HERE TO THERE
Getting Around Boston

Navigating Boston is always an adventure. But, with a few tips and good maps, you’ll feel at home in no time. First rule: a car is an unnecessary luxury and a parking headache. Try to leave the car behind and walk or take the subway. You’ll find the city even more enjoyable when you’re not behind the wheel.

On Foot
Boston is a fabulous walking city because it’s so compact and, except for Beacon Hill, very flat. Observe the natives, take in some history, and stop for lunch along the way. If you get tired or lost, just flag down a cab or hop the subway (also known as the T).

By Subway and Bus
The fastest way to travel around Boston/ Cambridge is by T. It is safe, convenient, and within easy reach of the city’s most bustling areas. There is also a wide network of busses (See map or pick up one for free at any station). Trains run every five to fifteen minutes from 5:05 a.m. to 12:50 a.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend hours are 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The Charlie System
Subway tokens are now history! Paying for your fare is easy with the new Charlie Cards and CharlieTickets, which store value for single or multiple rides on the subway or bus. You load the “Card” using cash, credit, or debit cards. The CharlieCard saves you money over the Charlie Ticket, which adds a 15-50 percent surcharge to every ride.

By Commuter Rail
Access to the city from the outlying suburbs is a breeze by commuter rail. Commuter lines connect with the T at Back Bay, Porter Square, Forest Hills, and South and North Stations, and run to most suburban colleges near Boston. These comfortable trains run on a schedule that is available at the college admissions offices or posted at the station. Bring a newspaper and enjoy the ride.

By Bike
Boston’s manageable size and level terrain make it the perfect city for bikers. As long as you observe all the traffic rules and regulations, seeing the sights of Boston as you bike on wide streets, narrow alleys, and through green parks is a cheap, quick, environmentally friendly way to get around. Bike paths abound in areas like Cambridge and the Esplanade (see bostonharborwalk.com). There are also many bike racks around the city, especially on college campuses and near the subway stops.

Boston on two Wheels
Go “green” and explore Boston on a bike. Urban AdvenTours: Guided Bicycle Tours & Bike Rentals has a crew of experienced guides that show you not only the historic sites and contemporary hot spots, but also how best to ride Boston. Choose from City View, Greening the Greenway, or one of their other specialty tours and get to know Boston up close and personal. urbanadventours.com