How to get around Boston without a car
If there's ever a poll for Boston's Public Enemy No. 1, it would most definitely be the traffic. We hate the traffic, and the people who take the subway regularly hate the train lines. 😤
Sad to say that Boston has the fourth-worst traffic in the US and eighth-worst in the world, according to this report by INRIX, which is a global transportation data and analytics company.
And while there's nothing you could do improve Boston's traffic (officials say they are working on it), you could at the least understand commute options in Boston so that you could in turn plan your routes a little more efficiently.
As the saying goes, “know thy enemy”, here’s breaking down ways to get around in Boston if you don’t own a car.
1. Take the public transport
Boston’s public transport system is managed by the MBTA, which is short for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. We call it “the T”.
Here’s a map of the MBTA lines.
And here’s one even better- MBTA lines superimposed on a Google Map so you’ll get a geographically-accurate representation of where things are.
Subway & Streetcar
The MBTA subway is the backbone of Boston's transportation network. There are four primary color-coded lines: red, orange, blue, and green. The Green Line is a streetcar, as with a "lighter red" line that runs from Ashmont to Mattapan.
A one-way ride costs $2.40 (2025), paid via the ticketing machines or a preloaded Boston metro card called CharlieCard. As of 1 August 2024, the T transitioned into the 21st century when it completed its upgrade to allow commuters to also pay via contactless credit or debit cards.
Interested in a laugh? Read this article, "Every T Line in Boston, Ranked From Worst to Most Acceptable (but Still Pretty Bad)"
Commuter Rail
The Commuter Rail connects Boston to its Greater Boston suburbs and nearby Rhode Island towns. Unlike subways and streetcars, commuter rails run on a less frequent schedule - every hour or so.
A one-way ride ranges from $2.75 to $13.25 per trip (2025), depending on the distance. Best to purchase a ticket via the mTicket app, because no, the subway metro card (CharlieCard) can't be used (sad). Yes, you could go old-school and pay with cash, or use a credit card, but if you board at a station where tickets can be purchased at a machine (e.g. North Station), you'd have to pay a $3 fee on top of the fare (very sad).
There are 13 commuter rail lines with schedules that change seasonally- consult the MBTA website or use the mTicket app to stay up to date.
Bus (including the Silver Line)
Buses supplement the subway network but do not generally service the suburbs. One thing that may be confusing to first-time visitors getting out from Logan International Airport to the city - seeing the Silver Line on the map and not finding a subway station for it.
The Silver Line is actually, a bus service. 🚍 Otherwise, local buses are marked with a cheerful yellow band; schedules of which can be plotted via Google Maps.
A one-way ride on a local bus costs $1.70 (2025), method of payment is similar to a subway with contactless payment options available.
Ferry
Less-frequently used, but most scenic, is the ferry. There are only 2 year-round routes:
Hingham > Hull > Logan Airport > Rowes Wharf (Boston)> Long Wharf North (Boston)
Charlestown Navy Yard > Long Wharf South (Boston)
Seasonal routes open in the warmer months of the year, servicing towns like Lynn, Winthrop, and Quincy. Here are the schedules for ferries.
A one-way ride costs between $2.40 - $9.75 (2024) - sorry, no CharlieCards here, but you can use the mTicket app, Fare Vending Machines, or purchase tickets at ferry terminals.
Ferry schedules are limited - more so than the commuter rail - so plan ahead using the MBTA Ferry Guide or mTicket app. The Charlestown Ferry is great for quick harbor trips, while the Hingham/Hull Ferry offers a relaxing commute to the South Shore. Not the fastest option, but the harbor views are worth it!
If you're planning a visit to the Boston Aquarium, any one of the three Long Wharf stops would be minutes' walk from it.
2. Book a private vehicle
Taxi
Unlike Manhattan's streets which are packed with distinct yellow taxis, Boston's roads are relatively void of taxis. The two most frequently sighted taxis are MetroCab and Boston Cab.
It is worth noting that taxis do not have surge charges - unlike rideshare apps - so it may be at times less expensive to take a taxi during peak hours if offered this option. Fares are paid according to the taxi meter.
3. Book a shared mobility service
Car share
For those who prefer more control over their commutes, there's Zipcar and Getaround to book a vehicle for instant use.
As of 2025, there are 250 public parking spaces across municipal lots and city streets that the City of Boston has licensed to Zipcar and Getaround to operate vehicle sharing services.
Bike share
Bluebikes is a publicly owned bike share system that is available for folks looking for an even shorter commute. It's a great way for zipping around the city whilst fitting in a quick workout. As of 2025, there are over 4,500 traditional pedal bikes and electric bikes that can be found in 480 stations across 13 towns: Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville, and Watertown.
Bluebikes is available to both residents and visitors of Boston! Get a Day Pass if you're looking to spend a day sightseeing in the city- it'll cost $10 for unlimited 2 hour rides.
Otherwise, here's the pricing for various uses:
To start, download the app to locate bikes and docks!
