Boston, MA, USA to Portland, ME, USA from $4: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard services vary by train operator, but Amtrak's Northeast Regional service from Boston to Portland features a Café Car offering a range of snacks, beverages, and light meals. While food options might be limited, you can find drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. Consider bringing your own snacks for a more personalized experience.

• The primary operators for the Boston to Portland route are Amtrak and the Downeaster service by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority. Amtrak offers different seating options, including Business Class with more spacious seating and Economy Class for standard seating. The Downeaster also provides comfortable seats in both standard and premium configurations. Visit their websites for more information: Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Downeaster (nnepra.com).

• Upon arriving at the Portland Transportation Center, you can expect a clean and modern facility. There are restrooms available, but shower facilities are not present. For luggage, there is no dedicated luggage storage service, so plan to keep your bags with you. To quickly get to city center, take the Metro's 1 bus line (Portland's service) which connects directly from the station to downtown in about 15 minutes.

• Consider booking your bus ticket in advance through Concord Coach Lines at concordcoachlines.com, as prices range from $12 to $45 and can increase closer to your travel date.

• Once you arrive in Portland, familiarize yourself with the area around the Portland Transportation Center, located at 100 Thompson's Point Road, where you can find local bus schedules and connections to nearby attractions.

• Bring along a light snack and a reusable water bottle for the journey, as the bus will have limited breaks; check for onboard amenities on Concord Coach Lines' website for comfort options during the 2h 10m trip.