How To Ride the MBTA: A Beginner’s Guide to the Commuter Rail
When:
Thursday, Jun 05, 2025 7:00a -
Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 8:00p
Thursday, Jun 05, 2025 7:00a -
Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 8:00p
Where:
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts, Massachusetts
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Accessible Spots, Nature, Sports & Active Life, Tech, University
Event website:
https://www.mbta.com/guides/commuter-rail-guide
Whether you’re commuting to work or planning a weekend escape from the city, the MBTA Commuter Rail is an easy, scenic, and affordable way to explore destinations across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With 140+ stops, the Commuter Rail can take you to charming coastal towns, forested hiking trails, and bustling urban centers – all without the hassle of traffic or parking.
And if you’re riding on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday weekend, don’t miss the $10 Commuter Rail Weekends and Holidays. You’ll have the freedom to visit multiple stops, switch lines, and check out different attractions all for just $10.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
GETTING TO KNOW THE COMMUTER RAIL
The MBTA Commuter Rail links Boston with 140+ stops across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There are 12 lines running every day, all starting or ending at North Station or South Station. From there, you can easily connect to the subway, buses, Amtrak, or regional transit.
Not sure where to start? The easiest way to plan your trip is with the MBTA Trip Planner. Just enter your start and end locations to get route, fare, and schedule info
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
In Boston:
- The Commuter Rail is perfect for getting into the city for games, festivals, or just a day out. Skip the parking hassles and head to:
- TD Garden for hockey, basketball, and concerts (Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport lines)
- Newbury and Boylston streets for dining and shopping (Framingham/Worcester, Franklin, Needham, Providence/Stoughton lines)
- Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum for a nature walk near Forest Hills Station (Needham Line)
- Fenway Park for Red Sox games and concerts near Lansdowne Station (Framingham/Worcester Line)
- Rose Kennedy Greenway for dining and events just across from South Station (multiple lines)
Beyond Boston
For scenic, historic, and fun day trips outside the city, explore destinations like:
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Salem
- Gillette Stadium (for Patriots games and major events)
- Wachusett Mountain (did you know about the Ski Train?)
- Cape Cod
Check out Mass by Train for more ideas on places to visit just a train ride away.
BUYING YOUR TRAIN TICKET WITH THE MTICKET APP
Ticket prices range from $2.40 to $13.25 one way. Round trip, 10-ride, and monthly passes are available. Reduced fares apply for eligible riders.
The easiest way to buy tickets is the mTicket app (download on iPhone or Android). Here’s how:
- Download mTicket
- Open the app and choose your start and end stations.
- Select your ticket type (One-Way, Round Trip, 10-Ride, or Monthly Pass, $10 Weekend Pass).
- Pay with credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Activate your ticket before boarding to show to the conductor.
Other Ticket Options
- Fare vending machines: Found at major subway and Commuter Rail stations like North and South. Know your fare zone — zone maps are nearby or online.
- Ticket windows: Available at North, South, and Back Bay stations. Agents can help you choose the right ticket.
- Retail sales locations: Some stores sell tickets for zones 1A–10.
- On board: You can buy tickets from the conductor with cash or card, but there’s a $3 surcharge if your station has vending machines or ticket windows. Buying in advance is best.
Note: During “Fare is Fair” events, tickets may be checked before entering platforms. Signs will tell you if you need to show your ticket.
HOW TO READ THE SCHEDULE
Schedules vary for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To read the schedule:
- Find your line (e.g., Fitchburg Line).
- Locate your departure station and check train times.
- Confirm if the schedule is for weekday or weekend.
- Inbound trains head toward North or South Station.
You can view real-time train updates on the MBTA website, the Transit app, or on station boards at major stops.
See all Commuter Rail schedules.
READING THE DEPARTURE BOARD
If you’re starting at North Station, South Station, or Back Bay, look for large digital boards that show upcoming trains. Look for:
- Train number
- Line name and destination
- Scheduled departure time
- Track number (posted shortly before departure)
If unsure, ask station staff or conductors for help.
TRAIN ETIQUETTE
To keep your ride comfortable for everyone:
- Respect the ‘quiet car’ if it’s available (usually the first car).
- Keep feet off seats and bags on your lap or under your seat.
- Avoid loud music or phone calls.
- Restrooms are available on most trains, usually at car ends.
- Bikes are allowed off-peak and anytime on some lines (Greenbush, Fairmount, Kingston, Fall River/New Bedford).
- Alcohol is prohibited on trains.
RIDER RULES & SAFETY: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. To report problems or emergencies:
- Call 911 or MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1212.
- Report railroad crossing issues at 1-800-522-8236.
- Use the MBTA See Say app to submit anonymous reports 24/7 from your smartphone. You’ll receive a response within minutes.
💬 Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, speak up to keep the system safe for all. Learn more at mbta.com/safety.
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