Salem to Boston by train

We are planning on staying in Salem for a few days in June. We want to visit The Freedom Trail in Boston one day.

Is it practical to take the train in from Salem to Boston? Which stop would be closest (i.e.-walkable) to the Freedom Trail, if any? Safe neighborhoods?

We would like to avoid driving in to the city if possible.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Salem to Boston by train

The train sure is feasible. Lots of commuters do it every day. Check mbta.com, Commuter Rail, Rockport Line for times, etc. The train%26#39;s only stop in Boston is at North Station, which is about a 10 minute walk to Fanueil Hall, right in the middle of the Freedom Trail.

There%26#39;s a commuter boat from Salem as well. See http://www.salemferry.com/ Driving into the city would be a real headache. These options, hopefully, will work out much better for you.

Salem to Boston by train

Yes, the Salem station is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from anywhere near downtown Salem and a longer taxi ride from elsewhere in Salem. The MBTA parking lot is full by around 7: 00 A.M. on weekdays but is more available on weekends. There is a garage and a parking lot in downtown Salem within walking distance of commuter rail. Trains depart Salem for Boston and return during the rush hours about every 20 minutes or so. During non-rush hours they depart and return every hour and on weekends every two hours. Commuter rail is a better alternative to travel to and from Boston than driving, especially for a tourist.

You will arrive at North Station in Boston and must walk or take a short taxi ride to downtown or (as most prefer) take the nearby subway, the ';T';, at the North Station stop across the street via the Green Line or Orange Line depending on your destination. The Green Line will take you to Park Street Station where you can exit upstairs directly to the visitors center for the Freedom Trail. Almost all of Boston is safe to walk.

The last train from Boston returning to Salem on weekdays departs at 12:10 A. M. and on weekends at 11:30 P. M. The trip duration is 30 to 35 minutes.

For current schedules and fares for the Newburyport / Rockport Line which services Salem, refer to:

www.mbta.com

The train is a great way to get to Boston from Salem. But you should also strongly consider the boat as it will give you a great view of the city from the water. It%26#39;s transportation but you get the bonus of the view.

While in Salem, make it a point to spend a half or full day at the Peabody Essex Museum, an excellent museum dedicated to the maritime history of early U.S.A. and to the Asian Trade which made Salem a wealthy port city and created our first millionaires in the 18th century.

Thanks everybody for your fast answers. Didn%26#39;t know about the boat and will definitely consider it over the train, depending on the weather. Glad to know we have the option not to drive in the city traffic.

The Salem Ferry is NOT affiliated with the MBTA Commuter Boat service and operates on it鈥檚 own schedule and fare structure.

The Salem FERRY begins seasonal service on May 27, 2007. Its schedule is about every 2 hours in either direction, 7 days a week.

During the week, commuter RAIL runs every hour in both directions, and every 20 minutes or so during the two rush hours and every two hours on weekends. The fare for the FERRY is about twice as expensive as for commuter RAIL

For more information on the Salem - Boston - Salem Ferry Service, including rates and schedules, go to:

http://www.salemferry.com

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