Boston Public Transportation

Tips and strategies for getting around Boston

Boston public transportation is one of the best things about the city.  If you're planning a visit to the city, you'll appreciate that public transportation here is convenient and fairly inexpensive. 

The Boston area's public transportation options include the subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry systems.  The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) manages all of them. 

Of course, if you're visiting Boston, you should also know about other transportation options: taxis, water taxis, rental cars, as well as bringing your own car.  Keep in mind that driving a car in Boston creates challenges, such as navigating Boston's narrow streets and finding reasonably-priced parking garages.   

This page gives you an overview of everything you need to know about getting around Boston: public transportation, rental car strategies, parking options, and more.  You'll also find links to more detailed information. 

Boston public transportation options

Subway - The Boston subway, or "T" as locals call it, is the public transportation option used by most visitors to the city.  You easily reach almost all of the city's biggest attractions by T, including Fenway Park and TD Garden.  Compared with other cities, Boston's subway is relatively inexpensive.  The large number of stations, especially in downtown Boston and the Back Bay neighborhood, adds to its convenience.

Ferry - Boston public transportation originated back in 1631, when the Massachusetts Colony granted a charter for a family-run ferry service between Boston and Charlestown - the first public transportation in North America.  Today, the popular Boston ferry provides Inner Harbor service between Boston's Long Wharf and Charlestown plus 3 Commuter Boat routes.

Commuter Rail- The 11 lines of the MBTA Commuter Rail provide transportation to suburbs and nearby cities such as Providence, RI.  If you're visiting Boston, take the Commuter Rail to Concord and explore historical sites, or to Salem where you can visit the Witch Museum and Peabody Essex Museum.  It's also the easiest way to reach Gillette Stadium from Boston for a Patriots game.

Bus - Almost 200 MBTA bus lines provide transportation between T stations as well as to parts of the city and nearby suburbs with few or no T lines.  If you're a Boston tourist or visitor, check out the Silver Line bus service to Logan Airport, and to the Institute of Contemporary Art.  Cruise ship passengers will appreciate the convenient bus service to and from the Black Falcon Cruise terminal.

Taxis - Land and Water

Boston taxis provide service around the city and nearby towns and cities, and between Logan Airport and the city. 
Water taxis are even more fun.  Not to be confused with the scheduled Inner Harbor ferries, on-call Boston water taxis carry passengers back and forth between the airport and downtown waterfront locations as well as numerous other Inner Harbor docks. 

Driving and parking in Boston

Driving in Boston  - If you're planning a visit to Boston and wondering if you should bring your car, first consider the inconveniences of navigating narrow, winding city streets filled with jaywalking pedestrians.  The local culture of ignoring traffic signals adds to the hazards.  If you absolutely need to operate a car here, check out these Boston driving tips.

Parking Quick links:
Boston parking garages in Fenway 
Boston parking garages near North End attractions 
Boston Common Garage
Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Parking in Boston is always a challenge.  Metered parking can be hard to find and parking garages can cost a small fortune.  Tips for parking in Boston. 

Boston car rentals- If you're flying into Boston, of course you can rent a car at the airport.  But unless you need a car every day during your visit, another strategy to consider is renting a car for just the days or hours when you need it.  You can save a lot of money with this strategy!  Car rental companies specializing in short-term rentals are convenient to the major hotel locations. 

Boston map

City maps - Whether you use Boston public transportation or some other means of getting around the city on your own, you'll need a map.  One of the best maps showing streets and major attractions is available free at Boston Visitor Information Centers.  You can also buy maps, as well as Boston travel books that include maps.  Check out my recommendations for best options.