Boston Driving
 

Hi All,
I'm hoping for some advice. My husband and I are flying into RI in July and renting a car and driving out to the cape for a few days. We'll then be heading to Boston, followed by NH and Maine. I've heard horror stories about Boston driving and was wondering if there was anywhere I could park the car on the outskirts of Boston over night. We're staying at the Westin Copley Place. I'm a little worried about getting in and out of Boston with a rental car and was hoping someone would have an idea of what I should do.
Thanks much!

Driving to the Westin Copley isn't that bad but the overnight parking rate is $40. So if that is too rich for your blood, you could park at the RT 128 train station and take the train into the Back Bay station. I believe the station is very close to the Westin - I'm thinking its across the street but my memory may be failing me.

Another option is too park at the Red line stations of Braintree or Quincy Adams. Lots may get filled early on weekdays and I'm not sure overnight parking is allowed.

Boston driving isn't that bad for what you are talking about. Given your route, you will be going against rush hour traffic from the Cape to the city in the afternoon and from the city to NH in the morning.

If you don't want to bite the bullet and pay the $40 at the Westin, you could drop off the bags and drive to the Common garage and park for somewhat less.

Yes, you could take commuter rail from 128 because the Back Bay Station is indeed across the street from the Westin, but by the time you got the tickets, paid for the station parking, wrestled the luggage, and -- worst of all -- had to pick up the car next day and join all the commuters on Rte 128 and I95 or I93, it wouldn't be worth it.

If I were staying in Boston for several days, I would do one of two things: leave the car in the Common Garage OR turn the car in and get another one when it is time to leave. There is a Budget agency and -- I think -- an Avis agency at the Motor Mart garage in Park Square, a short walk from the Westin.

Don't even think about parking on the "outskirts" of Boston!! The Westin Copley has a parking garagae right there - and any price they charge is worth the convenience of having your car where you are! Boston is not that bad to drive around because it is very compact. See if your rental car can be equipped with a GPS to make it even easier. Once you get to Boston you won't even have to move your car till you're ready to leave because you will be in a very central and nice location.

Thank you all! I appreciate it. We'll just drive in and out. My husband may have a coronary over $40 parking, but as was mentioned it is probably worth it to have it right there. It'll take some stress off.
You're the best!

You won't need the car while you're in Boston. the only sensible thing to do is to turn it in when you arrive, and get another when you're leaving. Or rearrange your itinerary so that Boston is the final days of your visit, do everything else then return the car, taking the train from Boston back to Providence.

Just letting you know a country boy from Texas did fine driving in Boston and I stayed at Westin Copley Place. I did what CB1 suggested and had the NeverLost system in rental--well worth the extra money. Took a day trip to Rockport and drove the coast and returned back to hotel without any problem or U turns. You have to eat lobster at Roy Moore lobster at Rockport and breakfast at Charlies Sandwich shoppe that is within walking distance from Copley Place. The GPS in rental is a must--I went to Philadelphia last year and broke world record for Uturns--actually had to ask for directions once--hard on country boy