Fall Rail Ride

November 2026 Fall Rail Ride to Newburyport 

Go from the rails to the trails this November with the Commuter Rail’s Fall Rail Ride on November 7th, 2026. This unique seasonal experience is coming to Newburyport, Massachusetts, this year, inviting visitors to discover scenic local trails by bike or simply explore the town’s charming downtown area.

Choose your Fall Rail Ride Adventure

Your one-day-only special train service begins at North Station, with direct service to Newburyport Station, and you can choose the ticket (and adventure) that fits your day:

  • SOLD OUT – Passenger & Bike Ticket: Bring your bike aboard and explore the area by trail. Ride the guided MassDOT tour on a 15-mile or 5-mile loop, or follow the route on your own.
  • Passenger Ticket: Enjoy a day in Newburyport without bringing a bike. Walk toward downtown on the Clipper City Rail Trail or take the MEVA shuttle to downtown for shopping, dining, and waterfront views.

Purchase Tickets on mTicket

Tickets are $20 and available exclusively on mTicket, the MBTA Commuter Rail’s mobile ticketing app. In mTicket, tap “Buy Tickets” and select North Station as your origin and Newburyport as your destination to see ticket options. 

With your ticket, you can ride Commuter Rail unlimited all weekend, not just for your Fall Rail Ride trip. 

Your Trip on Commuter Rail 

Arrive at North Station 10-15 minutes early to board the Fall Rail Ride train, especially if you are planning to bring a bike. The train will depart at 11:00 am, and the direct trip will take roughly one hour. 

Once on board, sit back and take in the beautiful views along the Newburyport/Rockport Line, mingle with other riders, and treat yourself to seasonal snacks, treats, and local brews from the café car along the way. Bringing the family? We’ll have activity packs for kids!

You’ll have around four hours to explore the area of Newburyport before the return train departs at 4:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to ride the trail, browse downtown shops, try out some local breweries, or grab lunch by the scenic waterfront. Again, arrive 10-15 minutes early back at the station for boarding and bike loading. The cafe car will be open again for your return trip. 

Explore Downtown Newburyport in Autumn 

Newburyport, MA, is a small coastal seaport about 35 miles north of Boston, making it the perfect escape for a fall afternoon. The town exudes quintessential and historic New England charm, from the brick-lined streets, historic harbor, and revitalized historic buildings. 

While Newburyport is always a great spot for a day trip or staycation, this tour lets you skip the leaf-peeper traffic and head straight to the Clipper City Rail Trail and downtown. From Newburyport Station, downtown Newburyport is a little over a mile away, or about a 25-minute walk. If you purchased a passenger + bike ticket, you can also bike the 5-mile loop.

MEVA Shuttle Option 

If you’d rather skip the Clipper City Rail Trail and head straight downtown, MEVA will be available to take visitors into Newburyport. Routes 19 and 20 both stop on State Street, with a bus coming about every 30 minutes. For current schedules and real-time updates, visit mevatransit.com.

Things to Do in Downtown Newburyport this Fall

Whether you are biking before or heading straight to downtown Newburyport, here is an idea of the businesses and attractions you will find along the brick-lined streets: 

  • Shop in local specialty boutiques 
  • Browse antique and vintage stores 
  • Explore museums that highlight local history 
  • Visit local breweries and taste their seasonal brews
  • Savor local seafood and waterfront views at restaurants 
  • Stroll along the Harborwalk 

For more ideas, visit our Newburyport page to plan your day!

Commuter Rail Fall Rail Ride

Bike Through the North Shore’s Fall Scenery 

With a Passenger + Bike Ticket, you can set the pace for your adventure along the North Shore’s most picturesque trails and waterways, whether you choose to join the guided MassDOT Tour or follow the route independently on Ride with GPS. 

The 5-mile loop is a great option for new bikers or families with little ones who still want to explore by bike. You will pick up the Clipper City Trail at the station and ride along the waterfront and into downtown, where you can explore before turning back to the station via the Clipper City Trail. 

The 15-mile loop takes about two hours to complete and is a great option for cyclists looking to take in the North Shore scenery. Along the way, enjoy golden fall leaves, picturesque walkways, and charming historic buildings, all along relatively flat terrain.

What You’ll See Along the 15-Mile Bike Route

The trails along the route are mainly flat, making for an easy ride through some of the area’s most scenic spots. Here are a few of the gorgeous sights you’ll see along the way:

  • Salisbury marshland and wetlands
  • Whittier Bridge Trail
  • Clipper City Rail Trail
  • Salisbury Ghost Trail
  • Harborwalk connections
  • Outdoor artwork
  • To explore the full route, visit Ride with GPS

Fall Rail Ride 2026 "Rails and Trails" Map

Bike Requirements

For this experience, we ask that riders’ bikes meet the following requirements to ensure comfort and transportability of your bike while on the train:  

  • Tire width must be 3 inches or less
  • Bike trailers are not permitted
  • A bike lock is not required for bike storage on the bike coach, but you should bring a bike lock if planning to stop and explore downtown

 

For More information and Ticket Details, visit MBTA.com/FallRide