1. By Air

Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) is the principal gateway airport to New England. Boston’s large college population pushes flights to capacity around school holidays, and in May and September; fall foliage season is also tight.

2. Security

Security is a high priority at New England airports. Pack carry-on liquids in 3 oz or 100 ml containers in clear plastic quart or liter bags. Make sure all baggage, including carry-on, is clearly marked with ID. Keep a calm demeanor, and do not even joke about terrorism or plane crashes.

3. Logan International

Logan, just 3 miles (4.8 km) from downtown Boston, is a pleasant and efficient airport with ample parking. International flights arrive at Terminal E but may depart from other terminals. The quickest and cheapest trip into the city is via Silver Line buses to South Station; there are ticket kiosks near most terminal exits.800 235 6426 • www.massport.com

4. Other New England Airports

A few international flights land at Connecticut’s Bradley International (BDL). The Providence, Rhode Island, area and Manchester, New Hampshire, airports (PVD; MHT) often have the cheapest domestic air fares to New England. Portland Jetport (PWM) is a good Maine gateway for domestic airlines.

Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT • 860 292 2000 • www.bradleyairport.com

Manchester Boston Regional Airport, Manchester, NH • 603 624 6556 • www.flymanchester.com

T.F. Green Airport, Warwick, RI • 401 737 8222 • www.pvdairport.com

Portland Jetport, Portland, ME • 207 774 7301 • www.portlandjetport.org

5. Online Air Deals

Cheapflights.com checks more airlines than other consolidators and will give you an overview of what’s available, but the best rates are usually on the carriers’ own websites; check both.

6. By Ship

More than a dozen cruise lines call at the Boston Cruiseport.Cruiseport Boston • 1 Black Falcon Ave., Boston, MA • 617 330 1500 • www.massport.com

7. By Train

Amtrak serves coastal and central New England as far north as Portland, Maine. Travelers from overseas can buy rail passes for discounted Amtrak travel throughout the US.800 872 7245 • www.amtrak.com

8. By Bus

Concord Coach Lines serves New Hampshire and Maine; Plymouth & Brockton covers southeastern Massachusetts; Peter Pan has stops in western Massachusetts and Connecticut; National carrier Greyhound and its subsidiaries go almost everywhere.

Concord • 800 639 3317 • www.concordcoachlines.com

Plymouth & Brockton • 508 746 0378 • www.p-b.com

Peter Pan • 800 343 9999 • www.peterpanbus.com

Greyhound • 800 231 2222 • www.greyhound.com

9. By Car

From the south, I-95 follows the coast to Boston, then heads north through New Hampshire to Maine. From the west, I-90 enters Massachusetts from New York State and ends at Logan Airport. From the northwest, I-89 and I-91 enter Vermont from Quebec. I-89 cuts southeast to Boston; I-91 goes south to New York via Massachusetts and Connecticut.

10. Customs

Visitors over 21 may bring two pints (1 l) of alcohol; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 4 lb (2 kg) of smoking tobacco; and gifts worth up to $100. Meats, fresh cheeses, live plants, and produce are prohibited. Travelers bringing $10,000 or more in cash must declare the money at customs.