World Cup 2026 Boston: Public Transport Guide
Foxboro Line commuter rail, MBTA subway, and free Silver Line to Gillette Stadium
Boston Public Transport Playbook
Getting Around Boston on match day requires knowing the local transit system. Gillette Stadium is located 28 miles south of the city center in Foxborough. Driving is not recommended due to heavy traffic on Interstate 95. You will miss the tailgating if you get stuck on the highway.
The best option is the MBTA Foxboro Line commuter rail. This special event train departs from South Station and Back Bay. The journey takes 60 minutes and costs $12. Make sure you review the clear bag policy before heading to the station.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Purchase your ticket in advance using the MBTA mTicket app.
- Stay in a central area like the Seaport to easily reach South Station.
- Avoid rideshare apps after the match due to extreme surge pricing.
- Arrive at the station early to secure a seat.
The train is the most reliable way to reach the stadium on time.
Gillette Stadium is 22 Miles from Downtown Boston
Do not rely on walking, local city buses, or the MBTA subway (The T) to reach the match. The ONLY practical public transit option is the special Foxboro Line commuter rail from South Station or Back Bay. Plan your journey and buy tickets in advance.
Airport Transfers
Silver Line SL1
Free Silver Line SL1 bus from Logan Airport terminals to South Station. Runs every 10 minutes. Connects to commuter rail for Foxborough.
Uber or Lyft
Door-to-door from the airport to your hotel. Use the rideshare pickup area on the arrivals level.
Transport Comparison
Pick your route and see the fastest, cheapest way to get there
Silver Line SL1
Best for: Budget travelers, runs every 10 min
Free inbound from airport terminals to South Station. Connects to commuter rail for Foxborough.
MBTA Blue Line
Best for: Speed, connects to Red/Green lines
Transfer at Government Center for Red Line to South Station.
Uber / Lyft
Best for: Groups with luggage, late arrivals
Use Logan rideshare pickup at each terminal.
Taxi
Best for: Guaranteed availability, no surge
Flat rate to downtown available, plus tolls and tip.
Metro and Subway
MBTA Subway (The T)
Boston's MBTA subway (The T) has 4 lines: Red, Blue, Orange, and Green, covering 124 stations. The Blue Line connects Logan Airport to downtown. The Red Line runs from South Station through Cambridge. The Green Line is a light rail streetcar serving Back Bay, Fenway, and Brookline. Buy a reloadable CharlieCard at any station for $2.40 per ride. Important: The T does NOT reach Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. You need the commuter rail Foxboro Line from South Station or Back Bay on match days.
Stadium Stop
The MBTA subway does NOT reach Gillette Stadium. The stadium is in Foxborough, 45 km south of Boston. On match days, the Foxboro commuter rail line runs special service from South Station and Back Bay. The journey takes 60 minutes and costs $12. Trains depart every 20 minutes starting 3 hours before kickoff. Buy your ticket on the MBTA app before boarding.
Buy Tickets in Advance via mTicket App
Foxboro Line match day tickets should be purchased before boarding. Queues at South Station ticket machines are long on match days. The app is strongly recommended.
Download the MBTA mTicket app (iOS or Android) before you travel to Boston
Purchase your Foxborough match day ticket in the app (approximately $12 each way)
Show the activated ticket on your phone to the conductor on board
Tickets also available at South Station and Back Bay ticket machines. Check mbta.com for match day availability.
Boston Fan Fest: City Hall Plaza
The Boston World Cup Fan Fest is expected at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston. City Hall Plaza is walkable from most Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Downtown hotels, typically 10 to 20 minutes on foot.
For fans watching at the Fan Fest rather than attending the match: take the MBTA T to Government Center station (Green or Blue Line). City Hall Plaza is directly at the station exit. No match ticket required. Free entry.
Match Day: When to Leave
Your hour-by-hour plan for a 7:00 PM kickoff at Gillette Stadium
2:00 PM
Fan Fest opens in Boston
Location TBC. Free entry with big screens, food, and live music. No match ticket needed.
3:30 PM
Buy CharlieCard at South Station
Load commuter rail fare ($12) on the MBTA app or at ticket machines. Cash and card accepted.
