Transfers
When riding the MBTA, transfer rules depend on:
- Whether you’re using a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket*
- Whether you have a pass or are paying as you go
- Which modes of transit you’re using
*If you pay with cash, mTicket, 10-ride, or paper tickets, you will pay the full fare price for transfers.
All transfers between subway lines and the Silver Line at rapid transit stations are free.
Transfer Rules by Fare Type
Single-Ride Fares (Cash Value)
CharlieCard
Note: These rules also apply to reduced fare CharlieCards loaded with cash value. You will be charged the reduced fare price for the mode according to the rules in this table.
| Transit Used | Transfer Rules | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Used | Subway + Local Bus | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first tap | Price | 1 single-ride subway fare ($2.25) |
| Transit Used | Local Bus + Local Bus | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first tap | Price | 1 single-ride Local Bus fare ($1.70) |
| Transit Used | Express Bus + Subway | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first tap | Price | 1 single-ride Express Bus fare ($4 or $5.25) |
| Transit Used | Express Bus + Local Bus | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first tap | Price | 1 single-ride Express Bus fare ($4 or $5.25) |
| Transit Used | Local Bus → Subway → Local Bus | Transfer Rules | 2 transfers within 2 hours of first tap* *Only when travel is in the exact order listed. | Price | 1 single-ride subway fare ($2.25) |
| Transit Used | All other mode combinations | Transfer Rules | No discounted/free transfers | Price | Full CharlieCard fare for each mode used |
CharlieTicket
| Transit Used | Transfer Rules | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Used | Subway/SL 1 or 2 → SL 4 or 5 | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first fare payment | Price | 1 single-ride subway fare ($2.75) |
| Transit Used | Mattapan Trolley + Subway | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first fare payment when transferring at Ashmont Station | Price | 1 single-ride subway fare ($2.75) |
| Transit Used | Local Bus + Local Bus/SL 4 or 5 | Transfer Rules | 1 transfer within 2 hours of first fare payment | Price | 1 single-ride Local Bus fare ($2.00) |
| Transit Used | All other mode combinations | Transfer Rules | No discounted/free transfers | Price | Full CharlieTicket fare for each mode used |
Passes
| Pass Type | Transfer Rules | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Type | 1-day or 7-day LinkPass | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
*Only with pass on CharlieTicket. |
| Pass Type | Monthly LinkPass (including reduced fare CharlieCards) | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
*Only with pass on CharlieTicket. |
| Pass Type | Monthly Local Bus Pass | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
*Does not include SL 1 or 2. |
| Pass Type | Monthly Inner Express Bus Pass | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
*Only with pass on CharlieTicket. |
| Pass Type | Monthly Outer Express Bus Pass | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
*Only with pass on CharlieTicket. |
| Pass Type | Monthly Commuter Rail Pass | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
*Except with Zone 1A passes. No transfers with mTicket or Interzone passes. |
| Pass Type | Monthly Commuter Ferry Pass | Transfer Rules | Unlimited travel on:
No transfers with mTicket passes. |
How to Pay Your MBTA Fare
Read our step-by-step guides to paying your fare, whichever payment method you choose: