Boston Travel Essentials

Our Boston Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the USA. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Boston Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Boston, Massachusetts.

1. When is the best time to travel to Boston?

Boston has a humid continental climate, with average temperatures ranging from 29ºF in winter to 73ºF in summer.

1. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 8-12 rainy days per month.
2. Snowfall can be expected between December and March.
3. The warmest time of the year is from June to September.
4. June-September, is the most popular time to visit but also peak tourist season, hotel and flight prices rise accordingly.
5. March-May is also a great time to visit, yet temperatures are brisker. The upside of this period is that you’ll avoid the summer’s crowds, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable.

2. Boston Basics

1. Primary languages: English
2. Plug types: A and B
3. Electricity: 120 V
4. Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
5. International dialling code: +1 617
6. Emergency telephone number: 911

3. How to get to my hotel in Boston?

Logan International Airport

Boston Logan International Airport sits just 2 miles east of Downtown Boston. The largest airport in New England, it features 4 passenger terminals connected by shuttle buses and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). You’ll find in the airport a good choice of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach central Boston:

1. A taxi takes around 15-20 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found on the Arrivals Level of each terminal.
2. You can also use Uber, Wingz and Lyft apps from Logan Airport.
3. The Silver Line Route SL1 takes you for free to South Station. From there you can reach Downtown Boston in a few minutes on the subway Red Line.
4. The Logan Express buses can take you to various destinations in Boston. Depending on your drop off point, the journeys take between 20 and 45 minutes.
5. If you want to hire a car, take the Massport free shuttle buses 22, 33 or 55 to get to the Rental Car Centre.

If you come to Boston by train

1. Boston has 3 main railway stations: South Station, North Station and Back Bay Station.
2. The 3 of them are served by Amtrak and connected by the subway Red Line to the city centre.
3. You also can reach your hotel from the 3 train stations by bus, taxi or hired car.

4. How to get around Boston?

Nicknamed “America’s Walking City”, Boston has a compact city centre that can easily be explored on foot. Landmarks and attractions such as The Paul Revere House, New England Aquarium and Boston Common are within walking distance of each other. For longer journeys, a good range of convenient and affordable public and private transport services is available.

5. Public transport: The T

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), commonly called the T – their logo is a capital T in a circle – operates subway, bus, commuter rail and ferry networks.

6. Taking a taxi

1. You’ll easily find taxi ranks near the main transport hubs, attractions and hotels.
2. You can also call taxi companies such as Boston Taxis & Vans (617-410-7500), Boston Cab Association (617-536-5010) or MetroCab (617-782-5500).
3. You can hail a taxi down on the street in Downtown Boston, but it’s more difficult in the suburbs.
4. Payment of the fare by credit card is usually possible but it’s better to ask the driver before to get in.
5. It’s common to give a 10-15% tip to the taxi driver.
6. You can also use an app such as Uber, Lyft or Wingz to hail a taxi.

7. Cycling with Bluebikes

Boston features a bike sharing scheme named Bluebikes. It offers a cool way to explore the city on clear days. All you need to do is to download the free app in your mobile phone or buy a pass at 1 of the over 200 docking stations at hand in the city.

1. A 24-hour pass allows you to keep a bike out for up to 2 hours at a time.

8. What are the main annual events in Boston?

St Patrick’s Day Parade

1. What: America’s most Irish city celebrates St Patrick’s Day with colourful floats, folk music and Irish good cheer.
2. When: March 17th
3. Where: South Boston

Boston Marathon

1. What: Boston’s annual marathon is held on Patriots’ Day. Along with the full race, there are shorter races designed for all abilities.
2. When: Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April
3. Where: Across the city centre

Boston Harborfest

1. What: This family friendly event is one of the largest 4th of July events in the US. Expect live music and lots of historical re-enactments.
2. When: June 28th - July 4th
3. Where: Christopher Columbus Park and other locations

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