Guide For How To Get To Fenway Park | Boston Red Sox

Guide For How To Get To Fenway Park | Boston Red Sox

Posted by Kurt Smith

Greetings baseball fans, ballpark road trippers and Fenway visitors. This is your complete guide for how to get to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox!

I’m going to fully cover public transportation to Fenway here, as well as other options, so let’s break this down:

From Greater Boston: MBTA Subway
Also From Greater Boston: MBTA Buses
From The Boston Suburbs: MBTA Commuter Rail
For Short Rides: Taxicab + Rideshares
From Other Cities, Part 1: Amtrak
From Other Cities, Part 2: Megabus
For Something Different: Boston Pedicabs
For Exercise: By Bicycle
Bluebikes + Bikeshare Services
From Nearby: By Foot (!)

(Need more Fenway Park help? I got ya! Check out my insider tips for scoring cheap Red Sox tickets, this highly detailed primer on seating, and this guide to the Fenway Park menu!)

Okay, let’s get started, after this quick word from my friends at Gametime:

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Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #1) MBTA Subway.

how to get to fenway park mbta subway

Because nothing says team spirit like standing on a crowded train!

Fenway has precious little parking…so I dedicated a separate post to that. But if you’re a first time Fenway visitor, I highly recommend that you don’t drive…take the “T”. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs a plethora of rail and bus lines near Fenway Park, and it’s way better for newbies.

The T runs several inexpensive rail lines throughout the city; the trains are old but air-conditioned and generally safe. The MBTA’s Green Line’s B, C, and D trains drop riders off directly at the Kenmore stop, about a block and a half from Fenway Park along Lansdowne Street (and sports bars). The “E” train drops you off a cliff or something.

There is a “Fenway” stop on the Green Line D train route—this actually drops you off at the Fenway neighborhood rather than at Fenway Park. It may be a trick to wear out Yankees fans before the game. It’s not much further away and you can use it (there’s actually less of a stampede walking there), but Kenmore is still closer to the ballpark.

Green Line trains get extremely crowded both before and after Red Sox games, the blob of sweaty humanity growing with each stop as you get closer to Kenmore. Get your round trip ticket or a “CharlieCard” pass beforehand, rather than stand in line on the way out behind people that don’t know what they’re doing (and there’s always one). After the game, it’s very easy to follow the baseball crowd to the station.

 

green line E train fenway park

As you can see on this helpful map, Prudential is just a few inches away from Kenmore.

If you don’t mind walking a little bit to avoid a crowded car (it’s a good reason, trust me), you can try the ill-advised E line after all. Fenway is about a 20-minute walk from either one of the Prudential and Symphony stops, and many people park at the Pru Center for games.

The Orange Line similarly isn’t much further at the Massachusetts Avenue or Back Bay stations. There is plenty of inexpensive parking at the stations on the ends of the Orange Line.

The T’s other lines all connect with the Green Line: the Red and Orange Lines transfer at Park Street Station, and the Blue Line (extending to Logan Airport) transfers at Government Center. Park Street is extremely busy, but there are signs there telling you how to get to Fenway Park. You can also access the Green Line from the Silver Bus line at Riverside.

The last T trains run till a little after midnight; remember that this applies to all of them if you need to transfer. Games probably won’t run that late, and sometimes MBTA will hold the last Green Line trains after later games. Just be prepared. If you miss it, there may be a bus you can use depending on your destination; otherwise, you may need a taxi or rideshare.

 

charlie tickets fenway park

Fenway is prepared. Are you?

The MBTA actually has ticket vending machines at Fenway, in case you forgot a return trip card or had a fight with your significant other during the game. There are two at Gates A and C, and one at Gate E.

MBTA’s website has a detailed listing of stations on each line and what they charge for parking. Most of the other lines have pay parking on their outer reaches. Coming from outside the city you should seek this out. Inside the city, you may find cheaper lots near the T than at Fenway, but parking will still be high.

As far as I can tell, there aren’t any stations with free parking, and the city has been increasing meter rates near some stations like St. Mary’s. Best to just save the gas and park at stations from outside the city. There is ample parking for the Green Line at the Riverside and Woodland D train stations, for example. Even with a couple of train tickets, it’s still much cheaper than a Fenway lot.

The D goes eastbound to get to Fenway and westbound back, and trains are a tad less crowded than those going to the heart of Beantown. Not to mention no transfers required. It is above ground light rail until just before Kenmore. If I have a choice, I go for D over B or C.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #2) MBTA Bus.

queensbury street bus fenway park

No one getting on…it’s like they don’t even know.

