The cheapest and fastest trains from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
Cheapest price
€31
Average price
€31
Fastest journey
2 h 11 m
Average duration
2 h 11 m
Trains per day
2
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 €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Of the 2 trains that leave Portland, ME for Salem, MA on Wed, Aug 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 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, Aug 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.
9:18 AM2h11Portland, ME11:29 AMSalem, MA€311One-way0 transfers
10:18 AM2h11Portland, ME12:29 PMSalem, MA€311One-way0 transfers
10:18 AM2h11Portland, ME12:29 PMSalem, MA€311One-way0 transfers
9:18 AM2h11Portland, ME11:29 AMSalem, MA€311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 €13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €23.
Distance: 85 miles (137 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€26 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest | €20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 49m Average total duration 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Portland, ME to Salem, MA:
A bus is €2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, ME to Salem, MA costing on average €26.
Other travel options to Salem, MA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 19m.
Tickets start at around €26 compared to roughly €20 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-5.42. The journey takes 2h 19m versus 1h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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, August 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 bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Aug 26
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 29
Aug 30
Aug 31
Sep 01
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 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €23 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 5:18 AM |
Last train 11:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Portland, ME to Salem, MA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Portland, ME and Salem, MA from €13. 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
Most Portland, ME to Salem, MA trains use the Portland Transportation Center to North Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portland, ME and Salem, MA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Portland, ME station do trains to Salem, MA leave from?
Getting to Portland Transportation Center from Portland city centre
Portland Transportation Center is 3 km from Portland city centre. Public transport options include:
Portland Transportation Center train station facilities and services
Portland Transportation Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portland Transportation Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portland Transportation Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Portland Transportation Center: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portland Transportation Center: Ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Portland, ME
More options for your journey from Portland, ME to Salem, MA
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