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:
Local Bus One Way
- CharlieCard: $1.70
- CharlieTicket or Cash: $2.00
Subway One Way
- CharlieCard: $2.25
- CharlieTicket or Cash: $2.75
7-Day Pass
CharlieCard or CharlieTicket: $21.25
Monthly LinkPass
CharlieCard or CharlieTicket: $84.50
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.
ADA Ride Fare
$3.15
Destination is:
- Less than ¾ mile from an active MBTA bus or subway stop/station OR
- In the core RIDE service area
Premium Ride Fare
$5.25
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.
Learn more about reduced fare eligibility
Monthly LinkPass Auto-pay
Never wait in line at a fare vending machine again—get a monthly bus and subway LinkPass that automatically renews every month.
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.
*Please note: You cannot check the balance of your CharlieCard online at this time.
Group Purchase 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.
Learn about the MBTA's group purchase programs
Have a Question?
We've put together some frequently asked questions about our fares system.