Find an MBTA Bus Route, Schedule, Stop, Fare and Live Arrival
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority—usually called the MBTA or “the T”—operates local buses, frequent routes, express buses and Silver Line services across Boston and surrounding communities.
This guide explains how to select the correct route and direction, read weekday and weekend times, locate a stop, use live arrivals, pay with Charlie or contactless payment, connect with the subway, and reach Logan Airport.
Begin with the route number and final destination shown on the bus. Then open the official route page and select the correct direction, service day and boarding stop.
Enter the trip
Search a street address, station, hospital, school, airport terminal or landmark.
Identify the route
Record every bus, Silver Line or subway connection shown in the result.
Select the direction
Match the final destination or terminal rather than relying only on inbound or outbound.
Check the service day
Weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday schedules can differ.
Check live conditions
Review the prediction, vehicle location and active alert before leaving.
Wrong-direction warning: two stops with the same intersection name may serve opposite directions. Match the route number, destination, stop location and street side.
The article separates rules that are active now from fare pilots scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026. Do not apply a future fare or transfer rule to an August trip.
Local Bus FareActive now
The current local bus fare is $1.70, with a qualifying reduced fare of $0.85.
Express Bus FareActive through Aug. 31
The current express bus fare is $4.25, or $2.10 for an eligible reduced-fare rider.
September Fare PilotStarts Sept. 1
Express bus fares are scheduled to decrease to the local bus price under the approved pilot.
Routes 23, 28 and 29Verify fare
Boston’s published fare-free program ran through June 30, 2026. Do not assume those routes remain free.
Schedule freshness: MBTA service is adjusted during seasonal schedule changes, construction projects and the phased Bus Network Redesign. The individual route page controls the current trip.
Choose the correct MBTA service
Local Bus, Frequent Routes, Express Bus, Silver Line and The RIDE
Local Bus
Most fixed-route MBTA buses use the local $1.70 fare and serve posted stops throughout Greater Boston.
Schedules vary by route, direction, time of day and service day.
Frequent Bus Routes
The frequent-route network identifies corridors scheduled to run every 15 minutes or better during substantial parts of the day.
Frequency is a planning standard, not a guaranteed exact wait during traffic or disruptions.
Express Bus
Routes 354, 426, 428, 450, 501, 504 and 505 are listed as express bus services under the current fare structure.
Express fares are scheduled to change on September 1, 2026.
Silver Line
Silver Line routes use articulated buses and serve downtown, the Seaport, Chelsea, Roxbury and Logan Airport corridors.
SL1, SL2 and SL3 use subway fare rules, while SL4 and SL5 use local bus fares.
Late-Night Trips
Some routes provide later Friday or Saturday service, but late-night operation is not identical across the bus network.
Check the route’s final departure rather than assuming all frequent routes run after midnight.
The RIDE
The RIDE is shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit for eligible riders who cannot use fixed-route transit for some or all trips.
Eligibility approval is required before normal trip booking.
Route and stop verification
Find the Correct MBTA Route, Direction and Stop
Route number
Match the complete number or SL label.
Destination
Read the final terminal displayed.
Service day
Select weekday or weekend.
Stop ID
Use the exact boarding location.
Street side
Confirm travel direction.
Alert status
Check relocation or detour.
Search the route directory or trip planner.
Use the route number when known or enter the full origin and destination.
Open the individual route page.
The route page provides current arrivals, schedules, stop sequences, maps and service alerts.
Select the destination direction.
A bus can use the same route number in both directions while serving different streets and platforms.
Choose the service date.
Check whether the trip is on a weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
Locate the exact stop.
Use the stop name, stop ID, street side and nearby landmark.
Compare scheduled and predicted times.
A scheduled departure is the plan; a live prediction reflects current vehicle conditions.
Branch warning: some bus routes use different terminals, short-turn trips or route variants. Read the vehicle destination sign before boarding.
Selected high-frequency corridors
Popular Frequent MBTA Bus Routes
The routes below are useful starting points for major Boston, Cambridge, Roxbury, Dorchester, Watertown, Arlington, Chelsea and Revere corridors. This is not the complete bus directory.
Terminology update: older pages may refer to a smaller group of “Key Bus Routes.” The current frequent-bus approach covers a broader set of corridors and should be checked through the live frequent-route map.
