09/22/2026
Visiting Maine Narrow Gauge from a cruise ship? Here are some helpful tips for first-time guests to get the most of your narrow gauge experience:
- Parking: We are located just steps away from Portland's Ocean Gateway Pier, where most cruise ships dock. For visitors arriving from the Maine State Pier, we are located approximately 2 blocks northeast from the State Pier. If you are arriving in a car, we do not have parking on-site, but there are free and paid street parking options next to the station. There are also paid lots within a short walk from our station.
- Tickets: Tickets are available in advance from MaineNarrowGauge.org. Cruise ship port days are very busy days in Portland, and we recommend getting your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot aboard the train. Tickets are sold on-site in our full-service Ticket Office, but depending on passenger demand, day-of tickets may sell out before the train ride.
- Classes of Service: You can choose to ride in First Class or Coach Class, pending availability. First Class riders can select a reserved seat in our fully-enclosed First Class train car, which was beautifully restored in 2023. This train car features opening windows and fans to keep you cool on warm days. Seats are cushioned in the First Class car. Coach Class riders have seating on wooden bench seats. Coach Class seating is general admission, first-come, first-served.
- Restrooms: There are two single-occupant restrooms inside our station, but there are no restrooms onboard the train. Please plan to use the restrooms before or after your train ride.
- Snacks/Drinks: We offer a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase before or after the train ride. You are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks with you to the train.
- Smoking: Smoking and va**ng is not allowed on Maine Narrow Gauge property, including onboard the train, on our station platform, and at our scenic overlook.
- Pets: Well-behaved dogs (and other pets) are welcome in our open-air cars. Train crew has the final discretion over accepting pets on any given departure.
- Motive Power: Most Maine Narrow Gauge trains are powered by our 1949-built General Electric diesel locomotive. When we are able to offer steam, we will announce steam train rides on our social media and website.
- The Train Ride: Our train ride is a 3-mile narrated roundtrip train ride. On the way to our scenic overlook, you'll pass by marinas, two lighthouses, a beach, and you'll get great views of Fort Gorges and the Calendar Islands of Casco Bay. Onboard narration highlights points of interest and describes the history of narrow gauge railroading in Maine. Midway through the trip, the train stops at our scenic overlook where you can briefly exit the train, stretch your legs, meet the train crew, and ask questions about the train, our history, or visiting the region. We love to share our knowledge!
- Donations: Maine Narrow Gauge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. We receive no funding from the City of Portland, with our income coming primarily through ticket sales, donations, and grants. Your donations make a huge impact on our entire operation, and allow us to continue growing and refining our train ride and educational offerings. You can donate before, during, or after your train ride at MaineNarrowGauge.org or visit our Ticket Office.
- Volunteering: Want to get involved? Volunteering is a great way to become part of our heritage railroad, and you'll meet great people and have a lot of fun along the way. Visit MaineNarrowGauge.org to learn how to get started volunteering as part of the train crew, doing live narration, or helping in our full-service Restoration Shop.
- Special Events: Maine Narrow Gauge offers special events throughout the year, ranging from events for our Members in the spring, Ice Cream Trains and the Sunset Express in the summer, Pumpkin Trains in the fall, and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in November and December. Find the full schedule of events at MaineNarrowGauge.org.
📸: Darleen Frances / The Model Photographer
