Getting to Boston, by Plane, Train or Bus

Publish date: 2024-06-25

Home > Getting Here

1. If By Land

Driving in and around Boston is not for the faint-hearted. The "Big Dig," a decade plus old construction project to replace the elevated "Central Artery" with a tunnel, is still in progress. Streets, exit ramps, shoulders, signs, are all subject to change with little notice.

The Central Artery (Interstate Highway 93) dissects Boston's waterfront and its downtown area (hence the need for the new tunnel). There are few exits into the downtown from the Central Artery, and it is recommended to get current directions from your hotel before arrival.

Arriving from the west, Interstate 90 or the "Mass Pike", connects with I93 just south of the downtown area. The skyscrapers are visible several miles outside the City which builds excitement if one has driven for a long time to visit the city for the first time.

Arriving from the North or South, Interstate 95 is the main highway to Boston but does not go to the city center. From Rhode Island, take I95 North to I93 North which becomes the Central Artery. From Maine, take I95 South to Route 1 South to I93 South which becomes the Central Artery. Route 1 will travel over the Mystic River Bridge (a large 1940's steel bridge) and then connect with I93 at the Lenny Zakim Bridge (a beautiful cable stay bridge to which its towers were made to resemble the Bunker Hill Monument).

Please note that "right turn on red after stopping" is allowed in Massachusetts unless indicated otherwise, and when driving into a rotary/traffic circle/roundabout, one has to yield to traffic already in the circle.

2. If By Sea

Boston is a large commercial seaport, but generally people do not travel to the city via ocean liner anymore. The above was a history joke about the lanterns that were hung at Boston's Old North Church at the start of the American Revolution, "one of by land, two if by sea," which signaled the method British troops were arriving. About sea jaunts, you may want to take the Water Shuttle from Long Wharf (opposite the New England Aquarium) to the Charlestown Navy Yard. It's an inexpensive quick commuter boat ride to see Boston's historic inner harbor.

3. By Air

Logan International Airport in Boston is about 4 miles from the city center and is located on the east side of the inner harbor. Logan has 5 terminals labeled A, B, C, and E. A convenient free bus shuttle stop is located outside each terminal that will take you to the public transportation system. Logan Airport has a comprehensive web site, and also has an excellent Airport Transit page for more details on transit methods such as taxis or limos. Please note that Terminal C has a visitor information booth, and Terminal E has a currency exchange booth (limited hours).

Please note that few banks have currency exchange windows in Boston. Logan is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority, and the main information number is 800.23.LOGAN.

T.F. Green Airport in Warwick Rhode Rhode Island is a little over an hour from Boston by car, bus, or rail. The airport information line is 888.268.7222. Peter Pan Bus Lines operates frequent bus service from T.F. Green to South Station Boston. Manchester Airport in Manchester New Hampshire is also a little over an hour by car or bus from Boston. The airport information line is 603.624.6556.

4. By Rail

Back Bay Station in the Back Bay, and South Station in the financial district, are serviced by Amtrak and MBTA commuter service. Normal Amtrak transit time to/from New York City is about 4.5 hours. High speed rail service is available to/from New York on the Acela Express which cuts the transit time down to about 3 hours. Trains to New York and points south depart from South Station. Seasonal "Downeaster" trains to Portland Maine depart from North Station. Amtrak also as a Timetable Listing available online. Their general information phone number is 800.USA.RAIL.

5. By Automobile

Boston Driving is a unique experience. The novice driver would be intimidated by the local driving culture, and Parking is very expensive (not as expensive as the parking tickets of course).