Rent a car or public transportation

Question

My husband and I are planning a trip to Boston in September (never been). We will be flying in from California and we aren’t sure if we should rent a car or use public transportation. We are looking at possibly staying at the Dagny Hotel or some place in the Seaport area (but open to other ideas). We want to do the touristy things but also see Gloucester. Thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks.

Answer

For your trip to Boston in September, whether you rent a car or rely on public transportation depends on your itinerary and what you're planning to do while you're in the city. Here's a breakdown of your options to help you decide:

Public Transportation: Boston's public transportation system, known as the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), is a great way to get around the city, especially if you're staying in areas like the Seaport or downtown Boston. The subway, known as the "T," is affordable and convenient for getting to major attractions such as the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, and the Boston Common. Buses and commuter rail are also available for reaching areas outside the city, like Gloucester.

Pros: Cost-effective, convenient, no parking hassles, eco-friendly, and the T is well connected to major tourist areas.
Cons: Limited service outside of Boston (especially for Gloucester), not as flexible as having your own car, and depending on the time of day, the T can get crowded.

Since you're considering staying in the Seaport area, you'll have good access to public transportation. The Silver Line bus connects the Seaport to South Station (where you can access the subway), and the Blue Line subway station is nearby, too.

Renting a Car: Renting a car may be a good option if you plan to take day trips outside of Boston, especially to places like Gloucester, which is about an hour’s drive from the city. A car would give you more flexibility to explore the North Shore and other areas outside the city at your own pace. Additionally, having a car would make it easier to visit places that are not as accessible by public transportation.

Pros: Flexibility to explore areas outside the city, like Gloucester or Cape Cod; convenience for day trips or spontaneous plans; access to scenic drives.
Cons: Parking in Boston can be expensive and limited, heavy traffic around tourist areas, navigating the city can be tricky (especially if you're not used to Boston’s streets), and the cost of renting a car plus parking fees can add up.

If you're planning to visit Gloucester, having a car would be ideal since public transportation options are limited to bus services, which can take longer and require multiple transfers. However, if you're staying in the Seaport or downtown and mostly want to explore Boston's tourist sites, public transportation should suffice.

Other Considerations: If you're staying at the Dagny Hotel or anywhere in the Seaport area, you’ll find plenty of things to do within walking distance or via public transit. The Seaport is a trendy area with restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as nearby attractions like the Institute of Contemporary Art. You could easily spend several days exploring the city without needing a car.

Ultimately, if your main focus is exploring Boston, public transportation is likely your best bet. If you're planning to head out of the city for day trips to Gloucester, a rental car would make that much easier.

Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!

Rent a car or public transportation

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