Boston Marathon Guide
About the Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon draws thousands of runners and spectators each year. The 128th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Take the T to the Marathon
Changes to Service for Monday, April 15, 2024
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Station closures
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Copley Station is closed for the entire day. South Street, Kent Street and Saint Mary’s Street stations are closed from approximately 10 AM – 6 PM.
In the interest of public safety, the MBTA may adjust service or temporarily close additional stations near the finish line.
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Subway
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The Green, Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines will operate on a weekday schedule, with additional service before and after the race.
Bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on the subway on the day of the marathon.
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Commuter Rail
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The Worcester Line will have a special Marathon Monday schedule, with additional inbound and outbound trains.
All other Commuter Rail lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Bikes and scooters (including folding ones) will not be allowed on board Worcester Line trains starting at 5pm on Sunday, April 14, through the end of service on Monday, April 15.
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Bus
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The Copley Square bus stop on St. James Ave will be out of service from April 8 – 16. Riders will be redirected to the bus stop on St. James Ave @ Clarendon St.
All buses will operate on a Saturday schedule, but may be detoured.
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The RIDE
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The RIDE will operate on a regular weekday schedule, but may be detoured to accommodate the marathon and related events.
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Ferry
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Ferries will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
See all MBTA alerts for service adjustments
Getting to the Finish Line
For spectators and runners, the finish line is the heart of the Boston Marathon—before, during, and after the race. Located near the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street, there are several MBTA subway and bus stops nearby.
In the interest of safety, security restrictions and MBTA service adjustments may be in place the day of the marathon.
Viewing Locations Along the Route
Many of the best viewing (and cheering!) spots along the route are accessible from the T. Parts of the Framingham/Worcester Line are less than a half mile from the course, and the Green Line C Branch runs parallel to it.
Find a T stop near your viewing spot below, and then use our trip planner to find out how to get there.
Download PDF of the marathon route
Getting to the Starting Line
Official transportation to the starting line for marathon participants is provided by the Boston Athletic Association. Buses leave from Charles Street, between Boston Common and the Public Garden.
The first buses load at 6:45 AM, and MBTA service starts around 5 AM.
Paying for Your Trip
We recommend loading enough money on a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket early in the day, and paying with a credit or debit card to reduce lines in stations.
We are also offering a $10 Holiday Weekend Pass for Commuter Rail. The unlimited all-day pass is valid for all Commuter Rail lines and zones.
Parking
Driving to the finish line or other spectator areas is not recommended. Parking restrictions along the route may be in place leading up to and on the day of the marathon.
You can park at an MBTA station and take the subway or Commuter Rail in. Daily parking rates are $2 – $15, and you can pay on your phone using the PayByPhone app, or pay by invoice. There is a $1 surcharge for invoice payments.
Visiting Boston?
We've put together a guide with everything visitors need to know about riding the MBTA.
Check out our visitor guide
Etiquette and Safety
To ensure your safety along the course, additional MBTA staff and Transit Police will be available at MBTA stations throughout the day. Please follow these guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
More Guides
Our user guides can help you learn how to navigate the system, get to local events, use accessibility features, and more.
More Guides
Our user guides can help you learn how to navigate the system, get to local events, use accessibility features, and more.