Major Highways & Driving Tips in Boston, United States
1. Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)
The Massachusetts Turnpike is a major east-west highway in Boston, connecting New York City to the west and Providence, Rhode Island to the east. It bypasses downtown Boston.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours and holidays
- Rest Areas: Provides facilities for travelers at certain intervals
2. Storrow Drive
A major north-south highway in Boston, running along the Charles River and connecting Cambridge with downtown Boston. It provides a scenic drive while bypassing traffic congestion.
- Scenic Route: Offers views of the Charles River and Boston skyline
- Rush Hour Congestion: Can be congested during rush hours, especially in the morning
- Restricted Access: Limited access points and no right turns from certain directions
3. Route 1 (Maine Turnpike)
Extends north from Boston to the Canadian border. It offers a quick route for travelers heading out of Boston.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travelers heading north
- Rest Areas: Provides facilities for travelers at certain intervals
4. I-93
A major north-south highway in Boston connecting New Hampshire to the north and Rhode Island to the south. It runs through downtown Boston.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours and holidays
- Public Transit Access: Adjacent to the MBTA Orange Line and Silver Line
- Restricted Access: Limited access points due to its urban location
5. I-95
Connects Boston to the south (Maine and Connecticut) and the north (New Hampshire and Vermont). It provides access to downtown Boston via the Ted Williams Tunnel.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices for the Ted Williams Tunnel
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours and holidays
- Access to Downtown: Provides direct access to downtown Boston via the Ted Williams Tunnel
6. Route 28 (Belt Parkway)
A major east-west highway in southern Boston, connecting Quincy to Dorchester. It provides a scenic route along the coast.
- Scenic Route: Offers views of the Boston Harbor and coastal scenery
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during rush hours, especially in the evening
- Restricted Access: Limited access points and no right turns from certain directions
7. I-495
A major north-south highway surrounding Greater Boston, connecting New Hampshire to the north and Rhode Island to the south.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours and holidays
- Access to Major Cities: Provides access to major cities like Lowell, Worcester, and Framingham
8. Route 3
A north-south highway connecting Boston with New Hampshire's seacoast. It provides a scenic route through the North Shore.
- Scenic Route: Offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and charming coastal towns
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during summer weekends and holidays
- Restricted Access: Limited access points due to its coastal location
9. Route 128 (Belt Highway)
A major loop highway encircling Boston, connecting the cities of Cambridge, Burlington, and Woburn. It provides access to many suburban areas.
- Suburban Access: Offers easy access to many suburbs around Boston
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours and weekends
- Restricted Access: Limited access points due to its loop design
10. Route 24
A major east-west highway connecting the cities of Brockton and Taunton. It provides a quick route for travelers heading southeast from Boston.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travelers heading southeast
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during rush hours and holidays
- Rest Areas: Provides facilities for travelers at certain intervals
11. Ted Williams Tunnel
A major underwater tunnel connecting Boston with South Boston and the airport. It provides a quick route to the airport and southern parts of the city.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices
- Access to Airport: Provides direct access to Boston's Logan International Airport
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during rush hours and holidays
12. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
A major bridge connecting Boston with Charlestown. It provides a scenic route over the Charles River and the historic Bunker Hill Monument.
- Scenic Route: Offers views of the Charles River and Boston skyline
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during rush hours and weekends
- Access to Downtown: Provides access to downtown Boston via Storrow Drive or the Charlestown neighborhood
13. Sumner Tunnel
A major underwater tunnel connecting Boston with South Boston. It provides a quick route to the airport and southern parts of the city.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices
- Access to Airport: Provides direct access to Boston's Logan International Airport
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during rush hours and holidays
14. McClellan Highway (Route 3A)
A scenic coastal highway connecting Boston with the North Shore. It provides a picturesque route through Marblehead and Salem.
- Scenic Route: Offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and charming coastal towns
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during summer weekends and holidays
- Restricted Access: Limited access points due to its coastal location
15. Southeast Expressway (I-93)
A major north-south highway in Boston connecting Quincy with the city's south. It provides a quick route for travelers heading south.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at toll booths or via electronic devices
- Heavy Traffic: Can be congested during rush hours and holidays
- Access to Quincy and Cape Cod: Provides access to Quincy and the popular vacation destination of Cape Cod