Logan International Airport (BOS) is located 2 miles (3 km) northeast of Downtown. Over 50 international and domestic airlines serve the area.
Transportation to central Boston is accessed from the baggage claim area. Taxis wait at all terminals but airport fees can make a downtown trip expensive ($25–$35). Logan Airport is also served by private taxi companies, such as Star Shuttle, as well as ride sharing companies. The MBTA Silver Line bus to South Station is free and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Free buses link terminals to the Blue Line subway. Shuttle services are available via Massport to Downtown Boston and to locations throughout Massachusetts.
For the scenic water route, take the Route 66 airport shuttle to Logan Dock. Boston Water Taxi serves Logan and the waterfront. Rowes Wharf Water Transport provides direct service to and from Rowes Wharf.
Several international and some domestic charters use Manchester Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire, 50 miles (79 km) from Boston, and TF Green Airport (PVD), near Providence, Rhode Island, 59 miles (95 km) from Boston. Buses to Boston run from both.
The Amtrak intercity rail transportation arrives into Boston at South Station (Atlantic and Summer streets). Frequent New York trains take 3 to 5 hours. Several daily trains arrive from Brunswick and Portland, Maine.
Most major northeast highways converge on Boston, with I-95 (also known as Route 128) bypassing the city center. I-90, the Massachusetts Turnpike, comes in from the west. I-93 crosses the city north to south as an underground expressway, known as the Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill Jr. Tunnel. Watch signs carefully for exits. The Zakim bridge, connecting underground and surface highways, provides a northern gateway to Boston.
The city’s primary bus station, South Station Transportation Center, is used by a dozen companies providing intercity service, as well as Amtrak and the MBTA subway system. Greyhound connects with over 3,700 locations, and offers low-cost passes. Other lines include Megabus, Bolt Bus, and Peter Pan.
Cruise ships dock at Black Falcon Terminal, South Boston, which is a $20 taxi ride away from Downtown. On Port of Call days, the local trolley tour companies (see Trips and Tours) offer services to popular city destinations.
Boston’s subway and trolley system (the “T”), buses, commuter rail, and ferries are run by MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). The subway and trolley system gets you close to most places in the city. Fares are $2.75 to almost everywhere, and buying a reuseable, rechargeable CharlieCard reduces the fare to $2.25.
The MBTA bus system enlarges the transit network to cover more than 1,000 miles (1,620 km). Buses run less frequently than the “T.” The Silver Line, technically a “T” line, runs buses, providing quick trips to airport or cruise ship terminals. Make sure you have exact change or a CharlieCard for the bus. Maps are available on the MBTA website or at the office at Downtown Crossing.
A pass gives you unlimited MBTA travel, including inner harbor ferries, and can be bought on a CharlieCard for $12 (one day) and $21.25 (seven days) at most subway stations.
The least efficient way to get around Downtown is driving, which can be stressful. Locals drive quite aggressively, and the narrow streets are laid out in a confusing manner with little signage. There are few gas stations, limi-ted parking with time-of-day restrictions, one-way streets, and traffic circles. For drivers unfamiliar with the city, an up-to-date GPS and advance planning are essential.
Parking lots are very expensive, costing about $35 per day or about $12 for one hour in the Boston Common Garage in the city center. Other parking lots in the area charge more. On-street parking meters have a two-hour limit, residents-only rules are strictly enforced, and fines are high.
Car rental companies have desks at Logan Airport. Drivers must be between 21 and 75 years with a valid license. All agencies require a credit card or cash deposit. Collision damage waiver and liability insurances are highly recommended.
Taxis can be hired on the street in the Downtown area or at taxi stands. You can also call Metro Cab, Boston Cab Association, ITOA, or Cambridge Cab Company to arrange a pick up. Uber and Lyft let you summon a ride share car by smartphone, billing your credit card.
Boston Harbor Cruises offers ferries to Salem and Provincetown from Long Wharf. The Bay State Cruise Company connects the World Trade Center with Provincetown, and the inexpensive MBTA Harbor Express con-nects Long Wharf to Charlestown Navy Yard.
Downtown Boston is compact and easy to get around on foot. It has many bike paths including on some major streets. Cycling on high-ways is illegal and riding on sidewalks is discour-aged or illegal. Hubway has bike sharing at 200 stations through-out the city.
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