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While visiting the Big Apple, I recommend you check out one of the best near cities to New York, in New England: Boston. Visiting historic Boston from NYC is one of the best road trips from New York City since Boston is full of art, food, culture, and much more.
Boston has a sophisticated atmosphere thanks to its reputable museums, historic Freedom Trail, and stately landmarks. Among the urban squares and academic buildings, you’ll also find a beautiful waterfront, one of the oldest public gardens in the U.S., and amazing food, what makes Bostonone of the best food cities in the US. So, if you have the time to visit this city, don’t miss out!
Day Trip From NYC to Boston | How to Get There
Traveling from New York to Boston is quite easy, and there are several ways to move between the two cities. We’ve used FlixBus several times, and it’s one of the most comfortable buses from New York to Boston, although you can also ride a train, drive yourself, or take a guided tour.
To help you plan your day trip from NYC to Boston, I’m sharing a complete guide on how to get there and what to do during your trip.
Guide to the best day trip from NYC to Boston
If you want to take a Boston day trip from NYC, I’ve got all the information you need to plan the best itinerary. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to get from NYC to Boston, what to see during your trip, and how much you can expect to spend on transportation.
In a nutshell, this guide will cover:
- How far is Boston from New York City?
- Best way to get from NYC to Boston
- Best day trip to Boston from NYC
- What to see on your New York to Boston day trip
How far is Boston from New York City?
The distance between Boston and New York City is about 215 miles. So, if you want to drive from NYC to Boston, it’ll take around 4.5 hours.
Best way to get from NYC to Boston
One of the most important things to consider for your trip is how you’ll get there. Fortunately, there are several ways to get to Boston from NYC, so whether you want to drive yourself or take public transportation, you’ll have no problems.
Best way to get from NYC to Boston
Keep reading to see the best ways to travel from NYC to Boston:
Trains from NYC to Boston
Taking a train from NYC to Boston is the fastest way to go, so it’s a good option if you only have one day to travel. Amtrak runs several trains from Manhattan’s Penn Station to Boston’s Back Bay Station.
Trains from NYC to Boston
Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service takes about 4.5 hours and costs around $124 round-trip. For express service, take the Amtrak Acela train, which takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Acela tickets start at $214 round-trip.
| You can save $11 off your Amtrak ticket by using our Omio discount link. |
Buses from NYC to Boston
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get to Boston from New York, I recommend taking a bus. There are several reputable bus companies that run daily buses between the two cities.
FlixBus
We’ve taken FlixBus before, and I think it’s one of the best buses from New York to Boston. The buses are comfortable and have extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms. FlixBus also offsets their emissions, so it’s the most eco-friendly option.
FlixBus departs from 31st Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan and the trip takes about 4.5 hours. The bus will drop you off at Boston’s South Station Bus Terminal. Tickets cost about $57 round-trip, and you can save $11 by using our Omio discount link.
Buses from NYC to Boston
Megabus
Megabus is another popular bus company with several daily buses. Seats fill up fast, so you’ll want to book as soon as possible. Taking Megabus from New York to Boston takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes, departing from 34th Street in Manhattan and dropping you off at Boston’s South Station Bus Terminal. Tickets cost around $30 round-trip.
Greyhound
Greyhound buses leave from the New York Port Authority station and take about 4.5 hours to get to the South Station Transportation Center in Boston. Greyhound’s New York to Boston service costs about $45 round-trip.
Peter Pan
Finally, Peter Pan is a well-known company with a solid reputation. Buses leave from New York’s Port Authority and can drop you off at several Boston landmarks, including Copley Square and the State House. Taking Peter Pan from New York to Boston takes 4 hours and 20 minutes and tickets cost around $37 round-trip.
Keep in mind that, the sooner you book a bus from NYC to Boston, the cheaper the price will be.
Driving from NYC to Boston
If you prefer the comfort of your own car, you can drive from New York to Boston. This way, you can travel on your schedule and have more privacy during the trip. The NYC to Boston drive time is a little over five hours, so it’s nice to have the comfort of your own car.
