Getting Around Boston

Travel Channel gives you the best ways to make your trip to Boston pleasant by offering suggestions about how to get around Beantown with ease.

Related To:

Photo by: Fiona Wong, flickr

Fiona Wong, flickr

Most visitors to Boston have heard the rumors: The city is notorious for its 1-way streets, aggressive drivers, and confusing layout. Don’t let those concerns stop you from exploring Beantown. The key to success? Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system to navigate the Hub like a native Bostonian -- accent and Red Sox hat optional.



Boston from Logan Airport
Once you’ve landed at Boston’s Logan International Airport, you have a variety of options to get into town. The easiest -- and priciest -- is to take a taxi: follow signs for “Ground Transportation” outside each terminal to find the queue. A cab from the airport to downtown Boston typically costs between $25 and $35 and should take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you want to save some cash, opt for public transportation. For just $1.70 the “SL1” Silver Line bus stops at all of Logan’s terminals, runs every 10 to 15 minutes, and will take you to South Station which is on the Boston subway’s Red Line. To streamline your trip and review all possible transportation options, visit the website for the Massachusetts Port Authority where you can use Massport’s “GetUthere” app or download a detailed brochure, or call (800) 23-LOGAN.


MBTA
Known by locals as the “T”, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority oversees most aspects of Boston’s public transportation system including the subway, bus lines, commuter rail, and ferries. Purchase a reusable, recharchable CharlieTicket at a fare vending machine (located at most MBTA stations) and the city—and many of its suburbs—is your oyster. Want to catch a Red Sox game? Take the Green Line to Kenmore or Fenway. Planning a day in Harvard Square? Hop on the Red Line. The T can even bring you across the harbor to view the U.S.S. Constitution (via ferry) or north to historic Salem (via the extensive commuter rail). To get from South Station to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, visitors should take the Silver Line’s SL1, SL2, or SL3 bus from South Station on the Red Line, or take SL1 directly from Logan Airport to the World Trade Center stop. For additional options, visit the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's website.

If you’re planning to visit Boston for longer than a few days, consider getting a CharlieCard. These reusable plastic cards are available at Back Bay, Downtown Crossing, Harvard, North Station, and South Station stops and are a more affordable option than CharlieTickets, which include a surcharge in addition to standard T fare. To view maps and schedules, order CharlieCards, download smart phone apps, and plan your trip, visit the MTBA or call (800) 392-6100.


Taxis
When you want to get to your destination quickly without driving Boston’s streets yourself, it may be worth it to take a cab. While it’s possible to hail a cab in some of the city’s more popular areas such as Fenway and around Boston Common, you’re often better calling a taxi company in advance to ask for a pick-up. The city of Boston authorizes 7 cab companies: Top Cab, Boston Cab, City Cab, Metro Cab, I.T.O.A. Cab, Tunnel Taxi, and 617TaxiCab. Look for the “Boston Licensed Cab” medallion, or visit the City of Boston's website for full contact information. Your driver should charge $2.60 for the first 1/7 of a mile and 40¢ for each additional 1/7 of a mile (tolls will cost extra). For a touristy but fun ride, try a pedicab. These pedal-powered rickshaws provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cabs and can be found in a growing number of locations, including Copley Square. Contact Boston Pedicab or call 617-266-2005 for more information.


Bicycle
Boston may have a reputation as a walking and driving city, but government initiatives are making it increasingly bike-friendly, too. The latest addition: the New Balance Hubway, a bicycle-sharing system that allows users to rent 1 of 600 bikes from 60 stations throughout Beantown during spring, summer and fall. Pay $5 for a 24-hour membership or $12 for a 3-day membership (additional fees apply if you ride longer than 30 minutes at a time). Bring your own helmet, or pick one up for just $7.99 at local stores. For more details, including station maps, a list of helmet-buying locations, and safety tips, visit thehubway.com or call (855) 4HUBWAY. Getting around Boston doesn’t have to be intimidating. With some advance planning, you can take the stress out of travel and keep your focus on all the city has to offer.

Next Up

Getting Around Nashville

Get Travel Channel's tips on how to get around Nashville by using WeCar, the Music City Trolley, GreenBikes, Wildhorse Shuttle and other alternate forms of transportation.

7 Unexplained Disappearances in the Alaska Triangle

The Alaska Triangle is bounded by the lines between Anchorage, Juneau, and Utqiagvik (the city formerly known as Barrow until 2016). The area encompasses tens of thousands of square miles of harsh terrain where bitterly cold temperatures and long periods of darkness in the winter are the norms. Since 1988, more than 16,000 people have gone missing, but the mysteries began long before then. What’s causing these mysterious disappearances?

5 Things To Know About The Mysterious Bermuda Triangle Of Kentucky

The legend of the Atlantic Ocean’s Bermuda Triangle dates back to the 1500s. The large swath of ocean between Miami, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda is the site of odd compass readings, unexplained sunken ships, missing planes, and other mysterious disappearances. Venture 1,100 miles from Bermuda though, and you’ll find tales from Kentucky that are just as compelling.

Bike Tours of Charleston

See Charleston by bike on one of these trails or tours.

Navigating New Orleans

Getting around New Orleans just got easy. Check out our tips for navigating the Crescent City by streetcar, pedicab and more!

All Aboard the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show

Ring in the holiday season with some track-by-track views around New York City.

Brother-Sister Duo Jack and Kelly Osbourne Reprise Their Ghost-Hunting Roles Together Aboard the Supremely Haunted Queen Mary Ocean Liner

New Special Jack and Kelly Osbourne: Night of Terror Begins Streaming Sunday, October 24 on discovery+.

5 Family Adventures in Hawaii

Put the phones down and make memories to last a lifetime with these thrilling activities on the island of Hawaii.

See New York City by Boat

Companies we recommend for NYC sightseeing by boat.

Memphis: An Insider's Guide to This Funky Southern City

Experience the city's lesser known wonders.

On TV

Trending Now

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.