What Amtrak station is closest to Salem, MA? 

If you are wondering, what Amtrak station is closest to Salem, MA? You have come to the right place. Salem, Massachusetts, is a charming city known for its rich history and spooky Halloween events. While Salem itself does not have a direct Amtrak train stop, the closest station is Boston’s North Station. From North Station, travelers can take a quick and easy commuter train ride directly to Salem. This makes it simple for visitors coming from other cities to reach Salem by train without any hassle. In this blog, we will explain the best way to travel by train to Salem and help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to this historic city. 

Does Amtrak Go to Salem, MA Directly?

Amtrak does not go directly to Salem, MA. Instead, the closest Amtrak station is Boston’s North Station, where travelers can connect to Salem via local commuter rail or ferry services.

• The closest Amtrak stop to Salem is Boston’s North Station, which serves the Downeaster line route. 
• From Boston’s North Station, travelers can take the MBTA commuter rail on the Newburyport/Rockport line directly to Salem Station.
• Salem Station is conveniently located at 252 Bridge St, Salem, MA 01970, downtown near shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it easy to explore.
• For visitors arriving by car or other means of transportation, Salem also offers rideshare services like Salem Skipper and taxis to help navigate the city.
• The commuter rail trip from Boston to Salem takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Traveling via Boston’s North Station remains the most practical way to connect to Salem from Amtrak trains due to robust commuter rail and transit options.

What is the closest Amtrak Station to Salem, MA?

The closest Amtrak station to Salem, Massachusetts, is Boston’s North Station, which is served by the Amtrak Downeaster and connects directly to the MBTA commuter rail line to Salem.

Key Nearby Amtrak Stations

• South Station (Boston): The closest Amtrak station to Salem, MA is Boston South Station, located at 700 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110. It serves Amtrak’s Acela, Northeast Regional, and Lake Shore Limited trains.
• North Station (Boston): Boston North Station, located at 135 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114, is not served by Amtrak but is where the MBTA Commuter Rail departs for Salem on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. 
• Route 128 Station: Route 128 Station, located at 1000 Winthrop Avenue, Westwood, MA 02090, is a suburban Amtrak stop served by the same routes as South Station and also connects to the MBTA. 

Travelers can connect to Salem by taking the MBTA commuter rail from North Station after arriving at one of these Amtrak stations. 

How to Get from Amtrak to Salem?

To get from Amtrak to Salem, Massachusetts, follow these simple steps:

• Take an Amtrak train to Boston’s North Station. The Downeaster line stops here, and it is the most direct Amtrak route to Salem.​
• If you arrive at South Station or Back Bay Station, take the MBTA Orange Line subway to North Station. This ride takes about 10–15 minutes.​
• At North Station, go to the commuter rail platform and board the Newburyport/Rockport Line train toward Salem.​
• The train ride to Salem takes about 30–40 minutes and runs hourly.​
• Get off at Salem Station, which is close to downtown and major attractions.​

Note: This is an easy and affordable way to reach Salem without driving. You can also use local options like the Salem Skipper, a low-cost shared ride service, or walk to explore the city​. 

How to Get from Boston to Salem? Travel Time & Costs

The fastest and easiest ways to get from Boston to Salem are by train, subway, ferry, or bus, all offering quick and affordable travel for any visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions