Going to Boston? Here are some handy resources for you

[Nigeyy]

Please feel free to add or update if necessary:

First, please note Gillette Stadium IS NOT IN BOSTON.  It's a town about 20 miles away and is relatively difficult to get to -the only way for public transportation is a special commuter rail train (see below). Please plan accordingly!

 

Flying into Boston Logan? How do you get to the centre of Boston?  If you don't want to spend money on a taxi, these are public transportation options:

https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/getting-to-logan/public-transportation

Note: there are free shuttle buses from terminal to terminal (see https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/flights/connecting-flights )

There is also the silver line (I think this is free from the airport, but you pay going to the airport): https://www.mbta.com/schedules/741/line

 

If you are taking the Amtrak from New York or a bus service, you will go to South Station (check for buses, but I think this is the case for all the bus services), which is central Boston.

 

What is the public transportation in and around Boston?  The MBTA (Mass Bay Transit Authority https://www.mbta.com ) provides:

Buses (not sure I'd exactly trust the accuracy of the schedules given traffic, etc)

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/bus

 

Subway/trolleys a.k.a. "The 'T'" (just read the green line shedules carefully as the green line splits into options as you go away from Boston)

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/subway
 

Commuter rail  (3 main commuter rail stations: North Station, South Station and Back Bay -there is no direct commuter rail line connecting to North Station from the other stations, and it's a 20-30 min walk from South Station to North Station)

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/commuter-rail

 

Ferry (not so much a transportation option based on frequency, speed and cost, but if you want to go to Salem for a day out, you'll get spectacular views of the Boston skyline and you can save a bit by catching the commuter rail train back to North Station.  I'd say it's a very nice day out)

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/ferry

 

App Is there an app I can use for the MBTA?   Yes:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mbta.mobileapp&hl=en_US

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mbta-mticket/id560487958

 

Gillette Stadium Transportation How can I get to Gillette stadium using public transportation from Boston?

https://www.mbta.com/guides/world-cup-guide

 

Gillette Stadium at Foxboro is more than just a stadium; it's a shopping/restaurant development complex.  However, once you are there and unless you have a car, you are a bit captive -though if you head north on Route 1 from the stadium, you can walk to a Dunkin' Donuts (coffee), MacDonalds, Papa Ginos (pizza) and The Curry Leaf, an Indian restaurant.  Just assume on a game day everything will be packed and take 4 times as long). Click below for more details on patriot place where Gillette stadium is:

https://www.patriot-place.com

Edited December 10, 2025 by Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

Some notes on safety:

Don't be put off by the media coverage of guns and violence in the USA.  I'm not going sugar coat it: some areas of Boston are places I would not recommend visiting or staying in as there are problems with gun violence, gang activity and drug dealing. But many parts of the media like to scaremonger and exaggerate issues. Not every American is carrying, and certainly Massachusetts is one of the states that has lower gun violence and tighter gun regulation. By using common sense you are more than likely to be perfectly safe:

• Look the other way (i.e. LOOK LEFT FIRST) crossing a street and behind you if you are crossing a street on your right even at a traffic light* (by the way there is a jay walking law https://www.mass.gov/how-to/pay-a-jaywalking-ticket in Boston that pedestrians must cross at designated crossings -got to be honest, I've never seen it enforced as so many people do it, but if there is an overzealous cop....) 
• Don't walk around alone at night in the early hours of the morning in the city if you can help it.
• Stick to major streets that have people in them particularly at night.
• Don't take that dark alley way as a shortcut.
• If you start to see signs of urban neglect or think you might be approaching a bad neighbourhood, turn around.
• If in doubt, take a taxi or an Uber (particularly if you've been drinking and know you are affected)
• Research the area where you intend to be -most areas are safe and you will have no problems.

*this is because vehicles in Massachusetts (as well as many other states) can take a right turn on a red light unless otherwise signposted. For pedestrians this can be a bit dangerous as drivers will tend to drive through a red light without stopping to take a right!

