Fall weekends have gotten more exciting and affordable! For five weekends, September 5 – October 4, you can ride regularly scheduled Commuter Rail trains for free on Friday and Saturday nights after 9 pm. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, catching a baseball game, or going to a live performance, the train is offering you an easy way to get there.
Note: Commuter Rail trains operate according to specific departure times, rather than at consistent intervals like the subway. Find line schedules here.
More About the Free Commuter Rail Service
All Commuter Rail Lines will be free on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 9 pm through the end of service on the weekends of September 5-6, September 12-13, September 19-20, September 26-27, and October 3-4. Free fares apply to riders who board after 9 PM, as well as those on trains scheduled to arrive at North or South Station after 9 PM.
Why It Matters
Free fares after 9 pm help make evening travel more accessible, enhancing quality of life and boosting the region’s economy.
“The MBTA is working every day to deliver the high-quality, reliable service that riders deserve,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s great that the T is offering free service on the weekends to encourage students coming back to school and workers returning from vacation to take the T.”
How to Take Advantage of the Limited Free Commuter Rail Service
By September, most college students return to campus, making this the perfect opportunity to take advantage of free late-night travel. It’s also a valuable benefit for late-shift workers who can now get home on the Commuter Rail at no cost. Riders can also take the train to head into Boston or other cities accessible by the Commuter Rail for concerts, sports games, and other late-night outings, and travel home for free.
Plan Your Next Late-Night Outing in Boston with the Commuter Rail
Boston comes alive at night with concerts, shows, games, and other fun events. Thanks to the free Commuter Rail service at 9 pm for a limited time, you can enjoy all the city has to offer for a lower price, and without the hassle of driving. Here are three suggestions on where to celebrate your next late-night outing in Boston.
Concerts
Rock out at a concert in the Fenway and Brighton neighborhoods— home to Boston’s best concert venues. Whether you’re headed to Fenway Park, House of Blues, Roadrunner, or Symphony Hall, the free late-night service lets you get home safe for free!
Live Theater
The city offers numerous live performance venues where you can catch live theatre, music, dance, and comedy shows. The Boch Center, Wilbur Theatre, and Citizen Bank Opera House are just a couple of examples. And with many shows running late into the evening, the free late-night Commuter Rail makes it easy to get home safely—at no cost.
Sports Games
Boston loves its sports, from the Celtics at TD Garden to the Red Sox at Fenway Park. With help from the Commuter Rail, you can get to 7 pm games with ease. Plus, your fare home will be free for five weekends after 9 pm!
Take advantage of the Commuter Rail’s limited free Commuter Rail service, and ride the train to late-night events this fall.
For more information on MBTA’s extended and free service, click here.