Bus, subway and rail connections
Major MBTA Bus Transfer Stations
Harvard Station
Major Red Line and bus transfer point for Cambridge, Watertown, Arlington, Allston and Boston routes.
Nubian Station
Important Roxbury terminal for frequent buses and Silver Line Washington Street service.
Ruggles Station
Orange Line, Commuter Rail and bus connection serving Northeastern, Longwood-area trips and Roxbury routes.
Forest Hills
Orange Line, Commuter Rail and bus hub for Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park and nearby communities.
South Station
Red Line, Commuter Rail, intercity rail and Silver Line transfer point, including SL1 airport service.
Haymarket
Green Line, Orange Line and bus connection for North Shore, Chelsea, Charlestown and downtown routes.
Ashmont Station
Red Line, Mattapan Line and bus hub for Dorchester and nearby southern neighborhoods.
Wonderland
Blue Line terminal and regional bus connection for Revere and North Shore trips.
Sullivan Square
Orange Line and bus hub for Somerville, Medford, Everett, Malden and Cambridge corridors.
Bus rapid-transit services
MBTA Silver Line Routes, Destinations and Fares
Silver Line
Main Connection
Current Fare Category
Important Rider Note
SL1
Logan Airport terminals–South Station
Subway fare
Boarding toward downtown at Logan Airport is fare-free.
SL2
Design Center / Drydock–South Station
Subway fare
Check the specific Seaport stop and direction.
SL3
Chelsea–Airport Station–South Station
Subway fare
Airport Station is different from the airport terminals.
SL4
Nubian Station–South Station
Local bus fare
Use the correct Washington Street boarding stop.
SL5
Nubian Station–Downtown Boston
Local bus fare
Downtown stops differ from SL4.
Fare distinction: SL1, SL2 and SL3 use the subway fare because they enter the underground Silver Line transitway. SL4 and SL5 use local bus fare rules.
Boston Logan International Airport
MBTA Bus and Silver Line Service to Logan Airport
SL1 serves every Logan Airport terminal and connects with South Station. It is usually the most direct MBTA option for downtown Boston, the Red Line and South Station rail connections.
Airport to Downtown
Board SL1 at the marked terminal stop toward South Station. Boarding at Logan toward downtown is fare-free.
Downtown to Airport
Board SL1 at South Station toward Logan Airport. A normal subway fare is required in this direction.
Terminal Coverage
SL1 serves the airport terminals. Confirm the terminal stop before exiting.
SL3 Difference
SL3 serves Airport Station on the Blue Line corridor but does not operate as the terminal loop served by SL1.
Blue Line Alternative
The Massport airport shuttle connects Airport Station with terminals. Check shuttle and Blue Line conditions.
Luggage
Keep bags controlled and clear of aisles, doors, wheelchair areas and emergency exits.
Flight-day rule: allow extra time for road traffic, terminal circulation, crowding, security screening, elevator use and a missed connection.
Local Bus$1.70Reduced fare: $0.85
Applies to most fixed-route buses and Silver Line SL4 and SL5.
Express Bus$4.25Reduced fare: $2.10
Current through August 31, 2026. A lower pilot fare is scheduled to begin September 1.
1-Day Pass$11.00Unlimited eligible travel for one day
Useful for visitors making several bus and subway trips.
7-Day Pass$22.50Unlimited eligible travel for seven days
Compare the pass cost with the expected number of rides.
Monthly Pass
Current Price
Best Use
Monthly Local Bus Pass
$55
Regular local bus travel without subway access.
Monthly LinkPass
$90
Regular local bus and subway travel.
Monthly Express Bus Pass
$136
Current express-bus riders before the September pilot is evaluated.
Current transfer rule: eligible riders can make up to two transfers among local bus, express bus, Silver Line and subway services and pay the highest-priced service used.
Cash and stored-value CharlieTicket warning: transfer benefits may not be available with these payment methods. Use the same eligible payment method throughout the trip.
The following changes are scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026. They should not be presented as current August rules.
Through Aug. 31Express bus fare
The current full express fare remains $4.25, with a $2.10 reduced fare.
Starting Sept. 1Lower express fare
Express bus fares are scheduled to match the $1.70 local bus fare under the pilot.
