Getting around from the hotel: walking, subway, ferries, rideshares

From Boston Harbor Hotel you can walk to most downtown sights, hop the nearby MBTA at Aquarium station, or take ferries and water taxis from Long Wharf/Rowes Wharf for harbor islands and Logan Airport. Rideshares and the hotel's complimentary House Car (within a two-mile radius by reservation) are convenient for trips farther afield.
In this guide
Walking from the hotel
Boston Harbor Hotel sits on Rowes Wharf directly on the Boston Harborwalk, so many attractions are easy to reach on foot. The New England Aquarium, Long Wharf ferry slips, Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market and the Freedom Trail are all within a short walk.
Walking is often the quickest option for nearby stops; downtown Boston is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Wear comfortable shoes and check weather forecasts for seasonal conditions.
- New England Aquarium — about a 5–6 minute walk
- Long Wharf (ferry departures) — about a 5 minute walk
- Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market — about a 6 minute walk
- North End (Hanover Street restaurants) — about a 10 minute walk
- South Station (bus/rail hub) — about a 9 minute walk
| Destination | Approx. walk time |
|---|---|
| New England Aquarium | 5–6 minutes |
| Long Wharf (ferries) | 5 minutes |
| Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market | 6 minutes |

Subway (MBTA) — Aquarium station and connections
The nearest MBTA subway stop is Aquarium station (Blue Line), roughly 600 feet from the hotel. Aquarium station also ties into nearby bus stops for local connections.
Use the MBTA for trips across the city (for example to Revere Beach via the Blue Line) or to reach other subway lines by transferring at central stations. Check MBTA schedules and alerts before travel.
- Station: Aquarium (Blue Line) — closest stop to Rowes Wharf
- South Station is a short walk for regional trains and many bus/ferry connections
- MBTA apps and mbta.com list schedules, fare options, and service advisories
| Station / Hub | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Aquarium (Blue Line) | Closest subway access; short walk |
| South Station | Regional rail, intercity buses, Red Line transfers |
| Park Street / Government Center | Access to Green/Red/Orange lines with transfers |
Ferries and water taxis from Rowes Wharf / Long Wharf
Long Wharf (a short walk from the hotel) is the departure point for seasonal ferries to Spectacle Island, Georges Island and other Boston Harbor Islands. Schedules vary by season; check the ferry operator for current times.
Rowes Wharf also has direct water-taxi options. Rowes Wharf Water Transport operates a quick water taxi between Logan Airport and the Rowes Wharf dock beneath the hotel's arch for a harbor crossing option to the airport.
- Ferry destinations include Spectacle Island and Georges Island (seasonal service).
- Georges Island ferry trips are about 45 minutes one way (operator schedules apply).
- Rowes Wharf water taxi runs between Logan Airport and Rowes Wharf; passengers use an airport shuttle to reach the Water Transportation Dock at Logan before boarding the taxi.
| Service | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Long Wharf ferries | Harbor Islands day trips and sightseeing |
| Rowes Wharf Water Taxi | Direct water transfer to/from Logan Airport (harbor crossing) |
| Various seasonal operators | Sightseeing cruises and whale-watching (seasonal) |

Rideshares, taxis and the hotel's House Car
Uber and Lyft operate across Boston and are convenient for door-to-door trips. Conventional taxis are also available; the hotel front desk can call one for you at any time.
Boston Harbor Hotel offers a complimentary chauffeured House Car service for guests within a two-mile radius; reservations are required. For trips beyond that radius, the hotel can arrange taxis, car services, or recommend rideshare options.
- House Car: complimentary within two miles, reservation required (ask the front desk).
- Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): useful for quick airport trips or destinations without direct transit.
- Hotel concierge can arrange private car services or taxis and advise on luggage handling.
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| House Car | Short trips within ~2 miles; reserve through hotel |
| Uber / Lyft | Flexible, available on-demand across the city |
| Taxi / Private car | Larger groups or prearranged airport transfers |

Getting to and from Logan Airport
Options include a short car ride, rideshare/taxi, the Rowes Wharf water taxi connection, or combination transit routes via the MBTA. The hotel is about 3 miles from Logan Airport.
If you prefer a harbor route, Rowes Wharf Water Transport operates a water taxi between Rowes Wharf and Logan; passengers use the airport's free shuttle to the water-transport dock. For road transfers use a rideshare, taxi or arrange car service via the hotel.
- Water taxi: direct harbor crossing to Rowes Wharf (check operator for fares and schedule).
- Rideshare/taxi: commonly used for door-to-door transfers (time varies with traffic).
- MBTA: take Blue Line or connect via South Station for regional rail or bus services.
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water taxi | Quick harbor crossing; requires airport shuttle to the dock |
| Rideshare / Taxi | Convenient; time depends on traffic |
| MBTA (Blue Line) | Public transit option with transfers; check schedules |
Practical tips and accessibility
The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and concierge who can help with transit directions, taxi/rideshare arrangements, ticketing for ferries or harbor cruises, and concierge-recommended walking routes. If you need mobility assistance, ask the front desk for the best accessible routes and services.
Boston weather changes by season; pack layers for spring/fall and a warm coat in winter. If you plan to use the pool or health club, check Rowes Wharf Health Club hours and rules for children and supervision.
- Front desk phone for BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- Pool & Rowes Wharf Health Club hours: daily 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Children under 13 must be supervised in pool and fitness areas
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Concierge & Front Desk | Available 24 hours for transport help and reservations |
| Pool / Health Club | Open 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; children under 13 require supervision |
| House Car | Reserve through hotel; limited to about a two-mile radius |


