Fare Is Fair | Commuter Rail Fares (2024)

FAQs

Is the Boston T free on weekends? ›

If you're here for the weekend and plan to take the Commuter Rail, we recommend the $10.00 weekend pass, valid for unlimited travel on any route on Saturday and Sunday. We have two 1-day pass options for travel in the Boston area that cost $11.00, or the equivalent of about 4 rides.

Long Island Rail Road operates a train from Ronkonkoma to New York Penn Station hourly. Tickets cost $3–22 and the journey takes 1h 19m.

Use Your CharlieCard on the Commuter Rail

You can use your CharlieCard to pay for travel within Fairmount Line Zone 1A. Tap your CharlieCard at the fare validators on the platform.

More from Reduced Fares

Learn more about reduced fare programs available for children, students, seniors, and people with disabilities. The MBTA offers free service to children, military personnel, public servants, and government officials.

How do I pay my fare? At most MBTA subway stops, you'll use your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket at a fare gate to access the train platform. At street-level stops on the Green Line and Mattapan Trolley, you'll pay your fare with your card, ticket, or cash at the onboard fare box.

Take the T to the airport! The Blue Line subway connects downtown Boston directly to the airport. Once travelers reach Airport Station, terminals at Boston Logan are just a free shuttle ride away. The Blue Line connects to the Orange Line at State Street and to the Green Line at Government Center.

Buying tickets

Like all train companies*, you must buy a ticket before you board, or risk getting a penalty fare. Only undiscounted Anytime fares will be available from the conductor** - note that these are more expensive than purchasing before you travel.

Food and drink must remain in closed containers. Please be considerate and avoid eating or drinking on MBTA vehicles and in stations.

The CharlieCard can only hold transfers for 4 people, but it can be used to tap in an unlimited number of people with stored value. The official MBTA policy is that only the CharlieTicket version of the 7 day LinkPass is accepted on the commuter rail and ferry.

If you are 65 or older, you are eligible for reduced fares with a Senior CharlieCard. If you attend one of the schools enrolled in the MBTA's Student Pass Program, you are eligible for an S-Card or M7 Card.

Which buses in Boston are free? ›

Route 23, 28, and 29 bus riders are able to board at all doors without paying a fare. From March 1, 2022 through February 28, 2026, MBTA Routes 23, 28, and 29 will be free for all riders. The RIDE paratransit users can also ride for free as long as their trips start and end within 3/4-mile of these three routes.

CharlieCard expiration dates are located on the lower right-hand corner, across from the serial number. If an expiration date is not printed on your card, you can check at your nearest fare vending machine. We can transfer stored value and passes from an expired CharlieCard to a new one.

Parking meters are in operation Monday through Saturday, 8am - 8pm. The maximum parking time is 2 hours. The price for metered parking in Boston is $1.25 per hour. City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays with no time limit being enforced.

Boston, USA

The Silver Line from Boston's Logan Airport to downtown is free, heading in to the city. This connects to the Red Line at South Station, which then provides free access to the entire T subway system.

To ride the T, you'll need a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket, which can be purchased at most subway station vending machines and select convenience stores. The basic fare for a one-way ride is $2.40, and kids 11 years and younger ride free.

Take unlimited trips anywhere on the Commuter Rail network on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays for just $10. Each Commuter Rail station is in a “Zone,” determined by its location. Stations in Boston and nearby communities are in Zone 1A, while stations at the end of each line are in Zones 8, 9, or 10.