Back Bay

145 Dartmouth St Boston, MA 02116

Planning a day out in Boston? Take the Commuter Rail to avoid traffic and get right to the action with options for shopping, dining, historical exploring and enjoying the scenery. Back Bay is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods with hidden gems around every corner. Explore this unique area and don’t forget to bring the kids as children under 11 ride for free.

For those who live in Boston and want to head outbound to explore outside of the city, Back Bay gives you access to the Framingham/Worcester, Franklin/Foxboro, Needham, and Providence/Stoughton Lines. You’ll be able to plan an incredible getaway as you explore attractions, visit friends and family, and explore the amazing sights of Massachusetts.

Zone Fares
Find Zone 1A Fare
Weekend Rates
Unlimited $10 Weekends
Newbury Street in Boston, MA

Explore Boston’s Dining & Shopping Scenes

Situated in the heart of Boston close to Copley Square, Back Bay station is surrounded by world-class restaurants, shopping, and plenty of things to do. Dine on fresh seafood and tender steak cooked to your liking. Experience dishes from around the world with incredible restaurants featuring Italian, Japanese, French, and Brazilian cuisine.

If you’re looking for retail therapy, head to Newbury Street and the Prudential Center for high-end stores. You’ll be able to experiment with style and show off your looks with the amazing fashion you’ll find. In fact, if you’re looking for a greener way to shop, do some resale browsing and buying at Castanet Designer Consignment.

Journey Into Boston’s Art & History

For those who appreciate art and theater, Back Bay is a hidden gem. You can view the largest inventory of American realist paintings in New England at Vose Galleries of Boston. Looking for a live stage performance? Lyric Stage Company of Boston offers intimate shows at inclusive and affordable prices.

If diving into the robust history of our region is your thing, take a walk around the city and do some sightseeing. The Old South Church is over 350 years old and stands out with its stunning Gothic architecture. Meanwhile, the Boston Public Library is more than just a library, featuring museum-worthy paintings and a stunning courtyard. For a more modern landmark, John Hancock Tower is Boston’s tallest skyscraper.

Charles River in Boston, MA

Take in the Charles River

Back Bay is known for its Victorian Brownstone homes and its proximity to the Charles River and Esplanade. Enjoy a walk along the Charles River where you will find ample benches for boat and rowing viewing and parks for the little ones with activities year-round. The Esplanade is most known for the Celebration of the 4th of July with music performed by the Boston Pops, spectacular fireworks and raucous cannon fire. The Commuter Rail offers extended service on this day so you’ll be able to get into Boston to explore and ride home after the fireworks.

Destinations

Search listings below to explore things to do around Back Bay Station.
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Within a half mile from station

Shopping
Newbury Street, Boston

Newbury Street

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.39 miles from station

Museums and Attractions
Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.27 miles from station

Museums and Attractions
Attractions

The Mary Eddy Library

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.77 miles from station

Food
Food

Emack and Bolio’s Ice Cream

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.70 miles from station

Shopping
shopping

Castanet Designer Consignment

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.40 miles from station

Music, Theatre, and Art
Music

Vose Galleries of Boston

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.51 miles from station

Parks, Hikes & Trails
Charles River Esplanade

Charles River Esplanade

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 1.38 miles from station

Museums and Attractions
Attractions

New England Historic Genealogical Society

Boston, MA

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Approx. 0.45 miles from station

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Boston Back Bay in the Spring
Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon

Station Information

Hyde Park
Ruggles
Back Bay
South Station
Wickford Junction

Parking

This station does not have parking.

Bike Storage

  • Pedal and Park

Elevators

  • Has Elevator

Escalators

  • Has Escalator

Accessibility

  • Has Escalator
  • Has Elevator
  • Full high level platform to provide level boarding to every car in a train set
  • Mini high level platform to provide level boarding to certain cars in a train set

Fare Options

How to buy a ticket

Planes, Trains, and Commuter Rails

How to Use the Commuter Rail for Holiday Travel

Holiday travel can be stressful, whether you’re visiting family with your children or you’re a college student on school break. Even when the holiday season is months away, if you’re…
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Events Along the Back Bay Stop

Explore things to do and plan your day out on the Back Bay Stop.

Terrains of Independence Exhibit at Boston Public Library
Apr
01
2025
-
Jan
31
2026

Terrains of Independence

8:00AM to 5:00PM

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

Apr
05
2025

Remember the Ladies Special Anniversary Walking Tour

10:00AM to 12:30PM

Lines: Providence / Stoughton, Needham, Franklin / Foxboro, Framingham / Worcester

Station: Back Bay

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