[Nigeyy]

I would not recommend hiring a car if you are staying in Boston. The driving standards (particularly in central to eastern Massachusetts are (cough) questionable, the road designs can be particularly poor and accident inducing, the traffic horrible and parking spaces tough to find with paid parking in Boston many times at extortionate prices.)

Having said that unfortunately the USA is a very car centric culture, and getting to most places such as Gillette stadium is much, much easier with a car, particularly getting back if the game is later as public transportation stops running later at night. If you are staying outside Boston (certainly the suburbs), it makes having a car much easier -both for parking and ease of driving. I'd always recommend driving to a commuter rail train station where there is usually easy parking for a much smaller fee to take the train into Boston. For getting back obviously take the commuter rail back but if the trains or T have stopped running as they do later, then Uber or a taxi is the only real option (though that may still be much less aggravation and cheaper than paying for parking).

Oh and if you do drive, never assume someone will stop or give way at a roundabout (known as a rotary here) as many people aren't aware they should do so (really not joking, though it is getting a bit better from when I first came to the states)

[Nigeyy]

People in the USA as a whole can't distinguish between English, Scottish, Irish, Australian, South African, etc accents.

Be patient, but do yourself a favour: speak more slowly and even enunciate more than you usually do.

[Nigeyy]

If you go to the commuter rail web site about the World Cup, there is no mention (at least when I read it) of a special event train from Providence directly to the stadium, only a train directly from South Station in Boston directly to the stadium. However, I just read this:

https://www.mbta.com/destinations/gillette-stadium

It says for "select events" there can be a special events train from Providence to the stadium.  No mention in the commuter rail World Cup info page though (gee thanks Commuter rail)

While there is no definite information, they do suggest there is a possibility of a special event train from Providence to the stadium. I really hope this is the case.

 

[Nigeyy]

Stuck for cheap accommodation in Boston?  Willing to rough it a for a few nights? Are you willing to walk ~1.5 miles? Willing to go for a 40 minute train ride into Boston? How does $60 a night sound for 4 people?

Consider Wompatuck State Park (https://www.mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park) for camping sites.  There is a commuter rail station (https://www.mbta.com/stops/place-GRB-0199) that is a good walk from the campsite, but still doable if you don't mind the walk.  Given campsites are usually ~$60 a night for 4 people, this is a very cheap alternative.  Wompatuck is a lovely state park that is scenic and safe.  Keep in mind as of the day I wrote this post, the website says there is nothing available -that isn't the case, they just aren't taking bookings this far in advance.

OK, but what if you don't have camping equipment?  Well assuming you can pack a sleeping bag (and temperatures in June are pretty mild) you can purchase a  cheap tent, fold up chainrs, awning and stove.  Obviously the more you can bring with you, the better off you are.  You can get these items very cheaply from somewhere like a Walmart. There is a Walmart in Weymouth which is the town over from Wompatuck State park.

Those are the pros.... what are the cons?

• 1.5 mile walk to a commuter rail station (not bad, but what if it rains...?)
• you will be roughing it (there are toilets with showers, and some sites with electrical power, but you'll still be roughing it)
• if it rains, camping can be.... absolutely no fun.
• you will be beholden to the commuter rail schedule, which isn't as frequent as you'd think (checkout the schedule for the Greenbush line)
• You will be sitting on folding chairs, outside.  Maybe comfortable at first, but maybe not so much after a couple of hours
• Most of the camping equipment you might have to purchase you are probably going to donate or take a heavy loss from even if you can sell it on the day you leave.
• drinking alcohol in state campgrounds is not allowed (OK, but honestly I've seen people drink -just not from obvious alcohol containers, and they aren't loud)
• June here can be hot.  How are you going to keep things cool? (you can use a "cooler", but you need to keep buying bags of ice, and that makes it hard to transport as there is no place to buy ice within easy distance.
• How are you going to do your laundry?
• If you can't keep food cool, you will have to depend on dehydrated meals using a stove/sandwiches/cooking food up as you get it

Obviously a lot of cons, but I thought I'd bring this up for people who are on a really tight budget and are willing to put up with the inconveniences.  I may have missed some of the cons, but you get the idea.

