Boston’s public transportation system, affectionately known as the “T,” is your key to exploring this historic city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Bostonian, understanding the Boston Metro Transportation system is crucial for efficient travel. This comprehensive guide will answer your most pressing questions about the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and provide insider tips to maximize your experience using public transit in Boston.
If you find yourself needing assistance during your travels, don’t hesitate to approach MBTA Customer Service agents or friendly T Ambassadors stationed throughout various stations.
Understanding the Boston Metro (MBTA)
green line at science park
Green Line train at Science Park station in Boston, part of the Boston Metro system.
For those new to Boston or unfamiliar with the MBTA, or perhaps it’s simply been a while since your last visit, here’s essential information to enhance your journey on the Boston Metro transportation network.
The MBTA stands as the 4th busiest public transit system across the United States. Notably, it’s one of only two agencies nationwide operating all five primary modes of land and water transportation, making it a uniquely versatile system.
Download a system map to get a visual overview of the network.
Fun Fact: The iconic color-coded lines of the Boston subway are not arbitrary! The Green Line meanders through Boston’s picturesque Emerald Necklace park system. The Red Line provides access to Harvard University, whose school color is crimson red. The Blue Line follows a path alongside and beneath the Atlantic ocean. Lastly, the Orange Line runs parallel to Washington Street, which was historically named Orange Street.
Operating hours for the Boston Metro vary by line and mode, but generally, most bus and train services begin around 5:00 AM and conclude around 1:00 AM.
It’s important to note that Boston does not offer late-night or overnight train services. However, select bus routes commence as early as 3:30 AM, catering to early commuters and late-night workers.
Schedules are subject to change based on the transit mode and the day of the week. Typically, expect more frequent services during weekdays and peak hours compared to weekends and off-peak times. Subway lines boast the most frequent service, with trains arriving approximately every 10 to 15 minutes for most of the day.
For seamless trip planning, utilize the MBTA’s official trip planner to navigate your route efficiently.
During peak hours and special events, Boston Metro trains and buses can become crowded. To ensure a comfortable ride for everyone, it’s important to be mindful of personal space and adhere to public transit etiquette.
Here are a few key guidelines for rider etiquette on Boston Metro Transportation:
- Priority Exiting: Always allow passengers to exit the vehicle completely before attempting to board.
- Maximize Space: Walk as far into the vehicle as possible to allow more passengers to board comfortably.
- Backpack Awareness: Remove backpacks and hold them at your feet or side to avoid obstructing aisles and passenger space.
- Minimize Noise: Keep phone conversations brief and use headphones when listening to music or audio.
- Offer Seating: Be courteous and offer your seat to elderly individuals and passengers with disabilities, particularly in designated priority seating areas.
Learn more about rider etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for all passengers on Boston Metro.
The MBTA is committed to serving a diverse ridership. Customer Support representatives are proficient in multiple languages including Spanish, Haitian French Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Cantonese Chinese, and Mandarin Chinese. Furthermore, interpreter services are readily available in over 240 languages. For immediate assistance, call 617-222-3200.
At stations, both MBTA Transit Police and Transit Ambassadors have access to real-time translation services to assist passengers with communication needs.
Learn more about translation services offered by Boston Metro.
While the Boston Metro strives for punctuality, various factors can occasionally impact travel times. These may include weather conditions, unforeseen mechanical issues, or necessary planned maintenance work.
All service disruptions are promptly communicated on the official MBTA website at mbta.com/alerts. Real-time alerts are also announced and displayed within affected transit stations to keep passengers informed.
See all current service alerts before you travel to stay updated on any potential delays or changes to your route.
Safety is a top priority on Boston Metro Transportation. Every MBTA staff member undergoes comprehensive training in emergency procedures and preparedness. You’ll also notice MBTA Transit Police officers present throughout the system, ensuring a secure environment for all riders. The MBTA Transit Police hold full police authority within Massachusetts, ensuring passenger safety and security.
In case of suspicious activity or emergencies, immediately dial 911 or contact the Transit Police directly at 617-222-1212.
Learn more about safety on the T and the measures taken to protect passengers.
Choosing the Right Payment Method for Boston Metro
fare vending machines south station
Fare vending machines at South Station, Boston, for purchasing Boston Metro tickets and passes.
Selecting the appropriate fare payment method for Boston Metro depends on the duration of your stay and the modes of transport you intend to use.
