Booking Amtrak In New Hampshire..!!
New Hampshire, with its stunning mountains, picturesque coastline, and charming towns, offers a quintessential New England experience. While the Granite State might not be crisscrossed with an extensive Amtrak network like some other regions, it does have direct service to two stations within its borders, and several key gateways just a short drive away.
If you’re a New Hampshire resident looking to explore by rail, or a visitor planning a trip that incorporates train travel, this complete guide will help you navigate Amtrak’s offerings, including essential distances to major cities and airports.
The New Hampshire Amtrak Landscape: A Quick Overview
It’s important to clarify: New Hampshire is primarily served by the Downeaster line, which runs from Brunswick, Maine, through coastal New Hampshire, and down to Boston’s North Station. This service makes rail travel surprisingly convenient for residents of the Seacoast region and points north.
Currently, there are two active Amtrak stations located within New Hampshire:
- Dover, NH (DOV)
- Exeter, NH (EXR)
In addition to these, several stations in neighboring states are crucial for New Hampshire travelers due to their proximity and connections. We’ll cover those as well!
New Hampshire’s Own: Stations Within the Granite State
1. Dover, NH (DOV)
The city of Dover, a vibrant community on the Cocheco River, boasts one of New Hampshire’s two Amtrak stations. It’s a convenient stop for those living in or visiting the Seacoast region, including nearby Durham (home to the University of New Hampshire) and Portsmouth.
- Amtrak Service: Downeaster
- Address: 33 Chestnut St, Dover, NH 03820
- Key Features: A simple platform with a covered waiting area. Parking is available nearby, often metered or requiring payment. The station is located downtown, making it accessible to local businesses and public transit.
Distances from Dover, NH Station:
| Key NH Cities | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | 12 miles | 20-25 minutes |
| Durham (UNH) | 5 miles | 10-15 minutes |
| Rochester | 10 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Concord (State Cap) | 30 miles | 40-45 minutes |
| Manchester | 40 miles | 50-60 minutes |
| Nashua | 55 miles | 60-75 minutes |
| Major Airports | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) | 40 miles | 50-60 minutes |
| Boston Logan Intl (BOS) | 70 miles | 75-90 minutes (can vary greatly with traffic) |
| Portland Jetport (PWM) | 45 miles | 50-60 minutes |
2. Exeter, NH (EXR)
Exeter, a charming town known for the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy and its historic downtown, is home to New Hampshire’s second Amtrak station. It’s an ideal jump-off point for those in southern New Hampshire, offering easy access to the coast and further inland areas.
- Amtrak Service: Downeaster
- Address: 60 Lincoln St, Exeter, NH 03833
- Key Features: A historic station building (often managed by the town) with a waiting area and platform. Parking is available. The station is centrally located within walking distance of Exeter’s shops and restaurants.
Distances from Exeter, NH Station:
| Key NH Cities | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | 15 miles | 20-25 minutes |
| Hampton Beach | 10 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Manchester | 35 miles | 40-50 minutes |
| Nashua | 40 miles | 45-55 minutes |
| Salem | 25 miles | 30-35 minutes |
| Concord (State Cap) | 35 miles | 45-55 minutes |
| Major Airports | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) | 35 miles | 40-50 minutes |
| Boston Logan Intl (BOS) | 55 miles | 60-75 minutes (can vary greatly with traffic) |
| Portland Jetport (PWM) | 60 miles | 70-80 minutes |
Neighboring Gateways: Essential Stations for NH Travelers
For many New Hampshire residents, especially those in the southern parts of the state or further north, certain stations in Maine and Massachusetts offer highly convenient access to the Amtrak network.
3. Wells, ME (WEM)
Just over the New Hampshire border in Maine, the Wells station is an excellent option for those living in northern coastal New Hampshire (like Rye, Seabrook, or Hampton) or those heading north into Maine.
- Amtrak Service: Downeaster
- Address: 423 Bragdon Rd, Wells, ME 04090
- Key Features: A modern, well-maintained station with a waiting area, restrooms, and ample parking.
