Public Transportation in Boston
Choose your preferred commuting method and discover another side to the city
4 Min Read
4 Min ReadGiven the large size of Boston, it’s still considered a walkable city. When you’re in a hurry or have a considerable distance to cover however, taking public transportation can save you time. Fortunately, public transport in Boston is diverse, covers a lot of ground, is reliable and affordable.
If you prefer to have a shorter commute, you can consider renting an apartment from Blueground. Many of the fully-furnished apartments available for mid to long-term rent are in Boston’s sought after neighborhoods, like South End and the Financial District. The turnkey apartments all come completely move-in ready from day one. The flexible lease terms that Blueground offers allow guests to move between apartments and explore various neighborhoods. If you find your favorite area but it’s across the city from the office, download the Guest App to plan your daily commute. The app also gives you access to tools such as paying rent online and requesting cleaning and maintenance.
The Metropolitan Boston Transit Authority (MBTA) is Boston’s public transportation system. It encompasses the subway system, commuter rail trains, buses, and ferries.
Subway System
Locals refer to the subway in Boston as the T. Besides walking, riding the T is the easiest way to get around the city center. Also, it’s convenient and affordable. Taking the subway gives you access to all of Boston’s major attractions. You can take the subway to and from Boston Logan Airport, into Cambridge, as well as the nearby suburbs.
The T has five different lines; a green, red, orange, blue and silver line. Subway stops are easy to locate. Look for signs with a big letter T and a circle around it throughout the streets. Times of operation vary depending on the line, but most start the day around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. and end around midnight tor 1 a.m. 
Commuter Rail Trains
The commuter rail trains serve the population of residents who live in the suburbs and commute downtown for work. Train times are more infrequent than the subway and have more restrictive weekend schedules. Most of the commuter rail trains begin service around 6 a.m. on weekdays and end service around 1 a.m. Service on the weekends stops around 11 p.m. Prices to ride the train vary depending on the zone you leave from. There are 10 zones in total and prices range from $2.25 to $12.50 for a one-way trip.
Buses
Another option for public transport in Boston is the bus system. People who ride the bus usually come from the outskirts of Boston. In other cases, people ride the bus while in the city to get around cheaply. Local bus prices for a one-way trip range from $1.70 to $2.00. Children who are 11 years and younger ride for free when accompanied by an adult. You can buy daily, weekly, and monthly passes at the fare vending machines, in select retail stores, or online.
Ferries
Residents living in Massachusetts’ North or South shores, can commute to work on the ferry. Besides just getting from one place to another many choose the ferry for public transport in Boston because of the scenic views. While enjoying the ride, passengers can take in the sights of the Boston Harbor and Boston Harbor Islands. Depending on your departure location, fares range from $3.50 – $18.50 for a one-way ticket. A spontaneous weekend escape has never been easier.
To reach the ferry from Boston’s city center, you can find the main ferry terminals located along Atlantic Avenue. They are within walking distance of each other and Aquarium Station. Ferries operate year-round, regardless of weather. Therefore, they offer both indoor and outdoor seating for passengers. Some of the ferry’s popular destinations include Salem, Boston Logan Airport, Charleston, and Winthrop. You can even give back to the Boston Harbor Islands through their Volunteers-in-Parks program.
Shared Bicycle System
BLUEbikes is a public bike sharing system in Metro Boston. They have over 2,500 bikes and more than 260 stations across Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. When the weather is nice, there’s no better way to reach your next destination than by pedaling your way there.
There are several convenient ways to pay for your bike, including online, at the station kiosk, or by using their app. You can choose a single ride, day pass, monthly pass, or annual pass. Due to the snowy winters, BLUEbikes only operates during spring, summer, and fall.
There are many public transport options in the greater Boston area. You can easily leave your car at home, and take a subway, bus or bike to work. Have to catch a flight? Enjoy Boston’s gorgeous skyline while taking the ferry to the airport. Here, you can take your commute to the next level. Your choices are plentiful!
