Boston Transport

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) - locally known as the T, operates subways, trolleys, buses, and ferries in Boston and many of its suburbs. It also operates the commuter rail system, extending as far as Providence, Rhode Island. Contact details: tel. +1 617 222 3200; website: www.mbta.com.

By Metro

Subways and trolleys will get you around the city faster than any other means, with the exception of walking. Dating back to 1897, this system has been in operation longer than any other in the US, and recent improvements have made it largely reliable. City centre stops are often so close together it can be faster to walk.
The subway lines are colour-coded - Red, Green, Blue and Orange. The suburban commuter rail line is purple on system maps. Service begins at 5:15 and ends at 0:30. Theres a sign at each station noting the time of the last train in either direction.

By bus

The MBTA operates buses and trackless trolleys around the city and suburbs. Routes that you're most likely to use are the No. 1, along Massachusetts Avenue running through the Back Bay and Cambridge to Harvard Square; No. 92 and 93, connecting Haymarket Square and Charlestown; and the Silver Line, which operates on two routes: from Temple Place to the South End; and from South Station to the South Boston waterfront, including the convention centre and the World Trade Center.

By ferry

MBTAs inner harbour ferry connects Long Wharf, near the New England Aquarium, with Charlestowns Navy Yard. This can be a good way to return to the city centre after visiting Old Ironsides and the Bunker Hill Monument (tel. +1 617 227 4321). The City Water Taxi offers on-call service with small boats connecting a number of stops along the inner harbour - including the airport. For more information, call +1 617 422 0392.

By taxi

Taxis in Boston are expensive. Theyre also not always easy to find, so its best to look for a taxi stand or to call a dispatcher. Taxi stands are usually found near hotels, and at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, South Station, and Back Bay Station, and on both sides of Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square. To call ahead for a taxi, you can try the Independent Taxi Operators Association (tel. +1 617 426 8700); and in Cambridge, Ambassador Brattle (tel. +1 617 492 1100, or Yellow Cab (tel. +1 617 547 3000).

Tourist services

Tourist Information is available at the airport and also at the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at Copley Place in the centre (tel: +1 617 536 4100; website: www.bostonusa.com). In addition, there are tourist information booths at Boston Common and the Prudential Center on Huntington Avenue.

The most popular visitor pass available allows for free admission to six major attractions, is valid for nine days and can be purchased at the attractions or online, in advance. Its called the CityPass, and youll find more information on the website: www.citypass.com. The GoBoston Card is another option, offering one- to multi-day free admissions to more than 60 attractions, and also shopping, restaurant and lodging discounts. You can e-mail this organisation for more information at: vc@Boston.org.