If the restored streamline-style railcars from the 1940s and ’50s weren’t so comfortable, you could almost call the Maine Eastern Railroad the ‘‘lobster express.’’ For generations lobsters were shipped from Rockland to Boston overnight on some of the same rails. Now two-hour sightseeing excursions run on the tracks’ 57-mile midcoast section between Brunswick and Rockland. The lines were laid for practicality, so they tend to run inland where they can cross the long tidal rivers at the narrowest spots, often on a trestle side-by-side with US Route 1. There are plenty of chances, however, to spot sailboats on the coast.

Cedar Street off Union Street, Brunswick, Maine; 866-637-2457; maineeasternrailroad.com. Begins service May 24. Brunswick-Rockland round trip adults $40, seniors $35, ages 5-15 $20, under 5 free, family plan available. Reduced fares for any journey not including Rockland.