PORTLAND, Maine — On the eve of Thanksgiving, millions of Americans are traveling to celebrate with friends and family. While cars and planes remain popular, a growing number of Mainers are turning to trains for their holiday journey.

At the Amtrak Downeaster station in Portland, passengers said the train offers an unbeatable mix of affordability and convenience.

“It’s a lot cheaper, it’s on time all the time,” Patricia Ellen said, who was headed to Greenland, New Hampshire to spend Thanksgiving with her daughter.

She’s not alone. According to Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, the Downeaster has been experiencing packed trains since the weekend before Thanksgiving.

“It’s certainly a very busy time,” Quinn said. “We have many trains

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