Home > Shark Guides > Transportation > Getting Around Boston

Boston Transportation

Getting around Boston can be a bit challenging for newcomers, but there are many options to make it easier. You can walk around the city, drive a car, use taxis, ride a bike, or rely on the buses and trains in the public transportation system. Each option has its pros and cons.

Boston Taxis

Boston taxis are a convenient, though expensive, way to get around the city. Boston has many taxi cab companies working in all of its neighborhoods All of them charge you a fee just to get in the cab, and the rest of your fare depends on the time and distance to your location.

It's possible to simply flag down an empty taxi, although it's much easier to either call for one yourself or ask your hotel's concierge to do it for you. You may also find cabs waiting for passengers in heavily trafficked areas.

Sometimes a cab driver may not want to take you a long distance if you're traveling to an area where there is little possibility of the driver getting a return fare.

The city of Boston regulates cars for hire. Never take a taxi in Boston that does not have a medallion that states, “Boston Licensed Taxi.” All legitimate taxicabs have this medallion, so you open yourself to risks if you hire a car that is not authorized to operate in the city.

Pedi-cabs offer a scenic, environmentally friendly alternative to regular taxis. These bike taxis operate mainly in scenic and tourist-heavy areas, like around Fenway Park or Faneuil Hall. You can flag them down if you spot an empty vehicle or call to reserve a ride. There is no set fee, but the drivers are paid by tips so you should pay what you determine to be a fair amount.

Boston Bus System

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority runs the Boston bus system, known as the T bus system, made up of local, inner express, and outer express buses, as well as part of the Silver Line.. There are bus routes in all major areas of the city, with information on their schedules and stops available online on the MBTA website. Taking buses eliminates the problem and expense of finding parking within the city.

Boston Subway

The T subway system is part of the MTBA and includes the Blue, Red, Green, and Orange Lines. The Blue Line covers Bowdoin and Wonderland., while the Red Line runs through Alewife, Braintree and Ashmont. Green Line serves Lechmere, Boston College, Cleveland Circle, Riverside and Heath. The Orange Line covers Oak Grove and Forest Hills. Subway routes, schedules and fare information are all included in the MTBA website. There are parking lots near the T stations so you can leave your car at a convenient point and move throughout the city on the trains.

Parking in Boston

Parking in Boston is sometimes a challenge, particularly around the busiest and most popular business and tourist spots. Some streets even have parking reserved for residents with permits only.

Although there is some free parking in popular areas, you may have to use a metered spot, valet parking, or a public parking lot or garage. Talk to someone at your hotel before driving to Boston or renting a car about the parking situation near your lodging and the spots you plan to visit. This will allow you to budget accordingly if you will be visiting spots where most parking requires payment.

Walking and Biking in Boston

Walking and biking in Boston are popular activities for leisure and to get from place to place. The Boston Common is extremely popular with walkers and bicyclists, both local and visiting.

Many tourists walk the Freedom Trail, a red brick path that takes them directly to 16 historic sites. The Charles River is also a popular walking spot, with shops and restaurants to browse or dine in along the way.

One of the most popular bike paths in Boston is the Charles River Bike Path, which goes through Cambridge, Newton, and Watertown. Other options include the Stony Brook Bike Path, which covers the Turtle Pond Parkway, West Roxbury, and Hyde Park, the Mystic River Bike Path through Somerville and Everett, and the Pierre Lallement Bike Trail via Southwest Corridor Park.

You can book a guided bike tour if you prefer structure rather than trying to see the city on a bicycle on your own. Walking tours of historic sites are also available.

Book a Boston Hotel today!

More Shark Guides

FIND HOTELS NOW

Boston Transportation