Road Trip to Boston

Question

I am looking for suggestions on towns to stay in outside of Boston so we can park our SUV for several days while we are seeing the sights of Boston. We would like to stay North of Boston since we will be traveling down the coast from Maine or West of Boston since we will head that way after 3-4 nights. We would like to use public transportation, but have very limited knowledge/experience of using it. Since the stop in Boston is just part of our trip, we would like to be out of the car, until it is time for us to leave for the next part of our epic road trip. We would like to limit the commute 30 to 40min max one way, so we have more freedom to wander around. We are planning on doing the historical sights. We don't really have a "set in stone plan" for the Boston area. Due to the high tourist season I would like to go ahead and make hotel reservations now if possible, but don't really know what towns/areas to look in for accommodations that are close to a train or subway station. Any suggestions? Which one (train or subway) easier to use? Is one safer than the other or about the same? Is one more cost efficient than the other? More time efficient than the other?

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fantastic road trip! When visiting Boston, it’s a great idea to stay outside the city to save on parking and get a more relaxed vibe. Boston can be expensive and crowded, especially during the tourist season, so staying in a nearby town with easy access to public transportation is a great way to maximize your experience. Here are some options that should fit your needs, including the train/subway considerations:

1. Towns North of Boston
If you're coming from Maine and looking to stay north of Boston, the following towns are all well-connected to the city via public transportation:

Medford – Just 6 miles north of Boston, Medford is an excellent option. It has easy access to the Orange Line of the MBTA subway system, taking you into downtown Boston in about 20-30 minutes. Medford has many hotels and options for parking.
Woburn – Located about 10 miles north of Boston, Woburn offers more affordable hotel options and access to the Commuter Rail at Woburn Station. The trip to Boston’s North Station takes about 30-40 minutes.
Stoneham – Stoneham is slightly further, about 10 miles north of Boston. It’s a quieter, residential town with easy access to I-93. There’s also a park-and-ride location where you can leave your car and take a bus or subway. It’s ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of driving into Boston.

2. Towns West of Boston
If you're heading west after your stay in Boston, these towns offer good access to public transport while staying within your time frame:

Newton – Just 7 miles west of Boston, Newton is a well-to-do suburban area with lots of charm and plenty of hotel options. It has a few stations on the Green Line of the subway, which will take you straight into downtown Boston in about 20-30 minutes.
Waltham – Waltham is about 10-12 miles west of Boston, and it’s a great location for easy access to both I-90 and the Commuter Rail. The trip to downtown Boston from Waltham takes about 30-40 minutes, making it an easy spot to park your car and get into the city.
Framingham – A bit further out, but still within 40 minutes to Boston, Framingham offers more affordable hotels and excellent Commuter Rail access to Boston’s South Station in around 35-40 minutes. It's a quieter town, so you'll get a bit more space to relax after a day in the city.

Public Transportation: Train vs. Subway
Both the subway and the commuter rail systems in Boston are fairly easy to use, but there are some differences to consider:

Subway – The subway (MBTA “T”) is the easiest option if you’re staying near a station on the Green or Orange Lines. It’s fast, reliable, and very frequent, making it great for short trips around the city. The Orange Line and Green Line connect many of the neighborhoods you’ll want to explore, like the North End, Back Bay, and Fenway.
Commuter Rail – The commuter rail is a little less frequent than the subway, but it’s ideal if you’re staying in towns like Waltham, Woburn, or Newton. The commuter rail connects suburban areas with Boston’s North Station or South Station. It’s a bit slower than the subway, but it gives you a more comfortable ride and a great way to avoid city traffic.

Safety and Cost
Both systems are safe, but like any city transit system, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. The subway is generally more frequent and cost-efficient for travel within Boston, while the commuter rail will be more cost-effective for people coming from farther out. Here are some general cost guidelines:

Subway rides cost around $2.40 each way with a CharlieCard or $2.90 for a single ride.
Commuter Rail fares vary depending on your distance from the city, but a ride from towns like Woburn or Newton to Boston typically costs around $8-12 each way.

Other Considerations
- Since you're looking for convenience, make sure to check for hotels that offer shuttle services to train stations or have park-and-ride facilities. Some hotels in the towns listed above might offer free or affordable parking options. It’s always worth calling ahead to ask about parking availability.

In summary, towns like Medford, Woburn, Newton, and Waltham are great options to stay while visiting Boston, each offering easy access to either the subway or commuter rail. The subway is typically faster and more cost-efficient for getting around the city, but if you’re coming from further out, the commuter rail is a good alternative. Stay safe and enjoy your trip!

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