Commute From Salem (ma) To Cambridge (Somerville, Medford: rail, station, commuter)

[dano7]

I Am Considering A New Job In Cambridge But Am Concerned About The Commute. I Am Close To The Salem Commuter Rail But Don't Love It And Would Have To Go To North Station And Then Back To Cambridge. Driving Seems Tough On Traditional Routes (i-93), 128 Etc.

Any Ideas On The Best Way To Get There Either A Driving Route Or Commuter Rail/subway Hybrid? I'm Sure At Least A Few People Do This And Would Like To Find The Best Alternatives.

Any Advice Is Appreciated.

[brightdoglover]

I don't know about the commuter rail, but I think driving during normal business hours would be difficult. Salem itself is tough to get around and out from, isn't it?
If you could shave your work time to be just somewhat later, it could help a lot. For instance, I think most normal business hour jobs begin around 8a, so Cambridge at 8a is impossible. At 8:30-9a, it's a lot better, and even a few minutes after 9, it's a different world. I think trying to be earlier than others is more of a battle- people get on the road awfully early to avoid traffic. When I pass Rt.2/128 South at 7:30a, it's already jammed.

[NY'er lost in MA]

There is no trick or easy route. Many companies in the Kendall Square area have shuttles from North Station. But if you have to commute without that benefit, then you are looking at grueling commutes each and EVERY day by car. Getting off 93 to Storrow/Memorial is insane, and trying to get off in Somerville will save no time at all. You can try getting off 93 at Medford, but you will also hit tons of lights and local traffic.

[dano7]

thanks for the reply. i am in north salem (closer to peabody) so no issues getting out of salem. i am more concerned about the other end and whether there is a route other than the suggested 128 to 93 which i know is busy. i would like to try rt 1 to 99 as the most direct route but am unsure if this is a slow or really congested road.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by dano7

thanks for the reply. i am in north salem (closer to peabody) so no issues getting out of salem. i am more concerned about the other end and whether there is a route other than the suggested 128 to 93 which i know is busy. i would like to try rt 1 to 99 as the most direct route but am unsure if this is a slow or really congested road.

It is much more direct so it would have to be a lot more congested than 93 to lose time. I don't think it is because 93 itself is no picnic. But others should speak from rush hour experience.

[brightdoglover]

Rt. 1 is a nightmare no matter when you take it, as far as I know.

[cdroror]

I commuted from north salem for years. tain works but I drove when I worked near Lechmere - drove out to 128, down Rt 1 and then into Charlestown to Cambridge