Rental or public transportation

Question

Coming in mid-October. Most likely renting a VRBO in Quincy. Is it better to rent a car or is public transportation an option. Also want to do a day trip to Salem while there. Thanks!

Answer

Quincy is a great location for a stay in the Boston area, and you have several options for getting around depending on your preferences. Here's a breakdown of whether renting a car or using public transportation would be best for your trip:

Public Transportation Options:

MBTA Subway (The Red Line): Quincy is well-connected to downtown Boston via the Red Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway system. The Quincy Center station and North Quincy station are both on the Red Line, which takes you directly to Downtown Boston. It’s quick, reliable, and affordable, making it an excellent option for getting into the city without the hassle of parking or driving.
Commuter Rail to Salem: If you plan to visit Salem, the MBTA commuter rail offers service from Boston’s North Station to Salem. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes, and it's a very convenient way to reach Salem without worrying about parking. The commuter rail also connects to the subway system, so you can easily get back to Quincy or Boston from Salem.
Bus Services: Quincy is also served by various bus routes that connect to other parts of the city and surrounding areas. If you’re planning to stay mostly local, buses could be an affordable option for shorter trips within the area.

Renting a Car:

Benefits: Renting a car can give you more flexibility, especially if you plan to venture outside of Boston and Quincy. It might be more convenient for exploring areas that are not as easily accessible by public transit, such as the coastal towns or some attractions outside the city.
Day Trip to Salem: A car rental would provide more flexibility for a day trip to Salem, but keep in mind that parking in Salem, especially in October (due to the Halloween season), can be challenging and expensive. If you choose to rent a car, you’ll need to plan your parking in advance, as Salem can get very crowded.
Traffic and Parking in Boston: While renting a car might seem like a good idea for flexibility, Boston is known for its challenging traffic and limited parking. If you’re mainly staying in Quincy and making day trips to Boston, public transport may be more practical to avoid parking fees and the hassle of city driving.

Recommended Approach:

If you're mainly staying in Quincy and planning to visit Boston and Salem, public transportation (MBTA Red Line and commuter rail) is likely your best bet. It's affordable, convenient, and you'll avoid the stress of parking in busy areas.
If you plan on exploring areas outside of Boston and prefer the flexibility of having a car, renting a car could be useful, but make sure to consider parking and traffic concerns, especially when visiting places like Salem in October.

For a trip focused on Boston and Salem, public transportation should be more than enough. It’s budget-friendly, environmentally friendly, and allows you to relax without worrying about driving or parking. Enjoy your trip!