I have Greyhound between the two points. I don‘t mind that, and understand there is a Casino in Springfield which may ease the wait, as I lose money.

Sept 4 leave Burlington but pretty early enr New Haven, and get there late, so not much time in Burlington. Not 700$ worth. Next day Go to New Haven, visit Yale and spend the night.

Sept 5 NEC back to Boston. I’ve never been to Boston, the NEC, Vermont, New Haven, Burlington, so all tourist things. I grew up In Texas, spent most of my working life in California. One reason this is on my bucket list

Sept 6 repeat above. I’m a retired Navy officer and fascinated by the Boston Navy Yard and Old Ironsides, Bunker Hill, et c.

Sept 7 back BOS, DEN, MRY

it’s far enough in advance I can replan it and Im not comfortable paying that much money in Vermont, since I am there for such a short time. it seems nothing is available either hotels or bnb…maybe the trees turning Is making it way expensive? If you have a garage to let …well…let me know.

I’d love some advice from the folks who actually live up there and take these trains and buses and sit in these stations and visit these towns. I’m really excited about it.

I live in a tourist town myself here in Monterey CA and know for example there is a hotel a block away from the 700$ a night one that costs $150…with about the same view, just doesn‘t have the bar and restaurant …but walk 100 feet and you are there.

so anyone on the Coast Starlight who needs Carmel, Monterey, Salinas info let me know.


I wanted to hit up Maine and NH and had some good advice to do so on this thread but I’ll do it next year.

assuming there is one…..

you are never never never too old to complete your bucket list.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Wonderful trip! Perhaps you could Rent a car and stay in an Inn or Motel cheaper than the $700 a night Hotel??!

Since you are Retired, and seem to have Travel time, perhaps you should go a little later in the Fall ,and before the Snow starts as $700 a night is insane for a one night stay that's not @ the Ritz or Fairmont.

 

[BlackDiamond]

Wonderful trip! Perhaps you could Rent a car and stay in an Inn or Motel cheaper than the $700 a night Hotel??!

Since you are Retired, and seem to have Travel time, perhaps you should go a little later in the Fall ,and before the Snow starts as $700 a night is insane for a one night stay that's not @ the Ritz or Fairmont.

Early to mid October is leaf peeping season and a good time to go although hotel rates might still be high as that is a popular time especially for retired folks with no kids in school.

Visiting Maine and NH is easy with the Downeaster, leaves from North Station so will require a subway, cab, or Uber ride from South Station. Portland ME is a great place to visit with its harbor and restaurants, also the Narrow Gauge railway and ferry boat rides to the islands. Brunswick Maine at the end of the line is an interesting college town with some good restaurants also. If you were flying back from Boston you could take the train one way and the Concord Coach back which goes directly to Logan Airport. Leaves from the same station in Portland (PTC) as Amtrak.

 

[Bembidion]

Worth doing! I was just there two weeks ago, and had a wonderful chat with a retired trainman in the Original Steamtown railyard in North Walpole. It isn't open to the public (he was chasing me off, actually) but he told me the next Steamtown was open to drive in, just north of Bellows Falls on Route 5. After that, Steamtown went to Scranton. Also, is Miss Bellows Falls Diner still there? The best!

Keene, NH lost a great opportunity by letting Steamtown go, though they weren't the only ones involved. As Bradford G. Blodget and Richard R. Richards state in Iron Roads of the Monadnock Region, "Blount's dream to locate his Steamtown museum and live steam operation in Keene broke down amid politics and squabbling among the city, the State of New Hampshire, and the B&M." By the mid-80's all four rail lines coming into Keene had been ripped out in very short-sighted action. Now the area is choked with trucks and cars. They do dray some freight to the area from Worcester, MA, but this just adds more trucks to the roadways.

There could have been an excellent passenger line from Boston to Worcester through WInchendon, MA and Keene to Bellows Falls and beyond. I will admit, though that the B&M was hobbling on for many years and the tracks at least south of Keene would have needed a major upgrade.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks for this advice. The present situation is this. I fly to Boston, I take a bus Boston to Springfield as the LSL connection doesn’t work with my airline connection, I take the Vermonter to Essex Junction, I take a bus, cab, uber to Burlington because, if I am going on my one and probably only trip to New England, I want to stay on the lake, and not in a chain hotel in Essex, but it is 700$ so I think I am doing it all wrong. Any advice welcome. It’s a bucket list so I do not mind it being bit spendiferous.