Distances from Wells, ME Station to Key NH Cities/Airports:
| Key NH Cities | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth, NH | 18 miles | 25-30 minutes |
| Hampton, NH | 15 miles | 20-25 minutes |
| Rochester, NH | 25 miles | 35-45 minutes |
| Major Airports | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Jetport (PWM) | 30 miles | 35-45 minutes |
| Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) | 55 miles | 60-75 minutes |
| Boston Logan Intl (BOS) | 75 miles | 80-100 minutes (can vary greatly with traffic) |
4. Woburn/Anderson RTC, MA (WNM)
For many travelers from southern New Hampshire (especially Nashua, Salem, or Bedford), the Anderson Regional Transportation Center in Woburn, MA, offers a strategic advantage. It allows you to catch the Downeaster without driving into the heart of Boston, and often provides easier parking. It also offers connections to MBTA Commuter Rail.
- Amtrak Service: Downeaster
- Address: 100 Atlantic Ave, Woburn, MA 01801
- Key Features: A large intermodal transit center with extensive parking, a spacious waiting area, and connections to MBTA Commuter Rail and local bus services.
Distances from Woburn/Anderson RTC to Key NH Cities/Airports:
| Key NH Cities | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Nashua, NH | 25 miles | 30-40 minutes |
| Salem, NH | 15 miles | 20-25 minutes |
| Manchester, NH | 35 miles | 40-50 minutes |
| Concord, NH | 50 miles | 55-70 minutes |
| Major Airports | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Logan Intl (BOS) | 15 miles | 25-40 minutes (can vary greatly with traffic) |
| Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) | 35 miles | 40-50 minutes |
5. Boston North Station, MA (BON)
The ultimate destination for the Downeaster, Boston’s North Station is a major transportation hub and a gateway to the broader Amtrak network (via transfer to South Station for Acela, Northeast Regional, etc.) and Logan Airport. While it requires navigating downtown Boston, it offers the most extensive onward travel options.
- Amtrak Service: Downeaster (terminus)
- Address: 135 Causeway St, Boston, MA 02114
- Key Features: Large historic station, direct access to TD Garden, MBTA subway (Green and Orange Lines), and Commuter Rail. Numerous shops and dining options.
- Relevance for NH Travelers: The primary hub for connecting to other long-distance Amtrak services or flying out of Boston Logan.
Distances from Boston North Station to Key NH Cities/Airports:
(Note: These are direct driving distances for context. Many travelers will take the Downeaster to North Station from NH and then use public transit/shuttle for local Boston travel, or connect to other trains.)
| Key NH Cities | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Nashua, NH | 40 miles | 45-60 minutes |
| Manchester, NH | 50 miles | 60-75 minutes |
| Concord, NH | 65 miles | 75-90 minutes |
| Dover, NH | 70 miles | 75-90 minutes |
| Exeter, NH | 55 miles | 60-75 minutes |
| Major Airports | Approximate Driving Distance | Estimated Driving Time (without heavy traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Logan Intl (BOS) | 3-4 miles | 10-20 minutes (via taxi/rideshare/MBTA Blue Line shuttle) |
| Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) | 50 miles | 60-75 minutes |
Other Considerations for NH Rail Travelers
- The Vermonter: For residents of western New Hampshire (e.g., Hanover, Keene, or Walpole), the Vermonter route, which travels through Vermont and down to New York City, might be a more convenient option. The closest stations would typically be Bellows Falls, VT or Brattleboro, VT. Distances would vary significantly depending on your exact location in western NH.
- Booking in Advance: Amtrak tickets, especially for popular routes like the Downeaster, are generally cheaper when purchased in advance.
- Parking: Always check the parking situation at your chosen station. Some have ample paid parking, while others have limited or no dedicated lots.
- Connections: If you’re heading into Boston, consider the convenience of the MBTA (subway and commuter rail) for onward travel once you arrive at North Station or Anderson RTC.
- Accessibility: Amtrak strives to be accessible. Check their website or contact them directly for specific accessibility information at each station.
Conclusion
While New Hampshire’s direct Amtrak footprint is modest, the Downeaster service from Dover and Exeter, coupled with strategic gateway stations in Maine and Massachusetts, opens up a world of rail travel possibilities. Whether you’re commuting to Boston, exploring the Maine coast, or connecting to the wider Amtrak network, these stations provide convenient access to the charm and efficiency of train travel.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider leaving the car behind and enjoying the journey by rail from one of New Hampshire’s accessible Amtrak gateways!