Boston Travel Forum

Hi, we are planning a day trip to downtown Boston from Cape Cod on a weekend day. Do you know if there are any coach service from Cape Cod to Boston? Or if we drive which is about 1 1/2 drive, should we park in a paid garage and then visit Boston by foot or public transport during the day? What would you recommend for a day trip? We were thinking of driving around but it looks like that is the worst option.

Thanks.

I would take a look at the www.mbta.com and find a place on the RED T line with parking and then take the T (subway) in. Subway rides are $1.70 with a CharlieCard card but $2.00 per ride with a CharlieTicket. So ask the T attendant for a CharlieCard.

Lots of things to do in Boston. Maybe walk the Freedom Trail. It is a red line in the walkway. They have information at the start of the Freedom Trail in the Boston Commons.

I know you can park at Alewife T Station (red line) for $4-5/day. It might be out of your way though to get there. I would say try to find a shuttle to take you to Boston and then just take the T around. Boston is easily walkable (Chinatown, Downtown, Boston Commons/Public Garden, Faneuil Hall, Newbury St/Copley/Prudential, North End...all are within walking distance to each other). You can take the T into Cambridge (Harvard Square) or to any of the museums. Garage parking in the city is pretty expensive.

There is high speed ferry service from Provincetown to Boston, taking about 90 minutes each way. If you are not actually staying in Provincetown (which you should visit in any case) it could be a good option to drive there and park for the day.

www.bostonharborcruises.com

It would be highly inadvisable to drive into Boston if you are unfamiliar with our aggressive driving culture and lunatic road 'design'. That way lies insanity and frustration.
Once in Boston, the downtown area is reasonably compact and walkable.

Weekend parking rates are reduced in many Boston parking garages. For example, you can park in the centrally located Boston Common Underground Garage for only $12. Or, if you plan to stay around the Harbor, Quincy Market and North End, you can park in International Place for only $7. Wherever you park, plan to leave the car there and walk the city. You can reach most anywhere Downtown easily by foot. You can always supplement with the T if walking isn't your ting.

Boston is a walking city or you can take the T to anything that may seem far to you. The Prudential Building and the Boston Common both have parking garages. When we have visitors we always take them to the Cheers Bar (Bull & Finch), Quincy Market and Fenway. If they want history we walk part of the Freedom Trail or go on a tour bus (one where you can jump on and off at different destinations).

I agree with the other post, driving in Boston is a bad idea. Its very confusing and frustrating. You tend to find one way streets going in the wrong direction and its very easy to get lost.

Hi, getting a ferry from Provincetown sounds like an option to consider as well. I'm also looking at parking at the Boston Common Garage ($11 a day weekend) and then walk around in the city. It seems like driving is definitely not advisable in downtown Boston. And I really don't want to drive around like crazy and get lost.... I am getting a lot of good tips here. Thanks! We'll be staying at Hyannis so I guess it should be ok driving from there to Provincetown and then take a ferry... I will look into that too.

Taking the T is convenient for the price, but they are very slow. You'd be surprised how long it may take to, say, go from Faneiul Hall to Fenway Park. It's safe to assume it'll take 30 minutes. (waiting, switching Green Lines, etc.)

Taxis are expensive, but they are fast and efficient in Boston. If you are worried about the price, you can always estimate the fare beforehand at a site like, TaxiFareFinder.com. There is a site for Boston.