MMN

Is there easy public transport from Danvers to Salem?
I have looked on the mbta site but can't quite decipher it.
Would like to stay outside of Salem for an October w/e but want to stay somewhere near a train so that we can easily get in and out.
Suggestions?

HowardR

Why not stay in Salem? There is a hotel (the Hawthorne) and several B&Bs.

Aquila

Oops, looks like I posted before I was finished.

Anyway, if you must stay in Danvers, the 465/468 Bus runs between Danvers and Salem.

Bus 465/468 stops at the Liberty Tree Mall, Danvers Square, North Shore Mall, Peabody Square before reaching Salem Depot.

gail

Transportation in Boston outer suburbs between cities/towns (as opposed to travel in/out Boston) on public transportation is generally not that great - that is why we are all welded into our cars. If you could let us know your goals/reasons - we might be able to offer other suggestions. Are you planning to stay in Danvers because of some connection there, cheaper hotel rate, etc.

MMN

I would like to check out Salem in October for the Halloween weekends.
However, it seems most hotel & B&Bs are very expensive around that time.
I was thinking we could stay in a neighboring town & visit from there.
We will have a car and can drive but I imagine the traffic is quite heavy and am not sure how parking is.
Thought public transport might be a good option.
I would appreciate any other suggestions.

If train travel is easier to/from Boston and Salem perhaps we should consider that even though it is a little farther????

yk

MMN-

How about staying in a town that is on the same commuter rail line as Salem?

Hotels in Boston probably will be just as expensive, and you probably have to pay for parking for your car.

Andrew304

Since you say you will have a car, just drive from the hotel in Danvers to the sights in Salem. Both of these are fairly small suburan towns and although there will be some traffic at rush hour, you will not be in "Boston" traffic...the distance between the 2 towns is probably no more than 10-15 minutes. There is plenty of paid parking available in Salem...most tourists drive and park. Don't get anxious about what you hear about driving in Boston...that's not where you will be.

gail

Now that I know you will have a car - it makes the whole thing much easier. As above poster stated - just drive. Park in a paid lot, and enjoy yourself. Take a day trip north to Rockport sometime while you are here. Nothing much in Danvers except a shopping mall.

amyb

You should know that there isn't a lot of available paid parking after 7:15 a.m. near the train in Salem on a weekday. The lots are notoriously full because Salem is one of the most popular commuter rail stops, and the courts are nearby as well, which fills up the other municipal lot and parking garage within walking distance. As a daily commuter, I'd love to know where to find more parking!

The 15-20 minute drive estimate from Danvers to Salem is ok during weekends and holidays, but certainly not during the week. 114 is a mess regularly and towards the end of the day in October (when Haunted Happenings start at sundown), you don't want to be driving anywhere near Salem.

There is usually a shuttle for Haunted Happenings from the mall area in Peabody (next to both Danvers and Salem). I'd check out the HH website closer to the time for info.