Both Northeastern and BU are near T stops, if that helps. When our family visited Boston a few years ago, we stayed at the Midtown Hotel, 220 Huntingdon Avenue, (617) 262-1000 (local) (800) 343-1177 (toll free); it wasn’t the Ritz-Carlton by any means, but was clean and functional (and, for Boston, relatively inexpensive). We toured BU one day, and then Northeastern the following day.
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For a trip like this, having a car does make sense. We’re doing a similar trip and were originally going to Amtrak it between cities. However, I was able to get a relatively reasonable rate for a decent size one-way rental car. Also, we’re using hotel points that I’ve been accumulating over the years, and it brings down the hotel costs a lot. So, in some places, where we have to pay to park the hotel, it’s still pretty cheap because of the points. We won’t be using the car much for local trips, but mainly to commute between the cities and schools. NYC is one place I would avoid driving in at all (even to park it at a hotel), so we’re actually staying in a nearby city with good public transport options into the city.
I love Amtrak (e.g., DC to NYC). There is something very therapeutic about train travel. However, given the number of cities/schools to visit, driving is a better option for us. It just gives us more freedom, and we can, to some degree, move on our own schedule. Yes, I’ve taken careful note of all the traffic issues!
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We splurged on our hotel in Boston and stayed at the Hilton Back Bay which was pretty fancy and expensive. I used up all my Hilton Honors points LOL. It was a good midway point between the Northeastern and Boston University and we met up with my friend’s son who goes to Berklee College of Music and lived a few blocks away.
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We drive that route a lot. I meant to imply traffic is a given, but the basic drive is a minimum of 8 hours. There is always traffic somewhere, but it is unpredictable. Apps and GPS definitely help avoid major backups and encourage some creative detours. We leave DC and cut across to Delaware to NJ on the scenic route usually - that way would bring you by Annapolis with The Naval Academy and St. Johns and then you could see the University of Delaware across the Bay Bridge.
I prefered having a car to get around to the colleges, but all three major cities from the OP’s post lend themselves to Amtrak, local subways, Ubers, and walking.
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I personally don’t think driving in Boston is a cakewalk! And it’s really not necessary. Someone I know actually stayed in a hotel in Framingham or someplace outside of Boston. Free parking. Took the commuter train or T into Boston in the morning. Did one college one day…and some sights…and once college the next day…,with some sites.
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I will admit I am a little bit of a taskmaster when it comes to trips like this. IMO doing two schools a day is not too much. It;s better to get a good two hours at each school than missing the “it” school all together. Take notes after each visit, we still have them from several years ago and they are fun to look back at.
Cities like Boston, NYC, DC are easy for two schools and even leaves you time for some sightseeing. We did BU and BC in a day, had time for an early Lobster lunch at Legal Seafoods in Chestnut Hill and did a Duck Tour at night.
In Boston- BU/BC one day. Northeatern/Tufts, NYC-NYU/Fordham or NYU/Columbia DC-Gtown/GW or American all very doable in day. Another idea is to try to stay at a hotel near the school you are visiting the next day. Try to have dinner near the campus.
Other suggestions for sightseeing in NYC is the Circle Line which is great to do at night and the Monuments at Moonlight DC Tour. Both let you see the schools during the day and still do something really fun in the evening. Also just to put on your radar if you fly in and of Dulles UVA is only about two hours away. Good luck.
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OMG! How scary! I am a happy road trip driver but snow is not my friend and that sounds terrifying. Hope all were ok.
Other suggestions for sightseeing in NYC is the Circle Line which is great to do at night and the Monuments at Moonlight DC Tour. Both let you see the schools during the day and still do something really fun in the evening. Also just to put on your radar if you fly in and of Dulles UVA is only about two hours away. Good luck.
The monuments at night sounds amazing. Definitely on our list now, thank you!
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I will also recommend taking Amtrak and public transportation. When we lived outside of DC we found the train to be the fastest mode of transportation.
For Boston, stay in Back Bay by Prudential. You can walk to both BU and Northeastern and it is close to the Green Line T that will take you to BC if interested. The Green Line also takes you to North End for Italian food. Some of our favorites are La Famiglia Giorgio’s and Giacomo’s. Bring cash!!! Some restaurants don’t take a credit card. Few take reservations! Also several pastry shops there. One is 24 hours!!
