If you were in Boston recently for the Celtics’ NBA Championship parade, you probably took the subway. In fact, with well over a million spectators lining the parade route, almost everyone had to rely on public transportation that festive day. On the other hand, if you weren’t there for the parade but plan to visit Boston, you should still consider taking the “T.” Fortunately, learning how to use Boston’s subway system is far easier than in cities like New York or Chicago. That’s because the city’s MBTA only has four subway lines compared to eight in Chicago and 36 in New York. In view of this, learn how to ride Boston’s subway system and which attractions you can visit.
The Boston Subway System
Like many other major subway systems, Boston’s MBTA has four routes that are color-coded. In this case, the routes are the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines. In addition, there is the Silver Line, a collection of rapid transit bus routes. By learning the routes and understanding the system map, you’ll see that you can go practically anywhere with public transit. In fact, the subway system provides easy access to major attractions like Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail. Furthermore, if you’re flying into Boston Logan, you might be able to use the subway to your hotel or other destination, making your journey even easier and more affordable.
Understanding the Direction of Travel
Before learning about each subway line, it’s important to understand the concept of direction of travel. In other words, which direction on your subway line will you need to go to reach your destination? For example, if you start at South Station and want to go to Harvard, how would you do it? The solution is to take the Red Line from South Station northerly towards Alewife. For another example, from Downtown Crossing, take the Orange Line to the Backbay station toward Forest Hills. Understanding this concept will help you navigate the system more effectively, especially since there are only four subway lines in Boston.
(credit: MBTA)
Fare Information
The standard one-way fare on the subway is $2.40 and $1.10 for eligible riders. The discount rate applies if you have a disability or a Medicare card. In that case, you can apply online for a TAP Charlie Card. In addition, you can send an application via the postal service or in person. Of course, if you are 65 and over, you’re also eligible for the discount fare. Lastly, some people, including those 11 years or younger and first responders, are eligible for free rides.
Related: How to Use Montreal’s Subway
Best Day Passes for Visitors
Boston’s MBTA offers you three types of passes for riding the subway. Of these three, the day pass ($11) and 7-day pass are the best for you and other visitors. Furthermore, these passes are valid on the subway and buses and allow up to two transfers.
How to Pay Fare
Passes are stored on cards you tap at the subway station’s entry gate. The best card for you is the CharlieTicket, which can be purchased at vending machines at most stations. In addition, you can also use mTickets, which are stored on your smartphone. However, the mTicket is better suited if you use the commuter rail extensively. If you also plan to ride the bus, you can use cash, although it’s less convenient and takes longer to board. In all, the best option for the subway is the CharlieTicket. As for the CharlieCard, that’s only available for the subway and buses, and not the commuter rail and the ferry.
Related: How to Use the Metro Rail in Los Angeles
Accessibility on the Boston Subway
According to the most recent information, most MBTA subway and trolley stations are accessible. This includes accessible station entrances, fare gates, accessible platforms, and elevators. Other accessible features are tactile warning strips, emergency call boxes, and audio and visual announcements of stops, arrivals, and destinations. A complete guide to accessible stations for each subway line is available through the MBTA. In addition, you can contact MBTA’s customer support to obtain a large print or braille transit guide.
Taking the Subway From Boston Logan International
The Blue Line can take you from Boston Logan into central Boston, with important stops at State and Government Center. From State station, you can then transfer to the Orange Line while the Government Center station connects with the Green Line. Alternatively, you can take the free Silver Line 1 to South Station from Logan International. Upon arriving at South Station, you have a free transfer to the Red Line. Lastly, the MBTA operates a ferry service between the Transportation Dock at Boston Logan and the South Shore.
A Closer Look at the Boston’s Subway Lines
Red Line (RL)
Of the five subway lines in Boston, the Red Line is the busiest, with an average of about a quarter million riders weekly. That’s because this route serves the historic section of Boston as well as universities like Harvard, MIT, and U. Mass. In other words, if you’re a first-time visitor and want to use the subway, you’ll probably take the Red Line. The top visitor attraction along this route is Boston Common, the oldest public park in America.
Orange Line
Boston’s second busiest subway line is the Orange Line, which serves just over 200,000 passengers weekly. What’s more, this route serves top attractions like Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, and Symphony Hall. The Orange Line also serves Downtown Crossing, a major entertainment and retail center. For instance, this is one of the closest stations in Boston’s Theater District. The Chinatown station on the Orange Line is also a convenient stop for Broadway shows.
Blue Line
If you want to take the subway from Logan International Airport into Boston, then take the Blue Line. In addition, the Blue Line has transit stations at the Old State House and Government Center. You can also visit attractions like Faneuil Hall Marketplace and City Hall after exiting State Station.
