| Car |
 |
Driving in Boston, with its profusion of one-way streets and rotaries, not to mention the number of thoroughfares that share the same names, can be extremely frustrating. If you plan to drive within the city, plotting your route ahead of time will save lots of trouble, and a good city map is essential on-board equipment. Parking in Boston can also be a headache; it's best to save time and avoid tickets by parking in a parking lot. Any way you look at it, the best way to get around town is by public transportation.
| Public Transport |
|
 Boston Rapid Transit Map
Subway:The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, or MBTA (617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100), operates bus, trolley, subway, commuter train, and water shuttle transportation within the Boston metropolitan area. Boston's subway system, first opened in 1897, is North America's oldest. Commonly referred to as the "T," it operates on four color-coded lines: subway trains run on the Red Line, the Blue Line, and the Orange Line, while trolleys run both on the surface, on elevated tracks, and below ground on the Green Line. Surface stops and underground stations are clearly marked by circular signs showing a black "T" on a white background. The "T" runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM daily. Except for certain distant stops on the Red and Green Lines, the basic adult subway fare is $1.25, or one token. The MBTA also issues Boston Visitor Passes, which allow the bearer to ride on all subway and bus lines, and certain commuter rail lines, for one basic fee. One-day passes cost $7.50, three-day passes cost $18, and a seven-day pass will set you back $35. These special passes are for sale at selected stations (including Boston's major train stations and the MBTA Blue Line Airport stop), visitor information centers, hotels, and newsstands. Bus:The MBTA also operates Boston's extensive network of bus lines. Via MBTA buses, you can venture far out into the suburbs. The bus network is divided into zones; your fare will depend on the zones in which you begin and end your trip. The basic fare, for travel within zones 1 and 2 (closest to the city center), is $0.90; there are no free transfers between bus lines. Bus transportation is covered by a valid Boston Visitor Pass. Taxis:It is possible to hail a taxi on the street in Boston, but you'll have more luck by waiting at a designated cab stand or calling a cab. Many businesses have direct phone lines to taxi services. All taxis charge a base fee of $1.75 for the first quarter-mile and a metered charge of $0.30 for each subsequent 1/8-mile. Keep in mind that Boston's complicated, one-way-street-laden traffic patterns may increase mileage, so budget accordingly.
| Airport |
|
 Logan International Airport (BOS)
Logan International Airport (BOS) serves metropolitan Boston. Transportation from the airport to downtown Boston: Subway: The MBTA Blue Line links Logan to Government Center, the heart of downtown Boston. Free shuttle buses run between all airport terminals and the "T"; the ride to Government Center takes about 20 minutes. (617-222-3200, 800-392-6100) Boat: The MBTA also operates the Airport Water Shuttle between Logan and Rowes Wharf, located downtown. This service runs every 20 minutes on weekdays (to 8 PM), and every 30 minutes on weekends. There is free shuttle bus service from all terminals to the ferry dock, and the boat ride ($10) takes only seven minutes. Taxi: Taxi service is available at all hours at all terminals of Logan International Airport. Fares from the airport to downtown should not exceed $25, tip included. For destinations outside a 12-mile radius of downtown, a flat-rate fare system is enforced; establish your fare with the Logan dispatcher or with your driver, before setting out. For more information, call 800-23-LOGAN.
|
Explore another city in Massachusetts
|
|
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
Boston Rapid Transit Map
Logan International Airport