World City Guide

Getting There By Road

Driving is on the right and the minimum driving age in Massachusetts is 16.5 years. The speed limit on most major highways is 88kph (55mph) and is strictly enforced. It is possible to turn right at a red traffic light after stopping – unless otherwise indicated. Technically overtaking should only be done on the outside lane, although, in reality, cars on a five-lane highway regularly pass on both sides. At crossroads without traffic lights, the four-way stop system means that it is first-come first-served; the car to the right proceeds first. On sections of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the speed limit is 104kph (65mph). Elsewhere, limits range from 32-80kph (30-45mph).

While most non-US driver’s licences are acceptable, it is best to bring an International Driving Permit. Children under 12 years of age are required to be protected with an approved car seat or safety belt. Massachusetts encourages all passengers to wear seat belts and strictly enforces the drink-driving law of 0.02% maximum alcohol to blood ratio.

The American Automobile Association (tel: (800) 222 1333; website: www.aaa.com) can provide information, and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown service: AAA (800) AAA HELP or (800) 222 4357

Routes to the city: There are two main road arteries leading into Boston – the I-93 and the I-90. The I-93 (often called the ‘Central Artery’) cuts through the central downtown running north-south and keeping close to the waterfront. The I-90 comes into the city centre travelling west-east. This road is known locally as the ‘Masspike’ (the Massachusetts Turnpike). These two roads meet the ring road arc of the I-95 (known locally as Route 128). Access to the downtown area from the northeast and the airport is via road tunnels. The Callahan Tunnel (no toll) is outgoing, but there is an incoming toll for the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels (US$3 for private vehicle and US$4.50 for a limo or taxi).

Driving times to Boston: From Hartford (Connecticut) – 2 hours; Albany (New York) – 3 hours 15 minutes; New York City – 4 hours 15 minutes; Montreal (Canada) – 6 hours 30 minutes.

Coach services: South Station, on the junction of Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue, is the central coach station. Greyhound (tel: (617) 526 1808 for ticketing or (800) 231 2222 fare and schedule hotline, toll free in the USA and Canada; website: www.greyhound.com) operates services throughout the USA (a standard one-way Boston–New York ticket costs US$30). Peter Pan/Trailways Bus Lines (tel: (413) 781 2900 or (800) 343 9999, toll free in the USA and Canada; website: www.peterpanbus.com) go all over New England. Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway buses (tel: (508) 746 0378; website: www.p-b.com) go to the South Shore and Cape Cod. Bonanza Buses (tel: (401) 751 8800 or (401) 751 8800, toll free in the USA and Canada; website: www.bonanzabus.com) cover western Massachusetts and southwards to New York.