Boise travel guide

Boise travel guide

National Airports

The primary airport serving Boise is the Boise Airport (BOI), which is located about 3 miles south of downtown Boise. It is the largest airport in Idaho and offers direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. There are currently no other national airports in the Boise area.

Trains in Boise

Unfortunately, there are no passenger train services currently operating in Boise. However, Amtrak’s “Empire Builder” line runs through the nearby city of Sandpoint, Idaho, about 350 miles north of Boise, with connections to other cities across the country. Additionally, the Boise Valley Railroad offers scenic train rides on weekends from April through October, departing from the Idaho Botanical Garden.

Buses in Boise

Boise has a public transit system called ValleyRide, which operates buses throughout the city and its surrounding areas. The buses run from early morning to late at night, and fares are based on distance traveled. In addition to regular bus service, ValleyRide also offers a free shuttle service, called Downtown Circulator, that runs on a continuous loop throughout the downtown area. Greyhound also offers intercity bus service to and from Boise, with connections to other cities throughout the region and the country.

How to get to Boise

Boise can be accessed by air, road, and rail.

By Air: The primary airport serving Boise is the Boise Airport (BOI), which offers direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations.

By Road: Boise is located along Interstate 84, which runs east-west through the city and connects it to other major cities in the region. Several highways also converge in Boise, including U.S. Route 20, U.S. Route 26, and State Highway 55.

By Rail: As mentioned earlier, there is no passenger train service in Boise itself, but the nearby city of Sandpoint offers connections to other cities via Amtrak’s “Empire Builder” line.

Boise can also be reached by bus, with Greyhound offering intercity bus service to and from the city.

What is the best time to travel to Boise

The best time to visit Boise is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. Temperatures during these months typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (12-24 degrees Celsius). Additionally, spring brings colorful blooms to the city’s parks and gardens, while fall offers stunning foliage displays in the surrounding forests.

Summer (June to August) can be hot, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and higher. However, this is also the busiest time of year for tourism, as many outdoor activities and events take place during the summer months.

Winter (December to February) in Boise is cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below freezing and frequent snowstorms. However, winter sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby ski resorts during this time.

How to get around Boise

Boise is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around by walking or biking in the downtown area. There are also several transportation options available for getting around the city:

Bus: The Valley Regional Transit (VRT) operates a bus system in Boise called the ValleyRide. The system offers several routes throughout the city, and fares are reasonable.

Taxi and ride-hailing services: Taxis are available in Boise, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely used.

Bike share: Boise has a bike share program called Boise GreenBike, which offers affordable rentals at several stations throughout the city.

Car rental: There are several car rental companies located at the Boise airport and throughout the city.

Personal vehicle: If you have your own car, it is easy to get around Boise, as the city has well-maintained roads and highways. However, parking can be difficult in some areas, particularly downtown.

Accommodations in Boise

Boise offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Some popular areas to stay in Boise include downtown, the North End, and the Boise Bench. Here are some options to consider:

Hotel: Boise has a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Some popular choices include The Grove Hotel, The Inn at 500 Capitol, and The Modern Hotel and Bar.

Bed and Breakfast: If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, Boise has several bed and breakfast options, such as the Boise Guest House and the Anniversary Inn.

Vacation rental: For those who prefer the privacy and convenience of a vacation rental, there are many options available on websites such as Airbnb and VRBO.

Motel: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Boise has several motels, such as the Cabana Inn and the Safari Inn.

Hostel: For the budget-conscious traveler, the City Center Hostel offers shared and private rooms in a central location.