Basic time line

Sept 2 overnight San Fransisco to Boston via plane
Sept 3 arrive early am, make my way Boston to Springfield, get on Vermonter, go to Essex Junction, to Burlington, VT, night at an expensive hotel (almost nothing available even this far out). This is the Courtyard Burlington Harbor. I have Greyhound between the two points. I don‘t mind that, and understand there is a Casino in Springfield.
Sept 4 leave Burlington but pretty early enr New Haven, and get there late, so not much time in Burlington. Not 700$ worth. Next day Go to New Haven, visit Yale and spend the night.
Sept 5 NEC back to Boston. I’ve never been to Boston, the NEC, Vermont, New Haven, Burlington, so all tourist things. I grew up In Texas, spent most of my working life in California. On reason this is on my bucket list
Sept 6 repeat above. I’m a retired Navy officer and fascinated by the Boston Navy Yard and Old Ironsides, Bunker Hill, et c.
Sept 7 back BOS, DEN, MRY

it’s far enough in advance I can replan it and Im not comfortable paying that much money in Vermont, since I am there for such a short time. it seems nothing is available either hotels or bnb…maybe the trees turning Is making it way expensive? If you have a garage to let …well…let me know.

anyway I’d love some advice from the folks who actually live up there and take these trains and buses and sit in these stations and visit these towns. I’m really excited about it.
I live in a tourist town myself here in Monterey CA and know for example there is a hotel a block away from the 700$ a night one that costs $150…with about the same view, just doesn‘t have the bar and restaurant …but walk 100 feet and you are there.

so anyone on the Coast Starlight who needs Carmel, Monterey, Salinas info let me know.


I wanted to hit up Maine and NH and had some good advice to do so on this thread but I’ll do it next year.

assuming there is one,

 

[Rambling Robert]

The high cost might be attributed to the holiday. It’s Labor Day. Here in Gloucester Mass we have Schooner Races on 9/4/22 and the nicest hotel goes about $750. We’re an hour by commuter rail.

I did local TV coverage for years. Being amongst 7 to 15 schooners “showing off” at the parade of sail and then jockeying around for the start is a thrill. Some take passengers. $750 would prolly buy three tix - haha!

Here’s a vid someone did on the “Privateer Fame” out of Salem. I know the boat.

 

[ScottR]

Looks like a lot of fun. I sail here on the Monterey Bay on occasion.
Yes it is a holiday weekend, and I found very few places available, even on air bnb, so I understand the high prices. Monterey is the same. I could just change my dates, but I have airline miles expiring so it’s use it or lose it!

thanks for sharing the video.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks for this advice. The present situation is this. I fly to Boston, I take a bus Boston to Springfield as the LSL connection doesn’t work with my airline connection, I take the Vermonter to Essex Junction, I take a bus, cab, uber to Burlington because, if I am going on my one and probably only trip to New England, I want to stay on the lake, and not in a chain hotel in Essex, but it is 700$ so I think I am doing it all wrong. Any advice welcome. It’s a bucket list so I do not mind it being bit spendiferous.

Basic time line

Sept 2 overnight San Fransisco to Boston via plane
Sept 3 arrive early am, make my way Boston to Springfield, get on Vermonter, go to Essex Junction, to Burlington, VT, night at an expensive hotel (almost nothing available even this far out). This is the Courtyard Burlington Harbor. I have Greyhound between the two points. I don‘t mind that, and understand there is a Casino in Springfield.
Sept 4 leave Burlington but pretty early enr New Haven, and get there late, so not much time in Burlington. Not 700$ worth. Next day Go to New Haven, visit Yale and spend the night.
Sept 5 NEC back to Boston. I’ve never been to Boston, the NEC, Vermont, New Haven, Burlington, so all tourist things. I grew up In Texas, spent most of my working life in California. On reason this is on my bucket list
Sept 6 repeat above. I’m a retired Navy officer and fascinated by the Boston Navy Yard and Old Ironsides, Bunker Hill, et c.
Sept 7 back BOS, DEN, MRY

it’s far enough in advance I can replan it and Im not comfortable paying that much money in Vermont, since I am there for such a short time. it seems nothing is available either hotels or bnb…maybe the trees turning Is making it way expensive? If you have a garage to let …well…let me know.

anyway I’d love some advice from the folks who actually live up there and take these trains and buses and sit in these stations and visit these towns. I’m really excited about it.
I live in a tourist town myself here in Monterey CA and know for example there is a hotel a block away from the 700$ a night one that costs $150…with about the same view, just doesn‘t have the bar and restaurant …but walk 100 feet and you are there.

so anyone on the Coast Starlight who needs Carmel, Monterey, Salinas info let me know.


