Here's More Specific Route Information about how to get from the Eastern Trail to Portland's Amtrak Station

Submitted to us by Steve Shapiro, Casco Bay Bike Club & ETA Member

For a simple on-road route from the Casco Bay Bridge to the Train/Bus Transportation Center just take the first right turn after the bridge down toward Commercial St - although this is Park St, the signage only indicates "to Commercial St", then turn right again onto Commercial. Continue along this and just after Benny's Seafood head to the right up through the rotary straight across onto St John St.

Continue on this through the intersection with Congress St at the first light and then turn left at the light at the intersection with Park Ave - this isn't a tough turn since during the green light traffic from the opposite side is stopped. Continue along this to the connection with Congress St and continue to turn left onto Sewall St at the light just beyond the Paint Pot store, using a left-turn lane.

As you continue here, it's possible to cut through to the Transportation Center on the left, although regular vehicles can't get through this way. There is a green arrow for left turning traffic at this last intersection, although I'm not sure how well it works for bicycles. As an alternative, at a previous light, the first along the Park/Congress section, there is also a left turn lane with a green arrow and this leads more directly to the Transportation Center, as one would do in a regular vehicle-then turning right at the first intersection.

The reverse course works quite easily and, in this case, Sewall St makes it easier to stay out of traffic to or from I-295. Cut over from the Transportation Center onto Sewall St and head to the right. Turn right onto Congress St at the next light. Continue ahead through the I-295 ramp roads, where the one-way traffic pattern keeps you on Congress St. After crossing railroad tracks, turn right at the light onto St John St. Continue through the rotary, heading down right onto Commercial St. From this direction, there is a left-turn lane leading directly up onto the bridge.

Another note to riders:  There are on-road signs directing riders from the Wells Transportation Center (Amtrak Station) to the on-road Eastern Trail.  Another set of signs will guide you from the ET to the Wells Transportation Center.

Return to The Great Amtrak-Eastern Trail Loop Ride page