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How to get thru Boston to Salem

Desert_ Dweller

By Desert_ Dweller,
in East Coast Departures

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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We have had a change in flight times and now find we have an extra day in Boston. Can you tell me how to go from Symphony Station to Salem ?

I've tried to visualize the T map, but not having spent any time in Boston I really can't follow which color T.. both the starting point and the getting off point in Salem to do the Witch House Tour. Can anyone point me in the right direction. We would want to go on the 28th of October. We are not familiar with a transit system coming from a small community on the West Coast.

Thank you for any help you have to offer.

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1025cruise

1025cruise

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I believe Symphony Station is on the Green Line. Take that to North Station (you might have to transfer to a different train, but still Green Line). Take the commuter rail to Salem.

Just keep in mind the commuter rail might not schedule sync'd and has limited service coming back at night.

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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I believe Symphony Station is on the Green Line. Take that to North Station (you might have to transfer to a different train, but still Green Line). Take the commuter rail to Salem.

Just keep in mind the commuter rail might not schedule sync'd and has limited service coming back at night.

 

 

Thank you..... is the Green Line our only option from Symphony Station? How about Massachusetts Station, is that close by ? Returning around 5:00 pm, would that be okay for service returning from Salem ?

What time does it get dark in late October?

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138east

138east

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Here's the commuter rail schedule http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NBRYROCK&direction=O&timing=W&RedisplayTime=Redisplay+Time

 

Just change outbound to inbound and scroll right to get the afternoon return times. Trains seem to run hourly.

 

You are lucky if you are by Symphony which is on the E train green line. Just take any train inbound. If the train is not marked Lechmere, get off at Park St or Government Center and wait on the same track for a Lechmere Train and get off at North Station. Allow plenty of time to get into the station to buy your round trip ticket. Just ask anyone if you have questions.

 

It is getting dark a little after six right now. Traveling after dark in the evening hours is fine in Boston. There are always lots of folks about until late evening.

 

Please read the Trip Advisor reviews for the Witch House. My impression is that it is a "tourist trap". I've done the House of the Seven Gables and really enjoyed that. Salem should be in top form for Halloween week.

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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Here's the commuter rail schedule http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NBRYROCK&direction=O&timing=W&RedisplayTime=Redisplay+Time

 

Just change outbound to inbound and scroll right to get the afternoon return times. Trains seem to run hourly.

 

You are lucky if you are by Symphony which is on the E train green line. Just take any train inbound. If the train is not marked Lechmere, get off at Park St or Government Center and wait on the same track for a Lechmere Train and get off at North Station. Allow plenty of time to get into the station to buy your round trip ticket. Just ask anyone if you have questions.

 

It is getting dark a little after six right now. Traveling after dark in the evening hours is fine in Boston. There are always lots of folks about until late evening.

 

Please read the Trip Advisor reviews for the Witch House. My impression is that it is a "tourist trap". I've done the House of the Seven Gables and really enjoyed that. Salem should be in top form for Halloween week.

 

Thank you for the information.

How about the idea if we were to just get on train at Symphony get to Salem with out any plans at all for the day...This close to Halloween, can we just wing it and find something of interest to do when we get there. ? Just a part of our Boston and area experience before we board our ship on Nov 1 st.

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Nitemare

Nitemare

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Thank you for the information.

How about the idea if we were to just get on train at Symphony get to Salem with out any plans at all for the day...This close to Halloween, can we just wing it and find something of interest to do when we get there. ? Just a part of our Boston and area experience before we board our ship on Nov 1 st.

 

There will be an awful lot going on in Salem that day, but even more at night. Be prepared for wild costumes, much noise and revelry, and much imbibing of alcohol.

 

And you can take the Orange line train from Mass. Ave. to North Station and take the commuter rail train from there. Should be a quicker trip than the Green Line from Symphony.

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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This seems to have been a long lesson for me... I didn't even know the difference between inbound and outbound when I stated.. but I do now.

From the North Station Orange Line to the Newbury Rockport Line. Are they close together at North Station? Easy to find ?

I did look at Mass Ave Station and it seems like 6 of one, half a dozen of the other... just a few minutes walk either way.

 

Doesn't seem too difficult once I find the commuter rail.

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138east

138east

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The orange and green line station is just outside the TD Garden, which is where the Celtics and the Bruins play. "North Station" is on the first level of this complex. They just built the Garden over the station - very similar to what they did with Madison Square Garden and New York Penn Station.

 

It's really not difficult.

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WaldosPepper

WaldosPepper

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I spent Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in Salem, and it's already hopping. The streets are full of activity, and you will have absolutely NO problem just winging it.

