Fares and Passes
It costs $2.25 to ride the subway, trolley, or Silver Line 1-3 and $1.70 to ride the bus with a CharlieCard. If you use a CharlieTicket or cash it costs a little more. Fares on the Commuter Rail, ferry, and The RIDE depend on how far you travel. Reduced fare programs are available.
Multi-trip and monthly passes are available for all modes except The RIDE. 1-day and weekly passes are available for the subway and bus. The most common fares include transfers to other modes and lines.
Tickets and passes can be purchased in stations or at retail stores in Greater Boston. You can also buy some products on your smartphone or online. The MBTA does not refund any fare products.
Bus and Subway Fares
Bus and subway fares are flat fees. The most common fares are:
Commuter Rail and Ferry Fares
Commuter Rail and ferry fares depend on how far you travel.
The ranges for a standard one-way ticket on the Commuter Rail and ferry are:
Round-trip, 10-ride, and monthly passes are also available for the Commuter Rail and ferry.
The RIDE Fares
The RIDE is the MBTA’s shared paratransit service. Fares are determined by the location of the destination and whether you make changes to your reservation. All fares are one way. Prices are:
Destination is:
- Less than ¾ mile from an active MBTA bus or subway stop/station OR
- In the core RIDE service area
You may also pay a premium fare if you:
Destination is:
- More than ¾ mile from an active MBTA bus or subway stop/station OR
- Not within the core RIDE service area
You may also pay a premium fare if you:
- Request same-day service changes
- Change your reservation after 5 PM for service the next day
Reduced Fares
Children 11 and younger traveling with an adult and people who are blind or visually impaired may ride MBTA services for free. Seniors, people with disabilities, and some students are eligible for reduced fares.
Where to Buy Tickets and Passes
You can buy your MBTA ticket or pass at a station, on your smartphone, online, or at a retail store. Read our guide to discover the different places and ways to buy.
Paying Your Fare
If you’re new to Boston, use our step-by-step guides to learn how to pay your fare on the subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry.
Online CharlieCard Services
You can add cash value or passes for the bus and subway to your CharlieCard online. You can also order monthly passes for the Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry.
Pass Programs
Employers, schools, and visitor groups can buy MBTA passes in bulk. These programs have benefits like online account management, automatic monthly CharlieCard reloads, and advance ordering. For more information, visit the Pass Program website or call 888-844-0353.