Driving from NYC to Boston
Don’t worry if you don’t have a vehicle because you can rent a car in NYC. Depending on the option you choose, you can rent the car and drop it off in Boston, or you can rent it for the entire round trip.
Best day trip to Boston from NYC
Yet another option is this full-day tour, which I recommend if you don’t want to worry about organizing your transportation or itinerary. This Boston day trip from NYC includes your transportation and a professional guide, so it’s the most convenient choice.
The tour leaves from Manhattan at 6 a.m. and will transport your group to Boston in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. Along the way, your professional guide will share interesting facts and history about Boston.
Once you arrive, your first stop will be Copley Square, a picturesque plaza with several famous landmarks like Trinity Church and the Beaux-Arts style Fairmont Copley Hotel. You’ll also see the Boston Public Library, and John Hancock Tower, a 790-foot skyscraper.
Best day trip to Boston from NYC
Another highlight of this New York to Boston day tour is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile brick path through downtown. The trail goes past 16 landmarks and historic locations like the Old State House, the Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, Faneuil Hall, and the Massachusetts State House.
Then, head to the historic Quincy Market for lunch, where you’ll find all kinds of international foods. Afterward, walk through the Johnston Gate at Harvard University and see the Old Yard and the John Harvard Statue before returning to Manhattan.
Visiting Boston is one of the best day trips from NYC, so if you’re short on time, I highly recommend this 1-day Boston tour from New York.
What to see on your New York to Boston day trip
Once your transportation is all set up, it’s time to plan your New York to Boston itinerary. There is so much to see in this beautiful city, but there are a few highlights I’d definitely recommend.
First, Boston is full of history, so you must check out the Freedom Trail, which runs past 16 important landmarks like state buildings, churches, and burial grounds. While you’re in the area, check out the Boston Harbor, where you can take a cruise or stroll along the Harborwalk.
I also recommend stopping by Quincy Market for a bite to eat before walking through the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. You’ll pass the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country and the home of the Boston Public Garden. This 24-acre garden has native and non-native plants, trees, and shrubs, as well as a pond with rental boats.
What to see on your New York to Boston day trip
South of the Boston Common, you’ll find Copley Square, an urban plaza full of historic buildings and landmarks. Not far from here, you can visit the Prudential Tower, a 920-foot skyscraper with an observatory on the 50th floor.
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll like seeing Fenway Park where the Boston Red Sox plays. Or you can cross the Charles River and visit Harvard University’s campus. There are several interesting museums here, including the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Harvard Mineralogical Museum, and the three Harvard Art Museums.
Hopefully, this gives you some ideas for your New York to Boston day trip!
FAQs – Boston day trip from NYC
To finish up, here are some common questions about visiting Boston from New York.
How far is Boston from New York?
Boston is about 215 miles from New York City.
What is the drive time between NYC and Boston?
Depending on traffic, the drive time to Boston from NYC is about 5 hours.
What is the best way to travel from NYC to Boston?
The best way to travel from NYC to Boston depends on your goals. If you’re in a hurry, you can take a train, but be aware that it’s more expensive. The cheapest way to get to Boston from NYC is by bus.
What is the fastest way to go from NYC to Boston?
The fastest way to Boston from NYC is by train since the trip takes as little as 3 hours and 45 minutes.
How much is a train ticket to Boston from New York?
The ticket price for a train from New York to Boston ranges from about $125 to $215 round-trip.
How much is a bus from New York to Boston?
Taking a bus from NYC to Boston is the cheapest option, with ticket prices around $30-$60 round-trip.
What is there to see between Boston and New York?
The distance between Boston and New York City is over 200 miles, so there are some cool places to see along the way:
- New Haven, CT – This city has a lovely downtown area and a 175-year-old lighthouse, and it’s the home of Yale University.
- Mystic, CT – This waterfront town has the charm of a small fishing village as well as interesting attractions like the Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Museum of Art.
- Newport, RI – A quintessential New England city, Newport boasts beautiful views of Narragansett Bay, historic mansions, and recreational activities like sailing, biking, and golf.
With that, you have everything you need to plan your trip from New York to Boston. Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me any questions about taking a day trip to Boston from New York. I’d also love to hear about your experience visiting this historic city. Until then, have a wonderful time!
