just a fyi...We always travel from Orlando to boston to get to our place in Sountern Maine. Just arrived and it was horrendous in Boston, worst I have seen this year so far - 3rd trip this year since April! Logan much busier, Thrify much busier, roads much busier....
That is why I always comment on people who say they want to do so much with limited time and in the summer. it just isn't possible nor pleasant this time of year. We hope to drive little and walk as much as we can this trip!

Better to fly into Providence, RI, 45 minutes from Logan or Portland, Me. Sometimes you can get a cheap fare from Orlando to Providence on Southwest.

Um, Providence is an hour south of Boston, and you'd still have to either go through Boston or the long way around on Route 128 to get to Portland.

First, do not judge the business of our roadways in Boston based on one day's experience. In fact, commuter traffic has been documented as as much as 10-15% less (compared to one year ago) by several local news stories. This has been anectdotally confirmed by the many people I know who commute into Boston - traffic feels lighter.

Second - it has been high heat for many days in Boston, and high humidity today - nothing is pleasant in this weather.

However, Boston tourists - read this post carefully. When those of us in Boston warn you about staying a seemingly small distance from downtown to save money and we warn about the lengthy commutes in - this is what we mean.

We always try to fly into PVD, when possible, but there are no direct flights there from LA, and connecting gets to be such a chore. (Our 5-hour flight from Missoula-SLC-LAX earlier in the year turned into a 12 hour ordeal, with delays at the beginning and ending of each leg.) So, this year, we're JetBlue-ing from Long Beach to Logan. We're avoiding the chaos of LAX in exchange for the chaos of Logan. I'm hoping that by arriving pretty late at night, we'll miss the worst of it.

There are major delays in off-hours on the highways around Boston due to the road construction that takes place this time of year. I experienced this on a weeknight coming up Route 3 (SE Expressway) from Quincy at 8:30 p.m. Traffic was at a dead stop when I got on Route 3 at Furnace Brook Pkwy due to bridge work several exits ahead. The same is true for Route 128 and the MA Pike. Best to consult the "smartraveler" website if you can to find these delays. It's frustrating but something to be aware of. I drive into Boston from a western suburb and have found that the traffic is unpredictable at best every day.

Great advice to check out Smartraveler: http://www.smartraveler.com/scripts/...ityname=Boston

I rarely have a problem flying into/out of Logan during off-peak times.

Consider looking into Manchester NH airport- it's regional, like Providence. But a good option if doing things north of the city.

If southern Maine is your destination, you should fly into Manchester, NH (MHT). Way easier than flying into Boston. If you haven't used MHT before, it will be love at first sight. One of the nicest, easiest to navigate airports there is.

Easy access right onto Route 101 East to Portsmouth (45 mintues), then pick up route 95 into Maine.

Also, Southwest flies non-stop from Orlando to Manchester!!!

"I experienced this on a weeknight coming up Route 3 (SE Expressway) from Quincy at 8:30 p.m. "

LOL, my daughter ran into that on Sunday night; we must be neighbors.

Hi lvk,

We're flying LAX to Logan this fall, because we're turning in FF miles for FC seats, and those are the airports we need to use to fly non-stop. My husband has used Jet Blue from Long Beach a couple times, but it's not really easier for us, because of the drive, when we're minutes from lax. We arrive at 3:45 PM Boston, and are heading to Kennebunkport in the afternoon. Anyway, I don't mind either airport, because it means we're still flying!

another neighbor who has hit that expressway work in Quincy

I agree with Gail on why Bostonians tell you to leave time "just in case" - you never know -

Also agree, the traffic has been light more than heavy the past three weeks - some days I can't figure how I zoom in or out - today I left at 5 and was home in 45 minutes.....I am imagining many are vacationing? taking the trains now? the commuter boats which are offering money for using them vs. gas?.....

lot of possibilities - then just when I think I have it made - WHAM - a dead stop on Rte 3 South waaay after rush hour

You got great advice for future though if heading up north if you can use Manchester airport-
otherwise try and go with the flow - traveling always has its moments, but hopefully the journey is worth it.

Traffic is always lighter (on average) when school is out, but the T does report that ridership is up despite the season.

Thanks for that smarttraveler link. I'll be sure to use that when we drive back into the city for the Sox game.

We're heading south of Logan, and by the time we get our rental car, it will be well after midnight. Hopefully they'll be few unpleasant surprises at that time.

MBNancy, both LAX & LGB involve the same amount of driving for us. I just wish that JetBlue flew into PVD. Have a great time in Maine!

lvk "when you drive in for the Sox game"

I can guarantee you will not find that a pleasant experience. Depending on where you are staying, see if public transit is an option - it may not be, especially if game is at night - you may not make all connections prior to MBTA shutting down for the night.

gail, we're bracing ourselves for that drive. We're actually going to spend the day in the city (kids have never been), doing the touristy things. In a previous thread, I think it was you who suggested parking at the Pru for the day, which I think we'll do. We'll start with the Duck Tour and then play it by ear.

Thanks!