Getting Around Boston

By Car
The spokes of major highways converging on Greater Boston from three sides make it seem that all roads lead to the Hub. Three interstate highways offer a direct approach to the city and its suburbs. From the north I-95 merges with SR 128 at Peabody before skirting the western edge of the metropolitan area; south of Boston I-95 branches southwest and heads toward Providence.

Also from the north I-93 angles down through Medford and Somerville, merges with US 1 at Charlestown and passes under downtown. I-93/US1 then proceeds through South Boston, parallels the western shore of Massachusetts Bay and passes through Quincy before turning west and running into I-95 near Norwood. SR 3, the route to Cape Cod, branches southeast off I-93 near Braintree.

The major east-west highway into Boston is the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), which runs into I-93/US1 just south of downtown. Paralleling this toll route to the south is SR 9, serving the suburbs of Wellesley, Newton and Brookline. Another east-west artery, SR 2, passes just south of Concord and then heads southeast into Cambridge.

The Boston Big Dig project has reorganized the highways into and through Boston. First-time and returning visitors should review the Boston map prior to venturing into the city.

By the Airport
Logan International Airport occupies a peninsula just south of East Boston, 3 miles east of downtown across Boston Inner Harbor. Logan functions as New England's hub airport and serves most major airlines. Drivers should depart by the main exit and take the Boston Expressway to the Sumner Tunnel (toll $3), which crosses the harbor into downtown. Drivers traveling south of the city via I-93 or west on I-90 should follow signs for the Ted Williams Tunnel (toll $3).

As tunnel traffic jams are all too common, the quickest and easiest way to reach downtown is by subway. Free shuttle service runs from all five terminals to the Airport "T" station on the Blue Line. From there it's about a 20-minute ride to downtown's State Street or Government Center stations. Shuttles run every 8-12 minutes daily 4 a.m.-1 a.m.; phone (617) 561-1800 or (800) 235-6426.

Combined bus and subway fare to downtown is $1. Logan Express shuttles depart from Terminal B to the outer suburbs of Braintree, Framingham, Peabody and Woburn. Buses leave the airport daily 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; phone (800) 235-6426.

The Water Shuttle is another convenient way to cross the harbor, departing from the Logan dock and arriving 10 minutes later at Long Wharf in the Financial District. Shuttle bus 66 provides free, frequent service from airport terminals to the dock. Boat departures from Logan are Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10-6 (weather permitting), except on holidays. The fare is $10; phone (617) 422-0392 or (617) 222-6999. Commuter boats also run to Quincy and Hingham from Long Wharf.

Taxi fares to downtown and to Cambridge run about $20, depending on traffic congestion. Flat-rate fares are in effect beyond a 12-mile radius of downtown; ask the cab driver or Logan dispatcher for the exact fare in advance. City buses will drop off passengers at downtown hotels; bus stop signs are located outside each terminal.

Boston is served by most major rental car agencies. Arrangements should be made before leaving on a trip; local AAA clubs can provide this assistance and additional information. Hertz provides discounts to AAA members; phone (617) 338-1512 or (800) 654-3080. Rates do not include the per-day charge for full insurance coverage.

Rail Service
Amtrak offers service to and from New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., out of Boston's South Station at Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street. Connections to all points in the national Amtrak system can be made at the Back Bay Station, 145 Dartmouth St.; phone (800) 872-7245 for reservations and information.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates commuter rail service from South Station to Framingham, Needham, Franklin and Stoughton, as well as Providence, R.I. MBTA's commuter trains to Fitchburg, Lowell and other northbound and westbound destinations leave from North Station, 135 Causeway St.; phone (800) 392-6100 for schedule and ticket information.