Getting Around Boston: A Practical Transport Guide
Boston is a compact city well-suited to visitors, offering multiple ways to navigate its neighborhoods and reach nearby regions. The city is known as "America's Walking City" and is rated as the third most walkable city in the United States, making it easy to explore on foot. Beyond walking, you'll find an extensive public transit network, taxis, and ride-hailing services that connect you throughout the metropolitan area.
Walking and Cycling
Boston's compact size makes it ideal for walking. The city has the highest percentage of on-foot commuters of any major United States city, and many neighborhoods are best explored by strolling through their streets. Most of the city's area and nearby towns have committees devoted to improving the pedestrian environment.
Cycling is also popular for both recreation and commuting. Several bike paths and routes serve the area, including the Minuteman Bikeway, which runs through several suburbs northwest of Boston, and the Charles River bike paths, which appeal to recreational cyclists and tourists. The Emerald Necklace system of parklands offers pleasant alternative routes for cyclists. However, bike infrastructure remains uneven, with some roadways marked for cyclists but few completely separated paths. Many transit riders use bicycles to reach nearby MBTA stations, and bike racks and lockers have been expanded at transit stops.
For planning walking and cycling routes, the Greater Boston Cycling & Walking Map, published by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, is available free of charge both in print and online. Online mapping services such as Google Maps are also popular aids for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Public Transit Network
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates bus, subway, short-distance rail, and water ferry services throughout Boston and the region. The network is extensive and forms the backbone of getting around the city without a car.
Subway and Light Rail (The "T")
Boston's rapid transit system, known locally as the "T," uses color-coded lines to connect different parts of the city. The system includes underground rapid transit (subway) lines as well as light rail service. The subway connects downtown with major neighborhoods and extends into surrounding areas. Light rail lines provide service to additional neighborhoods and suburban destinations.
Transfers between lines are straightforward, and major downtown stations serve as hubs where you can easily switch between different routes. The T runs regularly throughout the day, though service stops around 12:30 AM, so plan accordingly if you have late-night travel needs.
Buses
MBTA bus routes operate extensively throughout the Greater Boston area, with numerous routes serving downtown, neighborhoods, and suburban destinations. Buses provide an accessible way to reach areas not served directly by rapid transit and can be combined with other modes for longer journeys.
Commuter Rail
The MBTA operates commuter rail service that extends well beyond the city limits. These trains terminate at either North Station or South Station, the two main rail hubs in downtown Boston. Commuter rail service reaches destinations including Worcester, Lowell, and Providence, Rhode Island, making it significantly cheaper than Amtrak trains for regional travel. The Cape Flyer provides seasonal summer service to Hyannis on Cape Cod.
Water Ferries
The MBTA also operates water ferry service, offering an alternative transit option for certain routes in the region.
Buying Tickets and Passes
To ride the T (subway, light rail, and buses), you can purchase a Charliecard, which you should pick up at a major station such as South Station if you plan on multiple trips. The system accepts these cards for fare payment across all transit modes.
Long-Distance Rail
Amtrak operates passenger rail service to and from major Northeastern cities. The primary station is South Station, where all long-distance Amtrak routes and most commuter rail routes terminate. North Station handles northbound commuter rail and the Amtrak route to Maine. Note that transferring between these two stations on foot takes 15–30 minutes.
Acela Express service connects Boston to Washington, D.C. multiple times daily with stops in major cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. While fares are higher than other options, the trains are fast and offer comfortable accommodations.
Intercity Bus Service
South Station, a major transportation hub, is served by various intercity bus companies offering travel to destinations throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are available throughout Boston, though they tend to be more expensive than in many other cities. Boston taxis are predominantly white, and you can hail them on the street or call for service. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Boston and provide an alternative to traditional taxis.
Navigating the City by Car
Boston's street layout is complex and distinctive. Except for parts of Back Bay and South Boston, the city has no regular street grid. This irregular pattern, combined with many one-way streets and time-based traffic restrictions, means that an up-to-date GPS navigation system is highly recommended if you plan to drive. Major highways including Interstate 90 and Interstate 93 bisect the city, and traffic congestion is common in the metropolitan area.
Getting from Logan International Airport to the City
Boston Logan International Airport, located in East Boston, is the major gateway to Boston and New England. All terminals are directly connected by above-ground enclosed walkways, and free MassPort shuttle buses link the terminals and airport services. Shuttle #11 connects the four terminals, shuttle #22 and #33 serve specific terminals with the subway and rental car center, shuttle #55 runs during off-peak hours, shuttle #66 connects to water transportation, and shuttle #88 serves the economy parking garage.
Transit Options from the Airport
The MassPort shuttles can take you to Airport Station, where you can board the Blue line subway. However, for most travelers, the best option is the free Silver line, which departs directly from your terminal and runs straight to South Station downtown. You can transfer free of charge to other transit lines from South Station. Transfers between lines are included in your fare. If you plan to use the T again during your stay, pick up a Charliecard at South Station.
If you arrive after midnight, when transit service stops around 12:30 AM, you'll need to use alternative transportation. Taxis are available but more expensive in Boston than in many other cities; expect fares of $25–$50 depending on your destination. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate at the airport, though as of March 2019, pickups and drop-offs are planned for the ground floor of the Central Garage.
Other Airport Transportation Options
Many hotels offer airport shuttle service as an amenity. Logan Express provides direct bus service from several surrounding areas including Braintree, Framingham, Woburn, and Peabody, with buses departing approximately every hour and trips taking around 30–45 minutes. Express buses also serve Copley Square and Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay. Fares to the airport range from $3–$9, with free return trips.
If you're renting a car, the airport road system is complex, so read signs carefully and remain in the correct lane. The airport is laid out like a loop, so if you miss an off-ramp, you can simply drive around again.
Alternative Airports
Several smaller regional airports serve the Boston area and New England, though Logan remains the primary hub. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, about 50 miles north of Boston, is served primarily by Southwest Airlines and offers connections for those heading to Northern New England or Boston's northern suburbs. T.F. Green Airport, approximately 60 miles south of Boston near Providence, Rhode Island, has daily domestic flights and limited MBTA commuter rail connections during rush hours. Worcester-Boston Regional Airport, about 40 miles west of Boston, offers service from several airlines. These smaller airports may be less convenient and are generally best used only if your destination lies in that direction.