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.
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, the MBTA Silver Line SL1 runs to South Station; travel from the airport is free. For the Blue Line subway, take a free airport shuttle to Airport Station first. Logan Express coaches, taxis and ride-hail offer other options. Confirm current routes, pickup points and fares on Massport's 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 Hartford Line links New Haven, Hartford and Springfield. Valley Flyer trains continue north through Holyoke and Northampton to Greenfield, with connections at New Haven. Amtrak lists weekday schedule changes through October 30, 2026; check the specific train and date before planning a connection.
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
Reviewed source trail
- Massport — Boston Logan ground transportation (Getting Here) — checked 2026-09-12
- Bradley International Airport (BDL) — Public Transportation To/From BDL — checked 2026-09-12
- Amtrak — Travel Massachusetts by train — checked 2026-09-12
- Amtrak — Valley Flyer route and current service notices — checked 2026-09-12
- Amtrak — Lake Shore Limited route and stations — checked 2026-09-12