angelainbermuda

We are traveling from Boston to Salem next Sunday (Oct 25th). Is the train or the ferry the best way to go? (I know its going to depend on the weather for the ferry, as service is down today due to inclement weather). Our hotel's shuttle would drop us off at the Airport Terminal then we need to make our way to Salem (with luggage and 3 kids, ages 4-6 in tow).

Jackie

As you are relying on public transportation and traveling with young children, you are probably looking to minimize the number of transfers to get to your destination. Since the airport station is on the blue line (MBTA), I would go with the ferry. I think the ferry is by the aquarium, which is also on the blue line. Taking the commuter train would require an extra T transfer.


http://www.newenglandtravelplanner.c...transport.html

yk

Ugh!

There's really no good way, IMO.

The "easiest" way may be:
Airport terminal to Logan Ferry Terminal (via Massport Route 66 bus)
MBTA Harbor Express (boat) from Logan Ferry Terminal to Long Wharf
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_ma...Redisplay+Time
Salem Ferry from Long Wharf to Salem http://www.salemferry.com/schedule.shtml

This route will have the least amount of walking and schlepping. The problem is, none of these run frequently on a Sunday. If you miss one, you may end up waiting 1-2 hours for the next.

Alternate plan is:
Airport Terminal to Blue Line Airport T station (via shuttle bus; either #11 or #22 http://www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_logans.html )
Take the Blue Line T to Aquarium stop, walk out to Long Wharf
Take Salem Ferry from Long Wharf to Salem

The Salem Ferry only runs every 2 hours; where as the train (commuter rail) runs every hour or so http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_ma...Redisplay+Time

But the commuter rail departs from North Station. To get there, you would need to take the Blue Line T (as mentioned above) from Airport station to Government Center; then change for the Green Line at Government Center to get to North Station.

P.S. The T + Commuter Rail option will be the cheapest, as the commuter rail fare is $5.25/adult, and free for children under 11. Salem Ferry charges $13/adult, $10/child.

emalloy

Agree with the above and if you take the train, the walk to the part of town with interesting things to visit is about 15 minutes. Can you check your luggage somewhere? Expect crowds as you are getting near to Halloween and that is crazy time in Salem. Going in a car will also be not nice as there will be lots of traffic and not much in the way of parking.

Hop on the T and take the kids to the Museum of Science or the Children's museum right in town if you haven't already done that, much more fun for them.

Jackie

I was thinking about taking the T from the airport with the 3 kids and luggage (I find it a hassle even traveling alone and already having a T pass). Have you considered taking a cab from your hotel to either the commuter line or ferry? Depending on where your hotel is, the cost of a taxi might be well worth it.

mwalker

I am partial to the ferry. It is a lot of fun for the kids, and one of the prettiest rides around. It leaves at 10, 12, 2, 4, 6:10, and 8:10 Saturday...then you can use your ticket to get discounts at a bunch of restaurants, museums, and shops in Salem and Boston.

yk

I agree with Jackie regarding taking a taxi to either North Station (for the commuter train to Salem), or Long Wharf (for the Salem ferry). Assuming you're staying in a hotel in Boston, the cab fare shouldn't be that much, and surely will save you a lot of headache and hassle trying to get to either place from the airport!