For all Boston Metro modes, excluding The RIDE paratransit service, you can purchase tickets and passes at conveniently located fare vending machines within subway stations. These machines accept various payment forms:
- Cash
- Credit and debit cards
- Contactless credit and debit cards
- EBT cards
For seamless pay-as-you-go travel on buses, subways, and the Mattapan Trolley, simply tap your contactless credit or debit card, or use mobile payment options via your phone or smartwatch.
Find transit near me to locate the closest Boston Metro options.
Standard Boston Metro Fares (One-Way):
Subway:
- $2.40 with CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash
Local Bus:
- $1.70 with CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash
Learn more about subway fares for detailed pricing information.
Learn more about bus fares and available discounts.
Considering a CharlieCard? Find out if a CharlieCard is right for you based on your travel needs.
Commuter Rail (One-Way):
For weekend excursions, take advantage of the $10.00 Commuter Rail weekend pass offering unlimited travel across all routes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ferry (One-Way):
- $2.40 – $9.75, depending on your specific origin and destination points.
Learn more about Commuter Rail fares and zone-based pricing.
Learn more about ferry fares for harbor and island routes.
Travel Tip: Children aged 11 years and under ride Boston Metro for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. For groups with 10 or more children (regardless of chaperone numbers), it’s necessary to register your travel in advance using the field trip form.
For groups needing to purchase tickets and passes in advance, bulk orders are available for purchases totaling $25 or more.
For Subway and Bus Travel: You can pre-purchase one-way fares, round-trip fares, 1-day passes, 7-day passes, or monthly passes to suit your travel duration.
Learn more about subway fares and pass options.
Learn more about bus fares and available passes.
For Commuter Rail Group Tickets: Please contact the designated customer service lines based on your originating Commuter Rail station:
North Station – 617-222-3663
South Station – 617-222-8122
Group ticket orders must be placed a minimum of 3 to 5 business days prior to your intended travel date. Please note that advance tickets and passes are non-refundable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen, so secure them carefully.
Register a group trip online for efficient processing.
Important Note: Groups consisting of 10 or more children (regardless of the number of chaperones) are required to register their travel using the field trip form. Remember, children aged 11 and under always ride free on Boston Metro.
For convenient day travel within Boston, two excellent 1-day pass options are available, each priced at $11.00, equivalent to approximately 4 single rides.
For primarily Subway and Bus Travel: A 1-day LinkPass is highly recommended, providing 24 hours of unlimited travel on both subway and local bus lines. Alternatively, contactless payment offers a seamless pay-as-you-go option across all stations and vehicles.
For Travel including Commuter Rail or Ferry: Consider purchasing a 1-day Commuter Rail Zone 1A pass on a CharlieTicket. This pass grants access to subway, local bus, Commuter Rail Zone 1A, and the Charlestown and East Boston ferries for a full day.
Weekend Visitors planning Commuter Rail use: The $10.00 weekend pass is an exceptional value, offering unlimited travel on all Commuter Rail lines and zones throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Learn more about $10.00 Commuter Rail weekends and plan your weekend getaways.
For extended stays, Boston Metro offers two 7-day pass options for convenient travel throughout the Boston area, priced at $22.50 each, the equivalent of about 9 single rides.
For predominantly Subway and Bus Travel: The 7-day LinkPass on a CharlieCard is the ideal choice, providing a full week of unlimited travel on subway and local bus services.
Learn more about 7-day LinkPasses and their benefits.
For travel including Commuter Rail or Ferry services: A 7-day Commuter Rail Zone 1A pass on a CharlieTicket is available, covering subway, local bus, Commuter Rail Zone 1A, and the Charlestown and East Boston ferries for a week.
For Frequent Subway and Bus Commuters:
- Infrequent T Riders: Loading cash onto a CharlieTicket for pay-as-you-go travel is the most economical option.
- Daily T Commuters: A monthly LinkPass is the most cost-effective solution. Priced at $90.00, it provides unlimited subway and local bus travel for a calendar month, equating to approximately 37 single subway trips.
Learn more about monthly LinkPasses and their value.
Frequent Commuter Rail or Ferry Users: Explore monthly Commuter Rail and Ferry passes tailored to your specific zones and travel patterns for cost savings.
Boston Metro Fare Calculator
To easily calculate your fare on Boston Metro, use the online Trip Planner. Simply enter your origin and destination points for accurate fare estimation and route planning.
