![Guide To Taking A New York to Boston Day Trip [UPDATED FOR 2026]](https://theroamingrenegades.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/boston-guide-things-to-do-368x552.jpg)
Boston might seem a little out of the way from New York City but if you have the energy taking a day trip up to this amazing city is totally doable and utterly worthwhile. Whilst of course there is so much to cover in this beautiful and historic city it is also quite compact and assessable too. Our day trip to Boston left a real impression on us and we would love to return one day. But if you want to get a taste of Boston here is a guide to a day in the city!
How to get there from New York: Your
How to get there from New York:
Your main options for the trip up to Boston are: Car, Train or Bus.
Driving would be a great way to see a little more on the journey and stop off whenever you like, taking the train is relaxing and scenic but a little on the expensive side. We chose to take the Greyhound and got a great deal on fares! Boston isn’t too far from New York so they make a great start to a US road trip along the East Coast.
Book Transport
Best Place to Book Other Transport Options
If you’re looking for another option for transport, specifically booking Ryanair, Easyjet, National Express or Renfe then Omio are another super reliable company especially when travelling in Europe.
Car:
The distance is around 215 miles and will take just under 4 hours.
Train:
Trains run regularly from Penn Station and take around 3hrs 40mins. Some require you to change mid-journey.
Cost: $52 – $76 each way, per person (Cheapest)
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Bus:
The famous Greyhound also runs regular services from the Port Authority Bus terminal to Boston which takes around 5 hours. We set off on an early morning service which got us into the city around about 10 am and left on a late night bus to get us back into NYC at 2 am.
Cost: $15 each way, per person (Cheapest)
The BEST Way To Book Your Transport!
12go Transport Online Booking
12Go is the best place to book your flights, trains, buses, ferries, coaches and more online.
At The Roaming Renegades we love 12Go and trust them for all our bookings.
Things To Do In Boston On A Day Trip From New York
Fenway Park
Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912 is the oldest and most historic ballpark in America and one of the oldest sports stadiums in the world. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan (like Nic – Mets fan), a general sports fan or even just a culture and history junkie this is one of the best things to do in Boston for sure! Fenway has seen it all, from Babe Ruth through to the post-Boston bombing World Series championship! The tour takes you all around the park and even on top of the infamous “green monster”, what makes it even more special is the passion of the guides who have seen all the history in this stadium first hand.
Read more about our visit the Fenway Park here:
Quincy Market/ Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall was a market and meeting place in 1743, several of the city’s most important events have happened in and around the hall. Samuel Adams and James Otis made several speeches supporting and encouraging independence from Great Britain within these walls, it’s subsequently also referred to as “The Cradle of Liberty.” Notwithstanding all the fantastic history contained within these buildings and streets, the market is still in full flow all year around offering fantastic food and a great atmosphere.
New England Chowder and Sea Food
A trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the amazing local seafood. We headed over to Legal Sea Foods in the landmark Prudential Centre to try some New England Chowder, lobster and of course, this seafood cocktail which was a complete nightmare to eat!!
Wander The Historic Streets
One of the best things about Boston is just wandering the streets and taking in all the history, the city is a patchwork of buildings dating back centuries which are surrounded by newer constructions. There has been a real effort to preserve the character of the city as it has grown and expanded over the years, from the tiny churches to the cobbled streets literally around every corner you are walking in the footsteps of the pioneers!
Our Favourite Backpacks
Boston Harbour
Boston harbour is one of the most important in US history, from immigration to the Boston Tea Party this harbour has seen or been connected to almost every important event in the early years of the US. Not only is it a centre of historical events but a lifeline and cultural anchor of the city.
Boston much like Liverpool in England was built around the harbour, food, work and recreation all centred around its maritime culture. Of course, things move on and life in Boston has developed but the harbour still attracts a crowd with its restaurants, bars, boat tours and scenic views.
Massachusetts State House
This National Historic Landmark is the state capital and house of the government of Massachusetts. Completed in 1798 by the architect Charles Bulfinch it is one of the most important buildings in the city and is often considered a masterpiece of federal architecture.
Not only is it saturated in the history of the state and the country but it continues to be used to this day. The building itself is absolutely stunning, the golden dome shone in the crisp winter light as we turned the corner and caught our first sight of it. A must-see!
Old South Meeting House
Like much of Boston, the Old South Meeting House is famous due to its role in the history and formation of the United States. The building was originally a church and was built in 1729, it is most famous as the meeting point, on 16th Dec 1773, of the Boston Tea Party.
Over 5,000 colonists crammed into what was the largest building in the city at the time to speak of revolution and liberty! This National Historic Landmark also housed notable congregants such as Samuel Adams, William Dawes and Benjamin Franklin. Today it is a museum which can be accessed for only a few dollars.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
SafetyWing
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
Final Thoughts On A Day Trip To Boston From New York
We absolutely fell in love with Boston and wished we had more time to explore its historic and beautiful streets. There are so many more things we would love to do and see in the city, we look forward to eventually paying a return visit…this time hopefully in the summer!
As you may be able to see from the photos Boston can get pretty chilly in the winter, at one point it was -13c! Wrap up warm if you head up to Boston in the snow! But not even the weather could ruin what was an amazing but tiring day trip from NYC, if you get the chance to see Boston you will not regret it!
Have you ever been to Boston, what are your tips?
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
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