If the Red Sox are playing, try to go to a game. That is also on the Green Line and walk-able from Back Bay when the weather is nice. I think everyone should see a game at Fenway and I’m a Yankees fan! If you are a baseball fan there is a spot on Northeastern’s campus that is the site of the first World Series. The MFA has a nice collection- including a lot of Monet.
I would book your school tours first and then plan around. Be sure to bring a picture of your vaccination card!!! As of today most indoor venues require it in Boston. Hopefully by April things will be better, but be prepared.
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Yes thanks. It was very scary but thankfully we had plenty of gas to keep the car running and warm, plus blankets and pillows. It was an experience we will never forget!
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Book the on-campus tours now. They fill up quickly during spring break time.
Here are my favorite things to do (April):
Washington DC: Washington Monument, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial, Fords Theater. Smithsonian could easily one entire day. Lots of nice shops restaurants in G’town.
Philly: Rocky statue, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley. For food don’t miss Genos/Pats cheese steaks. City Tavern is good for history buffs.
NYC: Sunset Circle Line Cruise around NYC for amazing views. 9/11 museum is unforgettable but takes at least 3 hours. Empire state building, Top of the Rock. Double decker night bus tour for best views of Time Square. Book everything well in advance.
I suggest to rent a car. Although Amtrak is available, getting around would be tough. Parking in NYC is a hassle but just use SpotHero or other parking garage app, and you’ll be fine.
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I don’t see how getting around with public transportation would be tough in these cities. We live 10 miles from Manhattan and take a bus or train in much more often than driving. DC we park at the hotel and take the metro, the last time I went to Boston it was a few minute walk from the train station to our back bay hotel.
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I live in the NY metro area as well. Been here for most of my life, and I much prefer driving. For someone coming from the west coast, using the public transport isn’t easy. I guess we’ll just have to disagree.
I wouldn’t want to drive or park in those cities! We like to stay in a hotel very close to the college we’re visiting. It’s more convenient and it also gives you a chance to get a vibe about the area at different times of day.
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My husband doesn’t mind driving in all 3 cities and I could never drive in any of them! As someone who did not grow up with public transportation, I never had a problem with NYC subway or the T and that was before apps! I walked past my old T stop from college and saw they have a board on the street to tell you when the next trains arrive, you can also find all of that on your phone. It’s wonderful.
I will say I hate the Metro. After years in Boston we moved to Northern VA and my DH tried to commute in by the metro and it was awful! He gave up and drove. If you are in DC it’s probably great.
With 7 days I wouldn’t waste time driving or trying to find parking- especially in Boston. Just Uber or Lyft if you don’t want to use public transportation. The biggest perk is being able to have a nice bottle of wine at dinner and not worrying about driving! Plus if someone is going to college in the city, they should ride the public transportation because that is how all kids in college get around.
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DC metro trains were terrible before pandemic. They had station constructions/maintenance all the time. Sometimes they did single track. Not sure if they get better now…
The Midtown Hotel is being used as an additional dorm for Northeastern currently. I really like the Residence Inn Fenway and it’s in between both Northeastern and BU.
I’ve driven in Boston, DC, and NYC over 100 times, I find the train so relaxing. My cousin who grew up on LI moved to DE, and then CA, kept a house in DE and CA, my nephews who grew up in CA who would come back to DE and drive to LI were like this is crazy.
I live in NYC and have been to DC many times but know much less about Boston. NYC and DC driving are not for the faint, especially know. THere are tons of bikes and pedestrians and they do not yield. Driving in DC is confusing and NYC is scary. I would suggest flying if you can afford it since the flights are fast and not expensive, Ubers are easy and the public transportation in each city is easy. Also if any of you suffer, April is prime allergy season and the pollen will COAT each of those cities.
There is essentially no way that I would fly within the New England, NY, PA, and DC areas. The hassle and cost of getting to airports, the security lines, possible delays, etc etc etc make it totally unappealing for us. Going from one city to one other city might be fine. However, to do this for 5-7 schools in several cities in that region with multiple flights would be far too cumbersome for us.
The only way we would do this is by Amtrak or by rental car. I totally agree that driving WITHIN most of these large cities (e.g, Boston, NYC, DC) isn’t worth it. If you go rental car, just make sure you find a hotel with reasonable or free parking with good public transport to where you need to go.
Literally, YMMV!
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