 

[Nigeyy]

One other thing: please, please get reasonable insurance (health) to cover you in the States. While it's unlikely they'll pursue you back to the UK for medical debt, it can screw you up a bit -including selling your debt to UK debt collectors. Or if you ever have to go back to the States (possibly, not 100% sure of this but wouldn't surprise me). And if you can't make it back "normally" (i.e. you need special medical attention to return to the UK) this can become a huge expensive headache for you and your family or friends.

The other thing is in the very unfortunate circumstance of you being incapacitated they will ask for friends or family to be guarantors for medical bills. While they should refuse* this is an awkward and extremely stressful position to be put in for a family member or friend and may put them in financial jeopardy.  If you have reasonable coverage this can be avoided.

 

*Now contrary to what some people say, a medical facility here in the  USA has a responsibility to treat you if you require urgent medical assistance, regardless of if you are insured or not or have the capability to pay.  However, like life, that's not as simple as it sounds. What exactly is "urgent medical assistance"? (E.g. if you have sepsis it could be argued it's only urgent when there's the threat of impending death!) Also, while they are obligated to treat you if you are uninsured or don't have means to pay, this means that in many cases they'll be more than happy for you to have a stable pulse and then wheeled out of the hospital as soon as possible (it is a business model over here after all). And you'll still get the bill!

 

Edited January 2 by Nigeyy

[Dave78]

21 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

 

*Now contrary to what some people say, a medical facility here in the  USA has a responsibility to treat you if you require urgent medical assistance,

Which one?

Seriously though, thanks for this Nige. I was thinking about needing to get health insurance for the trip just yesterday. Haven't looked into it though. Any recommendations?

[Ally Bongo]

You usually get offered insurance when you book your flight 

[Nigeyy]

26 minutes ago, Dave78 said:

Which one?

Seriously though, thanks for this Nige. I was thinking about needing to get health insurance for the trip just yesterday. Haven't looked into it though. Any recommendations?

Because I have medical insurance over here in the States, I've never had need to purchase any in the UK as my policy will cover most European countries.  I'm definitely not an expert, but I'd suggest one important aspect would be whether the insurance you get would help cover costs if you required emergency treatment and had to be brought back to the UK.  Hopefully someone else can chime in with this as hopefully you'll never need it or find out, but it's definitely a huge deal if you do!

[Caledoniangold]

I've used cedar tree's worldwide cover on previous trips and when needed they were excellent. Here is a 15% off link if interested!

 

www.cedartreeinsurance.com/club/refer/FvqJ4gk

[Orraloon]

I can't believe anybody in this day and age, even considers going abroad without travel insurance. Compared to the price of your holiday it's actually really cheap. Make sure you declare any pre existing medical conditions though, otherwise you wont be covered. If you go abroad more than twice a year an annual policy is even cheaper. Check your house insurance as you may already have cover on that, although a lot less insurance companies add travel insurance as standard these days.

[Nigeyy]

For those of you staying in Boston/Salem, here is a view of the Boston skyline from the commuter ferry. It makes a lovely day trip, and you can always catch the Commuter rail (keep in mind this is to North Station, not South Station) one way to cut down on costs/time. The distances between Salem ferry wharf, the centre of Salem and Salem commuter rail are very walkable. The ferry leaves from Boston Long Wharf, takes about an hour and is about $35 one way (not cheap, I'd say good value)

 

Edited January 6 by Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

So you are coming over, and you want a beach day?

First, it's tough without a car -most beaches can only be reached by car, and then you really need a car if you want a foldup chair, a cooler full of snacks/sandwiches or drinks (by the way, alcohol is not allowed on public beaches here, people do drink, but it's a case of not being obvious -i.e. not drinking out of an obvious beer container, not being loud or obnoxious, being aware of if police are around, etc).  I'm not recommending you do so, just saying that people do it, and do so at your own risk -it's your choice!

There are many beautiful beaches -particularly down on Cape Cod (and Martha's Vineyard is lovely to visit, it's where they filmed Jaws, and Nantucket is lovely too, but harder to get to), and I'd suggest you google to get some ideas.  With that in mind, I thought I'd give my own personal opinion and concentrate on some beaches that can be accessed by public/private transportation fairly easily, starting from Boston.

