If you’ve spent some time in the Northeast then you have probably noticed the close proximity between some major cities including New York, Boston, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Many people – students, business people, tourists, make the trek between cities quite often. The major transportation companies have taken note of this, and as such, you now have a number of options of getting around the Northeast. This article will focus specifically on travel from New York City to Boston and the return, travel from Boston to New York City.
BUS
Greyhound/Peter Pan
This route takes you between Port Authority in Times Sq. New York City and South Station in Boston. With no discounts or advanced purchase a round trip will cost you between $55.00 and $65.00. This is not the best way to buy tickets however. If you go to Greyhound’s website click on the button entitle “Travel Deals.” You will be presented with a few options: fare specials, discounts, and promotional offers. I suggest clicking on the “fare specials” option. This action will bring up a page that lists a number of Greyhound travel deals (including NYC to DC and NYC to Philadelphia routes). You will find that on this page the very same route, New York City to Boston round trip, is now just $40.00
Some special things to note about riding on the Greyhound bus and the New York City to Boston route:
– You will be travelling on either a Greyhound or Peter Pan bus (they’re the same company). Peter Pan buses offer movies on their coaches.
– This is a very popular route, be sure to arrive well in advance of your departure.
– You do not have to make your return trip on the same day it says on your ticket.
– Save time and buy your ticket online, you can pick it up at the station by inserting the credit card you paid with at the kiosks at the bus stations.
– Greyhound accepts student discounts with the Student Advantage Card, child discounts, military discounts, and senior discounts.
Fung Wah Bus
The Fung Wah Bus is a cheaper alternative to the Greyhound. While it departs/arrives from the same station as the Greyhound bus in Boston (South Station, gate 25) it departs/arrives from a different stop in New York City. Located at 139 Canal St in Chinatown, NYC, this bus may be a little harder to find. Tickets can be ordered online from the Fung Wah Bus website or at either bus station. Trips are offered hourly throughout the day beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m., though the last Boston to NYC bus leaves South Station at 11:30 p.m. During rush hours, buses are offered on the half-hour as well. One way tickets are $15.00.
Lucky Star Bus
Lucky Star Bus is almost identical to the Fung Wah Bus except for their arrival/departure points in New York City. The stop in NYC is at 69 Chrystie St. near Canal St. in Chinatown, NYC. In Boston, only the gate number changes, proceed to gate 13 at South Station to board this bus. Also, Lucky Star offers a late-night bus at 2:00 a.m. from Boston to NYC for $25.00. All other times the fare is $15.00 one-way.
LIMO
LimoLiner
LimoLiner is a way to travel from New York City to Boston instyle. This is definitely the way to go if you are a business traveler. Featuring plugs for your laptops or cell phone chargers, as well as a wireless internet connection, you can stay connected to your colleagues. If those things don’t matter to you, you can always recline in the LimoLiner’s big leather seats. Complimentary drinks,snacks, magazines, and newspapers are also provided. WIth amenities like that it’s almost like riding on an airplane. This over the road coach costs $79.00 for a one-way trip and takes just over four hours, traffic permitting. There are three places the LimoLiner picks up and drops off passengers: Hilton Boston Back Bay Hotel at Dalton and Boylston St, Sheraton Framingham Hotel at exit 12 of the Mass Pike in Framingham, MA, and Hilton New York Hotel at 6th Ave and 53rd St. Departures are offered 3-4 times a day and twice in Saturdays.
TRAIN
Amtrak
If travel from New York City to Boston by rail is your choice then book your ride with Amtrak. Servicing much of the Northeast, the New York City to Boston route is a very popular one. There are two types of trains available: Regional Service and Acela Express, the high speed train. The Regional service generally takes about 4 hours and costs $73.00 one-way while Acela Express take about 3.5 hours and usually costs $81.00 or $95.00 depending on if its rush hour. Amtrak provides a nice alternative to the bus and features a dining car, bigger bathrooms than the buses, more leg room, and electrical outlets. In New York City you can catch this train at Penn Station and in Boston at South Station and Back Bay Station. For those who live in the suburbs of Boston, you can hop off at Route 128 Station in Dedham. I highly recommend making a reservation beforehand online to ensure a ticket.
