How to Get to the Bruins Parade without Driving

The city of Boston is celelbrating the Boston Bruins Stanley Cup victory in style with a Duck Boats parade, but getting there can be an issue for those of us on the South Shore.

As an old hand at going to parades, I have some tips on getting there.

The first requirement is that you wear your Bruins best. Hats, sweaters, T-shirts, pajamas, socks. Whatever it might be, make sure you're wearing your black and gold (NOT yellow!)

Second, take the train. It's the easiest way in with less parking hassels, less roaming streets looking for a space, and a heck of a lot cheaper. In 2001 I parked near JFK on the street and spent more than an hour after the parade looking for my car.

Take the Commuter Rail from Cordage or Kingston. The MBTA has announced special $10 roundtrip tickets available today South, North and Back Bay Station and on board the trains. More information will be provided in the morning here. Parking is also cheaper: $4 to park at Cordage or Kingston.

Once you get into town, the T's subway system will be working at "near rush hour levels" all day. Which means service will be more frequent than a normal Saturday morning before, during and after the parade.

Third (or are we at fourth now), load your CharlieCard in advance, less lines. I dislike waiting. T employees in orange vests should be available throughout the system to help customers. 

Next, AVOID North Station! Use Haymarket, Government Center, Park Street, Downtown Crossing. Anything but North Station. It will be extremely busy.

Finally, get there early. Don't expect to grab the train in Cordage at 10 a.m. and be on the parade route at 11 a.m. It ain't happenin'.

Below is the official parade route from Mayor Tom Menino's office and a list of road closures to cars and pedestrians. The parade route will be closed to vehicles from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beginning at the TD Garden on Causeway Street, the parade will once again feature duck boats and proceed along the following route:

• Causeway Street;
• Left on Staniford Street;
• Left on Cambridge Street;
• Right on Tremont Street;
• Right on Boylston Street;
• End at Copley Square.

Temporary parking restrictions will be put into effect at several locations throughout the city and vehicles parked in violation will be ticketed and/or towed. Temporary “Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Saturday” regulations will be posted at the following locations:

• Canal Street, from Causeway Street to New Chardon Street
• Friend Street, from Causeway Street to New Chardon Street
• Portland Street, from Merrimac Street to Causeway Street
• Lancaster Street,  from Causeway Street to Merrimac Street
• Merrimac Street , from Causeway Street to Lancaster Street
• Causeway Street, from North Washington Street to Merrimac Street
• Staniford Street, from Causeway Street to Cambridge Street
• Cambridge Street, from Hancock Street to Tremont Street
• Tremont Street, from Cambridge Street to Boylston Street
• Boylston Street, from Washington Street to Dalton Street
• New Chardon Street, from Cambridge Street to Merrimac Street
• Bowdoin Street, from Cambridge Street to Derne Street
• Somerset Street, from Cambridge Street to Ashburton Place
• New Sudbury Street, from Cambridge Street to Bulfinch Place
• Court Street, from Cambridge Street to Court Square
• Beacon Street, from Tremont Street to Somerset Street
• Bromfield Street, from Province Street to Tremont Street
• Park Street, from Tremont Street to Beacon Street
• Temple Place, from Tremont Street to Washington Street
• West Street, from Tremont Street to Washington Street
• Essex Street, from Tremont Street to Washington Street
• Charles Street South, from Park Plaza to Center gate of Public Garden
• Hadassah Way, from Boylston Street to Park Plaza
• Berkeley Street, from St. James Avenue to Newbury Street
• Clarendon Street, from Newbury Street to St. James Avenue
• Dartmouth Street, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street
• St. James Avenue, from Clarendon Street to Dartmouth Street

To protect the safety of residents and guests, the Boston Police Department may further restrict vehicle parking and limit vehicular and pedestrian access.