Homeport Destination Guide: Boston

By Kimberly Coyne and Brooke Franco

The picturesque port of Boston is the perfect place to begin or end a Canada/New England cruise, Transatlantic, Bermuda, Caribbean, or other destinations. Boston is a cosmopolitan city where cruisers should consider spending a few days pre/post exploring the area, watching a sporting event, or attending a show, concert, or opera. Award-winning restaurants call Boston home and neighborhood restaurants of all ethnicities. There is no shortage of things to do in Boston, from walking the Freedom Trail and exploring Nathanial Hall to the U.S.S. Constitution.

Boston is the gateway to New England and an easy jumping-off point to head out to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and other vacation destinations. Considering spending time to explore all the City has to offer, either for a port day or a day or two pre/post cruise.

Following are travel recommendations if your next cruise departs from Boston.

Fast Facts
How to Get Around the City
Staying in Boston Before or After Your Cruise?
Excursions
Member Tips
Airport Information
Parking Information

1. Fast Facts for Boston + Cruise Port Information

Boston Cruise Terminal Address - Boston’s Flynn (Black Falcon) Cruise Terminal, also called CruisePort, 1 Black Falcon Avenue, South Boston, MA 02210

Boston Logan International Airport Address - One Harborside Drive, Boston, Massachusetts 02128-2909

Time Zone - Eastern

Climate - Cold, snowy winters and warm, temperate summers. Mild spring and fall seasons.

Fun Facts - The oldest public park in the United States is in Boston - Boston Common was established in 1634 and is still a public park today. Boston’s nickname is ‘Beantown,’ a name from the city’s earliest settlers' love for baked beans in molasses. Fenway Park, home to the Red Socks, is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. It opened in 1912 and is still in use to this day.

2. How to Get Around the City

Looking for the best ways to get around the Boston area? There are many options, such as:

Rideshare Options - Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Boston. These companies offer many options for getting around the area quickly and easily.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is Boston’s public transit system. It offers a variety of transportation options throughout the greater region for a low cost.
- The subway, nicknamed the ‘T,’ runs around metropolitan Boston into Cambridge and the greater region. Fares run for $2.75 per ride. Explore routes and timetables here.
- Commuter Rail - If you are looking to travel to some of the suburban regional areas of Boston, you might explore looking at the Commuter Rail. This train system runs to areas like Lowell, Worcester, Rockport, Greenbush, and more. Fares run for $2.40 per ride. Explore all routes and timetables here.
- Bus System - The public bus system services the wider Boston area. Fares are $1.70 per ride. Explore routes and times here.
- Ferry System - MBTA operates a public transit ferry system throughout the greater Boston waterside areas. Routes run from downtown Boston to Hingham, Hingham to Hull, and Hull to downtown Boston. Tickets cost $3.70 per ride; explore routes here.

3. Staying in Boston Before or After Your Cruise?

Hotels

If you are considering a day or two pre-or post-cruise, Boston has many options, from major chains to local boutique properties. Whether you are looking for a hotel close to the port, downtown, Back Bay, or other trendy areas, Boston offers a variety of areas to explore. The recommended hotels are near the cruise port, airport, and popular area attractions.

Closest Hotels to Boston Cruise Terminal

Closest Hotels to Boston International Airport

Boston Common

See All Boston Hotel Options

4. Excursions

Boston is a beautiful, historic city home to many cultural attractions and sites, world-class restaurants, and stunning water views. The town is a favorite among sports fans, history buffs, art lovers, and foodies. It is easy to fill a day or two pre- or post-cruise in Beantown.

A few of our top picks for a fun way to explore and see all Boston has to offer:

Explore all Boston excursions from Shore Excursions Group

Explore all Boston excursions from Get Your Guide

5. Member Tips

City is Rich with history. We took a tour on a bus and even saw the ballpark and cheers bar that the show was filmed in. We felt rushed and didn't get to see everything thing that we wanted to see. People were pleasent and friendly. Plan on going again sometime soon. - papakenny

Loved Boston. I walked the entire city via the Freedom trail. If you do NE/Canada outta Boston, recommend going a day early to explore this beautiful city. - 4kids4me

Sunny day. We bought the transfer to airport with scenic tour on the way. Had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. For about 2.5 hrs we drove all over downtown area, Stopped to see USS Constitution & learn history…read more. - travelbug2015

Boston never disappoints. An easy town to walk around and see the sites. I would have liked more time in all the ports but we got to see and do a lot in Boston. It's one of my favorite cities and I miss it already…read more. - coppereos

Explore All Member Reviews of Boston

6. Airport Information

Boston has one major airport but several ancillary airports for those looking to explore New England:

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) - This large international airport services all major airlines and destinations. It is approximately 7 miles from the airport to the cruise terminal and will take around 30 minutes travel time between the two destinations depending on traffic.
Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) - Located in nearby New Hampshire, MHT airport services several domestic carriers such as Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Spirit. The airport is approximately 50 miles north of the cruise terminal and is a little over an hour of travel time, but it may vary based on traffic.
Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) - ORH is another regional airport that services domestic flights on JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta. The airport is approximately 50 miles from the cruise terminal and is approximately an hour and fifteen minutes driving distance.

There are several options to get between the airports and cruise terminals:

Pre-arranged transfer service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line beforehand. Generally, you will have a cruise line representative with a sign waiting at the baggage claim area.
Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airport and your ship. Note that depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, fares can run higher than usual. The estimated rideshare costs between airports and the cruise terminal:
- BOS - Fares run about ~$15 between the airport and the cruise terminal.
- MHT - Fares run around ~$100 between the airport and cruise terminal.
- ORH - Fares run around ~$80 between the airport and the cruise terminal.
Taxi - Taxis are available from the Boston airport to the cruise terminal; the cost is approximately $30 each way, depending on the traffic.
Public Transit -
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA)
  - The Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit Service conveniently stops one block from the cruise terminal and offers direct service from the airport
  - South Station is approximately 1 mile from the CruisePort and the SL2 bus will connect from the station to the “Dry Dock Avenue” stop. The cruise terminal is across from the Design Center.
Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and help with luggage transport.

7. Parking Information

For those driving to the port that need to park a car, both on-site parking and off-site options are available:

On-Site Parking Information

Boston CruisePort Parking is located at 492 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 (Lot D3). Parking arrangements must be made online before arrival here. Under “Upcoming Events,” choose “Black Falcon” for upcoming cruises and select your ship and sailing date.

For detailed directions to the cruise ports, check here.

Off-Site Parking Options

Several area hotels offer cruise and stay packages, and parking garages are near the cruise port.

YOTEL Boston Hotel Cruise Parking from $22 per day. Advance reservations are required. For more information and to book, click here.
C1 Parking at Black Falcon Cruise Terminal - adjacent to the cruise terminal, this lot is convenient to the terminal and requires advance reservations. The rate is $25 per day or $175 for 7 nights and $200 for a 14-night sailing. For more details or advance reservations, click here.