Boston's subway system - locally we call it the T - is the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city, aside from walking. It can also be the most frustrating. Trains get crowded, and sometimes break down.
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It is often referred to simply as the T (the “T” from MBTA—the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). The trains—or trolleys, as they're sometimes called here—connect downtown Boston to communities within and near the city.
Boston's Subway - The T Boston's subway system - locally we call it the T - is the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city, aside from walking. It can also be the most frustrating. Trains get crowded, and sometimes break down.
Most Used Subway Line The Red Line at 74.45m trips per year, which narrowly edges out the Green Line. And the Blue Line lags way behind at 17.88m trips per year.
The subway in Boston, all lines- Blue, Red, Green & Orange are very safe! From a male visitor's point of view, I have been working here in Boston for several years during the week, and have enjoyed walking around downtown on weekday envenings often alone, and found all of streets, subways, and T's completely safe.
The MBTA is Boston's public transportation system, and it's a great way to get around quickly and cheaply. The “T” refers to the subway, which runs throughout Boston, into Cambridge, and into nearby suburbs, providing access to all the attractions located in Boston. Just look for the big T in a circle to find a stop.
To the Airport: Take the Red Line to South Station>Transfer to the Silver Line SL1 (Logan Airport - South Station via Waterfront), which stops at all airport terminals.
Did you know that Boston is the third most walkable large city in the US? We only trail behind New York and San Fransisco when it comes to pedestrian friendliness. Boston scored 83 out of 100 on Walk Score's walkability meter. Turns out, Boston is nicknamed “The Walking City” for good reason.
In the late 19th century, as traffic grew and the rail yards became ever more unwieldy, the many small terminals that served the lines extending north and south of the city were consolidated into two great terminals, at North and South Stations. North Station was completed in 1893. South Station followed in 1900.
If you're here just for a visit, you're most likely to use the T and water taxis, plus several other ways of getting around: rental cars, land taxis, Boston's bike-share program (Hubway), city tour trolleys, and of course the easiest and cheapest of all: walking.
With its compact size, short blocks, numerous subway stops, and intimate scale, Downtown Boston is a walker's paradise. Some of Boston's most celebrated and historic neighborhoods--the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, North End, and more--are within a short walk of downtown.
Subway Tickets & FaresYou can get Charlie Cards at the ticket vending machines in most stations, and Charlie Tickets at the machines in every station. You can also pay for your ride in cash when you board buses and the T's above-ground Green Line trolleys.