Open Travel Guide
Transportation in Massachusetts

Getting Around Massachusetts 2026

Transport in Massachusetts decoded — what to use for which journey, and what each option costs.

Massachusetts is a historic New England state in the northeastern United States, home to world-renowned universities, revolutionary history, and stunning natural landscapes. From the cosmopolitan city of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod and the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts offers a remarkable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

Massachusetts transportation is excellent in Greater Boston and poor elsewhere. The MBTA subway (the T) is America's oldest and covers Boston and 175 municipalities. A CharlieCard costs $1.70/ride. Logan Airport is 3 miles from downtown with multiple transit options. Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and Pioneer Valley require a car. Ferries connect the mainland to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket year-round.

Transport at a glance

Public Transit Rating 8, Notes Excellent in Boston; MBTA subway, bus, and commuter rail cover the metro area well; last service around 12:30am
Airport Access Rating 9, Notes Logan is 3 miles from downtown; Silver Line ($2.40) or Blue Line ($2.40) connect directly; taxis $35-55
Driving Rating 5, Notes Notorious Boston traffic; parking expensive ($25-50/day downtown); essential for Cape Cod and Berkshires
Cycling Rating 7, Notes Bluebikes bike share ($2.95/30 min) covers Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline; Cape Cod Rail Trail is 25 miles of paved paths
Ferries Rating 8, Notes Essential for Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket; scenic harbor ferries in Boston; Provincetown fast ferry seasonal

Transportation details

Full breakdown of how to get around.

Massachusetts has varied transportation options depending on where you're traveling. Boston is well-served by the MBTA (T) subway, commuter rail, and buses, making it one of the most transit-friendly US cities. However, Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and Pioneer Valley essentially require a car. Logan International Airport provides excellent national and international connections.

Airports

BOS

Logan International Airport

ORH

Worcester Regional Airport

HYA

Cape Cod Gateway Airport

PVD

T.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI)

Transport tips

Travel smarter, not harder.

Tip

Get a CharlieCard (plastic smart card) from any T station — saves $0.70 per ride vs. paper ticket

Tip

The Silver Line SL1 from Logan Airport to South Station is free outbound (airport to city direction) — use it to get downtown

Tip

Book Martha's Vineyard car ferry reservations 6+ months ahead for summer; walk-on passengers are always available same-day

Tip

The MBTA Commuter Rail reaches Salem ($7.75), Plymouth ($9.25), and Concord ($8.00) — cheaper than driving and parking

Tip

Boston parking runs $25-50/day at downtown garages; use the T instead

Tip

A rental car is essential for Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and day trips to rural areas; book well ahead for summer

Tip

The Plymouth & Brockton bus to Cape Cod (South Station to Hyannis: $16-22) is a smart budget alternative to renting a car

Tip

Bluebikes bike share is ideal for short trips between Boston neighborhoods; $2.95/30-minute ride, 400+ stations