Massachusetts Taxis and Car Rental
No matter where you travel in Massachusetts, you are going to want to have your own transportation. The only exception could be Boston, where driving is not recommended or practical and walking is the ideal way to get around the city. Unfortunately, taxis are expensive and not easy to find. They often wait in front of major hotels and at taxi stands at major transportation centers. Keep a phone number on hand to call for a pick from Boston Cab (+1-617-536-5010) or Top Cab (+1-617-266-4800). Taxis are also useful on Cape Cod and the islands to get between villages. There are several companies in the area, such as Town Taxi (+1-508-775-5555).
However, due to the cost of taxis, you may find it is just as economical to rent a car during your stay. The airports and all the major tourist towns have car rental offices. While you won’t need one in Boston, a vehicle is essential if you want to drive inland to the Berkshires or Pioneer Valley. A car is also very handy for exploring Cape Cod and the islands and the scenic drive down the coast is one of the highlights of any trip to Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Water Taxis
Water taxis from Boston run right to the airport and operate every day, all year long, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and later in the summer. You don’t need a reservation, but it might be useful to have during peak travel seasons. Boston Harbor Water Taxi (+1-617-593-9168) and City Water Taxi (+1-617-422-0392) are two of the three firms operating in Massachusetts.
Ferries are also an ideal way to reach Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Provincetown. There are both car ferries and passenger-only boats, but all of them reward travelers with inspiring views, both coming and going. Ferries depart from several harbors in Boston and along the Cape, including Falmouth Harbor and Woods Hole. Nantucket is the farthest island, taking two hours by slow ship and one hour on a high-speed catamaran.
Massachusetts Trains and Buses
Boston is a major stop along Amtrak’s east coast routes. There are three train stations in Boston, each of which has a MBTA subway stop. Amtrak trains run from Portland, Maine, all the way south to Florida, and offer a slow and scenic way to reach Massachusetts from other states. Boston’s MBTA commuter rails provide easy train service to towns around the coastal region, like Salem and Gloucester. Amtrak cars are comfortable, but the fares are hefty, comparable to domestic flights.
Traveling to and around Massachusetts by bus is more practical since the public transportation network covers most of New England’s small towns. Greyhound and Peter Pan are the two big names and can take you as far as Cape Cod where ferries continue on to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Prices are reasonable and the comfort just fine for a few hours.