Travel to Boston

Flying to Boston

Major US and European airlines offer direct flights to Boston and they include American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Iberia, KLM, Norwegian, and United. The period between January to March is often cheaper, while fares tend to be at their highest in July and August.

Flight times

From London - 7 hours 25 minutes; New York - 1 hour 15 minutes; Los Angeles - 5 hours 35 minutes; Toronto - 1 hour 35 minutes; Sydney - 20 hours 30 minutes (including stopover).

Travel by road

In Boston, driving is on the right and the minimum driving age is 16 years. The speed limit on most major highways is 88kph (55mph). On sections of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the speed limit is 104kph (65mph). Elsewhere, limits range from 32 to 80kph (20 to 50mph). It is possible to turn right at a red traffic light after stopping, unless otherwise indicated. Technically overtaking should only be done on the outside lane, although, in reality, cars on a five-lane highway regularly pass on both sides. At crossroads without traffic lights, the four-way stop system means that it is first-come first-served; the car to the right proceeds first.

While most non-US driving licences are acceptable, some car hire companies may require an International Driving Permit, especially if your licence isn't in English. Third-party insurance is mandatory. The American Automobile Association (tel: +1 800 222 4357; www.aaa.com) can provide information, and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown services

AAA (tel: +1 800 222 4357).

Routes

There are two main road arteries leading into Boston. The I-93 (often called the 'Central Artery') cuts through central Downtown running north-south and keeping close to the waterfront. The I-90, known locally as the 'Masspike' (the Massachusetts Turnpike), comes into the city centre travelling west-east. These two roads meet the ring road arc of the I-95 (known locally as Route 128). Access to the downtown area from the northeast and the airport is via road tunnels. The Callahan Tunnel (no toll) is outgoing, but there is an incoming toll for the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels.

Coaches

South Station, on the junction of Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue, is the central coach station. Greyhound (tel: +1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) operates services throughout the USA. Peter Pan Bus Lines (tel: +1 800 343 9999; www.peterpanbus.com) goes all over New England and down to New York. Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway buses (tel: +1 508 746 0378; www.p-b.com) goes to the South Shore and Cape Cod.

Time to city

From Hartford - 1 hour 40 minutes; Albany - 3 hours; New York City - 4 hours; Montreal - 5 hours.

Travel by Rail

Services

Amtrak uses Boston's South Station at the junction of Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue, and Back Bay Station, at 145 Dartmouth Street. Although Amtrak services are notoriously slow and often subject to delays, the Acela Express service between Boston, New York and Washington, DC is fast and more reliable.

Operators

Amtrak (tel: +1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) is the USA's national rail operator. The Northeast Regional service travels from Boston to Virginia Beach via New York and Washington, DC. The Lakeshore Limited service goes from Boston eastwards to Chicago via Albany. Amtrak's high-speed train service, the Acela Express, is the fastest way to reach New York and Washington, DC, but tickets tend to be more expensive.

Journey times

From New York - 3 hours 40 minutes; Washington, DC - 7 hours; Chicago - 21 hours 25 minutes.