Boston Bus Fare: Easy Payment Options For Commuters

Boston's Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers several options for paying your bus fare. You can pay with cash on board all MBTA buses, but riders are encouraged to pay with exact change. You can also use a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, or contactless payment. CharlieCards are reusable plastic cards that can be loaded with cash value or passes. CharlieTickets are paper passes that can be loaded with cash value or passes, but they do not include transfers to other modes of transit. Both CharlieCards and CharlieTickets can be purchased at fare vending machines, ticket booths, and convenience stores in the Greater Boston area.

Paying by cash

• Know the Fare: The standard bus fare for a one-way trip in Boston is $1.70. However, it can vary depending on the route, ranging from $1.70 to $4.25. So, before boarding, make sure you are aware of the correct fare for your specific route.
• Have the Exact Change: It is recommended to have the exact change in cash when paying your bus fare. Bus drivers do not provide change, so if you pay more than the required fare, you may not get the exact amount back. Any excess amount paid will be printed on a paper ticket.
• Inform the Driver: When boarding the bus, let the driver know that you will be paying in cash. This is important so that they are aware and can assist you if needed.
• Insert the Cash: Look for the fare box, which is usually located at the front of the bus, and insert the cash amount displayed. The fare box will have marked slots for bills and coins.
• Listen for the Beep: After inserting your cash, listen for a beep to indicate that your payment has been accepted. One long beep typically confirms a successful payment. If you hear three quick beeps, it means the machine couldn't process your payment, and you may need to try again or insert additional money.
• Keep Your Ticket: If you used a CharlieTicket and received one in return after inserting your cash, keep it safe. It will show how much value remains on your ticket, and you can use it for future rides or transfers.

While paying by cash is a simple option, it's worth noting that it does not include transfers to other modes of transit. If you plan to use multiple modes of transportation during your trip, consider using a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket, which offer more flexibility with transfers.

Using a CharlieCard

The CharlieCard is a reusable, contactless smart card used for fare payment for transportation in the Boston area. It is the primary payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and several regional public transport systems in Massachusetts. It is used on the MBTA's subway and bus services, but is not currently accepted on the MBTA Commuter Rail and ferries.

You can obtain a CharlieCard from fare vending machines in most subway stations or from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations. You can also get a free, blank CharlieCard from various municipal locations, including Boston City Hall, Cambridge City Hall, and several public libraries.

Once you have your CharlieCard, you can load it with cash value or passes at fare vending machines, MBTA ticket offices, and select retail outlets. You can also add cash value to your CharlieCard onboard MBTA buses using the onboard farebox. Note that you can only add up to $20 in cash value onboard buses, and you cannot buy or reload 1-day, 7-day, or monthly passes this way.

When you're ready to pay your bus fare, simply tap your CharlieCard on the farebox target. The display will show how much value remains on your card after deducting the cost of your ride.

Registering your CharlieCard with MyCharlie is highly recommended. This will protect your balance in case of loss, theft, or damage, and you can also sign up for Auto-pay to ensure your pass renews automatically each month.

Using a CharlieTicket

CharlieTickets are available at fare vending machines at all subway stations and at the Lynn and Worcester/Union Commuter Rail stations. Most vending machines accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and EBT cards. Some machines only accept credit/debit/EBT cards and are marked accordingly. You can also buy CharlieTickets at select stores throughout Greater Boston and Providence.

CharlieTickets are valid on Local Buses, the Subway, and the Silver Line. They are also valid on the Commuter Rail Zone 1A and the Charlestown Ferry (seasonal) if you have a monthly pass.

CharlieTickets can be loaded with cash value or 1-day, 7-day, or monthly passes. 1-Day and 7-day passes are valid from the date and time of purchase. Monthly passes are valid for the remainder of the month.

When boarding a bus, simply tap your CharlieTicket on the fare box target to pay. The display will show how much value remains on your ticket. Insert your ticket into the fare box with the orange arrow facing up and away from you. Your ticket will be returned after it has been read.

If your CharlieTicket is not read successfully, you will hear three quick beeps. This means that the machine was unable to process your payment or that there wasn't enough money to pay the fare. You can try again or reload your ticket at a fare vending machine.

Note that transfers are not available with store-value CharlieTickets.

Contactless payment

To use contactless payment, simply hold your contactless card or smartphone over the contactless reader on the fare box. The display will show how much value remains on your card or the amount deducted from your account. You will then be able to board the bus as normal.

It is important to note that not all buses in Boston may have contactless payment systems in place yet, so it is always a good idea to carry some cash or a CharlieCard/CharlieTicket as a backup.

Monthly passes

The Local Bus Monthly Pass costs $55 and offers unlimited travel on Local Buses (SL4 and SL5) and the subway. The Monthly LinkPass, priced at $90, includes unlimited travel on Local Buses, the subway, and the Commuter Rail Zone 1A, which covers the Charlestown Ferry and East Boston Ferry (seasonal). For commuters who use the Express Bus service, there is the Express Bus Monthly Pass, which costs $136 and provides unlimited travel on Local and Express Buses, the subway, and the Silver Line.

In addition to these options, the MBTA also offers Auto-pay Monthly Passes. This option allows commuters to sign up for automatic monthly renewals of their passes, so they don't have to worry about reloading their cards. The Auto-pay option is available for both the standard monthly passes and the reduced fare monthly passes.

The MBTA also provides the opportunity to obtain monthly passes at pre-tax rates through your employer. This option may provide additional savings for regular commuters.

Frequently asked questions