AMTRAK and Boston, MA

[Solo1959]

My friend is taking a cruise on the Glory from Boston and would like to use AMTRAK to get there. However, Boston lists 4 different train stations. I have no idea, but I would can't imagine they would ALL be within a cab ride from the pier.

 

The stations listed for Boston are:

---Back Bay, MA (BBY)

---North Station Maine Service (BON)

---South Station, MA (BOS)

---Route 128 / Westwood, MA (RTE)

 

Would someone familiar with Boston kindly help choose the best station to use to take the cruise from Boston? Thank you so much.

[Betsybill]

South Station is closest to the pier. They can take the Silver Line 2 right from So. Sta. to the cruise terminal.

[Solo1959]

South Station is closest to the pier. They can take the Silver Line 2 right from So. Sta. to the cruise terminal.

That was VERY fast! Thank you so much for your help.

[frayedend]

They are all within 10 minutes (depending on Boston traffic) except Westwood. True though, South Station is like 4 minutes and the best option.

[Eng23]

Boston South Station would be the best. It is the closest. This station is the terminating point for many of the Northeast Regional Trains and the Acela Express trains.

[arpie05]

You can walk from South station. About 20 mins. We did it last year.

[Nitemare]

You can walk from South station. About 20 mins. We did it last year.

 

1.3 miles, per Google maps. You walk fast! :)

[Genesis803]

South Station is the main station for most Amtrak trains. North station is only used by the Downeaster service coming in from the north from Portland, ME. The other stations are more suburban stations. If you are coming from Albany, NY (in your profile) You'll take the Lake Shore Limited into South Station. Have a great cruise!

[Traveling Library]

Once off the train at South Station look for the signs for the Silver Line. Line 2, which is a bus, has a stop at the Black Falcon Terminal. Stop is called the Design Center Place.

Here is a link to the Boston public transit system called the "T" (for MBTA).

http://www.mbta.com Pick "subway" and Silver Line for the schedule.

[Solo1959]

Once off the train at South Station look for the signs for the Silver Line. Line 2, which is a bus, has a stop at the Black Falcon Terminal. Stop is called the Design Center Place.

Here is a link to the Boston public transit system called the "T" (for MBTA).

www.mbta.com Pick "subway" and Silver Line for the schedule.

I think this is perfect!

 

Thank you all for your help. It was a bit confusing, but you gave an easy answer.

[138east]

When you get off the train walk all the way forward to the station area. If you want a cab, don't go in the station - make a left at the end of the platform and go all the way out to the street which is Atlantic Ave. This is where the cab stand is. If you want the Silver Line, go into the station and straight ahead beyond the waiting area will be the escalators down to the T Station. You will have to use the automatic ticket machines to buy tickets. There is often a T employee there to assist. Once through the turnstile you should see the elevator down to the Silver line on the right. You press the middle button (the bottom button goes to the Red Line) to go down to the Silver Line where you take the SL2 bus. It's very easy.

[Betsybill]

When you get off the train walk all the way forward to the station area. If you want a cab, don't go in the station - make a left at the end of the platform and go all the way out to the street which is Atlantic Ave. This is where the cab stand is. If you want the Silver Line, go into the station and straight ahead beyond the waiting area will be the escalators down to the T Station. You will have to use the automatic ticket machines to buy tickets. There is often a T employee there to assist. Once through the turnstile you should see the elevator down to the Silver line on the right. You press the middle button (the bottom button goes to the Red Line) to go down to the Silver Line where you take the SL2 bus. It's very easy.

 

Thanks for the info 138 east. How easy is it to manuver thru the turnstile area with a suitcase and carry on? Can you also explain the difference between a Charlie Card and a Charlie ticket? Thanks again, all this is different then when we lived in the Boston area.

[WELDON]

A Charlie card is a plastic card that you store money in. You also get a lower fare using the Charlie card. A Charlie ticket is a paper ticket (same as cash). You would only use public transportation twice so just pay cash or get a ticket at South Station. The fare is $2.50 but with a Charlie card, it is $2.00. As a visitor with two rides, you would save $1.00 round trip. To get the card, you need to get one from an MBTA employee who should be near the machines to purchase tickets.

[Betsybill]

A Charlie card is a plastic card that you store money in. You also get a lower fare using the Charlie card. A Charlie ticket is a paper ticket (same as cash). You would only use public transportation twice so just pay cash or get a ticket at South Station. The fare is $2.50 but with a Charlie card, it is $2.00. As a visitor with two rides, you would save $1.00 round trip. To get the card, you need to get one from an MBTA employee who should be near the machines to purchase tickets.

 

Thanks, I still have some MTA tokens.

[1025cruise]

Unfortunately, tokens are no longer accepted...

[138east]

There is a wide turnstile for handicapped and reduced fare access. I have used it many times with my rolling suitcase and rolling backpack.

[Betsybill]

Thanks to all for the info. Now I won't be another Charlie on the MTA.