Visiting Boston How to Get Around

BOSTON MA - Getting Around Boston -Boston is known as "America's Walking City." Still, the city has a very extensive transportation system to help you navigate smoothly, from Harvard to the Harbor. Use this section to plan your trip in advance and when you're in town.


Visting Boston How to Get Around

How to Get Around Boston for Tourists

Take the "T"

Boston's public transportation system is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Still, locals know it simply as the "T." It offers subway, bus, trolley car, and boat service to just about everywhere in the Greater Boston area and beyond. Subway stops are color-coded - Red Line, Green Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, or Silver Line.



Boston Wayfinder

To ride the T, you need to purchase a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket. These can be bought at most subway stations, at vending machines and at select convenience stores. The basic fare is $2.90 with a CharlieTicket or $2.40 if you have a Charlie Card. Kids 11 years and younger ride free! And your Charlie Card will provide you with more than 75 discounts on attractions during your visit. The "T's" LinkPass gives visitors unlimited travel on Subway, Local Bus, Inner Harbor Ferry, and Commuter Rail Zone 1A for one day ($12.75) or seven days ($22.50). More than 500 fare-vending machines are located throughout all subway stations.



  • Local buses feature expanded late-night service; fares are $1.70 with a Charlie Card and $2 without.
  • For specific information on routes and schedules, call the MBTA at 617-222-3200 or visit mbta.com. Information is in several languages, and the website offers a handy "Trip Planner" to get you to your destination.

Commuter Rail

Operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston's Commuter Rail services the outlying Boston suburbs. Service is available from several T stations, but most departures occur at South Station, North Station, or Back Bay Station. Visit the MBTA site for more information. Phone: 617.222.3200.

Taxi Information

Taxi service is available throughout the city. From Logan International Airport to most hotels in Boston and Cambridge, current fares are approximately $25-$35.00, one way. You may also book online or call 617-410-7500



Bus

Service is widely available throughout Massachusetts. All intercity/interstate buses depart from South Station. Ticket counters are located on the third level of the Transportation Center. For information, call the South Station Bus Terminal at 617-737-8040

Logan Express to Back Bay

Logan Express stops at all terminals. Bus route time is approximately 20 minutes starting on the hour. The cost to ride is only $3 (credit or debit card - cash not accepted). Be sure to allow extra time during rush hour periods.

Bus Route Stops

  • To Airport (5am-9pm)
  • Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street (opposite Gloucester Street)
  • Back Bay T Station, Dartmouth Street
  • Terminal A, B, C, E (Departures Level drop-off)
  • From Airport (6am-10pm)
  • Terminal A, B, C, E (Arrivals Level pick-up at Logan Express stops)
  • Copley Square, St. James Avenue
  • Hynes Convention Center

Parking

Boston has a variety of lot and garage parking options

Bicycle - BLUEbikes

BLUEbikes is your bike-sharing system providing over 100 stations and 1,000 bikes available in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. Grab a bike near your hotel and pedal your way to your next attraction, shopping trip, or visit friends and family.

Using BLUEbikes is easy and tailored to fit your needs. Choose between an Annual Membership, Monthly Membership, or 24-Hour Pass and access the fleet when you want it, three seasons per year (the system is shut down in the winter). The cost includes unlimited trip(s) less than 30 minutes in duration; longer rides incur additional usage fees. Please review the pricing page for further information.

Transportation Services

Whether you require a private car or bus for your large group, see our list to find the perfect ground transportation partner to meet your needs.

Source: Boston USA

See The Boston Guide  - is a very active seaport with cargo and passenger vessels coming into the Harbor and leaving through two shipping lanes going to and from the piers and docks in South Boston, Chelsea, and the Mystic River. Skyscrapers are perched on the shores of the Harbor, and they are nothing short of spectacular to look at from the water.