The Red Sox used to run a free Ruggles Shuttle from the Ruggles Station on the Orange Line to save fans a transfer, but no more unfortunately. You can, however, use routes 8 or 19 to get from Ruggles to Fenway (or again, just walk from Back Bay station, about a mile). The bus is only a couple bucks and might be more comfortable than a packed Green Line ride.

The Red Sox list the buses on their website that run to or near Kenmore Square. Check the schedule before using a bus though; some of them don’t run late into the evening. If you know the area well enough, you might find a place to park for free along one of the bus routes.

Sometimes, but not always, the buses get as packed as a T car on game days; on the way back you may prefer to take a T train to avoid standing on a bus in post-game traffic. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Park Street by bus.

Remember that buses deal with Boston traffic; you get a nicer view of the city but it takes longer than a train.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #3) MBTA Commuter Rail.

mbta commuter rail red sox game

Because being on time for baseball is important too.

The MBTA runs commuter rail services from the farther reaches of the Boston area. The Framingham/Worcester Line’s Lansdowne Station is about 500 feet from Fenway, where people pay upwards of $60 to park. You can see Fenway from the platform.

Commuter Rail is more expensive, but it is far less congested than the Green Line. You’ll likely have a seat for the whole ride.

Coming from the south, other commuter rail lines connect with the Framingham/Worcester Line at the South or Back Bay Stations; coming from the north it’s easiest to use the Green Line from the North Station. (Here’s the map so you can see what I mean.) Fares are calculated by zones, so transferring doesn’t cost much extra.

 

how to get to fenway park commuter rail

She gave me several options!

Most stations charge a small bit for parking, but it’s not much; often it’s as little as $2 for the day. Or you can park at the inexpensive Pru Center or Clarendon garage, and get on the Framingham Line at the Back Bay station (one of my favorite parking hacks). Lansdowne is in the same zone so it’s cheap, and even with one or two people it’s cheaper than parking at Fenway.

The last train on the Framingham/Worcester Line leaves just before midnight, but the MBTA states that departure times change based on the length of the game; I’m guessing that means they’ll stick around for extra innings or rain delayed games.

The Lansdowne Station has been expanded and has about 40 stops at Fenway per day now, with full service back to Worcester. This makes commuter rail a much more viable option for Red Sox games, especially day games. If there’s only one or two of you going, Commuter Rail is a better option than the subway if you’re close to a station.

$$$ Tightwad Tip! $$$ Kids under 11 ride the T free with a paying adult, and there are senior citizen, student and disabled discounts. The MBTA also offers a weekend pass for Commuter Rail, which is very economical for visitors.

OK, so there’s your public transit; here’s a few more ways to get to America’s favorite ballpark after this quick word from SpotHero

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Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #4) Taxicab/Rideshare.

taxi to red sox game

With a name like “Top Cab”, you know it’s great service.

With traffic around Fenway being what it is, be ready for a hefty fee using a cab or a rideshare service. I’m not entirely knocking it; it’s nice to avoid having to park your car and ride on a crowded train. But they will charge for peak times before or after games.

The Uber people recommend requesting that you pick up and drop off from Brookline Avenue, Boylston Street, or Ipswich Street. They also suggest avoiding trying to get a ride from Jersey Street, Lansdowne Street or Van Ness Street. (hint: for reference, these streets all border the ballpark.)

Honestly, if you plan to use this option, try to get out of the general area first. Maybe head towards the Pru Center and make the call somewhere along the way.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #5) Amtrak.

how to get to boston red sox game amtrak

Don’t slide down the middle part here. I tried it, you’ll chafe.

If you’re arriving in Boston on an Amtrak train, you can step off at Back Bay Station or South Station, neither of which are far from a T stop. Back Bay isn’t too long a walk from the ballpark, for that matter; it’s about a mile.

From the South Station you can take the Red Line and transfer, or you can use Back Bay Station and take the Green Line at Copley Square, or the Worcester Commuter Rail line for a one ride trip to the park. None are particularly difficult.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #6) Megabus.

megabus to boston

Just wait right here.

Megabus is a low cost city-to-city bus service with rates as low as $1 if booked at the right time (early); I’ve done this to get to Fenway myself. I paid just $2.50 to go from NYC and back, a savings of probably close to $100 over gas, tolls and parking. That was a few years ago, but you might still find a great deal if you plan ahead.

The Megabus stop in Boston is at the same South Station where all the other buses and Amtrak stop; from there follow the steps to get to the Red Line T. It’s another transfer to get to the Green Line, but it’s a short ride.