4:00 PM
Board Foxboro Line from South Station
Match day special service. Journey takes 60 minutes. Trains depart roughly every 20 minutes.
4:15 PM
Alternative: Board from Back Bay
Same Foxboro Line service. Journey takes 55 minutes. Slightly closer if your hotel is in Back Bay.
4:30 PM
Latest rideshare departure
After 4:30 PM expect heavy traffic on I-95 south and surge pricing near the stadium.
5:00 PM
Arrive Foxborough station
10-minute walk from the station to Gillette Stadium. Follow the crowd and signs.
6:00 PM
Stadium gates open
Gillette Stadium gates open 60 minutes before kickoff. Arrive early for the atmosphere.
7:00 PM
Kickoff
Gillette Stadium capacity 62,000 for World Cup configuration.
9:30 PM
Match ends, commuter rail return service
Special trains back to South Station depart within 45 minutes of the final whistle. Last train approximately 10:45 PM.
Last Train Warning
The last commuter rail back to Boston departs Foxborough at approximately 10:45 PM on match days. Check the MBTA website for the exact schedule. If you miss the last train, rideshare to Boston costs $80 to $150+ after midnight.
Downtown Boston to Gillette
The truth about each option on match day
| Option | Time | Cost | Reality |
|---|---|---|---|
🚆Foxboro Line Train | 60 min | ~$12 | Recommended |
🚗Rideshare | 90-120 min | $120+ | Surge pricing |
🅿️Driving | 100 min | $50+ parking | High stress |
The Bottom Line
The train is not just faster, it is the only stress-free option. Buy your mTicket before you travel. This is the single most important piece of advice on this page.
Bus and Tram
MBTA Bus Network
The MBTA operates 170+ bus routes across the Boston metro area. The Silver Line is the standout for fans, running bus rapid transit from Logan Airport to South Station (SL1) and through the Seaport District (SL2). Regular bus routes connect Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline to downtown. Your CharlieCard works on all buses for $1.70 per ride.
Bus fare is $1.70 per ride, slightly cheaper than the subway. Your CharlieCard works on both bus and rail.
Boston Green Line (Light Rail)
The Green Line is Boston's light rail streetcar running above and below ground through Back Bay, Fenway, the Theater District, and out to Brookline and Newton. It splits into 4 branches (B, C, D, E) west of Copley. The Green Line is the oldest subway in North America (opened 1897) and the best way to reach Fenway Park, Boston University, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Same $2.40 fare with your CharlieCard.
Cycling and Walking
Bike Share
Bluebikes has 4,000+ bikes at 400+ stations across Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. A single ride costs $2.95 for 30 minutes. The Esplanade along the Charles River and the Harborwalk along the waterfront are the most scenic routes. Great for getting between downtown, Back Bay, and the Seaport.
Walking
Downtown Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the US. The Freedom Trail covers 2.5 miles of historic sites. The Harborwalk stretches along the waterfront from the Seaport to the North End. Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the North End are all within 30 minutes on foot from each other. Note: Gillette Stadium is NOT walkable from Boston.
Travel like a local
Most fans find the commuter rail and MBTA subway the easiest way to get around Boston on match days
Boston Transport FAQs
More Boston Travel Guides
Your transport plan is just the beginning. Once you know how to get to the stadium, you need to figure out the rest of your trip. I always recommend locking in your hotel early, especially if you want to stay near South Station for easy train access.
We have put together a few other guides to help you out. Whether you are looking for the best seafood in town or trying to find the official merchandise stands, we have you covered.
Check out these related resources:
- Boston City Guide: The best neighborhoods to explore.
- Where to Stay: Hotels near the major transit hubs.
- Best Restaurants: Local spots for clam chowder and lobster rolls.
- Fan Fest Details: Everything you need to know about the downtown events.
Take some time to read through these guides and build out your perfect itinerary.
Boston City Guide
Everything you need to know about visiting Boston for the World Cup.
Read Guide →
Restaurants in Boston
The best places to eat near Gillette Stadium and around Boston.
Read Guide →
Things to Do in Boston
Top attractions, free activities, and ready-made itineraries for your trip.
Read Guide →