Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) is the principal gateway airport to New England. Boston’s large college population pushes flights to capacity around school holidays, and in May and September; fall foliage season is also tight.
Security is a high priority at New England airports. Pack carry-on liquids in 3 oz or 100 ml containers in clear plastic quart or liter bags. Make sure all baggage, including carry-on, is clearly marked with ID. Keep a calm demeanor, and do not even joke about terrorism or plane crashes.
Logan, just 3 miles (4.8 km) from downtown Boston, is a pleasant and efficient airport with ample parking. International flights arrive at Terminal E but may depart from other terminals. The quickest and cheapest trip into the city is via Silver Line buses to South Station; there are ticket kiosks near most terminal exits.800 235 6426 • www.massport.com
A few international flights land at Connecticut’s Bradley International (BDL). The Providence, Rhode Island, area and Manchester, New Hampshire, airports (PVD; MHT) often have the cheapest domestic air fares to New England. Portland Jetport (PWM) is a good Maine gateway for domestic airlines.
Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT • 860 292 2000 • www.bradleyairport.com
Manchester Boston Regional Airport, Manchester, NH • 603 624 6556 • www.flymanchester.com
T.F. Green Airport, Warwick, RI • 401 737 8222 • www.pvdairport.com
Portland Jetport, Portland, ME • 207 774 7301 • www.portlandjetport.org
Cheapflights.com checks more airlines than other consolidators and will give you an overview of what’s available, but the best rates are usually on the carriers’ own websites; check both.
More than a dozen cruise lines call at the Boston Cruiseport.Cruiseport Boston • 1 Black Falcon Ave., Boston, MA • 617 330 1500 • www.massport.com
Amtrak serves coastal and central New England as far north as Portland, Maine. Travelers from overseas can buy rail passes for discounted Amtrak travel throughout the US.800 872 7245 • www.amtrak.com
Concord Coach Lines serves New Hampshire and Maine; Plymouth & Brockton covers southeastern Massachusetts; Peter Pan has stops in western Massachusetts and Connecticut; National carrier Greyhound and its subsidiaries go almost everywhere.
Concord • 800 639 3317 • www.concordcoachlines.com
Plymouth & Brockton • 508 746 0378 • www.p-b.com
Peter Pan • 800 343 9999 • www.peterpanbus.com
Greyhound • 800 231 2222 • www.greyhound.com
From the south, I-95 follows the coast to Boston, then heads north through New Hampshire to Maine. From the west, I-90 enters Massachusetts from New York State and ends at Logan Airport. From the northwest, I-89 and I-91 enter Vermont from Quebec. I-89 cuts southeast to Boston; I-91 goes south to New York via Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Visitors over 21 may bring two pints (1 l) of alcohol; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 4 lb (2 kg) of smoking tobacco; and gifts worth up to $100. Meats, fresh cheeses, live plants, and produce are prohibited. Travelers bringing $10,000 or more in cash must declare the money at customs.