Getting Around Boston: The “T” and Link Passes
Boston’s public transportation system, known as the MBTA or simply “the T,” is one of the oldest and most efficient transit networks in the United States. It’s an easy and affordable way to explore the city and its surrounding areas without needing a car.
Read the full Boston Travel Guide here.
The system includes subways, buses, commuter rail trains, and ferries, all operating under the same network. The subway lines are color-coded—Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver—and serve most major neighborhoods and tourist destinations.
During our visit, we used the T frequently, especially to get to historic sites, neighborhoods like Back Bay and Fenway, and even for a quick ride to and from Logan Airport via the Blue Line.
Convenient Travel with the LinkPass
For visitors planning to use public transit multiple times in a day, the CharlieCard or CharlieTicket system is available. We chose the LinkPass, which is a great value for unlimited travel across the entire MBTA system, including:
- Subway lines
- Local MBTA buses
- Inner harbor ferries
- Commuter rail zones 1A and 1
You can purchase a 1-day LinkPass or a 7-day LinkPass, depending on the length of your stay. The passes can be bought at vending machines located in most subway stations, and they’re easy to use—just tap them at the gate.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying into Boston, consider using the SL1 Silver Line, which connects Logan Airport directly to South Station for free. It’s part of the T system and makes for a stress-free arrival downtown.
Did You Know? Boston’s subway, opened in 1897, was the first in the United States. Today, the system carries over a million passengers each day.