Boston is one of the most walkable cities in America. The historic center is compact, and you can walk from Boston Common to the North End in fifteen minutes. For longer trips, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, known as the MBTA or simply the T, runs the subway, buses, commuter trains and ferries. Its Tremont Street subway, opened in 1897, was the first in the United States.

The subway lines

  • The Red Line: downtown to Cambridge (Kendall/MIT and Harvard) and south to Quincy and beyond.
  • The Green Line: a light-rail line under the Back Bay, branching west to Fenway, Kenmore and the Museum of Fine Arts.
  • The Orange Line: north to south through downtown, Back Bay station and the South End.
  • The Blue Line: from downtown under the harbor to the airport station and the North Shore.
  • The Silver Line: bus rapid transit, linking South Station with the Seaport and Logan Airport, and running along Washington Street.

Park Street, Downtown Crossing, Government Center and State are the main downtown interchange stations.

Fares and paying

Use a CharlieCard, the T's reloadable card, or tap a contactless bank card or phone at readers on much of the system, where accepted. Passes for a day or a week can be good value if you ride often. Fares and payment options change, so check the MBTA's current information before you travel.

Buses and commuter rail

Buses fill the gaps between subway lines. Commuter rail trains leave from North Station and South Station for the suburbs and day trips, including Salem and, in summer, Cape Cod. See a day trip to Salem.

Ferries and water taxis

Ferries cross the harbor from Long Wharf to the Charlestown Navy Yard, a short ride that makes a good end to the Freedom Trail. Seasonal ferries run to the Boston Harbor Islands, and water taxis link the airport with waterfront hotels and the Seaport.

From Logan Airport

Logan is very close to downtown. The Silver Line bus runs from the terminals to South Station, and free airport shuttle buses connect the terminals with the Blue Line's Airport station. Taxis and ride-hail cars use designated pick-up areas. Water taxis cross to the waterfront in minutes. For more, see airport-to-city transfers.

Bikes and walking

The city's bike-share system has stations across Boston and Cambridge, and the Charles River paths are ideal for cycling. Walking is often the fastest way to cover short distances downtown; the streets are crooked, so use a map.

Driving

Boston is a difficult city to drive in: narrow, one-way streets laid out long before cars, heavy traffic, aggressive drivers and expensive parking. If you rent a car for day trips, pick it up on the day you leave the city. See renting a car in the US.

Accessibility

Most subway stations have elevators, though older stations have limitations and elevators can be out of service; check the MBTA's accessibility updates. Buses kneel and have ramps.

Frequently asked questions

Is the T easy for visitors?

Yes. Lines are color-coded and the main downtown stations connect them all.

How late does the T run?

Service generally ends around midnight or shortly after. Late at night, use a taxi or ride-hail.

Do I need a car in Boston?

No. Walking and the T cover almost everything a visitor wants to see.