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The Boston Train Station

Before you set off for your trip into Boston, familiarize yourself with stations you’ll need to use and how to get between them. Check out info on South Station, Back Bay Station, and Route 128 Station.

Train Stations in Boston

Boston has three mainline Amtrak Stations that serve different areas of the city including the financial district, the bay area, and the western suburbs. Between them the stations handle train services to and from cities along the Northeast Corridor including New York City.

Back Bay Trains Station Boston

Back Bay Station is best used for leisure visitors who will be staying in hotels in the Back Bay area. The address of Back Bay Station, located between Columbus Avenue and Stuart Street, is 145 Dartmouth Street. Regular commuter trains leave from Back Bay Station to Needham, Worcester, Providence, Attleboro, and Franklin. For longer journeys there is a daily Amtrak train to Chicago.

Connections from Back Bay Station

Back Bay Station Boston is well served by local bus connections. From right outside the station, passengers can catch bus directly to Copley Square, Forest Hills, and Andrew Station. There is also a taxi stand outside of the station.

South Station Boston

South Station is the busiest train station in Boston. The station serves as a transport hub for local and national rail and bus services. Trains from South Station in Boston travel to many destinations across the United States. As South Station is close top Boston’s financial district is often used by business passengers travelling from cities along the Northeast Corridor ad cities across the Northeastern States.

Connections from South Station Boston

From South Station there are direct connections to both of Boston’s other main stations, Back Bay Station and Rte. 128. Direct access is available on local train lines. Use either the Franklin line or the Haverhill Line to reach other stations.

Around Boston South Station

The station is well located for day visitors and leisure visitors as it is located close to many of Boston’s most visited attractions. Within walking distance of the station, attractions include Boston’s Chinatown, Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, and the Institution of Contemporary Art.

Route 128 Station Boston

This station is best for Boston visitors who need easy access to the western and southern suburbs. It is located approximately 12km from downtown Boston. Route 128 Station is serviced by MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) commuter trains. Trains by MBTA run as far south as Warwick and Rhode Island. To the north, they run up to Newburyport. This station has daily services to stations in New York City, and Washington D.C.

Paying for your Journey

Prices for train journeys in and around Boston vary depending on the type of train and the distance of the journey. MBTA journeys are priced according to zones. Each city and area is assigned to a zone and then the price of the ticket is charged according to how many zones your journey will pass through. Passengers can buy tickets from automatic machines which are located at all stations.

For all Amtrak services passengers can buy tickets online. There are ticket offices available at both South Station and Back Bay Station. If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to buy a ticket before boarding your train it is possible to buy a ticket to your destination from the conductor, however, it will always be a full priced ticket. For the best prices on train tickets to and from Boston it is best to buy in advance.

Other options for getting around Boston

For longer journeys try Boston Bus Service, otherwise, you can take the T. If you’re pressed fort time or just prefer the luxury of being driven, check out Boston taxis. For drivers, find out where to park on this guide to Parking in Boston.

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The Boston Train Station