[
$10 Commuter Rail Weekends](/fares/commuter-rail-weekends) 
Commuter Rail train crossing a bridge in Ashland $10 Commuter Rail Weekends Enjoy unlimited travel on the Commuter Rail for just $10 every weekend. Passes are valid on all lines and zones, Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays.
Commuter Rail train, part of the Boston Metro system, crossing a bridge in Ashland, Massachusetts.
Arriving in Boston and Connecting with the Metro
boston harbor from fort point
Boston skyline and harbor view, accessible via Boston Metro Transportation.
Whether you arrive in Boston by car, train, bus, or plane, Boston Metro Transportation provides seamless connections for the final leg of your journey into the city and beyond.
Boston has two major Amtrak terminals, conveniently located at South Station and North Station. South Station also serves as the primary terminal for intercity bus lines such as Greyhound and Megabus. Amtrak additionally makes stops at Back Bay Station.
South Station, situated in the heart of downtown Boston, is a major transportation hub. It provides access to the Red Line, Silver Line, and numerous MBTA bus routes. South Station is also a central Commuter Rail terminal, serving all routes extending south of Boston.
Learn more about South Station and its comprehensive transit connections.
North Station, located near Boston’s historic North End and directly beneath the TD Garden, is another key Boston Metro hub. It connects to the Green Line, Orange Line, and various MBTA bus routes. North Station is the primary Commuter Rail terminal for routes heading north of Boston.
Learn more about North Station and its surrounding attractions.
Important Note: Direct transfer between North and South Station is not available within the station complex. To travel between these stations using Boston Metro, take the Red Line from South Station to Park Street, then transfer to the Green Line towards North Station. Reverse this route when traveling from North Station to South Station.
Back Bay Station, nestled in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood near Copley Square, offers convenient access to this upscale area. It’s served by the Orange Line and MBTA bus routes. Back Bay Station also functions as a Commuter Rail stop for select routes heading towards South Station.
Learn more about Back Bay Station and its Back Bay location.
For travelers arriving at Logan Airport, Boston Metro provides efficient and cost-effective transportation options.
The SL1 bus and the Massport Shuttle from Logan Airport offer free transportation to Boston Metro lines.
The SL1 bus provides service to and from every airport terminal, connecting directly to the Red Line at South Station. Transfers to the Red Line at South Station are free of charge.
The Massport Shuttle also serves all airport terminals and connects to the Blue Line at Airport Station. Standard subway fares apply when transferring to the Blue Line.
Learn more about getting to and from Logan Airport using Boston Metro.
Navigating Boston traffic by car can be challenging due to congestion and expensive parking. Private parking garages in downtown Boston can cost as much as $40 for just a few hours.
However, Boston Metro offers a convenient and affordable alternative. Parking at MBTA-operated lots and garages located at Commuter Rail and subway stations is available for just $5 per day. From these stations, you can easily hop on a train for a traffic-free commute into Boston. Select locations even offer overnight parking, allowing you to leave your car safely for the duration of your trip.
Find an MBTA parking lot or garage near your destination for cost-effective parking solutions.
Exploring Boston Attractions via the Metro
public garden suspension bridge
Suspension bridge in Boston Public Garden, a popular destination accessible by Boston Metro.
Boston attracts visitors for diverse reasons, from catching a Red Sox baseball game to attending work conferences or immersing themselves in American history. Often, trips combine all three!
Below are some of Boston’s most popular destinations easily accessible via Boston Metro. For destinations not listed, utilize the trip planner for customized directions.
The Green Line provides the most convenient access to Fenway Park. Be aware that trains can become very crowded on game days, so it’s advisable to depart earlier than you anticipate. If you happen to get turned around, simply follow the crowds of people wearing Red Sox jerseys!
While there are four Green Line branches (B, C, D, E), only the B, C, and D lines stop at Fenway and Kenmore stations. If you mistakenly board the E line, transfer to another line at Copley station.
Both Fenway and Kenmore stations are within walking distance of the stadium, with Kenmore being slightly closer.
Did you know? Fenway Park shares its name with The Fenway, a scenic parkway in the same neighborhood. Both the stadium and parkway derive their names from the nearby Back Bay Fens, historically marshy wetlands.
If you are not staying near a Green Line station, convenient connections are available from:
The Boston Common and Public Garden are centrally located in Downtown Boston, within easy walking distance of Beacon Hill, the State House, Government Center, Chinatown, and Back Bay. The Boston Common also marks the starting point of the historic Freedom Trail.
