Riding the T Like a Local
Boston's MBTA — 'the T' — is the oldest subway in the US and the city's essential transit backbone. Five color-coded lines (Red, Orange, Blue, Green, Silver) plus 150+ bus routes connect virtually every neighborhood. A single subway ride is $2.40; a 7-Day Pass is $22.50 for unlimited subway and bus travel.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Thu 05:10–01:00 Fri–Sat 05:10–02:00 Sun–Sun 05:10–01:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | The T is the transit — Park Street station (Red/Green lines) is the system's central hub, Downtown Crossing (Red/Orange) is the other key interchange. |
| Time needed | Varies by trip; most cross-city rides take 20–40 minutes. |
| Best time to go | Weekday midday (10 AM–3 PM) for least crowding; avoid inbound rush 7–9 AM and outbound 4–7 PM. |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- Are there unlimited transfer rules between the subway and bus?
- As of September 1, 2026, riders using a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, or contactless payment can make unlimited transfers between subway, bus, and ferry within a two-hour window, paying only the cost of the highest-priced service used. You must use the same payment method throughout. Cash payments do not qualify for transfers. Source: mbta.com/fares/transfers.
- Is the T accessible for riders with disabilities?
- All MBTA buses (including Silver Line) and all ferry services are fully accessible. All 22 Red Line stations and all 20 Orange Line stations are fully accessible. Riders can check real-time elevator and escalator outages by calling 617-222-2828. Reduced and free fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and legally blind riders. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBTA_accessibility and mbta.com/fares/reduced.
- How late does the T run?
- On weekdays and Sundays, subway service typically ends around 1 AM (last trains depart terminals roughly 12:25–12:30 AM). Since August 24, 2025, Friday and Saturday service was extended by about an hour, with trains running until approximately 2 AM on those nights. Check mbta.com for line-specific last-trip times. Source: nbcboston.com and wgbh.org/news/local/2025-08-12.
- Can I just tap my phone or credit card instead of getting a CharlieCard?
- Yes. The MBTA accepts contactless payment — tap your debit/credit card, phone, or watch with a mobile wallet — on bus, subway, and ferry at the same standard fare. As of September 1, 2026, this method also qualifies for the unlimited two-hour transfer window between subway, bus, and ferry. Source: mbta.com/taptoride.
- Which T line should I take to get from the airport to downtown Boston?
- Take the free Silver Line SL1 bus from Logan Airport terminals directly to South Station (Red Line) or downtown stops — no fare required on the inbound airport trip. From South Station you can connect to the Red, Orange, or Green lines. Source: mbta.com/fares/bus-fares (SL1 priced as subway fare; inbound airport leg is free).
- How much does a single subway ride on the T cost?
- A one-way subway fare is $2.40, payable by CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless credit/debit card, phone, or watch. Local bus rides are $1.70. Children 11 and under ride free, as do active-duty military and legally blind riders with a Blind Access CharlieCard. Source: mbta.com/fares/subway-fares and mbta.com/about/how-to-ride-the-mbta-the-basics.
- How do I get a CharlieCard?
- Free blank CharlieCards are available at any Boston Public Library location, at fare vending machines in most subway stations, at the Charlie Service Center (296 Washington St, Downtown Crossing), and at select retail stores throughout Greater Boston. You can load cash value or passes at vending machines using cash, credit/debit, or EBT cards. Source: mbta.com/fares/charliecard.
- What is the best pass for a visitor spending a week in Boston?
- The 7-Day LinkPass ($22.50) covers unlimited subway, local bus, express bus, and Silver Line rides for seven days from first use — it pays for itself in as few as 9 one-way trips. Load it onto a CharlieCard at any subway station fare vending machine or pick up a free blank CharlieCard at any Boston Public Library branch. Source: mbta.com/guides/bus-guide and mbta.com/fares/charliecard.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Boston Public MarketMarket0.13 km · 2 min walk
- Rose Kennedy GreenwayAttraction0.34 km · 4 min walk
- Neptune OysterRestaurant0.46 km · 6 min walk
- Modern PastryCafé0.5 km · 6 min walk
- Caffe VittoriaCafé0.6 km · 8 min walk
Where to stay near Riding the T Like a Local
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