Traveling by Commuter Rail let’s you do what drivers can’t because you can focus on “me” time all while skipping traffic and avoiding parking hassles.
We asked riders what some their favorite things to do while on board and here’s what some had to say:
“Look out the windows and take my mind off of everything!”
“Take in the view!”
“Stretch my legs and walk around.”
“Catch up on work”
“Sleep.”
“Read or scroll through my phone.”
“Just happy to not get stuck in traffic!”
So next time you need to catch up with friends, discuss last night’s cliffhanger, or scroll for a new recipe, take the train to your next destination instead of driving and catch up one some “me” time.
Be sure to tag @MBTA_CR and use #massbytrain to let us know about your trip!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Kids 11 and under ride free
Ride unlimited all weekend with a $10 weekends ticket
Download mTicket for mobile tickets or buy on board from a conductor if you aren’t near a ticket office or vending machine
Did you know that kids 11 & under ride free with a fare paying adult? That means, Commuter Rail can take you and your kids to places all around the region and you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Plus, if you ride on the weekend, adults can ride with a $10 weekend ticket which offers unlimited travel, all weekend long, across all zones for just $10.
Travel Tip: Ask ticket offices or Conductors if they have our kids train activity book handy. That way your little one can keep themselves busy on the train ride. It can also be downloaded here.
Need travel ideas? Check out some of our favorite family fun destinations and view our full map here
Come on into Boston and check out some of the new art installations around Boston. These are the perfect spots to visit with your family, a fun outing with friends, or even a date
Take the train to North, South, or Back Bay from your nearest Commuter Rail station and head to one of our favorite spots with beautiful new art and ride with a cheap train ticket.
Buy a $10 weekend ticket for unlimited travel across all zones Saturday and Sunday. Plus, kids 11 & under ride free.
Dewey Square mural on The Greenway – Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs
“Rob Gibbs is the first Black Boston-native artist to be commissioned by the Conservancy’s Public Art Program.” Learn more here.
For others, visit the City of Boston’s public art map! And if you’re taking the train in, be sure to tag @MBTA_CR and use #massbytrain to let us know about your trip!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Kids 11 and under ride free
Ride unlimited all weekend with a $10 weekends ticket
Download mTicket for mobile tickets or buy on board from a conductor if you aren’t near a ticket office or vending machine
Did you know that 2/3 of carbon emissions in Massachusetts come from personal vehicle use? Swap your next car drive for a Commuter Rail ride and help reduce emissions. Compared to your personal vehicle, Commuter Rail is:
✔️♻️ Greener
Taking the train takes cars off the road and reduces your fuel dependency.
✔️🚆 Faster
Taking the train allows you to skip traffic and avoid finding parking in Boston. Also, in many cases, the train is the more direct route into the city. So far in 2022, our OTP is XX. Plus, Commuter Rail now has a more consistent all-day service, 7 days a week.
✔️ 📱 Smarter We have a new 5-Day Flex Pass that allows you to save 10% on five round-trip tickets. It’s available for purchase on mTicket only and perfect for a hybrid work schedule.
So next time you have to drive somewhere, see if you can use public transit instead and Go Green with Purple!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Kids 11 and under ride free
Ride unlimited all weekend with a $10 weekends ticket
Download mTicket for mobile tickets or buy on board from a conductor if you aren’t near a ticket office or vending machine
Did you know Commuter Rail runs through 175 cities and towns? Get out there to visit some of these beautiful places. If you’re looking for weekend trip ideas, buy a $10 weekend ticket for unlimited travel across all zones Saturday and Sunday. Plus, kids 11 & under ride free.
CapeFLYER service to Cape Cod begins Friday, May 27 and runs all summer Fridays – Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. On long weekends, the train will operate on Monday’s too. For full schedules visit here.
Kids, bikes, and pets all ride free plus there’s a bar car! For more information on ticket types and prices, visit here.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the city? Whether you are looking for family fun, a fun day-trip with friends, or a date idea – Here are some of our favorite places in Boston to enjoy spring blooms.
