A Tourist Guide to Using Public Transportation in Boston

If you’re planning a historic tour of Boston, keep in mind that the city is notoriously difficult to navigate by car and parking spaces are as hard to find as a Red Sox fan wearing a Yankee cap.

Fortunately, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with its various subway trains, buses and water shuttles can easily transport you to the city’s most popular attractions and sites.

The MBTA…affectionately known as “the T” by the locals…consists of 4 main subway lines: the Red Line, the Green Line, the Orange Line, and the Blue Line. The “must-see” historic sites can be accessed within a short walking distance at the following subway stations:

Haymarket
State Street
Government Center
Park Street
Downtown Crossing
Community College

Here are directions to Boston’s most famous historic sites via public transportation:

The Old North Church
Two lanterns were hung in its steeple, signaling Paul Revere to send word that “The British are coming!”
Orange or Green Line to Haymarket station

Boston Massacre Site
Blue or Orange Line to State Street station

Granary Burying Ground
John Hancock, Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried here.
Green Line or Red Line to Park Street station

The Old South Meeting House
Site where the Boston Tea Party rebellion was hatched.
Orange or Blue Line to State Street station

The Old State House
In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the public from its balcony.
Orange or Blue Line to State Street station
Red Line to Downtown Crossing station

Paul Revere’s House
Home of the famous patriot, silversmith, and midnight rider.
Green Line to either Government Center or Haymarket station
Blue Line to Government Center or Aquarium station
Orange Line to State or Haymarket station

The Bunker Hill Monument
Site of the famous battle against the British on June 17,1775. (Closed to the public until September 2006).
Orange Line to Community College station or MBTA Bus #93 from Haymarket Station

The U.S.S. Constitution
Also known as “Old Ironsides,” it’s the world’s oldest commissioned warship.
Orange Line to Community College station or MBTA Bus #93 from Haymarket station
MBTA Water Shuttle from Long Wharf near New England Aquarium

Faneuil Hall (Quincy Market)
Tons of food stalls and specialty stores here
Orange Line to State Street station
Blue or Green Line to Government Center station

The Warren Tavern
George Washington drank here.
Orange Line to Community College station or MBTA Bus #92 from Haymarket station.

Enjoy your visit and remember…in Boston, public transportation is the way to go!