Flight Guide for Boston (USA)
If you think that because Boston is one of the most historic places on the continent, it will be stuffy and boring, then you're wrong. Yes, it is chock full of historic sites, monuments, and museums, and is celebrated for, among other things, a little incident that sparked the Revolutionary War. But flying to Boston appeals to more than just history buffs. Beyond John Adams and Paul Revere, Bunker Hill, and the Freedom Trail, there is a tremendous variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Every kind of nautical activity — sailing, fishing, powerboating, diving, and more — is within reach in Boston. There is also a flourishing arts scene, with more museums and galleries than you can shake a stick at, plus performing arts of every stripe, with tickets available for opera, symphony, repertory theatre, and dance. The nightlife has a distinctly Celtic flavor, and revelers take advantage of affordable flights from far and wide for a Boston pub crawl. Speaking of parties, true to its Irish roots, Boston is the best place outside of Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Flight Booking for Boston
Boston's primary airport is Logan International Airport (BOS). Although there are other airports nearby offering flights to Boston, including Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), Logan is the largest and busiest airport in New England and tends to have the best selection of flights.
Toronto has the most direct flights to Boston of any Canadian city. Air Canada and Porter Airlines both fly direct to Boston from Toronto, as do many U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines. Montreal and Halifax also have some direct flights, but from most other places in Canada, you’ll connect to Boston through Toronto or a U.S. airport. WestJet only flies to Boston through connecting flights on its partner airline, American Eagle.
Flight prices vary depending on the season, but round-trip tickets from Toronto to Boston typically range from 100 to 280 USD, while flights from Montreal or Halifax can cost between 140 to 350 USD. Booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help you secure the best deals.
When to go and weather
St. Patrick's Day is when Boston comes alive with parades and revelry, but as with any big-name event, you need to plan ahead to take in the festivities. Book travel to Boston for St. Patrick's Day as far in advance as possible, since flights and hotels start to sell out long before March rolls around, and fares increase as tickets become scarce.
Aside from March, summer is Boston's peak tourism season when the weather is warmest, and visitors from all over the world descend on New England. This is the best time for family travel because attractions catering to families are in full swing, with extra programs for kids and more frequent service on popular attractions.
Some attractions, especially those on the water, wind down or close during the fall and winter, but Boston has tons to see and do year-round. The off-season (November through February) is a terrific opportunity for culture vultures and others interested in indoor activities to save on flights and avoid the crowds. Round-trip flights during this time can drop as low as 70 to 175 USD from major Canadian cities.
Being on the coast, Boston's weather is known for being unpredictable and changeable from day to day, if not hour by hour — so dressing in layers is a must, and pack your rain gear just in case.
Arriving in Boston
There are four passenger terminals at Logan International Airport (BOS) — Terminals A, B, C, and E — each with its own arrivals area and ground transportation facilities. Check your tickets if you are taking a connecting flight and make note of which terminals your flights arrive and depart from, allowing plenty of time to transfer if necessary. A free shuttle bus transports passengers between terminals.
From the airport, there are several options for getting to Boston:
• Bus: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or "the T") public transit system is both affordable and extensive. The most convenient option for getting into Boston is the Silver Line bus rapid transit service. It picks up passengers at each terminal, so you don’t need to transfer to a T station by shuttle. These buses have plenty of room for luggage, and standard T fares apply ($2.40 USD per ride).
• Train: The Logan Airport subway station is on the Blue Line. The station is in a separate building and can be reached by taking the free Massport shuttle bus. Tickets to most destinations in Boston cost $2.40 USD (cheaper if you use a prepaid CharlieCard).
• Boat: MBTA operates water shuttles to Logan Airport from Quincy and Hull. Take the Massport shuttle to the Logan dock and board the appropriate ferry for your destination. Ferries to Hull are only available on weekdays, while those to Quincy operate daily. Tickets are affordable at 3.70 USD per ride. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from the dock at a cost of 15–$20 USD per person. per ride.
• Taxi: Taxis are available from each terminal at the curb outside baggage claim. Fares to destinations in Boston's city center typically range from 30 to 60 USD, and trips take approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Car Rental: A rental car can be particularly useful if you’re flying to Boston to explore New England. For a smooth arrival and the best deals, it’s better to book your vehicle in advance with the rental company of your choice. Vehicles cannot be rented on-site at Logan Airport, but you can contact car rental companies using the courtesy phones in each baggage claim area to request a pick-up. Car rental shuttles will collect you from the third curbside island at each terminal and take you to their off-site rental facilities. Daily rental rates start at around 50–80 USD, depending on the vehicle type and season.
• Other Services: Depending on where you’re headed after your Boston flights, there are numerous other ground transportation options from Logan Airport. If someone is picking you up, Logan has a cell phone waiting lot where they can stand by until your flight arrives and then pick you up at the curb. Limos and other chauffeured car services can be hired and are available from the curbside island. Logan Express is a private bus service offering non-stop bus routes to regional destinations such as Framingham and Peabody, with fares starting at $9 USD. Shared-ride shuttle vans are also available. If you’re traveling with a group, you can book (in advance) a private party bus to start your Boston trip on a high note.
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