Getting to Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Our international patients fly through the Boston airport: Boston Logan International Airport (airport code BOS), located in downtown Boston and minutes from our hospitals. There are nonstop flights to Boston from more than 50 international destinations. For your convenience, some common direct flights for our patients include:
Canada to Boston:
- Toronto: 1 hour 30 minutes nonstop
- Montreal: 1 hour 15 minutes nonstop
- Halifax: 1 hour 50 minutes nonstop
- Ottawa: 2 hours 44 minutes nonstop
- Calgary: 4 hours 15 minutes nonstop
- Vancouver: 5 hours 20 minutes nonstop
Europe and Middle East to Boston:
- United Kingdom (London and Edinburgh): 7 hours nonstop
- Ireland (Dublin and Shannon): 7 hours nonstop
- France (Paris): 7 hours 30 minutes nonstop
- Qatar (Doha): 13 hours 35 minutes nonstop
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai): 14 hours nonstop
- Germany (Frankfort and Munich): 8 hours nonstop
Americas to Boston:
- Bermuda: 2 hour 15 minutes nonstop
- Dominican Republic: 4 hour 5 minutes nonstop
- Mexico (Cancun): 4 hours 10 minutes nonstop
- Panama: 5 hours 34 minutes nonstop
Asia-Pacific to Boston:
- Japan (Tokyo): 13 hours nonstop
- Korea (Seoul): 14 hours nonstop
- Hong Kong: 16 hours nonstop
For a full list of international cities with direct flights to Boston, please visit the Boston airport website.
For our patients from eastern Canada, driving to Boston may be preferred. Drive times are approximately:
- Montreal to Boston: 4 hours, 55 minutes
- Quebec City to Boston: 6 hours, 20 minutes
- Ottawa to Boston: 7 hours, 20 minutes
- Toronto to Boston: 9 hours
- Fredericton to Boston: 6 hours, 30 minutes
- Halifax to Boston: 10 hours, 40 minutes
Visitors to Boston have many options for local transportation including:
- Taxis
- Ride-sharing programs like Uber or Lyft
- Private driver or limousine services
- Subway rail system
- City buses
- Bike or scooter rental
- Mass General Brigham shuttle service for travel between Mass General Brigham locations
- Walking, as Boston is also a very walkable city
Hospital maps and directions
Our international patient services staff will be happy to provide directions at our hospitals, or escort you to your appointments, if requested.
Additionally, for your convenience, we have linked to our hospitals’ maps below:
Lodging and accommodation
Our global patient services team works with Boston’s many hotels and apartments to provide patients with a diverse array of short- and long-term lodging options. Our global patient services team can recommend convenient hotels, inns and apartments to you and your family. Please consider contacting our team to request help with your accommodations and to explore discounted lodging options.
Practicalities
Banking
Several cash dispenser machines (ATMs) are located throughout our Mass General Brigham locations. In addition, numerous banks, ATMs, currency exchanges and financial service providers are located in Boston including Bank of America, Cathay Bank, Citizens Bank, Santander, TD Bank and more.
Accepted currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar (USD, $).
Boston weather
Boston fully experiences all four seasons of weather during the year, including warm summers and cold, snowy winters. In July, the average highs are around 82°F (27.8°C) with lows of 66°F (18.9°C). In January, the average highs are around 37°F (2.8°C) with lows of 22°F (-5.5°C). The region is renowned for its crisp autumn weather and colorful fall foliage.
Current COVID-19 travel requirements and mask policies
Our global patient services team will help you navigate foreign travel and entry requirements specific to your country of origin before your travel, during your time here, and when you’re ready to return home. Our team screens all international persons here in our center, prior to beginning their appointments at our hospitals.
We have implemented measures across our system to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, visitors and staff.
Activities and attractions in Boston
Boston has a rich American history and boasts many landmarks within the city and region. A few things to do in Boston that would be enjoyable for patients and family members of all ages include the Freedom Trail walking path, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Old North Church, Boston Tea Party Museum, Boston Public Garden, USS Constitution Museum, and New England Aquarium. The Esplanade is a park in downtown Boston that offers a beautiful respite from the busy hospitals, and in summer months includes sailing, free concerts, and outdoor family movies. Please consult with our global patient services staff for specific recommendations.
Boston is home to world-class museums including the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Isabella Stewart Gardiner Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston Museum of Science, Harvard Art Museums, MIT Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. Please also consider adding our own Mass General Museum to your agenda.
The International Patient Center staff can provide recommendations on theatre, performing arts, musical concerts, comedy clubs, and more. Of note: Boston Symphony Orchestra is internationally acclaimed and presents more than 250 concerts annually at the beautiful Symphony Hall.
Boston offers plenty of shopping to suit a wide range of tastes, from local boutiques and artisans, to national retail chains, to global luxury brands.
Boston offers a wide range of dining options from fast casual restaurants to haute cuisine, including a variety of international restaurants and cuisines. Depending on the number of people in your party or day of the week, a reservation may be advisable.
Boston is one of the world’s best known academic and biotech hubs. The Boston/Cambridge area is home to prestigious Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as a number of internationally ranked universities and a thriving biotech community.
Boston is famous for its professional sports teams and proud, loyal fans. Local teams include the New England Patriots (American football), Red Sox (baseball), Celtics (basketball), New England Revolution (football/soccer), and Boston Bruins (hockey). Depending on the season, you may be able to purchase tickets to attend a sporting event. Our Guest Services staff are happy to assist.
If you are interested in personal athletics, such as sports clubs or local biking or jogging trails, we recommend you speak with the staff at the International Patient Center for suggestions.