How to Get Around in Boston Without a Car

Getting Around

Boston is a friendly, walkable city with a great public transportation system known as the T (MBTA). All of Boston's downtown areas and neighborhoods are accessible by train, bus, trolley, or water transportation. If you're new to the city, we've assembled some information to guide you whether you're walking, taking the T, riding a bike, or driving and parking a car.

Walking

Chances are you've heard Boston referred to as "the walking city."  The City of Boston works hard to live up to this title. Our Public Works and Transportation Departments are constantly marking crosswalks, performing regular maintenance of traffic signals and pedestrian pushbuttons, and using innovative pedestrian safety signs at busy locations such as downtown Boston. Schools, parks, playgrounds, elderly complexes, and public libraries are also a top priority for these new safety improvements.

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  Walk Boston helping improve walking conditions in Boston

  Local non-profit organization that offers great maps and walking routes of the City's various neighborhoods.

  Walk Boston »

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  Freedom Trail is Nation's first historic walking tour

  The Freedom Trail takes visitors on a tour of 16 important historical sites and immerses them in colonial history and events.

  Freedom Trail »

Bicycling

Boston Bikes is part of our vision for a vibrant and healthy city. The program seeks to make Boston a world-class biking city by creating safe and inviting conditions for all residents and visitors. Boston Bikes is focused on five planning areas: engineering, enforcement, education, encouragement, and evaluation.

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  Community Bike Programs

  Boston Bikes is driven by a deep commitment to equity across the city's cycling landscape. Our programs address issues of access to bicycles, education about bicycling, and community-based approaches to expand ridership.

  More Information »

  Roll it Forward »

  Youth Cycling Program »

  Women's Cycling Initiative »

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  Bike Events

  Boston Bikes hosts several annual events to generate awareness and excitement for bicycling in the city. Learn more about Bike Fridays (April 24th, May 15th, June 26th, July 24th, August 28th), Hub on Wheels, the Mayor's Cup and more.

  More Information »

  Calendar of Events »

Driving

Boston has developed a reputation for having savvy drivers who are able to navigate the city's historic cobblestone streets with ease.  Many of Boston's streets were once horse-cart paths and today present a challenge for drivers in those ubiquitous SUV's.  Parking can be difficult but with services such as vanpools and car-sharing companies, it is possible to navigate the city capably.

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  City of Boston Parking Clerk

  Register for a resident parking sticker, check traffic advisories, and learn more about parking meters in Boston.

  Parking Clerk »

  More Information »

Subway / Bus / Commuter Rail

Thousands of residents and visitors use the extensive MBTA system of trains and buses to get in and around Boston. Over 300,000 people commute into Boston daily for work. Public transportation via bus, subway, and commuter train serves as a vital link between Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and the greater Metro-Boston area.

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  MBTA offers riders a variety of options

  The MBTA can help get you from Point A to Point B using subway, train, and bus lines. They also have a trip planner tool and special alert system to let riders know about service interruptions.

  Fare & Pass Information »

  MBTA Trip Planner »

  T Alerts »

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  Beat the Traffic and Enjoy the Ride

  The MBTA offers Inner Harbor and Commuter Ferry service connecting various destinations around Boston Harbor.  Check out this fun alternative to cars or trains for your daily commute.

  MBTA Commuter Boats »

• Parking Meters

  The City's parking meters are in operation Monday throughout Saturday, 8am-8pm. Residents may deposit enough money to legally park for up to two hours maximum.

  More Information

• Transportation Department
• Parking Clerk
• Access Boston - Transportation Plan
• Emergency Storm Center

• MBTA
• Registry of Motor Vehicles
• Logan Airport
• South Station
• Commuter Rail
• Amtrak
• Zipcar
• BikePedia
• MassBike

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  Follow @CityofBoston on Twitter
  See City of Boston Tweets »

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  Like the City of Boston on Facebook.
  See the City's Posts »

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  Follow the Mayor's official Twitter account.
  See the Mayor's Tweets »

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  Follow @ONEin3 on Twitter
  See ONEin3 Tweets »

How to Get Around in Boston Without a Car

Source: https://www.cityofboston.gov/students/transportation/

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