The cheapest and fastest trains from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
2 h 11 m
Average duration
2 h 11 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
137 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, ME to Salem, MA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portland, ME to Salem, MA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 1 trains that leave Portland, ME for Salem, MA on Wed, Nov 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 26 the direct trains cover the 137 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .
On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest trains will take 2 h 11 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Portland, ME to Salem, MA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, ME to Salem, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €12.
Distance: 85 miles (137 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€29 Average price | €23 Average price Cheapest |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Portland, ME to Salem, MA train times
The table below shows live departures for Portland, ME to Salem, MA trains for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:18 AM Portland, ME | 2h11 | 11:29 AM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portland, ME to Salem, MA by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Why should you book Portland to Salem trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Portland to Salem. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portland to Salem.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portland to Salem.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
Trains from Portland, ME to Salem, MA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 85 miles (137 km) distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 85 miles (137 km) |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 05:18 |
Last train 23:43 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Portland, ME to Salem, MA start from as low as $14 (€12) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $36 (€29) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 9 daily trains from Portland, ME to Salem, MA with 9 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 2h 11m but the average duration is 2h 18m
Train Operators
- Travel from Portland, ME to Salem, MA with Amtrak
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Amtrak.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME and arrive in North Station, Boston, MA
- First train typically departs at 05:18 AM and the last at 11:43 PM
Train companies: Amtrak from Portland, ME to Salem, MA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Portland, ME and Salem, MA from $14 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
The train connection between Portland, ME and Salem, MA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful New England region. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey while enjoying a hassle-free travel experience.
Train Connection: Portland, ME to Salem, MA
Traveling from Portland, ME to Salem, MA takes approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. There are no direct connections available for this route; however, there are typically 5 train services operating each day. Passengers will need to make at least one connection during their journey.
Portland, ME to Salem, MA Train Connection
The first daily train departs from Portland at 9:18 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the charming coastal towns of Maine and Massachusetts. The last journey of the day leaves Salem at 11:33 PM, allowing night owls ample time to enjoy evening activities before heading back.
Train Ticket Prices from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Portland, ME and Salem, MA is $25 (22.5€). The average ticket price tends to be around $31 (27.9€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these charming New England cities.
Exploring Salem's Rich History and Culture
Welcome to the Salem Witch Museum, where we delve into one of America's most infamous historical events—the witch trials of 1692. This museum not only educates visitors about the hysteria that led to wrongful accusations and executions but also serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of scapegoating and mass paranoia in society. One unique feature here is its immersive exhibits that bring this dark chapter in history to life through dramatic presentations and engaging storytelling.
Next, we arrive at The House of the Seven Gables, an iconic mansion steeped in literary significance thanks to Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel inspired by it. Built in 1668, this historic home offers insight into colonial architecture while showcasing how families lived during tumultuous times—making it a fascinating stop for both history buffs and literature lovers alike. A standout aspect is its stunning seaside gardens which provide a serene backdrop against the house’s storied past.
Finally, let’s explore the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), renowned for being one of America’s oldest continuously operating museums with roots dating back to 1799. Its extensive collection spans over 1.8 million works from around the globe—including maritime art and Asian export porcelain—highlighting cultural exchange throughout history. What sets PEM apart are its innovative exhibitions that blend traditional artifacts with contemporary art forms, creating dynamic experiences for all who visit.
FAQs: Trains from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, ME to Salem, MA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Salem, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is $5.50 per day and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking for Downeaster passengers is available in the lot across the street from the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station serves as a hub for both Amtrak Downeaster trains and intercity buses, with facilities for ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Concord Coach Lines
- Local bus services available
More options for your journey from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
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