I wanted to hit up Maine and NH and had some good advice to do so on this thread but I’ll do it next year.

assuming there is one,

Sorry I posted twice!

 

[Rambling Robert]

I’d like to travel on the Vermontneer ... especially when Amtrak extends to Montreal and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adds commuter rail to Springfield. Who knows.

GETTING TO/FROM LOGAN

ONE IF BY LAND - To South Station Bus Terminal. The shuttle bus that loops around Logan leaves you off at the Silverline SL1 (“bus”) and Blue Line (subway) stations. The SL1 only Logan stop is at the Blueline station. Some times during the day the SL1 will get you to South Station faster, but I’ve heard lately it’s very time consuming - up to 60 minutes for a 15 minute ride. The old fashioned way is the Blue Line INBOUND to Aquarium and take a taxi/uber/Lyft to South Station. The main South Station terminal is for trains and the adjoining Bus Terminal has adequate amenities but a little short on seating.

TWO IF BY SEA. There’s a water taxi that serves Logan and downtown Boston. ($10-$20) I think it still serves Rowes Wharf (Boston Harbor Hotel) and is very near South Station. The public can just sit on a bench and watch the harbor as well as drink and or dine ... either way it’s, I think, the classiest place in Boston. It’s part of the Harborwalk. Rowes Wharf is also the Ferry Terminal and where the Red Sox owner keeps his “boat”

 

[BlackDiamond]

ONE IF BY LAND - To South Station Bus Terminal. The shuttle bus that loops around Logan leaves you off at the Silverline SL3 (“bus”) and Blue Line (subway) stations. The SL3 only Logan stop is at the Blueline station. Some times during the day the SL3 will get you to South Station faster, but I’ve heard lately it’s very time consuming - up to 60 minutes for a 15 minute ride. The old fashioned way is the Blue Line INBOUND to Aquarium and take a taxi/uber/Lyft to South Station. The main South Station terminal is for trains and the adjoining Bus Terminal has adequate amenities but a little short on seating.

Silver Line SL1 stops at all the terminals and runs to South Station, avoiding the need to take the Massport shuttle. For some reason the MBTA trip planner doesn't show it which is strange. Note that it is free inbound but a regular bus fare outbound.

You can also ride the Blue Line to State then Orange Line one stop to Downtown Crossing then Red Line one stop to South Station. Might be faster than an Uber depending on Boston traffic

 

[Rambling Robert]

YES SL-1 is correct. Thanks AmtrakMainiac!

 

[FreeskierInVT]

If you have the time to spend 2 nights in Burlington, I highly suggest it, however the hotel market (especially near downtown and the lakefront) is usually quite pricy, especially on a holiday weekend and through leaf peeping season (September to 2nd weekend of October).

Incorporating the newly extended Ethan Allen into your trip could be a great option too. Starting July 29 the train will depart right from the Burlington waterfront. The Vermonter remains an option in Essex Junction, about 8 miles outside of town.

To connect from Boston, you can also take a Northeast Regional train to New Haven and hop on the northbound Vermonter there, or continue to New York to connect to the Ethan Allen Express. The ride north along the Hudson River is among the best views in the country. Traveling west via the Lake Shore Ltd to Springfield (to connect to the Vermonter) or Albany (to connect to the Ethan Allen) would require an overnight instead.

For a preview of what to expect in Vermont, here's a video I made in 2016 showing the Vermonter & Ethan Allen in every Vermont town the two trains traverse. I'll have to add the new towns the Ethan Allen extension goes through in a future video!

 

[Lonnie]

Are you referring to this one:

https://www.whetstonebeer.com/station/
I've eaten there a few times. the upper level is a beer garden with snack plates only. A real good selection of beers, many of which are brewed on site.

View attachment 28834
Here's a view from the beer deck during one of my visits back in 2015.

That's the one! If the rail service went all the way to Montreal, I'd be stopping in Brattleboro and many other towns along the way.

 

[Amtrak25]

For Burlington, Motel 6, just beyond the terminus of the Monday-Saturday GMT Route 9 bus, will get you for the mid and upper $200's. That is about it for affordable hotel accomodations.

Take Vermont Translines bus from Amtrak at Renssalaer to arrive Burlington at 6pm when the GMT bus system is still operating. Otherwise, arrive in Essex Jct after 8pm or on the Ethan Allen about 10pm and pay $300 - $400 per night downtown.

The Travelodge in South Burlington on Shelburne Road on the GMT #6 bus, is closed for the year, and the Days Inn in Colchester along highway 15 on the GMT Route #2 bus just closed and cancelled all subsequent reservations due to long term repair issues and participating in homeless contracts with the state.