Starting Sept. 1Unlimited transfers
A pilot is scheduled to allow unlimited eligible bus, subway and ferry transfers within two hours.
Same paymentPayment consistency
Riders must use the same eligible card, device or fare method throughout the transfer period.
Publication maintenance: after September 1, 2026, confirm that the pilots began as announced, then update this section and the express-fare cards from “future” to “active.”
Charlie and contactless payment
How to Pay an MBTA Bus Fare
CARD
CharlieCard
Tap the fare target when boarding. Keep enough value or the correct pass on the card.
TAP
Contactless Bank Card
Tap an accepted contactless credit or debit card directly on the fare reader.
PHONE
Mobile Wallet
Use the same phone or wearable for each transfer. A physical card and its digital version may be treated as different payment methods.
PASS
CharlieTicket
Insert or tap according to the farebox instructions. Stored-value tickets may not provide normal transfer benefits.
CASH
Cash
Use exact fare when possible. Do not rely on cash payment for free transfer privileges.
Avoid duplicate charges: do not tap several cards or devices against the reader. Choose one payment method and use it for the complete transfer journey.
Children
Children age 11 and younger generally ride free with a paying adult under MBTA rules. Large groups have separate registration requirements.
Reduced fares
Reduced and free-fare programs are available for qualifying seniors, riders with disabilities, legally blind riders and income-eligible riders.
This official MBTA video demonstrates how to tap an accepted contactless bank card, phone or wearable at an MBTA fare reader.
Transfer reminder: use the same physical card or the same mobile device throughout the journey.
Official real-time rider tools
MBTA Go App, Live Bus Arrivals and Vehicle Locations
MBTA Go is the authority’s official rider app. It combines scheduled information, real-time arrival predictions, vehicle locations, service alerts, maps and rider feedback tools.
Live Arrival Time
See when the next tracked buses are predicted to reach a selected stop.
Vehicle Location
View the bus position and how many stops remain when location data is available.
Alerts and Closures
Check route-specific delays, detours, stop relocations and suspended service.
Accessibility
Use language, accessibility and route-planning features available through the current app.
No live prediction? The bus may not have begun the trip, may have lost location reporting, may be operating on a detour or may have been removed from service. Check the scheduled time and alert page.
The system map shows bus, subway, Commuter Rail and ferry relationships. The frequent bus map focuses on routes scheduled to run every 15 minutes or better during specified service periods.
Viewer fallback: some official pages may block iframe display. Use the open-map buttons when a viewer remains blank or does not respond on mobile.
How to Read an MBTA Bus Schedule Correctly
Select the route and direction.
Confirm the final destination because the opposite direction uses a separate stop list and timetable.
Choose the service date.
Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday, holiday or a temporary construction schedule.
Find the nearest major stop.
A printed timetable may show timepoints rather than every local bus stop.
Read the destination note.
Some trips end early, use a route variation or do not continue to the normal final terminal.
Compare scheduled and live time.
The scheduled time is the plan; the prediction reflects current operating conditions.
Check active alerts.
A detour can close the stop even while the normal timetable remains visible.
Every 15 minutes
This describes a planned frequency range, not an exact guaranteed arrival at every stop.
Stop prediction
A predicted time can move as traffic, boarding activity and dispatch decisions change.
Scheduled only
When no tracked bus is available, an app may display the timetable rather than a live vehicle prediction.
Short-turn trip
The bus may end before the route’s normal final destination.
Shuttle bus
A shuttle replacing rail service may use temporary curbside stops outside a normal station entrance.
Final trip
Check the return direction before leaving; the last outbound and inbound buses can differ substantially.
Accessible fixed-route service
Wheelchair Access and Accessible MBTA Bus Travel
MBTA states that all of its buses are accessible to riders with disabilities. Buses use accessible boarding equipment and include audio and visual stop or service announcements.
Low-Floor Boarding
Ask the operator to lower the bus or deploy the ramp when needed.
Mobility Securement
Allow the operator time to secure a wheelchair or mobility device safely.
Priority Seating
Keep designated seating and securement areas available for riders who need them.
Stop Announcements
Audio and visual systems identify stops and important service information.
Accessible Trip Planning
Check elevators and connecting-station accessibility when the journey includes rail service.
