Do you Need a Car in Boston? Tips for Your Visit

Heading to the beautiful city of Boston soon? If you’re planning your trip and you’re wondering do you need a car in Boston, this post will help you make up your mind.

Boston is a city that can be easily explored on foot or by public transportation. The beautiful brick streets and historical landmarks make it a great place to walk around and explore. It’s also a place where you can definitely use a car if you’re planning on taking any day trips or want to cover more ground. You’ll have an awesome trip no matter how you choose to get around.

Do You Need a Car in Boston?

If you’re traveling to Boston, you may be wondering if you need to rent a car while you’re there. The short answer is: it depends. If you’re planning on staying within the city limits and getting around using public transportation or by foot, then you probably won’t need a car.

However, if you’re planning on leaving the city for day trips, road trips or extended visits to other parts of Massachusetts, then a car might be a good idea.

👉 Check pricing on DiscoverCars to snag a good deal

How to Get Around Without a Car in Boston

It might seem overwhelming to figure out the public transportation system in a new city or you might not be used to walking everywhere, but Boston is a great city to visit without a car.

There are a few different ways to get around without a car that are pretty straightforward. A little research upfront can make getting around without a car a breeze.

1. Use the MBTA

The MBTA is the public transit system in Boston and it’s pretty efficient. It can get you almost anywhere you need to go within the city. The website is user-friendly and can help you figure out which routes to take and how much it will cost.

You can also buy a Charlie Card, which is a reloadable card that you can use to ride the subway, buses, and even some ferries. You can load it with money ahead of time and then just tap it when you get on the bus or enter the subway station.

Check out the schedule and a map of the MBTA system here.

2. Rent Bikes

Boston is a great city for biking! There are plenty of bike lanes, and the city is mostly flat, making it pretty easy to get around. The only place that we suggest avoiding on a bike is Beacon Hill because of all of the hills around there.

You’ll also be able to take a ride along the Charles River for great views of the city and Cambridge. It’s also a convenient way to go north and south in the city away from the hustle and bustle.

3. Take the Commuter Rail

The Commuter Rail is a regional train system that’s part of the MBTA. It runs from Boston to the surrounding suburbs. It’s a great option if you’re planning on leaving the city for a day trip or want to explore some of the nearby towns and don’t have a car. Check out the schedule and map here.

4. Walk

As I mentioned, Boston is a great city to explore on foot. If you’re staying in the city center, you can pretty much walk anywhere within 20 minutes or so. And if you don’t mind walking a little further, you can easily explore most of the city in an afternoon or day.

Tip: Beware of the hills in Beacon Hill – your calves will get a good workout!

5. Take an Uber/Lyft

Another alternative for getting around Boston is using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. This can be a convenient option, particularly if you’re planning on going out at night when public transportation may not be running. Keep in mind that ride-sharing can be more expensive than other options like the MBTA, so it’s important to factor that into your budget.

Things to do in Boston Without a Car

There’s plenty to do in Boston without a car! Here are some of our favorite things to do:

✔️ Explore the Freedom Trail

This 2.5-mile-long trail takes you to 16 different historical sites that are important to the story of the American Revolution.

✔️ Visit Fenway Park

Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is a must-see for any baseball fan. Take a tour of the stadium, catch a game, or just soak up the atmosphere.

✔️ Check out the Museum of Fine Arts

With more than 450,000 works of art, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world.

✔️ Walk the Boston Common

The oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common is a great place to people watch, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

✔️ Ride the Swan Boats in the Public Garden

A Boston tradition since 1877, riding the Swan Boats is a must-do when visiting the city.

This is only a short list of all of the best things to do in Boston.

Where to stay in Boston Without a Car

If you’re planning on staying within the city limits and getting around without a car, then you’ll want to choose a hotel that’s centrally located. That way, you’ll be close to all the best attractions and restaurants. Some of our favorite hotels in Boston are:

📍 The Boston Park Plaza – $

One of the most iconic hotels in Boston, The Boston Park Plaza is centrally located and close to everything you’ll want to see and do.

👉 Check availability at the Boston Park Plaza

📍 The Liberty Hotel – $$

Located in the heart of downtown Boston, The Liberty Hotel is just steps away from all the best that the city has to offer.

No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to get around without a car and enjoy all that Boston has to offer.

👉 Check availability at the Liberty Hotel

Visiting Boston With a Car

Maybe you want to have a car when you visit Boston, or maybe you live in the suburbs and are planning on taking a day trip into the city. If you’re visiting Boston with a car, there are a few things you should know.

First, parking can be scarce and expensive. If you’re planning on driving into the city, it’s best to find a hotel that offers valet parking or self-parking. That way, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot on the street.

Second, there are a few things to keep in mind when driving in Boston. The streets can be narrow and one-way, so it’s important to pay attention to signs and be cautious when making turns. And, of course, be sure to watch out for pedestrians!

Related: Is Cambridge in Boston?

Rent a Car in Boston

If you’re looking to a rent a car in Boston, you might consider renting through Discover Cars for great rates with the large car rental companies we all know and (mostly) love.

Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, try a car service like Zipcar. With Zipcar, you can rent cars by the hour or day, and there are no long-term contracts. Plus, gas and insurance are included in the price of your rental.

👉 Check Rates for Rental Cars in Boston

Popular Day Trip Locations from Boston with a Car

If you’re planning on renting a car for your trip to Boston, then you’ll have plenty of options for day trips. Some of the most popular destinations include:

• New Hampshire – A short drive from Boston, New Hampshire is home to beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests. Spend a day hiking, biking, or exploring one of the many state parks.
• Portland, Maine – A popular tourist destination in its own right, Portland is just a short drive from Boston. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do, you can easily spend a day or two exploring everything this charming city has to offer.
• Cape Cod – A favorite summertime destination for Bostonians, Cape Cod is just a short drive away. Rent a beach house for the week or spend a day exploring the many quaint towns and villages.

There are endless possibilities for day trips from Boston when you have a car. So if you’re planning on renting one, be sure to check out some of these popular destinations.

Related: Take a day trip from Boston to Nantucket

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about whether or not you need a car to explore Boston.

Do most People have a Car in Boston?

No, most people do not have a car in Boston. The city is very walkable and has an extensive public transportation system, so many residents do not feel the need to own a car. However, if you are planning on leaving the city for day trips or extended visits to other parts of Massachusetts, then you may want to consider renting a car.

Best Way to Get from the Airport to Boston?

The best way to get from the airport to Boston is by taking the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) public transit system. The airport has its own stop on the MBTA, so it’s easy to get into the city without a car. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage though, we recommend taking an Uber or taxi.

How Much Does it Cost to Park in Boston?

Parking in Boston can be quite expensive, depending on the area. Many hotels offer valet parking for an additional fee, or you can use one of the many public parking garages and lots around the city. Be sure to check the rates before you park, as they can vary pretty drastically.

We recommend apps like SpotHero to find good deals on parking.

Conclusion: Do You Need a Car in Boston?

So do you need a car in Boston? Maybe yes, maybe no. It all depends on what you want to see and do while you’re there. Boston is a pretty compact city but there are also several areas that make up the city you might want to see.

If you’re looking to take a day trip or two or you want to cover more ground in less time, renting a car might be the best option. If you’re staying at a centrally located hotel in the city, you’ll probably be just fine without a car.

So whether you’re staying in the city and getting around without a car or you’re hitting the road with one, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Boston has to offer.