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MBTA Operates 5 Rail Lines, 177 Bus Routes Across Boston Daily
Operating hours, fares and congestion data outline the daily mechanics of the city's public transport network.
How we reported this
Boston's MBTA transit system runs five subway lines named Red, Orange, Blue, Green and Mattapan along with 177 bus routes, five Silver Line bus rapid transit routes, commuter rail service reaching 137 stations and ferry operations at eight terminals.
Network Components
These elements together form the core of daily movement for residents and visitors. The subway lines, bus routes and Silver Line services connect neighborhoods while the commuter rail extends reach to outlying stations and ferries serve waterfront terminals. Construction and events add pressure to road corridors that intersect with these transit options.
Service Hours and Peak Periods
Most MBTA bus and train services run from approximately 5 AM to 1 AM with no overnight train service, though some bus routes begin as early as 3:30 AM. Weekday peak traffic occurs from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Saturday afternoons from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Sunday evenings also see heavier volumes, particularly near major venues.
Fare Details
Subway and Silver Line fares stand at $2.40 when paid with CharlieTicket or cash while bus fares are $1.70 with a CharlieCard. Daily passes cost $11 and 7-day passes cost $22.50, each allowing unlimited travel across covered modes during the pass period.
Congestion Locations
Major traffic congestion occurs on Storrow Drive, I-93, I-90 also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike and airport tunnel roads, with construction and events frequently adding to delays. These patterns affect both drivers and connections to MBTA stations and terminals.
Travelers can consult the official MBTA Go app for current schedules and route information. Checking service alerts before peak windows helps match trips to available options across the listed lines, routes and terminals.