Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Usama
Boston’s New England Aquarium is located a short walk away from the city center and hosts over 1.3 million visitors every year. The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and programs. The New England Aquarium plaza also comprises the Simons Theatre and the Whale Watch. The aquarium doesn’t own any car parking facility, but visitors may use parking garages in the area. Our New England Aquarium Parking Guide is here to help you find the most suitable spot, as well as inform you of ticket prices and transportation to the aquarium.
How Much Are Tickets to the New England Aquarium?
The New England Aquarium has timed admission tickets, and anyone who wants to purchase a ticket can do it online. Select the date/time of your arrival and choose the number and type of tickets. The list below provides the New England Aquarium ticket prices.
Adults | $32 |
Seniors | $30 |
Students | $30 |
Children(3-11) | $23 |
The Aquarium offers free admission for:
- Aquarium members
- Children under 3
- Guests using wheelchairs
- Visitors with visual impairments
If you plan on visiting the Simons Theatre, be sure to purchase movie tickets! Here are the prices:
Adults | $10 |
Adult Members | $9 |
Children (3-11) | $8 |
Child Members | $7 |
Between March and November, you may go to the Aquarium to watch the ocean’s most fascinating animals—whales! The New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor City Cruises allow you to do this for $60 per person. Children get to experience this for $40!
Please review the Visiting During Covid section to see the aquarium’s protocols and requirements before visiting.
New England Aquarium Offers & Discounts
Become a member or check out other ways to lower your costs:
- College Student Discount—$2 off with a valid college ID;
- Military Discount—$10 off for active-duty military personnel;
- Teacher Pass Program—call 617-973-5200 for more info;
- AAA members receive $2 off admission;
- Purchase CityPASS to see Boston’s 3 top attractions and save 42%;
- Buy a Go Boston Pass to affordably explore the city.
New England Aquarium Parking Options
While the New England Aquarium doesn’t operate any car parking facility, five other garages are available within walking distance of the aquarium plaza:
- Harbor Garage
- Rowes Wharf
- 75 State Street Garage
- Garage at Post Office Square
- International Place
The Harbor Garage is the closest parking structure and offers discounted parking rates for New England Aquarium members and Simons Theatre/Whale Watch visitors. More affordable public parking services are often available in the area if you pre-book your spot. Keep reading to see all your options and short-term parking prices!
How Much is Parking at the New England Aquarium?
Parking cost varies based on the parking service you choose—see the list below for price information.
Parking Garage | Rate | Distance from the Aquarium |
Harbor Garage | $40—standard rate $30—Members Only $10—with Simons Theatre ticket |
0.1 miles |
Rowes Wharf | $42—on weekdays $18—on weekends $28/$16—with validation |
0.2 miles |
75 State Street | $39—before 5 PM $15—after 5 PM and on weekends |
0.2 miles |
Post Office Square Garage | $40—before 4 PM $9—after 4 PM and on weekends $36/$8.10—with validation |
0.3 miles |
International Place | $41—before 4:30 PM $14—after 4:30 PM and on weekends $10—after 4:30 PM and on weekends with validation |
0.3 miles |
Accessible Parking Near the New England Aquarium
Visitors with disabilities and oversized vehicles may use the parking structures near the aquarium. Nearly all of them provide disabled parking spots. These are covered parking lots, so the height restriction can be an issue. Check out the image below for information on local parking height accommodations provided by the New England Aquarium.
New England Aquarium Parking Alternatives
If visiting the aquarium before 4 PM on weekdays, the nearest garages may be too expensive for you. That’s when downtown parking lots come in handy! We looked into decent alternatives in the area and listed them below. Public transport is also a great alternative that allows you to stay away from the stressful search for a parking space.
Boston City Parking Near the Aquarium
Leave your vehicle in a city parking area and take a walk to the New England Aquarium if you want to reduce your expenses. See the off-site parking options below. These rates apply before 4 PM—compare them with the above-listed ones to find the cheapest solution!
Parking Lot/Garage | Rate | Distance from the Aquarium |
1 Devonshire Pl. Garage | $24 | 0.4 miles |
Center Plaza Garage | $23 | 0.7 miles |
1 Federal Street Garage | $20 | 0.4 miles |
30 Hawley Street Garage | $18 | 0.5 miles |
60 State Street Parking | $16.50 | 0.3 miles |
If you grab a street parking spot, be sure to read the signs—you don’t want to get a Boston parking ticket!
Public Transportation
Use the subway and reach the New England Aquarium for only $2.40! The nearest subway stop is 100 yards away, and it’s the MBTA’s Blue Line stop. Other lines also stop close to the Aquarium.
- the State stop (Orange Line) is an 8-minute walk away.
- the Government Center stop (Green Line) is 10 minutes away.
- the South Station stop (Red Line) is 10-15 minutes away.
Central Wharf is adjacent to the Aquarium, and three boat services are available to visitors. MBTA commuter boats depart from Hull and Logan Airport, the Salem Ferry runs from Salem, while The Winthrop Ferry operates between Winthrop and Quincy and stops at the Aquarium.
If searching for a shuttle ride from Boston Logan Airport, be sure to check out the Boston Airport Shuttle Guide to compare rates and pre-book a low-cost airport transfer!
Bottom Line
Plenty of convenient and covered parking spaces are available to the New England Aquarium visitors. The only problem might be the price! So, you have a few money-saving options:
- Visit the Aquarium on weekends or use parking validation.
- If you arrive on a weekday (and before 4 PM), use one of the alternative parking facilities.
- Completely avoid parking and use the subway to get to the Aquarium.
See what works for you, and have a nice trip to the New England Aquarium! Check out the aquarium’s working hours before you start your journey.
Apart from New England Aquarium parking, our team is here to help you find and book cheap parking at Boston Logan Airport, as well as countless other airports around the world. You can also take advantage of our helpful guides to find parking at the following locations in the city:
- TD Garden
- Fenway Park
- Boston Common
- Boston Museum of Science
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts