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College and University Student Guide to the T

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Each fall, more than 325,000 students arrive in Boston for the new school year. Many of these students use the T—an expansive network of trains, buses, and ferries with stops near dozens of colleges in the Boston area. And, in most cases, it’s more affordable and convenient than having a car in the city.

Whether you’re meeting up with friends, volunteering, or going to work or class, this guide will help you navigate the T like a pro.

Download the Rider's Guide, Student Edition (PDF, 2.4 MB)

Download the Back to School Guide Flyer in your preferred language:

Where Can I Go On the T?

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The T serves more than 200 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts. From the Commuter Rail—the T’s most expansive mode—to the subway lines that operate within Greater Boston, the T offers a variety of affordable ways to explore the city and beyond.

When you’re ready to venture out, we recommend working backwards to figure out your route. See which line your school or destination is on first, and find a nearby stop or station. And use our Trip Planner to get line and mode recommendations for your most common trips.

Here are some convenient stops and routes near Boston-area schools.

Trip Planner

Choose your origin and destination to see route options and fare calculations for your trip.

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How to Pay

customer paying fare with charliecard

There are several ways to pay your fare depending on what mode you want to take and how often you take it. You can tap as you go with contactless payment, or use a reloadable MBTA pass on a CharlieCard or mTicket if you’re a more frequent rider.

Contactless payment

Best for riders who don’t have a CharlieCard or who want to pay as they go
Best for subway and bus riders
Easy to tap and go
Online card management
Can connect with reduced fare benefits
Not valid on Commuter Rail or ferry

Learn more about contactless payment

CharlieCard

Best for frequent subway and bus riders
Easily tap into stations and vehicles
Online card management and protection
Discount on one-way fares for bus and subway
Not valid on Commuter Rail or ferry

CharlieTicket

Great for visitors
 Great for Commuter Rail and ferry riders who also take the subway and bus
Available at all fare vending machines
 Commuter Rail and ferry passes also valid on bus and subway
Limited or no transfers when loaded with cash value
 No online management or protection

mTicket

Best for Commuter Rail and ferry riders who don’t often take the subway or bus
 $10 discount on monthly passes
 Instant purchase on smartphone
 Online account management
 No transfers to other modes

Since many of Boston’s colleges are near subway and bus stops, most students choose to use CharlieCards.

Learn where to get a CharlieCard

Are you a university administrator?

There are two pass programs to help your students save:

Semester Passes are prepaid by the college or university for use during the school year.

Learn more about Semester Passes

University Passes are billed monthly for use throughout the entire year. Schools are only billed for the rides students take.

Learn more about University Passes

Choosing Your T Pass

Once you’ve determined what routes and modes you’ll use the most, you’ll have a better idea of which type of pass will work for you.

Backpack Etiquette

When riding the T, remove backpacks and move them to the floor or to the front of your person.

Learn more about rider rules and regulations

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Trip Planner

Choose your origin and destination to see route options and fare calculations for your trip.

There was a problem performing your search; please try again in a few minutes.

More Guides

Blue spiraled graphic with
Bus Guide Clickable Graphic
Purple striped graphic with

View all guides