Amtrak - DowneasterDowneaster

Amtrak - Downeaster Train Tickets And Schedules

Amtrak - Downeaster train routes

RoutesPrice(USD)
Portland to Essexfrom$10
Portland to Bostonfrom$26
Augusta to Plymouthfrom$35
Scarborough to Bostonfrom$26
Durham to Portlandfrom$15
Bath to Portlandfrom$6
Saco to Portlandfrom$6
Saco to Wellsfrom$6
Saco to Bostonfrom$28
Wells to Bathfrom$11
Boston to Portlandfrom$34

Check out the most searched train routes and schedules by Amtrak - Downeaster passengers, including the most popular destinations and the main cities served by the company for leisure or work trips

Amtrak - Downeaster onboard features

Enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey with a range of onboard features designed to make your travel experience enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, these amenities ensure you arrive refreshed and ready.

What's included

  • Bike Included
  • Non Refundable
  • Accessible Area For Bicycles
  • Door To Door Service
  • Snacks
  • Bathroom
  • WiFi
  • Adjustable Seats
  • Adjustable Personal Lighting
  • Infants 2 And Under Travel For Free
  • Extra Luggage
  • Air Conditioning
  • XL Seat
  • Extra Legroom
  • Hot Meal
  • USB Power
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Pet Allowance
  • Standard Seat
  • Folded Bicycle
  • Accessible Area For Wheelchairs
  • Deep Cleaning
  • Ticket Validity
  • Lie-flat Seat Or Bed
  • Quiet Compartment
  • Power Outlet
  • Waiting Room

Amtrak - Downeaster Reviews

The overall sentiment toward Amtrak - Downeaster from the reviews leans heavily negative. The most prominent concerns include unprofessional and rude staff, frequent delays and cancellations, inadequate communication, and poor customer service. Many customers report experiences of stranded travel with little assistance, uncomfortable conditions due to cleanliness and maintenance issues, misleading upgrade options, and cumbersome refund processes. While a few commend positive interactions with certain staff and the relaxing potential of train travel when functioning well, the overarching sentiment portrays dissatisfaction with Amtrak's inconsistent service and lack of accountability.

Customer Experiences with Amtrak - Downeaster: A Mixed Journey

Amtrak's Downeaster service, which runs from Boston to Portland, often garners attention not only for its scenic routes but also for the varied experiences of its passengers. Recent reviews and anecdotes have highlighted a blend of strengths and weaknesses that paint a complex picture of rail travel in the U.S. Let’s delve into the frequent themes from customer feedback, revealing what travelers can expect and what improvements could enhance their journey.

Strengths: What Passengers Appreciate

  • Friendly Staff: Many passengers commend specific employees for their helpfulness and charm. One journey featured Anthony Simmons and Deanna Campbell, who made a traveler’s experience delightful with their engaging conversations.
  • Easy Booking Process: Customers find the booking process, whether online or via phone, relatively straightforward. The availability of a multi-ride pass at a discounted rate is often highlighted positively.
  • Affordability: Travelers appreciate Amtrak's competitive pricing compared to airlines, particularly for those willing to book in advance and those taking advantage of promotional fares.
  • Scenic Routes: Many reviews mention the picturesque views along the journey. For instance, trips like the California Zephyr are praised for their breathtaking scenery, making rail travel a unique experience.

Weaknesses: Common Complaints

  • Delays and Cancellations: A recurring theme among reviews is disgruntlement concerning punctuality, with many passengers reporting delays ranging from 1-4 hours. Issues like mechanical failures and crew timing out are frequently cited.
  • Cleanliness: Several passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the train carriages and the terminals. Reports of dirty bathrooms, filthy seats, and overall lack of maintenance raise safety and hygiene concerns.
  • Customer Service Issues: Many reviews lament attitudes of staff members, especially in the dining and cafe cars, where instances of rudeness and indifference come to light. Passengers feel the customer service varies widely, with some staff providing excellent service while others are dismissive.
  • Safety Concerns: Passengers have voiced worries about safety, particularly relating to unkept hygiene standards leading to concerns over illness and discomfort during long trips.

Recurring Themes in Feedback

Throughout the reviews, several themes emerge that consistently resonate with travelers:

  • Delays: One passenger noted, “Never again. I understand why they are bankrupt. Unreliable. Constantly many hours late.” These sentiments were echoed by others, highlighting the need for improved reliability.
  • Customer Service: A frequent complaint is the customer service experience. One traveler mentioned, “If I could post negative stars, I would,” emphasizing the frustration with unhelpful staff.
  • Comfort and Cleanliness: While some travelers enjoyed spacious seating, many lamented the discomfort of poorly maintained facilities. “The bathrooms in the coaches were filthy,” noted one reviewer, calling for significant improvement.

Traveler Insights and Recommendations

Based on these reviews, prospective travelers considering Amtrak - Downeaster may want to take the following into account:

  • Be flexible with travel plans to accommodate potential delays.
  • Consider cleanliness and staff friendliness when booking; stories of experienced staff influence overall enjoyment significantly.
  • Utilize early booking discounts to maximize value, as prices can vary greatly.
  • Prepare for unpredictable customer service experiences, possibly carrying snacks and entertainment for longer journeys.

Areas for Improvement

To better align with customer expectations, Amtrak could focus on the following:

  • Enhancing regular maintenance schedules to prevent mechanical failures and ensure punctuality.
  • Implementing more rigorous cleanliness standards and staff training programs to improve overall customer service.
  • Increasing communication regarding delays and providing commuters with timely updates to manage expectations effectively.

Amtrak - Downeaster Wordcloud

Address and Contact

Our team has prepared everything to make your experience on the website as simple, secure, and easy as possible. But if you still need to contact Amtrak - Downeaster, just use the most convenient channel for you!

Phone: 1 8008727245

Phone:Amtrak - Downeaster
1 8008727245

Email: governmentaffairsnol@amtrak.com

Email:Amtrak - Downeaster
governmentaffairsnol@amtrak.com

Location: 50 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, United States

Website: www.amtrak.com/routes/downeaster-train.html