Boston Transportation

As well as the Boston Logan International Airport, Boston is easily accessible by road from the surrounding Massachusetts area and beyond. In addition, America's rail network frequently and efficiently serves the city.

Arriving by Air

Boston Logan International Airport is a busy modern airport that handles a large number of both domestic and international flights.

Arriving by Car

If driving into Boston, there are two main road arteries that lead directly into the city: the I-93 and the I-90. The I-93 (referred to locally as the 'Central Artery') cuts through the central downtown area, running north to south. The I-90 approaches the downtown area travelling west to east. This road is known as the 'Masspike' (the Massachusetts Turnpike).

These two key roads meet the ring road arc of the I-95 (Route 128). Access to the downtown area from the north-east and the airport is via road tunnels: the incoming Sumner Tunnel and the outgoing Callahan Tunnel.

Getting Around Boston

The travel time between the airport and downtown Boston is approximately 15 minutes. Fares are charged at a flat rate, plus USD 1.50 airport surcharge and a toll of USD 3.00, if travel through the harbour tunnels is necessary. Many of the major hotels also offer a shuttle service to and from the airport, with an approximate fare of USD 7.50. Buses, trains and the subway are easy to use and are a cost-effective choice for the downtown journey.

If you can possibly avoid having to drive yourself around Boston, do so. The city's normally eccentric traffic patterns have been complicated further by a multi-billion dollar construction project, designed to modernise the expressway that runs through town. The 'Big Dig' has been years in the making and is likely to cause delays and detours until mid 2005. Take a taxi or use the 'T'. It is not necessary to drive in the city centre as public transport is frequent and reliable.