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The Boston Subway

As America’s oldest subway system, the Boston T-Rail connects most of the greater Boston area. The subway allows Boston residents and visitors access to quick and affordable transportation.

History of the Boston Subway

The Boston Subway, which is also known as the Boston T-Rail, is officially America’s oldest subway. Built to make transportation more efficient, quicker and less expensive, work began at the northeast part of Boston Common (now Park street stop). When the construction project began, workers used shovels to dig the underground tunnel. The Green Line was first established in the year of 1887 and all of downtown Boston sections were in full operation by the year of 1912. Now there are three rapid transportation T-lines, which are the Orange, Red and Blue Lines. And there are two light rail lines, which are the Green and the Ashmont-Hattapan Lines. Because of the heavy expenses involved with parking in Boston or taking taxis in Boston, the Boston Subway has become the preferred means of transportation for students, travelers, and residents of Boston.

Purchasing Tickets for the T

Instead of tokens or tickets, access to the T is gained through purchase of what is called a Charlie Card. You can purchase a one-time disposable one or fill one with enough money to re-use several times. You can also purchase cards online. Registering your Charlie Card online will save you the surcharge of re-purchasing a new one every time you ride the subway.

Major Routes on the Boston Subway

All Boston tourist attractions, hotels around Boston, and famous restaurants can be reached via the Boston subway. Be sure to check out a map of the subway routes to make sure you are taking the correct line. The Red Line runs from Alewife to Braintree in the south of Boston with major stops at Government Center, Park Street, the J.F.K. Library; it also takes passengers to Cambridge, where MIT and Harvard are. The Orange line runs from Forest Hills to Oak Grove with major stops at Chinatown, Government Crossing, Back Bay, and Tufts Medical School. The Green Line has four different lines that run west of the city; major stops include North Station, Government Center, Northeastern and Boston College. The Blue and Silver lines are the ones that will take you to the airport. The Blue line also goes to the New England Aquarium, State Street and actually runs under the Boston Harbor. Major transfer stations include the Downtown Crossing stop, Government Center and Park Street.

Hours of Operation

Call the Boston Subway service center at 1-800-392-6100 or visit the Boston subway website for updated information on the situations of different subway lines. Sometimes the weather in Boston can slow down or delay the T-lines. The subway lines usually run from five thirty in the morning to twelve thirty in the morning, depending on the route. Most buses come every 10 to 15 minutes.

Special Discounts

Children that are under the age of five are able to ride the subway for free. Senior citizens aged 65 years up only have to pay 50 percent for a ticket.

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The Boston Subway