Boston Marathon Guide | MBTA User Guides (2024)

Boston Marathon Guide | MBTA User Guides (1)

About the Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon draws thousands of runners and spectators each year. The128th Boston Marathonwill take place on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Take the T to the Marathon

Changes to Service for Monday, April 15, 2024

Station closures

Copley Station is closed for the entire day. South Street, Kent Street and Saint Mary’s Street stations are closed from approximately 10 AM– 6 PM.

In the interest of public safety, the MBTA may adjust service or temporarily close additional stations near the finish line.

Subway

The Green, Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines will operate on a weekday schedule, with additional service before and after the race.

Bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on the subway on the day of the marathon.

Commuter Rail

TheWorcester Line will havea special Marathon Monday schedule, with additional inbound and outbound trains.

All otherCommuter Rail lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Bikes and scooters (including folding ones) will not be allowed on board Worcester Line trains starting at 5pm on Sunday, April 14, through the end of service on Monday, April 15.

Bus

The Copley Square bus stop on St. James Ave will be out of service from April 8 – 16. Riders will be redirected to the bus stop on St. James Ave @ Clarendon St.

All buses will operate on a Saturday schedule, but may be detoured.

Routes 55and 65will be suspended for the day.
Route 1 will run an increased Saturday schedule from 9 AM – 9 PM.
Routes 9, 10, 39, 43, 57, 62, and 76 will be detoured or shortened.
Routes 354 and 501 will run on a modified schedule.

The RIDE

The RIDE will operate on a regular weekday schedule, but may be detoured to accommodate the marathon and related events.

Getting to the Finish Line

For spectators and runners, the finish line is the heart of the Boston Marathon—before, during, and after the race. Located near the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street, there are several MBTA subway and bus stops nearby.

In the interest of safety, security restrictions and MBTA service adjustments may be in place the day of the marathon.

Viewing Locations Along the Route

Many of the best viewing (and cheering!) spotsalong the routeareaccessible from the T.Parts oftheFramingham/Worcester Lineare less than a half mile from the course, and the Green LineC Branchruns parallel to it.

Find a T stop near your viewing spot below, and then use our trip planner to find out how to get there.

Download PDF of the marathon route

Gettingto the Starting Line

Official transportation to the starting line for marathon participants is provided by the Boston Athletic Association. Buses leave from Charles Street, between Boston Common and the Public Garden.

The first buses load at 6:45 AM, and MBTA service starts around 5 AM.

Plan a trip to the BAA buses

Paying for Your Trip

We recommend loading enough money on a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket early in the day, and paying with a credit or debit card to reduce lines in stations.

We are also offering a$10 Holiday Weekend Pass for Commuter Rail. The unlimited all-day pass is valid for all Commuter Rail lines and zones.

On Marathon Day, we recommend loading at least $5 on aCharlieCardorCharlieTicket—this is enough for a round trip on the subway. We encourage paying with a credit or debit card to reduce lines in stations.

Learn more about subway and bus fares

Fare Calculator

Choose your origin and destination to calculate your fare with our Trip Planner.

Parking

Driving to the finish line or other spectator areas is not recommended. Parking restrictions along the route may be in place leading up to and on the day of the marathon.

You can park at an MBTA station and take the subway or Commuter Rail in.Daily parking ratesare $2 – $15, and you can pay on your phone using the PayByPhone app, or pay by invoice. There is a $1 surcharge for invoice payments.

Find a station and check rates

Visiting Boston?

We've put together a guide with everythingvisitors need to know about riding the MBTA.

Check out our visitor guide

Etiquette and Safety

To ensure your safety along the course, additional MBTA staff and Transit Police will be available at MBTA stations throughout the day.Please follow these guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

A number of items are prohibited along the marathon route. Read the officialspectator guidelinesfor more information.

Alcohol consumption is not allowed on trains, buses, or at any stations.
If you are wearing a backpack, remove it and hold it at your side or set it between your feet.
Let passengers off the train before you board.
Leave large items like bags, coolers, and strollers at home.
Bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on the subway orFramingham/Worcester Line on the day of the marathon. Bikes are also restricted on the Framingham/Worcester Line starting at 5 PM on Sunday, April 16.

Learn more about rider etiquette

Additional MBTA Transit Police officers will be available in and near stations throughout the day. If you need assistance, please report directly to a uniformed official.

Download the MBTA See Say app to anonymously report suspicious activity on MBTA property. The app is monitored 24/7 by the MBTA Transit Police.

If you need to report an emergency, call 911 or Transit Police at 617-222-1212.

Learn more about safety on the T
Learn more about MBTA Transit Police

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