Public transportation into Boston

Question

Hello, we are driving from Ohio to the Capital Groove music festival in June. We will be staying in Hartford for this on Saturday, June 28. We would like to visit Boston for the day on Sunday, June 29. This is our first time in the area. We would like to park outside of Boston and take public transportation into the city for the day. What station would you recommend coming from Hartford toward Boston? We would like to then stay at a hotel in the area of the public transportation on Sunday night after visiting Boston. Is there a particular suburb with public transportation station good for tourists/hotels/first times visitors, “safe?”

Answer

It sounds like you have a great trip planned! Driving from Hartford to Boston for a day trip is a smart idea, especially with the option to park outside of the city and take public transportation. Below are some recommendations for parking, transportation, and areas to stay in Boston that are safe, convenient, and tourist-friendly.

Public Transportation Options from Hartford to Boston

For a seamless experience, you can take a train or bus into Boston. The best options for you would be:

Amtrak from Hartford to Boston: Amtrak provides a direct route from Hartford’s Union Station to Boston’s South Station. The ride is comfortable, with frequent departures, and it takes about 2 hours. South Station is a major hub in Boston, and from there, you can easily connect to the subway or other public transportation options. This might be your best option if you prefer a relaxed, scenic journey into Boston.
CT Transit Bus (Greyhound or Peter Pan Bus): If you're looking for a more economical option, buses like Greyhound or Peter Pan operate from Hartford to Boston’s South Station. The bus ride typically takes around 2.5 hours. Buses are comfortable but may take a bit longer due to traffic.
Parking and Public Transportation: If you choose to drive to a suburban station, you can park your car at one of the commuter rail stations outside Boston and take the train into the city. This is a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of driving in Boston.

Best Suburbs for Parking and Access to Public Transportation

If you'd rather park outside the city and use public transportation into Boston, consider these suburban areas that are safe, easy to access, and well-served by public transit:

Brookline: Brookline is a charming suburb just a few miles from Boston, with easy access to the Green Line subway (C and D branches). You can park your car at a hotel or public lot in the area and take the train into downtown Boston. Brookline is very safe, with lots of dining options and a relaxed vibe. The Coolidge Corner neighborhood is popular with visitors.
Cambridge: Located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge offers great public transportation options. You can easily park in one of its many parking lots or hotel parking structures and then take the Red Line into downtown Boston from the Alewife or Kendall/MIT stations. Cambridge is home to Harvard University and MIT, offering a vibrant atmosphere and lots of things to see.
Somerville: Somerville, particularly near Davis Square, is another great area to stay. It's on the Red Line (Alewife branch), so you can park and take the train directly into downtown Boston. Somerville has a lively arts scene and plenty of restaurants, making it a great choice for tourists.
Newton: Newton is a bit farther out, but it’s a very family-friendly and safe area. You can park at one of the commuter rail stations (such as Newton Centre or Newtonville) and take the commuter rail into Boston’s South Station. Newton is quieter than other options, but still close to Boston’s attractions.

Hotel Recommendations Near Public Transportation

In terms of where to stay, look for hotels that are near public transportation to make your trip more convenient. Here are some areas and hotels that are great for first-time visitors:

Near South Station (Downtown Boston): This is the heart of Boston and close to major attractions like the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and the Seaport District. Hotels here include the InterContinental Boston and the Boston Harbor Hotel. South Station also offers access to Amtrak, buses, and the subway.
Brookline: As mentioned, Brookline is a lovely area with easy access to the Green Line. You can stay at places like the Hotel Commonwealth, which is right next to the Kenmore station and is close to Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Cambridge (Harvard Square or Kendall Square): If you want a more relaxed atmosphere with easy access to Boston, staying near Harvard Square or Kendall Square in Cambridge is ideal. Hotels like the Charles Hotel and the Le Meridien Cambridge are popular choices and give you quick access to the subway and bus lines into Boston.
Somerville (Davis Square): Somerville is also a great option for a quieter, more local feel. The Porter Square area has hotels like the Holiday Inn Express, which is convenient for access to the subway and bus routes into the city.

Safety

All of these areas are generally safe for tourists. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in unfamiliar places or at night. Boston is known for being very tourist-friendly, but it’s best to stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark.

In summary, I recommend taking the Amtrak train from Hartford to South Station in Boston, and then using public transportation to get around the city. For accommodations, staying in Brookline, Cambridge, or Somerville will give you easy access to public transportation and a comfortable, safe experience. Enjoy your trip to Boston and have a great time at the Capital Groove festival!

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