Best way into Boston from Danvers
 

I will be in Danvers and want to take my nephews to Boston for a full day trip. What are the suggestions for the best way to get there- without driving? :) I would like to be able to do the Freedom trail and Duck tour.

I understand the Freedom trail can be done one way and public transportation is available for the other direction?? Bus?

Thank you for any information. :)

MBTA.com is an excellent resource for trip planning in metro Boston - you can enter origin and destination and it will give you detailed info on how to get there, incorporating various modes of public transportation.

Specific to your trip, commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport line - purple line on mbta maps) goes from Salem, MA to North Station Boston. If you will have a car at all, you could drive to Salem and then take train from there. While there is a bus from Danvers to Salem train, I might opt for a cab - would not likely cost much and would take much less time than waiting for bus.

Once in Boston, Duck Tour leaves from 2 places - Museum of Science or Prudential Center (check on website to confirm, though). Museum of Science is walking distance from North Station. Prudential Center involves taking MBTA Green line subway/trolley from North Station (best to get off a Copley to avoid having to change trains).

I would start Freedom Trail around Boston Common (Park Street MBTA station) and walk towards North End (old North Church, etc.). Then you will be close to North Station for return train trip to Danvers. Could even end trip with dinner in North End, or at one of the booths or restaurants at Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market area. If you continue Freedom Trail to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) you will not end up as close to North Station - but Duck Tour plus entire Freedom Trail is likely to be a little much for one day - so I might end at North End.

Check MBTA website and look at/print system map - this will all make much more sense if you have a visual in front of you.

Highly recommend checking the weather forecast and booking ahead online for the Duck Tour. Otherwise, you're likely to arrive only to find out that they're sold out for the day.