Train Stations in Boston Travel Guide 2026

Key Highlights

• Boston’s main train station is South Station. It is the main spot for Amtrak trains and the MBTA commuter rail.

• You can visit Boston’s three big Amtrak stations: South Station, North Station, and Back Bay Station.

• It’s simple to switch between the commuter rail and the MBTA subway at the city’s main stations.

• Get quick access to downtown Boston and top sights right from each train station in the city.

• Most stations have waiting rooms, ticket services, and ways to get to Logan Airport.

Introduction

Welcome to your 2026 travel guide for getting around Boston by rail! Boston is one of the most historic places in the United States, and it has a strong public transportation system. If you are coming into the city on Amtrak trains or riding the MBTA commuter rail around town, taking the train is a good way to travel. This guide will show you the top train station hubs, tell you about the different connections, and let you know what you will find at each place to make your trip smooth and easy.

Main Train Stations in Boston for Travelers in 2026

Boston’s rail system is built around three main Amtrak stations. These are South Station, North Station, and Back Bay Station. Each of these has an important role for long-distance trips and for those who use the commuter rail every day. The stations are in places that make it easy to get to many parts of the city and nearby areas.

Knowing what each station is for can help you plan your trip better. South Station is the biggest stop in the city. North Station takes you to places in the north. Back Bay Station is easy to use, right in a lively part of Boston. Let’s see more about what makes South Station, Back Bay Station, North Station, and other main Amtrak stations special.

1. South Station – Central Hub for Amtrak, MBTA Commuter Rail, and Subway

South Station is the busiest place for trains in Boston. The building has a curved front and a clock with an eagle on top, so it is easy to spot. It is the main spot for many Amtrak trains that run on the Northeast Corridor. If you want to take the train to new york, Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia, you will likely use south station.

The massachusetts bay transportation authority runs many commuter rail lines from south station. These trains let people get to and from many towns south and west of the city. So, south station is very important for both people who travel nearby and those going far.

Inside, you can get straight on the red line train from the station. This makes it easy to go to Cambridge and other places in Boston. Since these services all connect at south station, your trip gets a lot easier when you arrive.

2. North Station – Gateway to New England Destinations and Sports Events

North Station sits right under the famous TD Garden. It is the main spot where you can catch the commuter rail to places across the north and northwest parts of Boston. If you want to go see the pretty coastlines or small towns in New England, this is the place to start your trip.

North Station is not only for people traveling around the region. It is also where a lot of Boston’s sports and fun events happen. It is inside the TD Garden, so it is the go-to station if you want to get to Celtics basketball games, Bruins hockey games, or big concerts. You do not have to worry about sitting in traffic or finding a place to park when you use the train.

If you want to go somewhere in Boston, North Station connects you with the Orange Line and Green Line subway routes of the MBTA. This makes it fast and easy to get on the subway, move between neighborhoods, or use the commuter rail to your last stop in the city.

3. Back Bay Station – Convenient Access to Downtown and Logan Airport

Back Bay Station sits right in the middle of one of Boston’s most pretty and classic neighborhoods. It’s a good choice if you want something smaller and easier to use than South Station. You can catch many amtrak trains here, including the Acela and Northeast Regional. This means you will get quick access to the area’s stylish shops and food places. You will also see public art in the station, so it feels a lot like the lively Back Bay neighborhood.

Many people pick this station if they want to see downtown Boston and not have to go far. You can walk to Copley Square, the Boston Public Library, and the Charles River Esplanade from here. Its spot near these places helps visitors step right into Boston city life.

If you want to travel farther, back bay station connects with the MBTA’s orange line subway, which lets you get around the city fast. You can also use the commuter rail lines here. There’s an easy move to the Silver Line bus too, so it’s simple to get to Logan Airport.

4. Boston Landing Station – Serving Brighton and Allston Neighborhoods

Boston Landing station serves the busy and exciting areas of Brighton and Allston. This stop is an important one on the Worcester Line. The station is new and was made to help the people who live and work in these growing places. It gives a much-needed commuter rail service for both local residents and people coming in for work. Unlike some of the large stations downtown, this one mainly helps the people who live right in these neighborhoods.

Boston Landing’s main job is to give people an easy way to travel between the western suburbs and Boston. The station is a good example of how the city’s commuter rail is reaching out to more neighborhoods beyond just the downtown area.

