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The MBTA subway and trolley system (known collectively as the “T”), gets you close to almost anywhere in the city. Most of the lines are underground in the city center, and go partially above ground in the suburbs. Fares are $1.25 almost everywhere.

The MBTA bus system enlarges the transit network to cover more than 1,000 miles (1,620 km). Buses run less frequently than the “T”. There are also nightowl buses running parallel to some subway routes from midnight to 2.30am ($1.50 per ride). Two useful bus routes are Charlestown to Haymarket (No. 93) and Harvard Square to Dudley Square via Massachusetts Avenue (No. 1). Make sure you have the exact change (90 cents) or a combo “T” pass when traveling by bus. Bus maps are available on the MBTA website or at the main office at Downtown Crossing.

Visitor’s Passports for unlimited travel on the MBTA system for one, three, or seven days ($7.50/$18/$35) can be purchased at Downtown Crossing and airport “T” station, or at Visitors’ Bureau information kiosks (see Information Kiosks).

City Water Taxi operates throughout Boston’s inner harbor. Boston Harbor Cruises offers a ferry service to Provincetown from Long Wharf. The Bay State Cruise Company connects the World Trade Center with Provincetown, and the inexpensive MBTA ferry links Long Wharf to Charlestown Navy Yard (see Charlestown Navy Yard).

Unlike many American cities, Downtown Boston is compact and easy to negotiate on foot.

Boston has many dedicated bike paths including those along the Charles River and on some major streets. Note, cycling on highways is illegal and riding on sidewalks is discouraged and, in some places, illegal. Boston Bike Tours rents bikes on Boston Common (see Boston Common & Public Garden).

Use public transportation to reach neighborhood centers and explore on foot from there. If you’re going farther out get the Arrow Metro Street Atlas .

Taxis can be hailed on the street in the Downtown area or found at taxi stands throughout the city. Cambridge taxis can only collect in Cambridge, and Boston taxis in Boston (except at the airport). You can also call a taxi company to arrange a pick up. Rates are calculated by both mileage and time.

Visitors should familiarize themselves with basic US driving rules and signage. Information is available at most vehicle-rental agencies. “Rotary” traffic intersections (roundabouts) confuse even local drivers. In theory, vehicles on the rotary have right of way.

Bostonians own twice as many cars as there are spaces, so parking spaces are limited. Metered parking costs 25 cents per 15-minute period from 8am to 6pm. Garage and open lot parking starts around $5 per hour, $21 per day. Boston Common (Charles St) and Haymarket (Congress and Sudbury sts) garages are two of the most central.