How to Ride the MBTA: The Basics
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.
In an effort to reach riders in the MBTA service area, the following information is available in 44 languages.
Our Services and Standard Fares
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Subway lines
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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.
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Bus routes
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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.
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Commuter Rail lines
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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.
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Ferry routes
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Services
Sign Up for Service Alerts
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.
Learn More About the T
More Guides
Our user guides can help you learn how to navigate the system, get to local events, use accessibility features, and more.
Sign Up for Service Alerts
Get service alerts via text or email.
More Guides
Our user guides can help you learn how to navigate the system, get to local events, use accessibility features, and more.