Public Transportation
Boston is a very walkable city and the downtown core is generally compact. Many attractions are within walking distance of each of other. If you do not feel like walking or are planning on traveling a longer distance, the easiest way to get around the city is by public transportation.
Guide to Riding the "T"
The “T” is Boston’s subway system (short for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority “MBTA”). It is broken down into different lines: the Green Line, the Blue Line, the Red Line, the Orange Line, and the Silver Line). The T runs in two directions: “inbound” and “outbound.” Inbound means into the center of Boston. Outbound means away from the center of Boston. The lines intersect at a number of points downtown to allow passengers to transfer from one line to another: State (Blue and Orange Lines), Park Street (Red and Green Lines), Government Center (Blue and Green Lines) and Downtown Crossing (Orange and Red Lines).
Government Center is the closest T stop to the Millennium, and as noted above, is a stop for both the Green and Blue Lines. The closest T stop to the Marriott Long Wharf is Aquarium on the Blue Line, while the closest stop to the Ames is State on the Blue Line/Orange Lines.
The Green Line: Most of the attractions listed above are on the Green Line, as it runs through Back Bay, the Public Garden/Common and Government Center (stop for the Millennium). Outbound, the Green Line further splits into the B, C, D and E lines. The B, C and D all run the same route from Government Center to Kenmore Square (stop for Fenway Park). The E line branches off after Copley and goes towards the Museum of Fine Arts. For Inbound trains, the T will be labeled by its destination (usually Government Center, North Station or Lechmere). The Green Line is convenient because it generally will get you where you want to go; however, it is the most hated T line by Bostonians because it is notoriously unreliable.
The Blue Line: The Blue Line is the line to get to and from the airport. It also services the Aquarium and East Boston.
The Red Line: The Red Line runs to Cambridge and South Station (for trains and buses).
The Orange Line: Generally the least nice of all the lines, you most likely will have no reason to take the Orange Line.
The Silver Line: The Silver Line is really just a glorified bus and takes you into the Seaport (where you can find the ICA and Harpoon Brewery).
The CharlieCard is the best way to purchase T fare. Ask a T employee at one of the stops for a CharlieCard (they are free plastic cards) and then add funds at one of the fare machines. Most T employees will help if you have any questions. One ride purchased with a CharlieCard is $2.00 ($4.00 round trip).
If you cannot find a CharlieCard, you can always go to the fare machines and purchase a CharlieTicket (paper cards). The price of one ride with a CharlieTicket is $2.50 ($5.00 round trip). (It is the same price to pay with cash on board the T at one of the above ground stops.)
There is also the option to purchase a day pass if you plan to make multiple trips.
The first T of the morning leaves at approximately 5:00am and the last T of the night leaves at approximately 12:45pm. The T does not run during the night and you would need to take a cab or walk if you miss the last T.
Please view the MBTA website for more information.