If you are staying in Brighton or Allston, you can use Boston Landing for a quick and easy trip to South Station. There, you can get to the rest of Boston’s subway and rail lines. This makes it a handy place to get around when you want to visit the lively food and fun spots in these two neighborhoods.

5. Yawkey Station – Near Fenway Park and Longwood Medical Area

Yawkey Station (officially called Lansdowne) is a great spot for people who love baseball and those who work in health care. It is right next to Fenway Park. Because of this, you will find many Boston Red Sox fans using it on game days. They can come and go from the ballpark quickly and easily. The station is on the Worcester Line. This is a commuter rail that gets people coming in from the western suburbs.

Yawkey Station is not just for sports fans. It is also very helpful for the Longwood Medical Area. This area has some of the best hospitals and research centers in the country. Many workers and patients use the station every day. It makes their trips faster and helps cut down on the cars in a busy part of Boston.

This station mainly helps people who ride the commuter rail. But, because it is close to Kenmore Square, you can also get to the MBTA Green Line. If you need train or subway schedules and maps for getting around Boston, go to the official MBTA website or check their transit app for real-time updates.

6. JFK/UMass Station – Key Transfer Point for Subway and Commuter Rail

The JFK/UMass station is a key spot where people can switch between different ways to travel. It is in South Boston. Many students use this station to get to the University of Massachusetts Boston. People also use it to visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The big thing about this place is how easy it is to move from one train or subway to another.

This station is special. It is used by the MBTA Red Line and several MBTA commuter rail lines like the Plymouth/Kingston, Middleborough/Lakeville, and Greenbush lines. Because of this, you can go from the commuter rail to the Red Line without having to go all the way to south station in the middle of the city.

If you have not been here before, remember this station for your trip. When you are traveling by commuter rail from the south and want to get somewhere on the Red Line, change trains at JFK/UMass. You do not have to go into downtown. This will make your trip faster. Check your map. See if changing trains at this station works better for you and helps you save time.

7. Ruggles Station – Hub for Roxbury, Northeastern University, and Bus Connections

Ruggles Station is a busy place in Roxbury. The station helps many people travel each day. It is very important for Northeastern University because the campus is all around it. This makes the spot easy to use for students, teachers, and anyone visiting.

The station is a great place to change from the commuter rail to the subway. You can quickly get on the MBTA Orange Line from here. People on the commuter rail, like those on the Needham, Providence/Stoughton, and Franklin lines, can use this spot to move over to the subway. This helps a lot with travel along the Southwest Corridor.

Ruggles is also a main bus terminal. Many MBTA bus routes meet here. That means rail and subway lines connect with the buses and tie in the nearby neighborhoods. Because of this, Ruggles is a must for people getting to or from Roxbury and other close spots.

Comparing Boston’s Major Train Stations

When you travel through Boston, picking the right train station can help your trip go well. There are three main Amtrak stations here. They are South Station, North Station, and Back Bay Station. Each one has things that make it good for some people. What you want or where you go helps you pick which one to use.

South Station, North Station, and Back Bay Station are all big train stations in Boston. But they are not the same size. They also have different services and train lines that stop there. The south station is known for its grand station building and history. Back bay station is more modern and made for easy travel. Each station has its own feel. We will talk about where you can find them, what they offer, and how you can get from one place to another. This will help you choose the best train station for your next trip.

Differences Between South Station, North Station, and Back Bay Station

The primary difference between Boston’s three main stations lies in the rail lines they serve. South Station and Back Bay Station are on the Northeast Corridor, serving Amtrak and southern/western commuter rail lines. In contrast, North Station exclusively serves northern commuter rail lines and Amtrak’s Downeaster service to Maine.

Each station building also offers a different experience. South Station is the largest, with an expansive waiting room and numerous amenities. Back Bay Station is smaller and more integrated into its neighborhood, while North Station is part of the TD Garden sports and entertainment complex.

This table highlights some key distinctions:

Feature	South Station	North Station	Back Bay Station
Primary Rail Service	Amtrak (most lines), Southern/Western Commuter Rail	Amtrak (Downeaster), Northern Commuter Rail	Amtrak (most lines), Southern/Western Commuter Rail
Subway Connection	Red Line, Silver Line	Green Line, Orange Line	Orange Line
Location	Downtown/Financial District	West End/North End	Back Bay Neighborhood
Key Feature	Main transportation hub	Part of TD Garden complex	Proximity to Copley Square

Which Stations Offer Amtrak Services?

If you are going to travel with Amtrak trains, you can pick from three good stations in Boston. The main one is South Station. Here, you will find the biggest hub for Amtrak. South Station is where many routes end, and there is a ticket office that has staff ready to help with your travel needs.

Back Bay Station is also a major stop for most Amtrak trains that go along the Northeast Corridor. This station is good for people who stay in or want to visit the Back Bay neighborhood. North Station is the place to catch Amtrak trains going north on the Downeaster route, so you will use this one if you plan to head to Maine.

By using these Boston stations, you get key Amtrak routes like:

• Northeast Regional: This one connects Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. You can catch this train at South Station and Back Bay Station.

• Acela: If you want to ride a fast train on the Northeast Corridor, take Acela from South Station or Back Bay.

• Lake Shore Limited: For a long trip to Chicago, get on this Amtrak train at South Station or Back Bay.

These stations, like South Station and Back Bay Station, make it easy for you to travel. There is also a ticket office to help you, and the stations are set in places where you can get to New York or other big cities along the Northeast Corridor. North Station gives you another choice if you

Locations and Neighborhoods Served by Each Station

Boston’s main train stations are in the right places to help people get around the city. Picking the right one to start your trip can save you a lot of time.

South Station sits on the edge of the Financial District. You can walk to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum from there, or spend some time at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. It is easy to get to Downtown Crossing from south station if you want to shop. Back Bay Station is right in the middle of the Back Bay neighborhood, so you are close to the Boston Public Library and the high-end shops on Newbury Street.

North Station sits between the West End and the old North End neighborhood, so it is a good station if you want to go to TD Garden or explore the city’s oldest homes.

• South Station: Financial District, Seaport District, Chinatown

• North Station: North End, West End, Beacon Hill

• Back Bay Station: Back Bay neighborhood, South End, Fenway

• Ruggles Station: Roxbury, Mission Hill (via the Southwest Corridor)

Accessibility and Connections at Boston Train Stations

One great thing about the train system in Boston is how well it connects with the MBTA subway, also called the “T.” Most main train stops are also an MBTA subway station. This makes it fast and easy to switch and keep going to another part of the city. This setup helps people get around Boston without needing a car.

If you want to get on the Red Line at South Station, the Orange Line from Back Bay or North Station, or the Silver Line for an easy ride to the airport, these connections are set up to be simple. The next parts will show you how to move between the train and subway lines.

MBTA Subway Transfers and Routes

Transferring from your train to the subway is easy at Boston’s main stations. Every big hub has an MBTA subway station in the same building. There are clear signs to show you how to get from the train platform to the subway platform.

South Station goes right to the Red Line. The Red Line runs north and south across the city. The Silver Line, which is a fast bus route, also stops at South Station. North Station links to the Green Line and Orange Line, so you can travel to many different neighborhoods. Back Bay Station is an important stop on the Orange Line. This connects the Back Bay area with places like Jamaica Plain and Malden.

For subway schedules, route maps, and real-time updates, you can:

• Visit the official MBTA website.

• Download the MBTA Transit app on your phone.

• See maps and info posted inside any MBTA subway station.

Access to Logan Airport from Boston Train Stations

Getting to Logan Airport from Boston’s train stations is easy and does not cost much, because the MBTA gives you good ways to go. You do not need to use costly taxis or rideshare apps to reach your flight.

The fastest way is to use the Silver Line (SL1). This is a fast bus parking line. You can catch the Silver Line at South Station. The bus goes through a special tunnel to the Seaport District, then goes right to every airline stop at Logan Airport. The Silver Line also links to the Red Line at South Station.

You can also use the subway. If you are coming from Back Bay Station or North Station, you can take the Orange Line and change to the Blue Line, which has its own stop just for the airport.

• From South Station: Take the Silver Line (SL1) bus. It will bring you right to the airport gates.

• From Back Bay Station: Take an inbound Commuter Rail or Orange Line train just one stop to South Station. There you can get the Silver Line for the airport, or you can ride the Orange Line to the Blue Line.

• From Any Subway Line: Join the Blue Line and get off at the Airport stop. After that, use the free shuttle bus to get to your flight gate.

