The Boston Marathon is one of our city’s great traditions, bringing thousands of runners and visitors to the area each Patriots’ Day—the third Monday in April. The 2018 Boston Marathon will take place on April 16, 2018.
You can access almost the entire marathon course on the MBTA. To make traveling along the route easier, the T runs extra service and offers special passes for visitors.
Please note, a number of items are prohibited near the starting line, finish line, and along the course on Marathon Monday. Read the spectator guidelines for more information.
Service Changes
Subway
Copley Station on the Green Line is closed on Marathon Monday. The Berkeley Street entrance at Arlington Station is also closed.
The following stops are closed between 10 AM and 6 PM:
- Saint Mary’s Street (Green Line C Branch)
- Kent Street (Green Line C Branch)
- South Street (Green Line B Branch)
All MBTA subway service changes are here.
Bus
A number of bus routes near the Marathon course are detoured to avoid street closures and heavy traffic. There may be service delays both on the day of the Marathon and the weekend before it.
All MBTA bus service changes are here.
Getting to the Marathon
- Starting Line: For runners looking to catch the BAA buses to Hopkinton
- Course: For spectators searching for the perfect spot to cheer on the marathoners
- Finish Line: For families of runners and fans who want to be in the heart of it all
The Starting Line – Hopkinton, MA
The only guaranteed transportation for runners from downtown Boston to the starting line are the Boston Athletic Association buses that leave from Charles Street, between the Boston Common and Public Garden.
To take public transit to the pickup point, you have a range of options:
You can take the Green Line to any of the following stops to get to the Garden/Common:
- Park Street
- Boylston
- Arlington
Take the Red Line to Park Street to access the Common.
Take the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing.
- It’s a short walk to the Common—or you can transfer to the Red Line and take it 1 stop to Park Street to exit directly onto the Common.
A number of buses serve the area, but keep in mind that routes may be detoured around the course.
- Here are a few bus routes to consider: 9, 11, 43, SL5
- Check bus service alerts for the most current information.
The Course
There are plenty of great viewing (and cheering!) locations accessible by public transit.
- Learn about our 2 passes for the marathon and take the T all day
- Check out the MBTA/Keolis Marathon viewing map to stake out your stop: 2018-04-marathon-course-map
Many stops along the Worcester Line are less than ½ mile from the course, including:
- Framingham
- West Natick
- Natick Center
- Wellesley Square
- Wellesley Hills
- Wellesley Farms
- Auburndale
- West Newton
- Yawkey
- Back Bay
The entire C Branch of the Green Line runs parallel to the course. Several above-ground stops on the other branches are just steps away:
- Woodland (D)
- Newton Centre (D)
- Reservoir (D)
- Boston College (B)
- Chestnut Hill Ave. (B)
- Symphony (E)
- Prudential (E)
The Finish Line – Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Situated in front of the Boston Public Library, just off Copley Square, the finish line of the Boston Marathon is one of the most popular spots for spectators and families of runners. Please keep in mind, there are security restrictions in place for this area on Marathon Monday.
Take the Green Line to Hynes Convention Center (from Brookline, Newton and points west) or Arlington Station (from downtown Boston). It’s a short walk to Copley Square from either station.
Take the Orange Line to Back Bay Station. It’s just a short walk to Copley Square.
Take your preferred Commuter Rail line into the city, then follow the instructions from your last stop:
- Back Bay Station puts you right in the heart of the action, just 2 blocks from Copley Square.
- From North Station, take the Green Line to Arlington Station.
- From South Station, take the Red Line to Park Street and transfer to the Green Line. Take the Green Line to Arlington Station.
A number of bus routes stop close to Copley Square, but keep in mind that due to road closures and heavy traffic, buses may be detoured or delayed.
- Check bus service alerts for the most current information.
- Here are some bus routes to consider: 9, 10, 39, 55, 170, 502, 503, 504, 553, CT1
Whatever your plans are, enjoy your weekend, and leave the details to us. You ride, we guide.
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