Boston Info
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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 Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:58 pm Post subject: GETTING THERE/AROUND IN BOSTON / BOSTON TRANSPORTATION |
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GETTING THERE/AROUND IN BOSTON
GETTING THERE
By Air
Logan International Airport ( BOS ) ( +1 617 428 2800/ http://www.massport.com/logan/ ) rates as the nation's 18th busiest and is but four miles from downtown. Fifty-five airlines use its 84 gates, which are spread out among five terminals. ( Terminal A is currently closed due to renovations. ) More than 60 restaurants, fast food counters, and shops pepper its halls, putting an emphasis on convenience and easy accessibility.
Logan is serviced by the following major airlines:
Air Canada ( +1 888 247 2262/ http://www.aircanada.ca )
Air France ( +1 800 237 2747/ http://www.airfrance.com )
Alaska Airlines ( +1 800 252 7522/ http://www.alaskaair.com )
American ( +1 800 433 7300/ http://www.aa.com )
British Airways ( +1 800 247 9297/ http://www.british-airways.com )
Continental ( +1 800 221 1212/ http://www.continental.com )
Delta ( +1 800 221 1212/ http://www.delta.com )
KLM ( +1 800 374 7747/ http://www.klm.com )
Lufthansa ( +1 800 645 3880/ http://www.lufthansa.com )
Midwest ( +1 800 452 2022/ http://www.midwestexpress.com )
Northwest ( +1 800 225 2525/ http://www.nwa.com )
TACA ( +1 800 535 8780/ http://www.taca.com )
United ( +1 800 241 6522/ http://www.ual.com )
US Airways ( +1 800 428 4322/ http://www.usairways.com )
Virgin Atlantic ( +1 800 862 8621/ http://www.fly.virgin.com )
Ground transportation options abound starting with the wonderfully efficient Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ( +1 800 392 6100/ http://www.mbta.com ) train system. Locally known as "the T," it operates daily from 5:30AM-12:30AM, exiting the airport about every ten minutes. Fares start at USD1. For added convenience free Massport shuttles scoot passengers between the terminals and trains.
A fleet of taxis can be found outside every terminal. Depending on traffic rides to downtown last 15-20 minutes. Most cost USD12-USD20. Taxis charge a flat rate for all destinations exceeding a 12-mile downtown radius. Should you be traveling beyond 12 miles be sure to agree to an exact rate before entering the cab. The Boston Police Department posts a list of flat rates at http://www.massport.com/logan.
For a shuttle bus/van call +1 617 773 9401. Back Bay Coach ( +1 617 746 9909 ) enjoys a reputable name, providing shared van service to most downtown hotels.
Free bus service from the airport terminals to the Logan Boat Dock on the south side makes water shuttle service ( +1 617 951 0255 ) efficient and conveniently quick. Boats exit every 20 minutes for a seven-minute ride to Rowes Wharf ( Boston Harbor Hotel ). It operates 6a-8p weekdays and 10a-8p weekends.
Airport Parking Service:
Logan Preflight ( +1 800 763 6895/ http://www.pnfnetwork.com )
Rental car companies include:
Alamo ( +1 800 327 9633/ http://www.alamo.com )
Avis ( +1 800 831 2847/ http://www.avis.com )
Budget ( +1 800 527 0700/ http://www.budget.com )
Dollar ( +1 800 800 4000/ http://www.dollar.com )
Hertz ( +1 800 654 3131/ http://www.hertz.com )
National ( +1 800 227 7368/ http://www.nationalcar.com )
If you opt to rent a car be advised that downtown is not conducive for driving, especially if unfamiliar with Boston's maze of narrow one-way streets.
By Train
South Station on Atlantic Avenue, Back Bay Station on Dartmouth Street, and North Station on Causeway Street make train travel into Boston extremely convenient. All three stations are linked to the MBTA subway allowing for easy downtown access. Amtrak ( +1 800 872 7245/ http://www.amtrak.com ) is the chief carrier. The Acela Express links with Washington DC, the Lake Shore Limited with New York City, and the Downeaster with Portland Maine.
By Bus
The main bus terminal is located on Atlantic Avenue, adjacent to the train station. Passengers can then access downtown via MBTA's Red Line subway. Greyhound ( +1 800 231 2222/ http://www.greyhound.com ), Bonanza ( +1 888 751 8800/ http://www.bonanzabus.com ) and Concord Trailways ( +1 800 639 3317/ http://www.concordtrailways.com ) all service Boston.
By Car
Now that Boston's Big Dig, the largest and most technically difficult road project in the United States, is close to completion ( for construction updates check http://www.bigdig.com ) driving into downtown has become infinitely less aggravating. I-90, or as locals call it the "Mass Pike," a state-long toll road, funnels traffic in from all points west. I-93, downtown's main artery, runs north/south. I-93 north combines with US-1 making it the main thoroughfare for traffic approaching from Canada, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. I-93 south joins with Route 3, connecting Boston with Cape Cod.
GETTING AROUND BOSTON
The MBTA's ( +1 617 222 3200/ http://www.mbta.com ) bus system services all of downtown and beyond. Most are wheelchair accessible and cost USD.75. Exact change is required.
Boston's subway system ( +1 617 222 3200/ http://www.mbta.com ), the oldest in the nation, rates as the fastest way to scoot around downtown. The colour-coded lines are easy to decipher. The Red Line slices through downtown in a northwest/southeast direction servicing Harvard Square, MIT and South Station. The Green Line wanders in a west/east direction accessing the Boston Common, Copley Square and Fenway Park. The Blue Line juts in a northeast/southwest direction stopping at Logan Airport, Suffolk Downs and the New England Aquarium. And the Orange Line drifts in a north/south direction depositing passengers at such noted stops as North Station, the Fleet Center and Chinatown. It operates 5:15AM-12:30AM. Local fare costs USD1; all transfers are free.
Boston's commuter rails ( +1 617 222 3200/ http://www.mbta.com ) service all of downtown and the surrounding suburbs in every direction. The North and South stations serve as the main hubs. One-way rates vary from USD1-USD5.75. Family passes range from USD4-USD23.
If you're internet savy, check out http://www.hopstop.com for the quick and easy route, via public transportation, to get you where you want to go.
Taxis are readily accessible, yet expensive when compared with other forms of public transportation. Cab stands can be found at most major hotels and at busy visitor points such as Faneuil Hall, South Station and Harvard Square. Boston Cab ( +1 617 536 5010 ) and Town Taxi ( +1 617 536 5000 ) are two of Boston's bigger cab companies.
The inner harbour ferries offer a refreshing alternative for city commuters. Long Wharf ( New England Aquarium ), Lovejoy Wharf ( North Station ), Rowes Wharf ( Boston Harbor Hotel ), Courthouse, and World Trade Center are the main drop-off and pick-up points. Rate: USD1.25
Driving in downtown is not advised. Narrow, crooked one-way thoroughfares (designed during Colonial days to hinder British troop movement), changing street names, and limited parking make driving in Boston feel like motorized penance.
Bicycling is not recommended for downtown Boston. There are no bike lanes and drivers tend to scoff at the idea of sharing the road. Cambridge, however, is very bike friendly.
Walking is Boston's best mode of travel. The downtown area is inordinately compact making it possible for one to walk from North End to Back Bay in less than half a day. |
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