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Green Line
The Green Line is no less important than the other three T lines. For example, this route can take you to Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Copley Square. In other words, there is a good chance you’ll want to use this subway/light rail line. If that’s not enough, the must-see Boston Public Library is also on this route, next to Copley Square. Incidentally, the Green Line is the oldest subway line in Boston and North America. However, you should make note of the Green Line’s branch extensions after it leaves Copley station. For example, if you want to go to Boston College, you must take the D branch of the Green Line to Chestnut Hill.
Subway Lines for Major Attractions
Boston Common
To reach this major attraction, you can take the Red Line to the State Street subway station. Upon exiting the station, you will be near the eastern border of Boston Common. You can see several attractions in America’s oldest city park and its surrounding area. This includes the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, Massachusetts State House, and the famous Cheers Beacon Hill bar. In addition, you should visit the Frog Pond and the adjacent Public Garden, America’s first botanical garden. Within Public Garden, make sure to visit the Make Way for Ducklings sculptures. Lastly, the starting point of the Freedom Trail is within Boston Common.
Freedom Trail
Extending across nearly 2.5 miles, the Freedom Trail is a must-see attraction for any first-time visitor to Boston. Starting at Boston Common, the Trail continues past several attractions, including the Old State House, the Old North Church, and Bunker Hill. While you might be able to walk the entire trail, you can take the subway to get closer to individual points of interest. However, the nearest subway stations at some Freedom Trail attractions will require you to walk a half mile or more. If you prefer an easier walk, there are public bus stops that are much closer.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
The Red Line also goes near the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. You can take the Red Line to South Station, then exit onto Summer Street. From Summer Street, it is a .3-mile walk to this famous Boston attraction featuring Eleanor, one of the original Tea Party ships. Following Congress Street across Fort Point Channel, you can also see the Boston Children’s Museum.
Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution
Located in Boston’s oldest neighborhood, Bunker Hill Monument can be reached with the Orange Line. However, it’s a .6-mile walk from the closest subway station at Community College. If you prefer not to walk from the Community College station, you can bus route 93 to the Bunker Hill bus stop. You are just .1 mile from this National Historic Landmark from this bus stop. In addition, this bus route has a stop near the USS Constitution, its namesake museum, and Boston National Historic Park.
Copley Square, Museum of Fine Arts
Some of Boston’s top attractions are in the Bay Back neighborhood. For instance, Copley Square is a lively public space and a must-see attraction. The Green Line tram at Copley and the Orange Line at Back Bay are the closest stops. Just about a block away is the Boston Public Library, with its picture-perfect Bates Hall reading room. That’s not to mention the Prudential Center and Copley Place for shopping and historic Trinity Church. Also in this area are more attractions like the Old South Church and the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Lastly, if you continue west on the Green Line, you can visit Symphony Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Faneuil Hall and Old State House
Boston’s popular Faneuil Hall Marketplace is accessible by subway via the Blue Line, with three stations within walking distance. The closest station is State, while the Government Center and Aquariums stations aren’t far away. At the State station, you will want to see the Old State House, once the seat of the colonial government. Just a short stroll away is a historical marker indicating the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre. Of course, the Aquarium station on the Blue Line is your stop for the family-friendly attraction, New England Aquarium.
Fenway Park
Whether you want to see a Red Sox game or take in a tour of Fenway, you can take public transit. If that’s the case, you can take the Green Line to Fenway or the commuter rail from South Station to Lansdowne. The last option is your closet to historic Fenway Park, the oldest active MLB ballpark still in use. Even if the Red Sox are on the road, it’s worth taking an affordable Red Sox ballpark tour of Fenway Park. After all, this is one of Boston’s most popular and most visited attractions.
Harvard University/MIT
If you plan to visit Harvard University or MIT, you can take the Red Line to either destination. The station for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is at Kendall/MIT, and two stops later is Harvard station. Both prestigious universities have visitor attractions, including the Great Dome at MIT and the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture.
Old North Church/Paul Revere House
Historic Old North Church is accessible by subway via the Orange Line. The closest station to Boston’s oldest church is Haymarket. From Haymarket, you must walk .4 miles to reach this attraction famous for the Revolutionary War signal: “One if by Land, Two if by Sea.” Adjacent to the Old North Church is a statue of Paul Revere, and his home is just a few blocks away. In addition to the Orange Line, MBTA’s bus route 4 has a closer stop to the Old North Church and Paul Revere Statue. You can transfer to route 4 from Haymarket station at Congress Street.
TD Garden and the Sports Museum
If you missed the Boston Celtics’ NBA Championship Parade, you can still tour its home court at TD Garden. In fact, tours of the Celtics home arena are only available during the summer. That’s not to mention the Sports Museum, which features memorabilia of the Celtics and the NHL’s Boston Bruins. Moreover, Heritage Hall is a separate museum devoted to the Bruins. In other words, if you love basketball or hockey, don’t miss these Boston attractions. TD Garden is next to North Station, and is served by the Green and Orange subway lines.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member. Lastly, Randy has nearly 25 years of professional experience in the transportation industry.
