Transportation from NYC to Boston with a large dog?

Parent Cafe
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<p>Does anyone know of any buses/trains from NYC to Boston (transfers, even numerous ones, are fine) that allow dogs on board? My dog is about 50 pounds, and we have been on trains many times before (Metro North, Boston MBTA), so that’s not an issue.</p>

<p>I am trying to avoid renting a car, because it’s extremely expensive. I will if I have to, but I would rather not spend $200+ for under two days. He is definitely coming with me, so anything that would involve him staying elsewhere would not work for this situation.</p>

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<p>Has your DOG been on Metro North? Your post is confusing.</p>

<p>I thought the only dogs allowed on those trains were service dogs. </p>

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<p>Yes, my dog HAS been on Metro North numerous times - Metro North allows well-behaved dogs up to 50 pounds, as long as they are on a leash. My dog has also been on the Boston MBTA commuter rail system - same thing, well behaved dog, on leash.</p>

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<p>All you have to figure out is how to get your dog from MA to the nearest metro north station in CT.</p>

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<p>Well, Amtrak won’t allow non-service dogs (even their pilot program to allow some pets won’t allow a dog that large), and the major bus companies won’t allow it, either. You might be able to do it on a fly-by-night Chinatown bus, if any are left in business, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I think you’re going to have to rent a car. You could ship the dog, but that will be expensive, too.</p>

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<p>Do you have any friends who will be driving from NYC to Boston or who would be willing to do so–why not offer to pay them to take you and the dog. Offer to pay for the gas both ways. It’s not a long trip–a little over 3 hours depending on traffic.</p>

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<p>Unfortunately, none of my NYC friends have cars - most young people I know who live here don’t.</p>

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<p>I could go as far as Waterbury, CT or New Haven, CT by Metro North, and I may just rent a car from there - preices there are a little cheaprer than in NYC.</p>

<p>I am also asking around to see if I can find a friend of a friend with a car…</p>

<p>But in the meantime, if anyone happens to think of a train/bus/ferry service from NYC to Boston or even CT to Boston, please let me know!</p>

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<p>You will also have to factor in some kind of transport from the train station in New Haven or Bridgeport (I would NOT suggest Waterbury…nothing there at all. and not very many trains from NYC each day) to the rental car places…which are not near the train stations.</p>

<p>I would check into car rentals. You may find it cheaper than all the transportation gymnastics you will need to do otherwise.</p>

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<p>There is an Avis car rental at the New Haven train station.</p>

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<p>How much will a two day rental from New Haven differ than from Boston…adding in the cost of the train both ways. I can’t imagine an Avis rental just from New Haven plus train will be less costly than renting all,the way.</p>

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<p>Off-peak Metro North tickets aren’t all that expensive (much less than Amtrak), so it may make sense to do that. Car rental in NYC is pretty expensive.</p>

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<p>Just looked at Avis. It appears that you might as well rent the car in New York–no significant benefit to renting it in New Haven.</p>

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<p>Do you have a membership to costco or BJs? Sometimes renting through them is less costly than directly from the rental companies…if you are a member.</p>

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<p>Have you looked to see if you could take Metro North to one of the cities in CT and get a cheap car from one of the “rent-a-wreck” places? There used to be an Ugly Duckling in Norwalk. The cars worked fine.</p>

<p>Edit: There appears to be one in Stamford.</p>

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<p>If you are driving in to NYC, you also need to factor in the cost of parking the car.</p>

<p>I know you said the dog has to come with you, but honestly, there is no inexpensive way for this to happen.</p>

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<p>Thumper, he is going to Boston, so he shouldn’t have to park in NYC.</p>

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<p>Ah! So he needs to rent the car from New Haven to Boston…round trip for two days?</p>

<p>Parking in Boston isn’t free either. Or cheap!</p>

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<p>Agree. Parking in Boston is expensive and a pita. When renting from cheapo places, make sure there are no mileage restrictions, or a cheapo rental can turn into a very expensive one. </p>

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<p>OP, are you a student in NYC or Boston? Surely there’s a way to post an ad for a ride. Renting a car is going to be expensive–you have to pay for gas too, which will run you over $100 for a round trip. But there’s a huge gap from where Metro North goes and Boston MBTA.</p>