Accessible Cafés to get you through Day Light Saving Time
Are you ready for Day Light Saving Time? Remember to set your clocks back this Sunday! Losing an hour of sleep isn’t easy, so some of us may need a little extra help to Spring Forward! If you need a quick caffeine pick-me-up to get through the week, our staff shared some of their favorite local cafes that are accessible by Commuter Rail. Get your coffee (and maybe a snack or two) before or after you ride with us.
We put together a map of our staff’s favorite coffee shops from Commuter Rail Stations:
On New Year’s Eve, Commuter Rail will run on a Regular Weekday Schedule*
On New Years Day, Commuter Rail will run on a Regular Weekend Schedule
*On Friday, December 31, fares will be free after 8pm across all MBTA modes. Commuter Rail will run on a regular weekday schedule with the last trains being held until after 12 AM on all lines excluding Needham and Stoughton. For updated departure times, visit your line’s schedule at MBTA.com/cr or visit MBTA.com/holidays.
Bikes, including folding bikes, are not allowed on all inbound trains between 10 AM and 6 PM and on all outbound trains from 4 PM until the end of service.
As you plan your holiday travel, we want to offer some #TravelTips if you’re planning on taking the train home this holiday season. If you’re headed out on Christmas Day, remember to use $10 weekend tickets!
BePrepared
Face coverings on board
Masks are still required on all MBTA property even if you’re fully vaccinated. Visit MBTA.com/RideSafer to learn about our covid response.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Service:
On Christmas Eve, Commuter Rail will run on a Regular Weekday Schedule
On Christmas Day, Commuter Rail will run on a Regular Weekend Schedule
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day Service
On New Year’s Eve, Commuter Rail will run on a Regular Weekday Schedule*
On New Years Day, Commuter Rail will run on a Regular Weekend Schedule
*On Friday, December 31, fares will be free after 8pm across all MBTA modes. Commuter Rail will run on a regular weekday schedule with the last trains being held until after 12 AM on all lines excluding Needham and Stoughton. For updated departure times, visit your line’s schedule at MBTA.com/cr or visit MBTA.com/holidays.
Bikes, including folding bikes, are not allowed on all inbound trains between 10 AM and 6 PM and on all outbound trains from 4 PM until the end of service.
Enter your origin and destination in the MBTA trip planner at MBTA.com/cr
This will create trip itineraries with the station and line information as well as give you an estimated fare. For full timetables and fare information, visit MBTA.com/cr
The trip planner will help navigate you if you’re traveling to/from Logan Airport.
If you don’t have a station close to your final destination look at our system map to find the furthest station (from all the city traffic) that is on your way and use that as your destination.
Getting tickets
To take Commuter Rail, you do not need to book your ticket in advance in order to secure your seat. Please be mindful of the space you’re using and give priority seating to those who need it.
We do suggest you buy your tickets prior to boarding. Here are all the ways you can buy Commuter Rail tickets:
The mTicket app for mobile tickets
MBTA Fare Vending Machines
Ticket windows at North, South, or Back Bay stations
On board from a conductor with cash or credit card
Stay alert throughout your trip and look and listen for your stop. Always wait for the conductor to open and close all doors.
Listen for your stop
Arrive at the platform 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time and make sure you know if you’re traveling inbound or outbound.
BeRespectful
Since our trains run 365 days a year that means our in-station staff, customer service, and train crews work on holidays. Please treat them as well as other riders with respect if you’re riding with us on Christmas Day.
Storage
If you’re bringing bags or luggage, use the dedicated storage onboard and keep large personal items on the floor and out of the way or on overhead racks.
Enjoy the ride!
Commuter Rail services over 400 cities and towns, so some trips may be longer than others. To help pass the time, do what drivers can’t. Watch TV, read a book, catch up on “me” time. If you’re listening to something on your phone, tablet, computer, etc. please be courteous of others and use headphones.
