Public transportation options to Calais, Maine, the northernmost point of the East Coast Greenway

“Can I get to the northernmost point of the East Coast Greenway in Calais, Maine, using public transportation?” 

With interest in long-distance travel on the Greenway at an all-time high, this is a commonly posed question to our staff, particularly Northern New England Manager Emily Paskewicz. 

The short answer is is that it is possible, but significant patience and advance planning is needed. Long-distance travelers wishing to start southbound rides in Calais must be prepared to align multiple bus schedules and transfers.

From Boston, we recommend traveling north into Maine via the Amtrak Downeaster train or Concord Coach Lines bus service. 

If taking the Amtrak Downeaster, we recommend the following travel to Calais, Maine:

• Amtrak Downeaster from Boston North Station to Portland, Maine

• Concord Coach Lines bus service from Portland, Maine, to Bangor, Maine

• West’s Transportation bus service from Bangor, Maine, to Calais, Maine

According to Amtrak, “all Downeaster trains allow up to four bikes and reservations must be made prior to boarding. A small fee will apply depending on your itinerary.” 

Concord Coach Lines allows bicycles if space is available. Our experience is that they are very helpful when dealing with bicycles. West’s Transportation allows bicycles for a $7 fee if space is available. 

If departing Boston via Concord Coach Lines, we recommend the following travel to Calais, Maine:

• Concord Coach Lines bus service from Boston Logan Airport to Bangor, Maine. Note that a transfer to a second bus is required in Portland, Maine. 

• West’s Transportation bus service from Bangor, Maine, to Calais, Maine

Concord Coach Lines allows bicycles if space is available. Our experience is that they are very helpful when dealing with bicycles. West’s Transportation allows bicycles for a $7 fee if space is available. 

If flying directly into Bangor International Airport, take West’s Transportation bus service from Bangor, Maine, to Calais, Maine.

The East Coast Greenway’s current route available at map.greenway.org is an in-development, work-in-progress that connects the completed, traffic-free segments of the Greenway. To date, approximately two-thirds of the Greenway’s interim route remains housed on roadways. Whenever possible, the interim route is located on low-traffic roadways; however, high-stress segments do exist and should be avoided by inexperienced long-distance travelers, especially those traveling with children. There are a number of protected, off-road segments that are safe and appropriate for travelers of all ages.