MA Massachusetts Guide Campus, coast, arts, rail, car, and regional planning

Arrival

Getting to Massachusetts

Most visits start at Boston Logan (BOS), the region's main airport and the obvious entry point for Boston, Cambridge and the eastern campuses. For the Pioneer Valley and the Berkshires in the west, Bradley International (BDL) near Hartford is often closer. Amtrak rail reaches Boston, Worcester and Springfield, intercity buses are the cheapest option, and a car only earns its keep once you leave the transit-served core.

Last checked June 15, 2026

Boston Logan (BOS) — the main gateway

Boston Logan International Airport, run by Massport, is the largest airport in New England and the default arrival point for the eastern half of the state, including Boston, Cambridge and nearby college towns. It sits just across the harbor from downtown, so the ride into the city is short.

From the terminals you can reach central Boston by the MBTA Silver Line bus or Blue Line subway, by Logan Express coaches to suburban hubs, or by taxi and ride-hail. Confirm current routes, pickup points and fares on the Massport ground transportation page before you land, since pickup locations for app-based rides change from time to time.

Bradley (BDL) — closer for the west

Bradley International Airport sits between Hartford and Springfield, just south of the Massachusetts line in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. For the Pioneer Valley (Springfield, Amherst, Northampton) and the southern Berkshires it is frequently a shorter and calmer drive than Logan, and it is worth comparing fares to both airports when you book.

From Bradley, CTtransit buses connect to Hartford's Union Station, and the airport links to Amtrak's Hartford Line and Valley Flyer rail service via the nearby Windsor Locks station. Check the airport's public transportation page for current connections.

Amtrak rail

Trains are a practical, traffic-free way into the state. The Northeast Regional and premium Acela run up the coast to Boston's Back Bay and South Station, linking New York, Philadelphia and Washington. The Lake Shore Limited runs once a day between Chicago and Boston, calling at Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester, so it doubles as a western-Massachusetts and central-Massachusetts connection.

For the Pioneer Valley, the Valley Flyer and Hartford Line trains serve Springfield and Northampton with connections at New Haven. Routes and timetables change seasonally, so check current schedules and fares on Amtrak before you plan around a specific train.

Intercity bus and driving

Intercity coaches are usually the cheapest way in. Several carriers run frequent service between New York, Boston and the larger college cities, and most use South Station in Boston as their hub. They are slower than the train but hard to beat on price.

Driving makes sense mainly if you are heading somewhere transit does not reach well, such as the Berkshires or parts of Cape Cod. If you are staying in Boston or Cambridge, a car is more burden than help: traffic is heavy, street parking is scarce and garages are expensive. Decide where you are actually based before committing to a rental.

Sources

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