Your complete guide to the Boston cruise port
You're packed and ready to set sail on the cruise of a lifetime, adventuring out of Boston for exciting experiences along the New England Coast and into Canada. The only thing that would make your vacation even better is feeling prepped with port logistics: How do you get there? Where can you park? Where are the best eats? What activities are there?
Don’t worry; we've got you covered. Here's your complete guide to the Boston cruise port.
Tips for getting to the Boston cruise port
The Boston cruise port is situated at the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, 1 Black Falcon Avenue, Boston, MA 02210.
Depending on your vacation plans, you might drive, use public transportation or rideshare. Be sure to plan for your arrival to give yourself plenty of time to park, walk and explore.
Best airports for a Boston cruise
For cruises out of Boston, the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is ideal for flights, as it's a 10-minute drive from the Boston cruise port. The airport also offers a wide variety of public transportation options both to the cruise port and downtown.
Public transportation options
There are a few options to get to the Boston cruise port via public transportation:
Silver Line Bus
The Silver Line Bus is one of the best ways to commute to the Boston cruise port. To do this, you’ll eventually need to be on a Silver Line Two (SL2) bus, but if that’s not an option at your station, you can take the SL1 to the Silver Line Way station. That station will let you transfer to an SL2 bus to Drydock Avenue. When you arrive at Drydock Avenue, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Black Falcon Avenue, where the Boston cruise port is located.
Subway
Although the Silver Line subway from the airport doesn’t reach the Boston cruise port, you can take the Red Line subway to the South Station if you're in the city. You can take a SL2 bus to Drydock Avenue from there and walk to the port.
Rideshare and pickup/drop-off locations
If you’re using a rideshare service or have friends or family dropping you off at the Boston cruise port, port officers will direct the car to the proper drop-off locations once you arrive at Black Falcon Avenue.
For pickup, drivers must wait in the cell phone lot, located a quarter-mile away from the port at 42 Fid Kennedy Avenue, just east of the intersection with Tide Street. The route from the lot to the port is well-marked.
Boston cruise port parking lots
If you decide to park for your sailing out of the Boston cruise port, parking is available at 93 Fargo Street, Boston, MA 02210. You must make an online reservation before arrival to guarantee a spot. Make sure to arrive at least two hours early to allow time for the complimentary shuttle to the port.
Here are detailed driving directions for arriving at the parking lot.
- If you’re coming north on I-93, you’ll take Exit 20 to I-90 East/Logan Airport.
- If you’re coming from the west, you’ll follow the Massachusetts Turnpike toward the Logan Airport.
- If you’re coming from the airport, enter the Ted Williams Tunnel (toll).
- Then, follow these instructions:
- Take Exit 25 (South Boston, right lane only), inside the tunnel.
- At the traffic lights, continue forward onto East Service Drive.
- At the next traffic signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard (changes to Northern Avenue).
- At the end of Northern Avenue, turn right onto Tide Street and make an immediate left onto Dry Dock Avenue.
- Follow Dry Dock Avenue and turn right onto Black Falcon Avenue.
- Port officers will direct you to the proper place to park.
The best restaurants near the Boston cruise port
Eating in Boston is an experience you won’t soon forget, and there are some great dining options around the Boston cruise port.
Pete’s Dockside. A casual walk-up counter restaurant that offers breakfast, sandwiches, and fried seafood. Specials include fried haddock, lasagna, and shepherd’s pie.
Legal Test Kitchen. A renowned seafood restaurant celebrated for its open-faced crab cake sandwich, truffle lobster mac-n-cheese and a must-try "Impossible Burger."
Rosa Mexicana. An atmospheric restaurant with brunch, lunch, and dinner options, including tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House. A waterfront restaurant known for its steak, charred octopus, and delicious cocktails.
Tamo Bistro and Bar. A chic diner offering brunch, lunch, and dinner with creative dishes like salt and pepper calamari, North End pizza, sushi, and clam chowder.
Nebo. A Boston Italian restaurant with classic homemade recipes handed down for generations, including gluten-free pizza and pasta options.
Hotels near the Boston cruise port
Westin Waterfront Hotel. Located at 425 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210. It’s a six-minute drive to the Boston Cruise Port or a 17-minute walk.
Residence Inn Seaport. Located at 370 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210. It’s an eight-minute drive or a 25-minute walk.
Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Located at 606 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210. It’s a four-minute drive or an 11-minute walk.
Seaport Hotel. Located at 1 Seaport Ln., Boston, MA 02210. It’s a six-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.
The best things to do in Boston
If you’re staying in Boston a few days before or after your cruise, you’ll want to know the best things to do in Boston. Here are some can’t-miss activities.
The Freedom Trail. Just a few miles from the Boston cruise port is an opportunity to immerse in the city’s rich history and revolutionary past. Sixteen stops along the Freedom Trail take you to some of the most historic spots in the city, including the oldest standing church used to signal to Paul Revere.
Institute of Contemporary Art. Lovers of the arts must attend the ICA, which features a wide variety of modern art, including dance and theater, as well as interactive exhibits.
Paul Revere House. If you’re a Revolutionary War history buff, no trip to Boston is complete without seeing the Paul Revere House. Step into the 1700s and explore the fully refinished house with furniture that dates back to the period.
Trolley tours. Are you only spending part of a day in the city before your cruise? A trolley tour is the perfect way to see downtown Boston in just a few hours.
Boston cruise port excursions
There's so much to see and do in this storied city, and one of the best ways to take it all in is with a cruise excursion with Princess. Booking with Princess ensures a guide and transportation so you can visit all the must-see sites in Boston.
Boston Harbor, USA.
Princess cruises from Boston
Boston is a spectacular city from which to start your sailing. Near the Boston cruise port, there are fantastic places to stay, play and eat. Check out these Princess cruises from Boston for a comprehensive overview of the historic area.
After exploring all the city's offerings, it's off to discover the endless things to do in New England and Canada and see iconic sites like Acadia National Park and Prince Edward Island.
