College and University Student Guide to the T
Each fall, more than 325,000 students arrive in Boston and its surrounding communities for the new school year. Many of these students use the T—our expansive network of trains, buses, and ferries with stops near dozens of colleges in the Boston area. 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, 2.8 MB)
Download the Back to School Guide Flyer in your preferred language:
- Back to School Guide Flyer | English (PDF, 1.8 MB)
- Back to School Guide Flyer | Arabic (PDF, 1.5 MB)
- Back to School Guide Flyer | Chinese (PDF, 1.5 MB)
- Back to School Guide Flyer | Haitian Creole (PDF, 1.5 MB)
- Back to School Guide Flyer | Somali (PDF, 1.5 MB)
- Back to School Guide Flyer | Spanish (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Where Can I Go On the T?
The T serves more than 200 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts. From the subway lines that operate within Greater Boston to the Commuter Rail, our most expansive mode, the T offers a variety of affordable ways to explore the city and beyond.
When you’re ready to head out, we recommend working backwards to figure out your route. See which line your school or destination is on, then find a nearby stop or station. We have tools that can help:
- Use our Trip Planner to get line and mode recommendations for your most common trips
- Download the MBTA Go app to check live service information for stops near you
Here are some Boston-area schools and convenient stops or routes near them:
MBTA Go
How to Pay Your Fare
There are several ways to pay your fare depending on which mode you take and how often you take it. You can tap as you go with contactless payment, or use a reloadable pass on a CharlieCard or mTicket if you’re a more frequent rider.
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CharlieCard
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Best for frequent subway and bus riders
Easy to 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 -
Contactless payment
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Best for riders who don’t have a CharlieCard or 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 -
CharlieTicket
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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
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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.
Are you a university administrator?
There are two pass programs to help your students save on fares:
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 works for you.
Rider Etiquette
When you're on the T, keep rider rules and regulations in mind. For example:
- Remove backpacks and move them to the floor, or wear backpacks in front.
- Use headphones with mobile or music devices and avoid loud conversations.
- Smoking, vaping, and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in stations and vehicles.
- If you want to use MBTA stations or property to film or perform, apply for a filming and photography permit or a performer permit.
