Boston Transportation

Driving to Boston

You can easily drive to Boston from any part of the continental United States, although some drives may be more enjoyable than others. For example, if you're coming from the West Coast, you can take I-80 much of the way, but it's notable for its lack of scenery unless you enjoy seeing cornfields for long stretches of time. Route 70 is generally considered a better alternative. 

I-95 is a popular expressway for getting to Boston from southern areas like Florida, although you might hit some bad stretches of traffic. If you're heading to the city from the southwest region, like Texas and surrounding states, your options include taking I-81 to I-78 or using I-30.

If you're far enough away from Boston to turn the journey into a multi-day drive, you may want to plan some stops along the way at other scenic destinations. For example, if you're coming from the West Coast, you can choose a route that takes you close enough to sights and landmarks like Mount Rushmore or the St. Louis Arch as a prelude to your arrival in Boston.

Once you arrive in Boston, be aware that during rush hour cars are allowed to drive on the shoulder of some expressways, like I-95, and commuters often drive aggressively. Avoid this type of traffic by timing your arrival in the city to be either before or after the morning or evening commute.

Be aware that some Boston hotels charge you for parking, and some offer valet services if you don't want to go through the trouble of finding a spot on your own. Check with your hotel prior to your visit if you're driving to Boston so you're prepared for any fees or potential parking challenges in the area.

Logan International Transportation

Logan International Airport is a popular way for visits from other parts of the United States and around the world to get to Boston. You can get to the airport from over 70 locations in America and 30 international spots on over 30 large and small airlines.

The airport is centrally located in the city and has four terminals, plus stores, restaurants, ATMs, and free wireless internet access. There are plenty of nearby car rental agencies so you can conveniently pick up a vehicle when you arrive by air.

You have several other transportation options to get to your destination in the city if you do not wish to rent a car. The Logan Express offers non-stop round trip bus service from Logan to Braintree, Framington, Woburn, and Peabody. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to get to your destination on the bus, depending on the route and time of day. You can opt for a taxi if you don't want to wait for a bus.

You can also get into Boston via water shuttles and water taxis that depart regularly from Logan International Airport to spots in downtown Boston and other popular waterfront areas in the city. The airport offers a free bus from all of its terminals to the water transportation dock. There, you can either board a water shuttle to Long Wharf in downtown Boston, Quincy or Hull, or hire a water taxi from one of the three companies that service airport passengers.

Boston Train Station

Boston has an excellent public transit system with the city, and it also has Amtrak service to the South Station. You can take the Acela Express train from Washington D.C. To Boston, with stops in New York and Philadelphia before you reach the Boston train station. The Downeaster travels between Portland and Boston, while the Northeast Region runs from Virginia Beach, Lynchburg, Newport News, Richmond, Washington D.C., New York, Hartford, Springfield, and Providence to Boston.

Amtrack offers a variety of accommodations, depending on the route and the length of your trip. You can book coach or business class and reserve a sleeper if your journey is long and you want to arrive at the Boston train station feeling refreshed.

Boston also has commuter rail lines and a subway system that runs within the city and is geared mainly to getting around within the various neighborhoods.

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