Into Boston

[tonythomson]

Planning to end Atlantic Coast trip or rather return south after the ride from Boston.  Don't really want to cycle into Boston - does anyone know how the best way might be to get to Amtrak there without riding unless there is a good recognised route, thanks

Tony

[JHamelman]

Hi Tony,

Is there a reason you don't want to use the Boston Spur available on the Atlantic Coast Route, Section 1 (http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/index.cfm/product/3_10/atlantic-coast-section-1.cfm)to ride to/from the train station? I think the Boston North Station is only about a half mile from the route. Or maybe I don't completely understand your question.

.Jennifer.

[merinojersey]

The MBTA (Mass. Bay Transportation Authority) has a good website that you can use to find a way into Boston using either the commuter rail (Amtrak trains) or the subway system.  www.mbta.com  

The commuter rail lines run up to about 35 miles out of the city and the subway lines run pretty far out as well, but still mostly inside the I-95/Rt. 128 circle, which encircles all of the type of urban roads and highways that are not friendly to bicycles.  Under the "rail" section, you can click on different towns which are on the end of the lines furthest away from Boston, and you can find your way to a map that shows the train route, and then you can choose where you want to get on from there.  Between the I-95 and I-495 circles around the city you will still find closely packed suburban towns but you can find roads that are more friendly to cycling as you get further away from the city in most cases, depending on where you are coming from exactly.  

I think the commuter rail trains have an open section for bikes at the beginning of each car, but I'm not sure.  If the line you pick doesn't go to the same station where your Amtrak train ride home begins from, the subways will connect you to it.

bringing bikes on the T info:  http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/bikes/

[merinojersey]

http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/

[tonythomson]

Hi and thanks for the info MJ, printed out and ready to take with me oh and Jennifer guess who hasn't studied that section yet, slowly working my way north using ACA maps and Google Earth.  Next time will read all the literature before posting 
Tony

[JHamelman]

Tony,

oh and Jennifer guess who hasn't studied that section yet, slowly working my way north using ACA maps and Google Earth.  Next time will read all the literature before posting 

No problem. Things aren't always as clear as we'd like them to be so I find it's worth checking in. Let me know if you have any other questions.

.Jennifer.

[bktourer1]

Keep in mind you cant use the MBTA Commuter Trains during peak times.  The Conductors will tell you where to go and depending on the Conductor,  they might not be too happy having you.  I got hard time off peak on  occassion.   Amtrak "Downeaster" only runs from the North Station. and you need to make a reservation for this

Ed

[MaryK]

I live in Lexington, MA, about 12 miles northwest of Boston.  Let me know if you'd like someone to check the route you've selected and see if there are any problems.  We're also warmshowers hosts if you need a place to stay. 

You can reach me at mary_kernan@yahoo.com.

  -Mary

[Peaks]

Buy Rubel's map for Eastern Mass, and that will show bike friendly roads/routes.

[tonythomson]

Great tips many thanks everyone.  Tony

[escii_35]

(Started in Tacoma) Coming from the West, it started to rain and I took the commuter train.  As I recall I needed to buy a one year $5 bike pass and fill out some paperwork but that was it. No way I was riding into Boston during a nasty rain storm.

+1 Rubel map