Coming from New York especially this is a great option; as I’ve shown it can be super cheap, and there are plenty of routes. I’ve ridden in a few Megabuses; they’re generally pretty comfortable and their drivers are careful, which I can’t say about every bus service.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #7) Boston Pedicabs.

how to get to fenway park boston pedicab

If you’ve driven in downtown Boston, you know.

Here is a big city American solution to a traffic problem. A company called Boston Pedicabs offers rickshaws with very fit bicyclists. They get you to Fenway while bypassing the unmitigated mess that is Boston traffic. Saves gas and lots of aggravation.

People enjoy the Pedicab rides. The drivers are personable, and fans can enjoy the city without having to focus on the idiot in front of them. Best of all, you pay what you think it’s worth. That’s right, these fellows live entirely on tips; don’t let me hear about you stiffing any of them.

The Boston Pedicabs website says they’ll pick you up just about anywhere in Boston proper; Prudential Center and Copley Square are popular locations, and they’ll be at Gates B, C and on Lansdowne Street after the game. If you can’t find one, you can call or order online and they’ll find you.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #8) Bicycle.

bicycle to boston red sox game bike valet

Cycle off those outside sausages!

If you want to two-wheel it to Fenway, the Red Sox have set up a bicycle valet at Gate D (the corner of Jersey Street and Van Ness), which is now available for all games. It’s a great way to avoid traffic and crowded trains, and get some exercise to walk off those nachos.

Just ride your cycle to the ballpark and they’ll park it for you and give you a claim check. It’s safe and free, although I expect you should probably tip them when you get it back.

Making things even better for cyclists, the city is in the midst of completing a “Fenway Path”, a pedestrian and bicycle friendly passageway that extends from the Emerald Necklace in Brookline to Lansdowne Station on the Commuter Rail, steps from Fenway Park.

On a nice day, this could be a superb opportunity to get exercise, see nice parts of Boston, and enjoy a Red Sox game. I haven’t tried it though, so don’t quote me that it’s completely safe.

You can’t bring your bike onto a Green Line train (you wouldn’t want to, believe me), but most MBTA stations have bicycle racks.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #9) Bluebikes Bikeshare.

how to get to fenway park bikeshare bluebikes

All for less than the parking meter!

Bluebikes is a bicycle-sharing system that has grown in popularity in Boston. There are now stations at Kenmore Square, Boylston Street and multiple other spots. The Red Sox are kind enough to list them for you.

Bluebikes members pay a monthly fee and can access any bikes around the city for rides of 45 minutes or less. If you can book a little bit, you can get a bike from just about anywhere in the city and get to Fenway very cheaply. Bluebikes also offers single trips and day passes for an affordable fee.

As you can see from their system map, Bluebikes are all over the place, including in nearby Boston suburbs. As I write this, there are over 400 stations and 4,000 bicycles, which should be enough for you. You can use their app to see what’s available and where the closest station is.

It gets even better…Bluebikes even has e-bikes. Look for the bolt on your bicycle icon on the app. Not sure, but you might have to search a bit to find one of those after a Red Sox game.

 

Best Way To Get To Fenway Park, #10) Walking.

how to get to fenway park walking

There’s even helpful signage in the city!

Boston is a very compact, walkable city, and generally safe to walk around in. If you’re staying downtown or making a day of visiting one of America’s most historic cities, you can sometimes get to Fenway Park on foot from some spots faster than a T car can (especially adding the wait for one). Keep in mind the Fenway Path if you’re coming from Brookline.

If you don’t mind hoofing it a few blocks, you can hop on a train at a T station that’s less likely to be packed, like the aforementioned Orange Line to Back Bay. Finding your way back to Back Bay is easy enough, with the Pru Center skyscraper in view from the ballpark. I have done this after night games and didn’t feel unsafe at all. (I’m a big dude though, so your mileage may vary.)

Boston is a beautiful city; I’ve greatly enjoyed strolls through town on nice days.

 

how to get to fenway park guide boston red sox

You’re here? Great, my work is done. Would you like to know about the ballpark food?

There you go folks, essential information for how to get to Fenway Park for your next Red Sox game. Fenway Park is a great place for baseball, but you should definitely know what you’re doing. It’s not for amateurs. Be sure you know how to pick a great seat, how you can find deals on tickets, and what to eat at the game!

Hope you enjoyed the read and found it helpful; and of course, I greatly appreciate your supporting Ballpark E-Guides sponsors!

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