Getting in
- Boston Logan International Airport: Take the free Silver Line SL1 from your terminal to South Station (roughly 20–30 minutes). It is the best default: no airport-rail shuttle, no tunnel driving, and a free transfer onward to the Red Line; pick up a CharlieCard/contactless payment setup at South Station for later T rides. A taxi or rideshare is sensible only for a late arrival after T service ends (around 12:30am) or with several people and heavy bags; downtown fares are commonly about $25–50 before tip and surge. Do not choose a rental car for a city stay.
- South Station (Amtrak, MBTA Commuter Rail, intercity buses): You arrive in the useful part of downtown: the Red Line, Silver Line, buses and the Harborwalk are at the station. Downtown Crossing, the Waterfront, Chinatown and the Financial District are walkable; Back Bay is a short Red/Orange Line connection or taxi ride. This is the principal arrival station for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor services.
- Back Bay Station (Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail): Take the Orange Line directly from the station for Downtown Crossing/Haymarket or toward Jamaica Plain; Copley, Newbury Street and much of Back Bay are an easy walk. It is the handiest rail arrival for Back Bay hotels, but not for the waterfront.
- North Station (Amtrak Downeaster, MBTA Commuter Rail): North Station sits beside TD Garden and has immediate Green and Orange Line access. Walk to the North End in about 10–15 minutes; use the Orange Line for downtown rather than a cab if you are not hauling luggage. It is the practical arrival point from Maine and the northern suburbs.