We'll be picking up our rental car at Enterprise in Pru. Ctr. on Sat. June 7 at noon and will be heading immediately to the Cape. What's the best way on a Saturday to go? Mapquest and Googlemaps gave 2 answers, one was to take Boyleston east until you can catch 93 South, the other was to head down Mass. Ave., connect to a couple other streets (don't have the details in front of me)and get on 93 well to the south of the Mass. Tpke/93 junction.

Bostonians (those of you that drive), what would you suggest?

Mark

I'd take Mass Ave. It's the most direct. If you head out Boylston, you may run into traffic and long lights (because of all the pedestrians).

But, you can go either way.

When you pick up the car, ask for directions to STORROW DRIVE. I can't really give you good directions here, although we are talking about a distance of about 4 blocks - the reason I can't give directions is streets are one-way in Back Bay, so I can't say "turn right/turn left" unless I knew precise location of exit from lot with rental car - and even Enterpricse could not give you this. So ask them - it will be close and easy.

Take Storrow Drive east bound - you will know you are going in the right direction when you see the Charles River on your left.

Continue a few miles, paying attention to signage for Route 93 SOUTH.

Other routes are possible, and I think the the Boylston Street option may put you on Storrow Drive - since Boiylston Street never directly connects to Route 93.

The Mass Ave option will also work - but it takes you for miles thru congested city streets, past several hospitals - not a fun drive.

FYI - Bostonians (those of you who drive) - we all drive - that is why traffic is so bad.

Thanks Gail
To the best of your knowledge, are the streets pretty well marked for the right-turn, left-turn adventure? Rumor has it that signage is sparse in some areas. I'll make sure I ask but sometimes people assume you know...
Thanks again.

Saturday at noon will not be a big deal for traffic, barring some special event.

No, the roads are not well-marked. In general, in Massachusetts there are no signs for the road you are on, only the cross streets. You are supposed to know what street you are on.

The Boylston option does not put you on Storrow Drive. It is very direct, but it would send you to 93 South through some confusing street driving on the edge of Chinatown, which is always crowded on Saturdays.

Mass Ave is a very direct route, but it is not great because the roadway itself is not in good condition, and the last thing you need in a newly rented car is navigating while having to deal with masses of potholes.

Reluctantly, Storrow Drive is probably the easiest, though quite out of the way. As suggested, get directions from the rental desk. You can enter Storrow Drive from the Back Bay at Mass Ave (in the non potholed direction) or from Berkeley St. Which is best depends on where you exit the Pru Center, since all the roads are one way.

Head east on Storrow, then as you pass Mass General Hospital on your right, get to the right hand side of the roadway and follow the signs for the airport and 93 S into the tunnel. At Braintree, you will bear left onto MA 3, after which it is a piece of cake.

The streets in Boston are not well-marked. In fact, most of them are NOT marked.

The difficult part is knowing which garage exit you'll actually come out from the Pru as I think there are at least 4-5 entrances/exits for that garage, and they all come out to different streets!

I also suggest you ask the garage person for directions to Storrow Drive. The easiest street to get on is via Berkeley Street.

Good luck!

Also agree with the Storrow Drive suggestion. However, if you get lost on the Back Bay streets, and find yourself on Boylston Street (which is one of the main streets in the Bay Bay) follow Boylston Street all the way. It will become Essex Street when you cross Tremont Street (which runs perpendicular to Boylston). Follow Essex Street (you will be on the edge of Chinatown) and when you cross another main street (the Surface Artery) you will see an entrance to 93 South directly across the street on the right. You will also see signs for 93 South at that point. If you miss the first entrance point to 93 South, take a right on the Surface Artery and go to the end (staying in the left lane) and you will be able to get on 93 South at that point. You should not find too much traffic on these streets as you will be in the Financial District which is pretty quiet on the weekend. So you can see you have several options to make your getaway from Boston!