Tips for Transferring Between Commuter Rail and Subway

Many people in Boston use the MBTA commuter rail and subway every day. The system tries to make moving from the commuter rail to the subway easy. The main thing you need to know is which stations are best for your trip.

The main transfer stations are South Station for the Red Line, North Station for the Green and Orange Lines, and Back Bay Station for the Orange Line. When you get off your commuter rail train at one of these stations, watch for signs that show you where the “T” is or which subway line you need. You need a different ticket or a CharlieCard for the subway. Your commuter rail ticket will not cover the subway.

Here are a few tips for a smoother transfer:

• Check the Zone: Commuter rail costs change by zone. Your ticket might not cover the subway, so you may need to pay for the subway fare as well.

• Consider Alternative Transfers: Some stations, like Ruggles and JFK/UMass, also let you switch between commuter rail and the Orange or Red Lines. These stations can be less crowded than south station, back bay, or north station.

• Allow Extra Time: Stations fill up fast during busy times. Give yourself 10 to 15 more minutes to get through the station and catch your next train.

Amenities and Traveler Services at Boston Train Stations

Boston’s main train stations are not just spots where you get on a train. They offer a lot for you to use while you wait. The stations have ticket counters, big waiting rooms, places to eat, and people there to help you.

You can keep your bags safe while you explore or eat. If you need help with your ticket, someone is ready to help. Learning about these services will help you get in and out of Boston with no trouble.

Ticketing Counters, Waiting Areas, and Lounges

All major stations, like South Station and Back Bay Station, have a ticket office with staff who can help you buy tickets. The people who work there know their job and can help with your questions. If you want faster service, you can use the Amtrak or MBTA ticket kiosks in the station building.

The waiting room is different at every station. South Station has a large, open waiting room in the main hall with lots of seats. Back Bay Station has a smaller waiting area, but it is still easy to get to and feels good to sit in. At South Station, there is also a Metropolitan Lounge for people who can use it. This is a quiet spot away from the crowds.

Here are the key services you will find:

• Staffed Ticketing Counters: For help with bookings that are not simple or if you want someone to help you.

• Self-Service Kiosks: To buy your tickets fast and easy on your own.

• Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge: South Station has this lounge for Acela First Class, private room riders, and some other people who are allowed to use it.

Dining, Shopping, and Traveler Resources

You the will not go hungry or get bored at the main train stations in Boston. South Station stands out for how easy it is to get food, with a big food court. There you will find all kinds of things to eat, like coffee and simple snacks or full meals. You can also buy things like the Boston Globe and what you need for your trip at some of the newsstands.

Shopping inside the stations is not the main thing you get, but since they are the located downtown, you are close to some top shopping spots. If you are at South Station, it will take you only a short walk or a quick subway ride to get to Downtown Crossing or the busy Faneuil Hall Marketplace. If you use Back Bay Station, it leads you right to the Copley Place mall, and you will also find other high-end shops close by.

At the big stations, you can find these traveler resources:

• ATMs and Payphones

• Restrooms

• Baggage Storage (with fee at South Station)

• Information Desks

Conclusion

To sum it up, Boston’s train stations are very important for people who travel. They make it easy to go to many places and they help your trip go well. Each station, like South Station or Yawkey Station, has its own things that make it special. There are places to eat, places to shop, and simple ways to get to Logan Airport. These stations work hard to make your travel better. When you plan to travel in Boston in 2026, use this information to pick the best station for you. If you have more questions or want help, you can ask for a free consultation anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Boston train station is best for Amtrak services?

For most Amtrak trains, like the Northeast Regional and the Lake Shore Limited, the main stop is South Station. It has the most to offer out of all the stops. Back Bay Station is a good second stop for these trains. If you want to go north to Maine on the Downeaster, you need to go to North Station.

How do I transfer between the commuter rail and subway at Boston stations?

Transferring is easy at big stations. If you are on the commuter rail, just look for signs that show the way to the MBTA subway station in the same building. At South Station, you can get on the Red Line. At North Station and Back Bay Station, you can get on the Orange Line. This helps you get around the city with no trouble.

What amenities can I expect at major train stations in Boston?

Major stations such as South Station have many things to make your trip easy. There are ticket counters with people to help you, a big waiting room, clean restrooms, and a food court with many places to eat. You can also get help with your bags.

At South Station, you can pay to store your bag if you need to. There is also a parking garage right next to it for people who come by car.