Downeast Scenic Railroad

The Downeast Scenic Railroad was named Best Day Trip in this year’s poll of Down East Magazine readers’ favorites.

Classic Train Ride Rates:

Adults (Ages 13+): $28.00
Seniors & Active Military: $26.00
Children (Ages 3-12): $15.00
Infants: Free

Duration

1 Hour and 30 Minutes

Classic Train Ride Trip Details:

• The line you will ride on was originally built in 1884 as the Maine Shore Line Railroad. The primary purpose of this line was to move passengers from larger northeastern cities such as Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC during the summer months to the then new vacation area of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor and what would become Acadia National Park.
• In 1911 the line was taken over by the Maine Central Railroad which would operate the Bar Harbor Express, a premier train which would bring thousands of visitors, rusticators and the wealthy of the gilded age to this area of Maine.
• Our round-trip tour travels from Washington Junction in Hancock, Maine, on the historic Calais Branch Line to Ellsworth Falls and then back to Washington Junction. The ten-mile trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• In July of 2012 we began operating through the newly rebuilt wye at our Washington Junction rail yard. The wye was built by the Maine Central in 1931 when they discontinued service to McNeil Point on the old Maine Shore Line tracks. Trains like the Bar Harbor Express then ended their run in Ellsworth. The Maine Central used the wye to turn engines and coaches around so they could be ready to leave Ellsworth westbound. Come ride the Downeast Scenic Railroad now and travel over this historic section of track. All of our Saturday and Sunday departures now use the wye at Washington Junction to reverse directions.

IMPORTANT

Please pick up your prepaid tickets at our ticket booth prior to boarding the train.

All Children 16 Years of Age and Younger Must Be Accompanied by an Adult 18 Years of Age or Older and the Child is the Responsibility of that Person

We offer general seating. Groups of 5 or more are strongly encouraged to pick up tickets at least 30 minutes prior to departure in order to sit together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are there restroom facilities on the train?

• Restroom facilities are available in the parking lot near the boarding area, on the passenger coach.

Can I make reservations in advance?

• Individual and Group Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-449-RAIL (7245)

When does your ticket office open?

• Tickets can be purchased at our boarding platform starting 30 minutes prior to departure.

Do you have handicap access?

• We make every reasonable effort to accommodate our visitors’ needs. Handicapped accessibility on the Downeast Scenic Railroad is limited to our passenger and open-air car due to the narrow vestibules and door openings on our vintage historic passenger cars. This access is via a boarding ramp. Power wheel chairs that do not exceed 26″ wide by 36″ long usually will fit in the open air car. Additionally, we do offer a transfer chair which allows access into the historic passenger cars. The open air car has awnings on both ends for riders comfort, we do recommend early arrival to ensure this space is available, or you may contact us in advance. Please contact us with additional details relative to any special requirements prior to your visit so that we can ensure a pleasant visit.

Is there food available on the train?

• Yes, we have a limited selection of snacks and bottled water on all of our trains.

What about inclement weather?

• Trains operate rain or shine. Passenger cars are always open for passenger seating, our open-air car seating maybe limited due to weather.

Can I bring alcoholic beverages on board?

• Passengers may not carry Alcoholic beverages onboard at any time.

Can I bring my dog?

• Well-behaved dogs may travel in open-air car, provided they are restrained by the owner.

Can I smoke on the train?

• We are a no smoking property. Smoking is not permitted aboard any train, in any building or anywhere on railroad property.

Can I bring food onto the train?

• Yes. We just ask that, if you eat on the train, you please be considerate and pick up after yourselves.

What type of seating is available?

• Both open air car and passenger coach seating is available on a first come first served basis. We do not offer seat selection reservations.

What do you have for locomotives?

• Our motive power consists of either a 1948 General Electric 70 ton 600 horsepower Diesel-Electric Engine #54 or a 1950 ALCO S-4 1000 horsepower Engine # 1055.

I am a model rail hobbyist. Can I get models of the DSRR trains?

• Yes, you can! Highball Graphics in New Hampshire makes an HO scale decal set which will do the following models in HO Scale: Alco S-4, GE 70 Tonner, 2 Passenger cars and Caboose.