Getting to Boston

Boston is easily reached by air from other major cities in North America, the UK and continental Europe. Rail and bus connections are good locally, and also from New York, Chicago and Washington, DC. The regional highway system is excellent, so driving to Boston from other areas in New England and other parts of the US is a reasonable alternative to trains and buses.

By Car

Two main highway arteries lead into Boston: the I-93 and the I-90. The I-93 actually passes through the centre, running north-south, close to the waterfront. The I-90 terminates in the city, and is the main west-east route, known locally as the 'Mass Pike' (Massachusetts Turnpike). These arteries connect with the ring road formed by the I-95, locally known as Route 128. From the north-east and the airport, access to the city centre is via tunnels. Driving time from Hartford, Connecticut is 2 hours; from Albany, New York, 3 hours 15 minutes; from New York City, 4 hours 15 minutes; and from Montreal, Canada, 6 hours 30 minutes.

By bus

South Station, at the intersection of Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue in the centre, is Bostons main bus station. Greyhound operates services throughout the US (tel: +1 617 526 1800); Peter Pan Bus Lines covers routes throughout New England (tel: +1 413 781 2900). Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway buses operate between the South Shore, Cape Cod and Boston (tel: +1 508 746 0378). Bonanza Buses service routes from western Massachusetts and New York (tel: +1 401 751 8800).

By train

Amtrak services are based at the citys South Station, located at the intersection of Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue, and also at the citys Back Bay Station, located on Dartmouth Street. Both rail stations are on subway lines. Amtraks Northeast Direct service runs from Newport News, Virginia (13 hours) via Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. The Lakeshore Limited service runs from Chicago (22 hours) via Cleveland, Buffalo, Rochester and Albany. Amtrak's high-speed train service, the Acela, runs between New York and Boston, with a journey time of 3 hours 15 minutes; and between Washington, DC and Boston in 6 hours 45 minutes. For information on train times, call Amtrak at +1 617 345 7460, or visit the website: www.amtrak.com.

By air

Logan International Airport (BOS) is located just 2 miles from the centre of Boston. This is New England's largest airport, featuring five passenger terminals and is one of the 20 busiest airports in the US, handling more than 27 million passengers annually. It serves as a focal city for American Airlines, Delta, US Airways, and JetBlue. Continental Connection operates a small regional hub here.

Logan International Airport (BOS)

There are ample facilities and amenities at all of Logans five passenger terminals. ATMs, banks and currency exchanges and Internet access are found throughout the airport. In Terminal C, youll find a mobile phone hire facility and photocopying and fax facilities. Plenty of restaurants (including Italian, Chinese and seafood), bars and cafs are found throughout the airport, with the majority concentrated in Terminals B, C and E. Many shops, including duty-free, are located in Terminals B and C; and newsagents and gift shops are found in all terminals. Other services include shoe shine and repair, and a Kidport designed for children, which boasts a museum and a number of play areas.

The Hilton Boston Logan Airport Hotel is connected to the terminals via a covered sky bridge and offers conference and business facilities, as do other hotels in the immediate airport area. The airport has a help desk staffed by public service representatives, who assist with questions regarding ground transportation, airline support services and weather conditions. A Travelers Aid kiosk is located in Terminal E, on the arrivals level, near the exit to the taxi stand. Access for disabled travellers is well provided for and the airport help desk provides TDD services round the clock. Disabled car parking is also available. The main airport number is +1 617 561 1800; information is also available on the website: www.massport.com.

Airport transportation

There is an enormous range of choices in transport from the airport to the city centre. JC Transportation operates 24-hour door-to-door shuttle bus service to the centre and also to Brookline and Cambridge (tel. +1 718 598 3433). Taxis are available at all hours from the arrivals area of all terminals, with rates according to the meter in a 12-mile radius, and flat rates beyond that.

The Airport Station is on the MBTA transit system, with trains running to and from the city every 10 minutes, for the 15 minute journey (Blue line): tel. +1 617 222 5000; website: www.mbta.com). MBTA buses connect the airport with South Station (rapid service) and also other points in the centre (normal bus service).

Harbor Express operates water shuttle services between the airport, Long Wharf on the Boston waterfront, and Quincy and Hull on the South Shore. For schedule and rate information, call +1 617 222 6999 or visit their website: www.harborexpress.com).