Two subway stations serve the Boston Common directly:
Park Street Station, situated at the corner of Park and Tremont Streets, is a major interchange station serving all Green Line branches and the Red Line. Numerous bus routes also stop on Tremont Street just outside the station. Inside Park Street Station, you’ll find fare vending machines and helpful customer service agents to assist with directions and transit connections.
Boylston Station, located at the corner of Tremont and Boylston Streets, is served by all Green Line branches. A Silver Line stop is also available at street level. Please note that the subway entrance at Boylston Station is not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Did you know? Boylston and Park Street stations are historic landmarks, having opened in 1897. They hold the distinction of being the oldest underground transit stations in America still in operation today. On the inbound platform at Boylston station, you can view two vintage streetcars: a PCC #3295 from the 1950s and a Type-5 #5734 built in 1924.
Additional nearby stations include:
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a vibrant historic marketplace near Boston’s waterfront and the North End, has served as a central market and meeting place since the 18th century. It’s a prominent stop along the Freedom Trail, often called the “Cradle of Liberty.” Today, Faneuil Hall offers a diverse array of restaurants and retail shops. While there are no MBTA stations directly within Faneuil Hall, several stations are conveniently located within walking distance:
The North End, one of Boston’s oldest residential neighborhoods, is renowned for its authentic Italian dining and delectable cannoli. While exploring the North End, visit historical sites like Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.
Subway access is not directly available within the North End itself, but it is a short walk from Haymarket or North Station, both of which are stops on the Orange and Green Lines. North Station also serves as a Commuter Rail station.
Did you know? The North End occupies the northernmost part of Boston’s original settlement, the Shawmut Peninsula. Until the early 19th century, the only land access to the mainland was via the Boston Neck, a narrow 120-foot strip of land connecting the peninsula to present-day Roxbury.
The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path through Boston’s historical landmarks, begins in the Boston Common, conveniently situated between Park Street and Boylston Street subway stations. The trail extends north towards the North End and then across the Charles River to the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution in Charlestown.
You can enjoy a complete walking tour of the Freedom Trail, or utilize Boston Metro to reach specific points of interest along the route.
The Freedom Trail passes near the following Boston Metro stations:
Did you know? Near the State House, the Freedom Trail intersects with the Black Heritage Trail, which meanders through Beacon Hill and highlights significant landmarks in African American history, including the African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School.
Fenway Park: Game Day Metro Access
Fenway Park during a baseball game, viewing the playing field from the stands
Fenway Park during a Red Sox game, easily reached using Boston Metro Transportation.
Heading to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game or concert? Boston Metro is your hassle-free transportation solution, helping you bypass traffic congestion and parking challenges.
Take the T to Fenway Park and enjoy the game!
Accessibility and Reduced Fares on Boston Metro
blue line platform at government center
Accessible Blue Line platform at Government Center station, part of Boston Metro Transportation.
Boston Metro is committed to providing accessible public transportation for all riders. A significant portion of the MBTA system is designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
If you are 65 years of age or older, or a person with a disability, you may qualify for reduced fares or paratransit services, even if you are visiting Boston for a short period.
Boston Metro also offers dedicated trip planning assistance to help you make the most of your visit to Boston with accessible transit options.
All MBTA buses are fully accessible to people with disabilities. While most subway and Commuter Rail stations are accessible, it’s important to note that not all stations are fully accessible. Ferries and docks are generally accessible as well, but accessibility may be affected by high or low tides at certain locations.
Visitors who are blind or have low vision are eligible for complimentary travel on all Boston Metro services.
Learn more about the Blind Access CharlieCard and how to obtain one.
Visitors with disabilities that prevent them from utilizing standard bus, subway, or trolley services may be eligible for paratransit service through The RIDE program.
Learn more about The RIDE and eligibility requirements.
Individuals aged 65 and older may be eligible for reduced Commuter Rail fares upon presentation of a valid, state-issued photo ID.
Learn more about the Senior CharlieCard and senior fare discounts.
If you are enrolled in a reduced fare program, you can conveniently link your benefits to your contactless payment method for seamless fare payment.
Learn more about connecting your benefits to your contactless payment options.
For personalized accessible trip planning assistance, contact the Boston Metro Customer Support team at 617-222-3200, or 617-222-5146 (TTY for hearing impaired).
Explore detailed information about accessible travel on Boston Metro by visiting our access guides for subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry services.
Explore More Boston Metro Guides
Blue spiraled graphic withView all guides for in-depth information on each mode of Boston Metro Transportation.