 

There are countless different walking tours available, or you can simply walk around on your own and enjoy the revelry. The area is very easy to navigate on foot, and your biggest challenge will be navigating the crowds. That close to Halloween you can expect the streets to literally be a sea of humanity.

 

Be prepared to see people dressed in all manner of costume, and in a continual state of tipsy. ;)

 

Have a blast!

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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Thanks everyone... all good to know. We ended up with 2 extra days in Boston and thought this might be something to do that we won't ever get to see again. We can leave Boston at any time that day heading to Salem... is it worth getting there early, (10:00- 11:00 AM ?) wandering a bit, having lunch, taking a tour and then more wandering ? Or, would it be better to wait and arrive mid afternoon ?

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1025cruise

1025cruise

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Since you are going to be taking the commuter rail to get there, look at their inbound and outbound schedule first. My main concern would be returning to Boston. The off peak train times are rather limited. The schedule can be seen here: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NBRYROCK

 

If it were me, I'd plan on returning early evening.

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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Since you are going to be taking the commuter rail to get there, look at their inbound and outbound schedule first. My main concern would be returning to Boston. The off peak train times are rather limited. The schedule can be seen here: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NBRYROCK

 

If it were me, I'd plan on returning early evening.

 

I agree with you.. we will plan to return early evening.

Looking at the cost of MBTA tickets, I'm confused, too many options for a tourist wanting to use the system for a day or 2. Do they take visa? That way I don't have to try to figure the cost of riding the system.

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1025cruise

1025cruise

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Keep in mind the subway and the commuter rail are two different animals.

Depending on what else you are planning to do in Boston, it might make sense to just pay as you go. There are ticket machines at most stations that accept credit cards. The commuter rail has its own fare structure. There are machines at North Station (I think) that will take a card. Make sure to buy a round trip ticket.

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138east

138east

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I'm not the best person to give advice because I already have a Charlie Card and a Senior Charlie Card and I am a subway rider and sometimes train rider. Having said all that, I will give it a go and others can correct me or offer other suggestions.

 

The train part to Salem is pretty straightforward. You go to North Station, you put your Visa card in the ticket machine (or stand in line for the ticket window) and you buy a Zone 3 ticket for $6.75, so that's $13.50 for the two of you. I'd buy a return ticket at the same time.

 

To run around on the MBTA, you really should get a plastic Charlie Card so that the fare is $2 instead of $2.50. However, for folks flying into Logan, that's easier said than done. MBTA personnel often have the plastic cards in their pockets, but the problem is finding such a person. The primary place to do that is at one of the major transportation hubs like South Station, North Station, or Downtown Crossing. A day pass is $11, so it's really not cost effective unless you are taking 6+ rides. There will be ticket machines at all the subway stations, but you will pay $2.50 for a single ride paper Charlie Ticket. For buses and the outer Green Line I think you need exact change because there is no real station. Both the Charlie Cards and Tickets can be preloaded with money and can be used for multiple fares, so two people can share.

 

The Silver Line T bus is currently free from Logan Airport, so there are no T people there. If getting a Charlie Card is a priority, consider taking the free Silver Line from Logan to South Station where you can get a Charlie Card. Then take a cab to your hotel (I'd think twice about taking luggage on the green line trolleys unless you have to). The Silver Line is easy with luggage - no worse than a rental car shuttle - just one low step and luggage racks - always board on the rear door with luggage at Logan. This strategy will actually save you money because a cab from South Station to your hotel will be a lot cheaper than from Logan Airport because there are no airport surcharges and tunnel tolls to pay.

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Desert_ Dweller

Desert_ Dweller

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This time of year Salem come to life after dark. Are you going for the history and want to do the Peabody Essex Museum, House of seven gables etc. or are you going for the crazy?

 

Maybe a little bit of both... we're kinda old, but young at heart, very healthy and can walk forever (we're golfers). People watching will be a fun activity for this type of event and I wanted to add it to my to do list while in the Boston area. Never tried to ride a subway or commuter train before, so this is going to be a great experience. Didn't really plan to be in Salem the week of Halloween, just the luck of the draw with this cruise.

 

138East always gives great help on CC and I value all of the other posters help and positive comments for all cruisers on where and how to get the information needed for their travels.

You folks make it so much easier for us than just arriving in Boston and wondering where to start. With the extra days we have, we will really have the time to see and do all things "Boston".

What are the chances of being in Massachusetts, going to Salem at Halloween and being in Boston at World Series time? (will the Red Sox, be there ??? playing ????)

If you have any other suggestions on the sights and sounds of Boston, please, give me your suggestions.

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