Mobility Center
The MBTA Mobility Center at 1000 Massachusetts Avenue assists with trip planning, reduced fares and The RIDE.
Stop-access warning: an accessible bus does not guarantee that every sidewalk, curb or temporary stop has identical physical conditions.
The RIDE provides shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit to eligible riders who cannot use MBTA fixed-route service for some or all trips because of a disability.
Review eligibility information.
The RIDE is not an automatic substitute for ordinary bus service.
Begin the application process.
Contact the MBTA Mobility Center for application and interview information.
Complete the eligibility review.
Describe the functional barriers that prevent use of normal bus or rail service.
Wait for the determination.
Do not attempt to book normal RIDE service before approval.
Reserve an eligible trip.
Follow the booking window, pickup-window and cancellation rules supplied after approval.
Allow shared-ride time.
The RIDE may pick up or drop off other eligible passengers during the journey.
Route assignment warning: bus garage assignments can change. Verify the current route group on the official lost-and-found page before visiting an office.
Immediate Emergency
Call 911 for urgent police, fire or medical assistance.
Useful service report: provide the route number, direction, stop ID, destination, date, time and vehicle number when available.
Common MBTA Bus Problems and the Correct Next Step
The bus is not appearing
Confirm that the route operates at the current time and that the displayed arrival is a live prediction rather than a scheduled time.
The app and timetable disagree
Check the service date and route alert. The timetable may be scheduled while the app reflects a delay or detour.
The bus passed the stop
Confirm the route, direction and temporary-stop status. The vehicle may also have been out of service or full.
The route ends early
Read the destination sign. A short-turn bus may not continue to the normal final terminal.
The contactless payment failed
Use one accepted backup method. Do not repeatedly tap several cards and risk duplicate pending charges.
The transfer was not applied
Confirm that the same eligible payment method was used and that the trip remains inside the transfer window.
The stop is temporarily closed
Read the complete alert for the nearest replacement boarding location.
The map viewer is blank
Use the direct official-map button. A blocked iframe does not mean the map was removed.
Independent-site disclosure: busschedule.us does not operate MBTA buses, control service, sell Charlie products, approve reduced fares, manage The RIDE or guarantee arrival times.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBTA Bus Schedules
How do I find an MBTA bus schedule?
Open the official MBTA bus schedule directory, select the route number, choose the destination direction and then select the weekday or weekend schedule.
How much is the MBTA local bus fare?
The current local bus fare is $1.70. The qualifying reduced fare is $0.85.
How much is an MBTA express bus in August 2026?
The current express bus fare is $4.25, or $2.10 for an eligible reduced-fare rider. A lower pilot fare is scheduled to begin September 1, 2026.
Are MBTA Routes 23, 28 and 29 still free?
The City of Boston’s published fare-free program ran through June 30, 2026. Because that date has passed, verify the current fare before boarding.
How can I track an MBTA bus?
Use the official MBTA Go app or open the individual route page for live arrival predictions, vehicle locations and service alerts.
Can I pay an MBTA bus fare with a bank card?
Yes. MBTA buses accept eligible contactless credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets and wearables through Tap to Ride.
How do MBTA bus transfers work?
Under current rules, eligible riders can make up to two transfers and pay the highest-priced service used. Use the same eligible payment method throughout the trip.
Which Silver Line goes to Logan Airport?
SL1 serves all Logan Airport terminals and South Station. Boarding SL1 at Logan toward downtown is fare-free.
Is the Silver Line a bus or subway?
The Silver Line uses buses. SL1, SL2 and SL3 use subway fare rules, while SL4 and SL5 use local bus fare rules.
Are MBTA buses wheelchair accessible?
MBTA states that all of its buses are accessible. Individual sidewalk and temporary-stop conditions can still vary.
What is The RIDE?
The RIDE is shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit for eligible riders who cannot use regular MBTA fixed-route service for some or all trips.
Why does the live bus time keep changing?
The prediction is recalculated as the vehicle moves through traffic, boards passengers, encounters detours or receives dispatch adjustments.
What should I do when my MBTA bus stop is closed?
Open the route alert and locate the temporary replacement stop. Do not assume the nearest normal stop remains in service.
Who should I call about a lost item?
MBTA bus lost property is handled by route groups and operating garages. Use the official lost-and-found page to identify the correct phone number.
