How to Ride the MBTA: The Basics (2024)

How to Ride the MBTA: The Basics (1)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, more commonly known as the T, is one of the oldest public transit systems in the United States. It's also the largest transit system in Massachusetts.

As a division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the MBTA provides subway, bus, Commuter Rail, ferry, and paratransit service to eastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island.

Our Services and Standard Fares

Subway lines

The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green subway lines provide fast, easy connections to and from Boston and surrounding cities, including Cambridge, Newton, Revere, and Quincy.

Subway one-way:$2.40 with cash, CharlieCard, or CharlieTicket.

View subway schedules and maps

Learn more about subway fares

Bus routes

The MBTA operates 171 bus routes and 4 rapid transit routes in the Greater Boston area, with connections to the subway and Commuter Rail.

Local bus one-way: $1.70 with cash, CharlieCard, or CharlieTicket.

View bus schedules and maps

Learn more about bus fares

Commuter Rail lines

The Commuter Rail connects eastern Massachusetts with transit hubs in Boston, including subway, bus, and Amtrak services.

Commuter Rail one-way: $2.40 – $13.25, depending on how far you travel.

View Commuter Rail schedules and maps

Learn more about Commuter Rail fares

Ferry routes

Boston’s commuter ferry service connects the inner and outer harbor with transport hubs in Boston at the Charlestown Navy Yard and Logan Airport.

Ferry one-way: $3.70 – $9.75, depending on your origin and destination.

View ferry schedules and maps

Learn more about ferry fares

Hours of Operation

Most bus and train service starts at 5 AM and ends at 1 AM, with some bus service on busy routes starting as early as 3:30 AM. Schedules depend on the type of transportation and day of the week.

The service runs more frequently during weekday rush hours (7 – 9 AM and 4 – 6:30 PM) than at other times.

Subway and key bus route service (such as routes 28, 111, 116, and others) is the most frequent, generally running every 10 – 15 minutes or better.

Fare Calculator

Choose your origin and destination to calculate your fare with our Trip Planner.

Reduced Fares

Some riders, including students, young adults with low income, older adults, and people with disabilities, are eligible for reduced fares.Military personnel, people who are legally blind, and children under the age of 11 ride for free.

Learn more about reduced fares

Pass Programs

The T offers several programs for businesses, schools, and groups to place large orders for tickets and passes.

Learn about our pass programs

Accessibility

All MBTA buses are accessible to people with disabilities, as are most subway and Commuter Rail stations. Ferries and docks are accessible, but can have temporary barriers from high or low tides.

Riders can access real-time elevator and escalator outage information by calling 617-222-2828.

Learn more about accessibility on the T

The RIDE

The RIDE is the MBTA’s door-to-door paratransit service. If you have a disability that prevents you from using the MBTA bus, subway, or trolley all or some of the time, The RIDE may be able to assist with your public transportation needs.

Paratransit one-way: $3.35– $5.60

Learn more about The RIDE

Do You Need This Information in Another Language?

In efforts to reach all riders in the MBTA service area, this information is available in 44 languages.

Services

Language AssistanceMBTA Customer Support representatives speak English and Spanish, and interpreters are available in 160 languages. The MBTA Transit Police and Transit Ambassadors at stations can help access this service.
Service AlertsDuring service disruptions, the MBTA posts signs or has staff available to help riders at stations. Current and planned service alerts are available on our website. Riders can also sign up for T-Alerts to receive text or email alerts.
Transit PoliceThe Transit Police Department (TPD) has full police powers at all MBTA stations and properties, as well as on vehicles. Please contact them in case of emergency, or call 911.
MBTA-Endorsed AppsThere are a variety of smartphone apps to help you plan trips on the MBTA, buy Commuter Rail tickets, pay for parking, and report safety concerns to the Transit Police.
Customer SupportPlease contact us with questions or concerns about our services, stations, or vehicles.

Sign Up for Service Alerts

How to Ride the MBTA: The Basics (2)

Get service alerts via text or email.

Get Involved

Public input is an important part of developing our projects and making decisions. We encourage riders to attend MBTA public meetings and provide comments on our activities.

Attend a public meeting

Learn More About the T

HistoryLearn more about how the T came to be, from the very first ferry in 1631 all the way through today.
ArtSee where you can spot some of the more than 100 art pieces at T stations throughout the city, and learn how to become one of our featured artists.

More Guides

Our user guides can help you learn how to navigate the system, get to local events, use accessibility features, and more.

View all guides

How to Ride the MBTA: The Basics (2024)
Top Articles
Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies of July 2024
8 Best Pet Insurance For Rescue Dogs 2024
Is Sam's Club Plus worth it? What to know about the premium warehouse membership before you sign up
4-Hour Private ATV Riding Experience in Adirondacks 2024 on Cool Destinations
Best Big Jumpshot 2K23
Asian Feels Login
Koordinaten w43/b14 mit Umrechner in alle Koordinatensysteme
Fully Enclosed IP20 Interface Modules To Ensure Safety In Industrial Environment
35105N Sap 5 50 W Nit
Yi Asian Chinese Union
Seth Juszkiewicz Obituary
Uvalde Topic
Tight Tiny Teen Scouts 5
Olivia Ponton On Pride, Her Collection With AE & Accidentally Coming Out On TikTok
Missing 2023 Showtimes Near Landmark Cinemas Peoria
About Us | TQL Careers
Tracking Your Shipments with Maher Terminal
finaint.com
Soccer Zone Discount Code
E22 Ultipro Desktop Version
Rondom Ajax: ME grijpt in tijdens protest Ajax-fans bij hoofdbureau politie
Bridge.trihealth
Swgoh Blind Characters
Uta Kinesiology Advising
Jeff Now Phone Number
Busted News Bowie County
The Tower and Major Arcana Tarot Combinations: What They Mean - Eclectic Witchcraft
Roane County Arrests Today
Project Reeducation Gamcore
F45 Training O'fallon Il Photos
Raw Manga 1000
Surplus property Definition: 397 Samples | Law Insider
Celina Powell Lil Meech Video: A Controversial Encounter Shakes Social Media - Video Reddit Trend
Apparent assassination attempt | Suspect never had Trump in sight, did not get off shot: Officials
Helloid Worthington Login
October 31St Weather
Dr Adj Redist Cadv Prin Amex Charge
Craigslist Jobs Brownsville Tx
Craigslist Free Manhattan
Atlanta Musicians Craigslist
Entry of the Globbots - 20th Century Electro​-​Synthesis, Avant Garde & Experimental Music 02;31,​07 - Volume II, by Various
Academy Sports New Bern Nc Coupons
Jetblue 1919
Emily Browning Fansite
فیلم گارد ساحلی زیرنویس فارسی بدون سانسور تاینی موویز
Blue Beetle Showtimes Near Regal Evergreen Parkway & Rpx
The Horn Of Plenty Figgerits
R/Gnv
The Machine 2023 Showtimes Near Roxy Lebanon
Mega Millions Lottery - Winning Numbers & Results
Naomi Soraya Zelda
St Als Elm Clinic
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5323

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.