Compare Your Travel Options: Getting to South Station

Not all travel options are created equal. See how different choices stack up in cost, convenience, and comfort.

The Cost of Travel Goes Beyond Just the Ticket Price

When planning a trip to South Station, many travelers focus on the base cost of their chosen transportation—whether it’s using a ride-share service, train ticket, or gas for their car. But what about the additional expenses that can sneak up on you? These hidden costs can quickly make certain travel options far more expensive than they first appear.

DRIVING YOURSELF

  • Parking in Boston: Daily garage rates can exceed $40/day near South Station.
  • Gas + Tolls: Roundtrip fuel and tolls from Seacoast can be $30–$50.
  • Traffic & Stress: Boston traffic is notoriously slow, 
  • Hidden Costs: Vehicle wear, potential delays, and fatigue add up fast.
Driving Yourself

Driving Yourself

Convenience Comes with a Cost

PLANE TRAVEL

  • Surge Pricing: Costs vary wildly based on time of day, events, and demand.
  • Distance Premiums: From Seacoast, rideshare to/from Boston can cost $100+ each way.
  • Drop-Off Hassles: Not always right at South Station—may require a walk or second ride.
  • Lack of Control: Delays, unavailability, or cancellation can derail plans.
rideshare

Rideshare

Pay for Flexibility

TRAIN TRAVEL

  • Multiple Transfers: Many routes require changing lines or connections in Boston suburbs.
  • Limited Schedules: Fewer runs on weekends and late evenings.
  • Parking Fees at Stations: Daily parking at commuter stations adds to costs.
  • Longer Door-to-Door Time: Travel + wait times can exceed 2–3 hours.
Train Travel

Train Travel

Scenic, but Not Always Simple

BUS TRAVEL

  • Direct Drop-Off: Many services go straight to South Station or nearby—no transfers needed.
  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, outlets, comfortable seats let you relax or get work done.
  • Predictable Pricing: No surge rates or hidden fees.
  • No City Parking Required: Just board and ride—no car or lot to worry about.
Bus Travel

Bus Travel

A Cost-Effective and Reliable Option

The Cost of Travel Goes Beyond Just the Ticket Price

When planning a trip to New York City, many travelers focus on the base cost of their chosen transportation—whether it’s a plane fare, train ticket, or gas for their car. But what about the additional expenses that can sneak up on you? These hidden costs can quickly make certain travel options far more expensive than they first appear.

Driving Yourself – More Than Just Gas Money

  • Parking Fees: NYC garages can cost $60+ per day—costs that quickly add up.
  • Car Wear & Tear: A Seacoast–NYC round trip adds hundreds of miles and long-term maintenance costs.
  • Tolls & Fuel: Tolls and gas prices make driving more expensive than it seems.
  • Traffic Stress: Manhattan traffic is unpredictable and stressful, especially at peak times.

Plane Travel – Fast in the Air, Expensive on the Ground

  • High Upfront Cost: Flights average $227 one-way—plus the cost of getting to and from the airport.
  • Expensive Cab Rides: Airport taxis to Midtown can run up to $150 with traffic.
  • Long Travel Time: Getting to Logan, early arrival, security, flying, and city transfers all add up.
  • Delays & Hassles: Flight delays, cancellations, and gate changes add stress and uncertainty.

Train Travel – Longer Duration, Higher Fares

  • Pricey Tickets: Coach seats from Boston to NYC often cost over $100 one-way.
  • Two-Part Trip: Getting to Boston South Station adds time and planning.
  • Long Ride: The train alone takes 4+ hours with multiple stops.
  • Limited Flexibility: Infrequent departures make last-minute plans tough.

Bus Travel – A Cost-Effective and Reliable Option

  • Direct Drop-Off: Arrive in Manhattan near transit hubs—no cab required.
  • Efficient & Seamless: Direct routes from the Seacoast with no transfers.
  • Ride in Comfort: Relax with free Wi-Fi, outlets, refreshments, and roomy seats.
  • Affordable Fares: Much cheaper than flights or trains—especially if you book early.

Save Time & Money with C&J

Amenities
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First Class Travel
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On Time
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Guaranteed Seating
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Free Wi-Fi & Power
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Luxury Seating
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3 Bags Included
mobile-boarding
Mobile Ticketing
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Deep Cleaning
valet
Valet Parking
C&J Bus
Cost
$ 20
Time
1 Hr 15 Min
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First Class Travel
np_clock_888722_00B5AB 1
On Time
np-seats
Guaranteed Seating
np_wifi
Free Wi-Fi & Power
luxury-seating-icon
Luxury Seating
suitcase-white-2
3 Bags Included
mobile-boarding
Mobile Ticketing
np_cleaning
Deep Cleaning
valet
Valet Parking

Timing: ~1 Hr 15 Mins

Total Cost: $200 - $300 Round Trip

Drop Off Location: Off Street, Outside the Station

Rideshare
Cost
$ 100 +
Hours
1 Hr 30 Min

Timing: ~1 Hr 15 Mins

Total Cost: $200 - $300 Round Trip

Drop Off Location: Off Street, Outside the Station

Timing: ~1 Hr 30 Mins

Total Cost: $40/Day. Average (Not Including ~$25 total on Gas)

Drop Off Location: Central Parking Lot

Car
Cost
$ 40 +
Hours
1 Hr 30 Min

Timing: ~1 Hr 30 Mins

Total Cost: $40/Day. Average (Not Including ~$25 total on Gas)

Drop Off Location: Central Parking Lot

Timing: ~2 Hr 30 Minutes | 3 Total Transfers
Total Cost: ~$50 Round Trip | Parking may vary
Breakdown of Connections:

  • Drive/Uber/Take Bus to Portsmouth Transportation Center
  • Take Bus from Portsmouth to Logan Airport
  • Find the Silver Line and Take that to South Station
Train
Cost
$ 25 +
Hours
2 Hr 30 Min

Timing: ~2 Hr 30 Minutes | 3 Total Transfers
Total Cost: ~$50 Round Trip | Parking may vary
Breakdown of Connections:

  • Drive/Uber/Take Bus to Portsmouth Transportation Center
  • Take Bus from Portsmouth to Logan Airport
  • Find the Silver Line and Take that to South Station
**Prices and times reflect one-way travel from Portsmouth, South Station, Boston MA.

The Seacoast Deserves Better Travel Options to South Station


When you factor in all the real-world costs—both financial and personal—bus travel often comes out on top.

Avoid:

  • The cost and chaos of parking downtown.
  • Surge-priced, inconsistent rideshares.
  • Delays and detours on the train.
  • Traffic tension when you’re behind the wheel.


For many travelers, bus travel offers a cost-effective, convenient alternative—with direct drop-offs, onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets, and no surprise fees. It’s a simple, affordable way to reach the city while staying comfortable and on schedule.

Discover the Smarter way to South Station

We’re committed to making travel as easy as possible for our riders. Travel in luxury and comfort on our state-of-the-art buses, equipped with plush seating, Wi-Fi, and more. 

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