Straight to the Games with the Commuter Rail

View of Fenway Park from Lansdowne Station

Sports fans throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island are always prepping for the next big game. While it’s easy to pick out which jersey to wear and which team to root for, it takes more effort to figure out transportation. However, it’s easier than you think – just take the Commuter Rail.

You can take the Commuter Rail to some of Massachusetts’ and Rhode Island’s biggest stadiums. Save on gas and parking fees by taking the train, and save even more with the Commuter Rail’s great fares on weekdays and weekends alike.

North Station

Since opening in 1995, TD Garden (0.1 mile) has hosted over 200 events a year and is the premier place to see the Bruins, Celtics, and more in action. If you’re a collector of authentic sports memorabilia, pop over to the Boston ProShop (66ft) right inside North Station to pick up game-used Bruins jerseys and gear straight out of the locker room.

Get in early so you can spend your day in Boston before the game, as there’s so much to do around North Station. You can explore the North End (0.6 mile), where there’s an abundance of restaurants, shopping, and historic landmarks you can check out. You can also head over to the Museum of Science (0.5 mile), or stay close to the arena with a visit to the Sports Museum (0.1 mile).

TD Garden North Station
TD Garden North Station

Framingham/Worcester

Lansdowne

The most devout Red Sox fans make regular pilgrimages to Fenway Park (0.1 mile), and if you’d like to join them, the best way is to take the Commuter Rail to Lansdowne Station. This way you won’t miss a single inning from getting stuck in traffic, instead being delivered right to the stadium via the train. Fenway Park has been a beloved staple of the Boston experience since it opened in 1912, and public tours are available year-round.

If you’re looking to come to Boston early and make a day of it, Lansdowne is the ideal place to explore. You’ll be surrounded by bars, pubs, and the Time Out Market Boston (0.4 mile) where you can hang out with fellow Red Sox fans. If you’d rather spend the afternoon in a more quiet setting before attending a raucous baseball game, you can visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (0.8 mile) or the Museum of Fine Arts (0.7 mile).

Boston Landing

Stopping at Boston Landing delivers you right to the doorstep of two local sports arenas you’ll want to check out. Harvard Stadium (1.1 miles) is a National Historic Landmark where you can watch several Harvard Varsity Athletic Teams perform. Join fans from across the country and cheer on the Harvard football team and see where the forward pass and first down were created. 

Over at the Warrior Ice Arena (0.2 mile) you can watch the Bruins practice for their next big game. These practice sessions are free and open to the public for up to 500 spectators, so be sure to get there early so you can grab your seat. While you’re there, check out The Bear, which is an impressive, life-sized sculpture of the Bruins bear logo using New Balance, Warrior, and Bruins items.

Worcester

Are you a fan of minor league baseball? Then you’re ready to cheer on the Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park (0.5 mile). The WooSox are a beloved local team and a favorite for family-friendly outings. They even hold an annual Family Fest where your family can indulge in food, fun activities, and get official WooSox merchandise.

Polar Park Worcester WooSox

For hockey, head over to the DCU Center (0.4 mile) to watch the Worcester Railers in action. The Railers aim to provide affordable family fun in downtown Worcester for hockey fans of all ages and have been recognized by the ECHL, receiving the league-wide Community Service Award several years in a row. 

While in Worcester, take the time to grab something to eat at one of the amazing local restaurants, from Italian cuisine to diners to cafes. If you’re traveling with children, not only do kids 11 and under always ride the Commuter Rail for free, but the Free Play Bar Arcade (0.7 mile) holds regular family days so you can play classic arcade games with them before heading to the stadium.

Franklin/Foxboro

Foxboro

There’s both regular and special service trains that can take you to Gillette Stadium (0.2 mile) for all kinds of incredible sporting events. For games, Special Service trains headed to Gillette Stadium will leave from South Station in Boston, making stops at Back Bay and Dedham Corporate Center, as well as from Providence, Rhode Island with stops at Providence, South Attleboro, Attleboro, and Mansfield before arriving in Foxboro. To get the most up-to-date list of events, visit MBTA.com/gillette

Gillette Stadium

While you’re there, be sure to check out the restaurants and shopping at Patriot Place (0.8 mile) as you mix and mingle with your fellow fans. Meanwhile, The Patriots Hall of Fame (0.3 mile) is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, so you can experience some football history before you witness it on the field.

Providence/Stoughton

Providence

Don’t think the Commuter Rail only takes you to Massachusetts games. Take the train down to Rhode Island and head over to the Amica Mutual Pavilion (0.5 mile) to watch the Providence Bruins play. Since moving to Providence in 1992 the P-Bruins have been among the league leaders in regular season attendance, and have won 5 division titles, 3 regular season titles and the Calder Cup in 1999.

While in Providence for the game, make time to check out the other amazing attractions in the city. Make it a family day with a visit to the Providence Children’s Museum (1.28 miles) or go shopping at Providence Place (0.6 mile) before the game starts.

Lowell Line

Lowell

Head up to Lowell to the Tsongas Center (1.2 miles) for some sensational live sporting events. It’s where you can watch home games for the Boston franchise of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. For football fans, the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League play their home games here.

Lowell’s full of great things to do both before and after the game, with many restaurants and attractions located near the Lowell Station. You can grab a bite to eat or do some sightseeing before heading to the Tsongas Center, or grab a drink with your friends after while you wait for your train home.