Boston Cruise Port
Basics Information and Public Transport
Arriving in Boston as an independent cruiser can be a little daunting at first. Here’s a rundown on Boston’s cruise port basics, how to reach Boston Common by public transport, and a few lessons learned along the way.
Welcome to Boston: Key Details for Cruisers
Boston, Massachusetts, a historical treasure on the Eastern Seaboard, is often called the birthplace of the American Revolution. Many visitors start their tours at Boston Common to walk the Freedom Trail, a route that takes you through sites like Paul Revere’s House and the Boston Massacre location. To make the most of your time without an expensive tour, here’s what you need to know.
Cruise Terminal Overview
The Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in South Boston Waterfront District is your entry point, located about three miles from downtown Boston. This port has three berths, but with a compact docking area, it can feel a bit tight when busy. Terminal 1 is for port-of-call passengers and is simpler than the larger Terminal 2, which handles most embarkations. On our visit, we went through Terminal 1, which had basic seating, clean bathrooms, water fountains, and a small info booth with maps.
Navigating Ground Transport Options
Once you exit Terminal 1, you’ll see a line of tour buses (pre-arranged only) outside along Black Falcon Avenue. Rideshares like Uber can’t pick up here directly, so if you’re using them, you’ll need to walk a bit further.
To reach your transportation options, head left and walk about 15 minutes to Drydock Avenue. Here, you have three main choices for getting to Boston Common:
Old Town Trolley Tours: These hop-on-hop-off buses offer convenient transport around the city, though tickets are typically around $40-50 per person.
Rideshare Pickup: Arrange your Uber or Lyft pickup at the Dunkin’ across the street on Drydock Avenue. Taxis or rideshares to Boston Common take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re traveling in a group, the cost per person becomes more manageable.
Public Bus (SL2 or Silver Line 2): For a budget-friendly option, catch the SL2 bus, which connects to the Red Line subway for Boston Common. This is the option we’ll focus on, as it’s both economical and a fun way to experience the city.
Taking the SL2 Bus and Red Line to Boston Common
The SL2 is part of Boston’s Silver Line and is considered a subway route by the local transit authority, meaning you won’t pay extra when transferring to the Red Line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along:
Board the SL2 Bus: At the bus stop, use the payment machine to pay your fare ($2.40 one-way, $4.80 round trip). You’ll receive a transit card that you’ll need to keep if you’re making a round trip.
Transfer at South Station: After a few stops, the bus will arrive at South Station, a multi-level transit hub. Head to the Red Line platform and take the train to Park Street, which brings you directly to Boston Common. The subway here is America’s oldest, with a maze-like layout that can feel like an Escher painting, so follow signs carefully.
Exploring Boston Common and Beyond
After about a 25-30 minute trip from the bus stop, you’ll reach Boston Common. Plan another 45 minutes if you’re timing your trip from the cruise gangway to Boston Common. This is an ideal spot to start exploring the Freedom Trail or take a short walk to Quincy Market.
Getting to Quincy Market
Transit Option: Continue on the Red Line from Park Street, transfer at Downtown Crossing to the Orange Line toward Oak Grove, and get off at State Street.
Walking Option: Walk about a mile northeast from Boston Common as part of the Freedom Trail route.
Navigational Tips for the Return Trip
On the way back, you’ll need to buy a new bus ticket at South Station if you didn’t purchase a round-trip fare initially. When transferring, follow signs for SL2 carefully. I mistakenly exited at SL4, leading to a ticketing issue, as re-entry requires a new fare.
Lesson Learned: Always follow signs specific to your route—taking the SL2 means staying on the same ticket through the transfer!
Final Thoughts
Using Boston’s public transit gives you a more local view of the city and offers flexibility to explore at your own pace. With these basics, you’re set to enjoy a memorable day in one of America’s most historic cities—all while keeping costs low.