Boston Public Transportation 101: How to Navigate the T
Boston, one of the most walkable cities in the world, has a great public transportation system, but it can be overwhelming and confusing if you’re new to the city. So, whether you're commuting to class, heading downtown, or exploring new neighborhoods, this guide will help you ride the T like a local.
Glossary: Know the Terms
The T = Boston’s subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry system.
MBTA = Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (they run the T).
CharlieCard = A reusable plastic card you tap to ride the T (cheaper than paying cash).
Inbound = Going toward downtown Boston.
Outbound = Going away from downtown Boston.
The 6 “T Lines” in Boston
Boston’s T has six color-coded lines that connect most of Greater Boston. Each line has its own personality and places of interest. Here’s a breakdown:
🟠 Orange Line
Major Stops: Ruggles, North Station, Haymarket, Downtown Crossing, Chinatown, Back Bay, Tufts Medical Center
Best For: Berklee School of Music, Northeastern University, downtown events, and TD Garden.
🔴 Red Line
Major Stops: Alewife, Harvard, Central, Kendall/MIT, Park Street, South Station, Ashmont/Braintree
Best For: Harvard, MIT, Boston University (via Red → Green transfer), and most job hubs.
Tip: If you’re not sure which side to wait on, just remember Inbound = toward Park Street, which goes right to the heart of Downtown Boston.
🟢 Green Line (B, C, D, and E Branches)
B Branch: Boston University (BU West, Central, East), Allston
C Branch: Cleveland Circle
D Branch: Longwood Medical Area, Newton
E Branch: Northeastern, Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts
Best For: BU, BC (B line), Longwood Medical, Northeastern, Fenway Park
Heads up: The Green Line is a streetcar in some areas — it can be slow but scenic.
Remember: When the Green Line is running on street level, you need to request your stops.
🔵 Blue Line
Major Stops: Airport, Aquarium, Government Center
Best For: Logan Airport and trips to East Boston or Revere Beach.
Pro Tip: You can take a free shuttle to Logan Airport terminals from the Airport stop.
⚪️ Silver Line
This is technically a bus line, but it acts like a subway in parts.
Best For: Logan Airport, South Station, and Seaport.
Airport Hack: Free Silver Line service from Logan to South Statio. It is NOT free, however, from Downtown to Logan Airport (outbound).
🟣Purple Line (aka Commuter Rail)
Best For: long distances and/or connections outside of Boston (it even goes to Rhode Island!)
Check here for fare information. You will need an app to purchase tickets for here.
What’s Inbound and Outbound?
Perhaps the most confusing part of the T system is Outbound and Inbound lines. It may help to think of the system like spokes on a wheel with Downtown at the center: all lines go towards or out of Downtown.
Inbound means you're heading toward the center of the city (usually Park Street or Downtown Crossing).
Outbound means you're leaving downtown, heading toward outer neighborhoods or suburbs.
Example: If you're at Harvard heading to South Station, you're going Inbound. If you’re going back to Harvard, that’s Outbound.
Tips for Riding the T
Use a CharlieCard: Pick one up for free at stations like Downtown Crossing, Park Street, or Back Bay. It's cheaper than using a CharlieTicket or cash.
Extra tip: Many schools also offer you reduced or even free fare. Also check their website if you meet other qualifications.
Download the Transit App: Get real-time T schedules and track when the next train is coming. Google Maps and Apple Maps are also pretty accurate if you don’t want to download an extra app.
Plan around rush hour: Trains are packed from 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on weekdays.
Proper etiquette:
Stand Right, Walk Left: On escalators, stand to the right so people can pass on the left.
Don’t Block the Doors: Let people off before getting on.
How to Get a CharlieCard
The CharlieCard is your best friend. You can load it with stored value or monthly passes.
Where to Get One:
In person: MBTA offices (Downtown Crossing), Boston Public Library branches, or outreach events at major T stations.
You can also get CharlieCards from any Boston Public Library branch, and some 7/11s. Just ask the cashier!
At a kiosk: Some stations offer plastic CharlieCards via vending machines, but not all.
Online: For monthly passes or replacement cards, check the MBTA website.
Good News! The T now has Tap to Pay! Not all lines have this update, though so it’s still good to grab a physical CharlieCard. Consider it a rite of passage.
Recommended T Lines for College Students
These T lines are closest to these the corresponding campuses. You can find them right on campus or just outside of campus.
Campus/Area and suggested T lines:
Boston University - Green Line B Branch
Boston College - Green Line B Branch (end of the line)
Harvard - Red Line
MIT - Red Line
Northeastern - Green Line E Branch
Emerson, Suffolk - Red or Orange Line (Downtown Crossing/Park Street)
Final Tips
Google Maps works, but the Transit App is better for live updates.
You can bring bikes on the T, but only during off-peak hours.
Late-night options are limited — check last train times (usually before 1 AM).
Transfers between lines are free, except when switching between subway and commuter rail.
You can now explore Boston with confidence — the T is a great way to explore the city and get off campus.