Oh, before we start with beaches, let's get one piece of golden 100% advice out of the way first:  if you see seals in the water, do not go in the water. It's not that seals are necessarily dangerous (wouldn't want to get bitten by one, mind you) but where there are seals, there are Great White sharks.  Secondly, and this goes with my level of neshness, I personally find the water on the Cape to be bloody cold and not enjoyable.  That's just my opinion, but if you are expecting Caribbean or Mediterranean warm crystal blue waters, well, just go to the Caribbean or Mediterranean!!!  Believe it or not, there is a big difference in water temperature from the north side of Massachusetts to the southern Cape beaches.

Finally, I'm just relating what I know or have experienced.  Always check up stuff and plan ahead as things can and do change.

1. Catch a ferry from Boston to Provincetown, and then an Uber from Provincetown to Race Point.  Race Point is beautiful.  Take a backpack with some food and drinks, as I don't think there are any snack bars there.

Pros: beautiful ferry ride out there is part of the experience (you'll get a great view of Boston). Provincetown has a character all of its own with many great restaurants and bars,  you're experiencing part of the Cape. You can sometimes catch seeing Great Whites off the beach or on the ferry ride over (my wife saw a Great White when on a ferry from Boston to Salem a couple of years ago).

Cons: OK, the roundtrip ferry ride cost can get expensive, particularly if there are more than just a couple of you. Add in there is an entrance fee(!), see https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/fees.htm and this can get to be very expensive.   Provincetown is also the gay capital of Massachusetts and you are more than likely going to see some extravert behaviour.  If it offends you, then just don't go.  Race Point, while beautiful, can be a very dangerous beach with rip tides -it's not a good beach for poor swimmers or young kids.  Also, Great Whites are known to be there for the seals (see my advice above).

2. catch the seasonal commuter rail from Boston to Hyannis (see https://capeflyer.com/reservations-tickets/capeflyer-trainpricing-routes/). Then a 30 minute walk (1.2-2 miles) to Veterans Park Beach/Kalmus Beach in Hyannis. 

Pros: nice train ride down, Hyannis is definitely the Cape, and has nice restaurants and bars

Cons: again, cost of commuter rail can add up when you have more than one person, and you'll need to walk just over a mile to get to a beach.

3. catch the blue line T train to Revere Beach (just 3-4 miles north of Boston).  Traditionally, Revere has Italian influences and has "Kellys Roast Beef" (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g41785-d323179-Reviews-Kelly_s_Roast_Beef-Revere_Massachusetts.html ) which is famous for it's beef sandwiches.

Pros: really easy to get to, close to Boston, cheap to get to, amenities close by.  Experience the real Boston, this is more a beach for people from Boston and Revere than for tourists.
 
Cons: can sometimes get crowded or a little rowdy (disclaimer: I've just gone by Revere Beach and not in the summer, but now and again, you'll read a report of a disturbance in the Summer as young kids drink, still it's very safe).  The sea water is in an urban environment, so... make of that what you will.  Not the most beautiful or "New Englandy" of beaches.

4. catch the commuter rail from North Station on the Newbury/Rockport line to Rockport (~1 hour and 20 mins, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockport,_Massachusetts). It's about a 20 min (1 mile) walk to the harbor and Front Beach.

Pros: relatively cheap to get to ($10 weekend pass!). Rockport is really nice and pictoresque with some nice bars and restaurants on Main St/Bearskin Neck.  Home of supposedly the most painted fishing shack in the world.

Cons: the beach is rocky in parts.  Commuter rail schedule can be less frequent, but still very doable.  Cold water. Very cold -at least to me -even in the Summer!

Hopefully the above is helpful, particularly if you don't have access to a car.  As I said, I haven't included all the beaches, just tried to concentrate on the ones that you can get to without a car.  Definitely google Massachusetts beaches to get more ideas, particularly if you have a car.

Please feel free to add extra info.

Edited Saturday at 05:41 PM by Nigeyy