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How to Get Around in Boston

Boston is full of history that you simply are not going to find anywhere else in the United States. Few cities in the country have the same amount of history, and as one of the oldest cities in the United States, there is something about what you find here that is both romantic and breathtaking at the same time. Of course, as a major city in the northeast, you need to find a way to truly get around and see all of the different sights and sounds. This does depend on where you are going and where you are staying, but ultimately, there are several different transportation options available to you.

Car Rental

This is a bit tricky. If you plan on leaving the city and taking in some of the other sights in the region, car rental might be necessary (although there are trains and other services that travel between Boston, New York and other spots, so you still might not need a car). Additionally, parking in the city is a nightmare and extremely expensive, so you need to think long and hard about if you really need a car. If you don't need it, you might as well avoid renting a car, as there are other options available to you.

Walking

If you are downtown, you can see all sorts of incredible attractions and sights all while walking. The Freedom Trail has 16 different historical sites that are important to the overall history of the country. This trail is excellent in the spring and summer months, and while you can do it throughout the entire year, you might want to bring a few extra layers of clothing just to be safe.

Bus

Bus rides are rather inexpensive as you are going to pay around $1.25 per ride as long as you pick up a CharlieCard ahead of time. This is a rechargeable, plastic card. However, if you do not end up picking up such a card, you end up paying $1.50 per ride. Either way, it is far less expensive than any other means of transportation and is something that simply is going to offer you the best way of seeing the city.

Subway

Also known as the MBTA or the T, there are five different lines that connect the entire city. The subway costs $2 per die, although if you are planning on staying inside the city for an extended period of time, you can purchase a LinkCard for $59 a month, which should help you save some money. While you might pay more than the bus service, it is going to give you the best access to the entire city and you do not have to worry about traffic at all. It gives you an excellent way to get around the city and, if you have children under 11, they ride for free. So, from Harvard to the Museum of Science, there really is not a single location you are not able to see or experience at all.

Last Updated: November 05, 2014